Pocatello, Idaho – Idaho State University athletics has announced a $25,000 gift from 1990 graduate Joe Haber set to benefit five different areas with Bengal athletics, and also serve as a challenge gift in the upcoming Prepare to Roar athletics fundraising campaign.
Born and raised in Northern California, Joe moved to Pocatello in 1987 to attend ISU and play football for the Bengals. He went on to earn a degree in Health and Physical Education and following graduation, Joe began a professional career in the real estate sector working for RE/MAX Country Real Estate where he has served for the past 28 years. A loyal friend and teammate, Joe remains actively involved with the Bengals, in particular the Football Alumni Team (F.A.T.), a group that he helped form back in 1999. Following the concept of raising the tide for all of ISU athletics, on an annual basis F.A.T. provides financial support for student-athlete summer school for the football program as well as aid for a number of other Bengal programs, like women's golf, soccer, and volleyball.
Joe shares, "Nearly 30 years ago Idaho State University gave me an opportunity to pursue a college education and compete at the highest level of college football. Now, because of that experience and all of the coaches and teammates who have shaped my life, I am fortunate to be in a position to give back and I could not be more proud to do so!". Haber goes on to say, "When I am selling homes I consider myself to be an ambassador to Pocatello and to the University. Without the University our town is just another town. That is why Idaho State needs southeast Idaho's support in good times and in bad. It's our backyard team and it's critical that we support all of the sports and these student-athletes".
The gift will benefit the following programs: football (Quarterback Club), volleyball (Match Point Club), men's basketball (Cage Club), and women's basketball (Fast Break Club). A portion will also be allocated to the Champions Fund and used at the discretion of Director of Athletics, Pauline Thiros, to benefit an area of highest need.
"Joe's generosity is a tremendous example. He is such a joyful giver, such a deeply committed friend to all of us. He is the first to offer to help, to serve, to reconnect alumni with the program, and to contribute in an exemplary way," shared Thiros. "Joe is spirited, and he makes everything more fun, but at his core, he is a great teammate. This support, spread across multiple programs, is going to allow us to do better for our student-athletes. I am so grateful to Joe for not just wanting us to be better, but for getting in the mix every day and helping us to be better."
Head Football Coach Cody Hawkins says, "Joe is a GREAT Bengal. He has been a present and relentless supporter of my family since we arrived and I am so thankful to have his energy in the program. He brings Bengal Pride everywhere he goes and has been integral in helping our families and our players get acclimated in the community." Hawkins continues, "He helped me buy a house and shovel snow out of my driveway, and I know he would do the same for anyone in Orange and Black. We could not be more grateful for his outstanding gift!".
Interested in making a contribution and supporting the Bengals? You can do so by visiting this page, or by reaching out to Crew Keller, Senior Associate Athletic Director, via email (crewkeller@isu.edu) for more information.
