1. February 13, 2014
Dear Friend of Idaho State University,
Higher education is a huge investment for our students and their families. It is one with a large
payoff — during a 40-year working life, the average person with a bachelor’s degree can expect
to earn 65 percent more than someone with a high school diploma.
But while the benefits are important and worthwhile, it can be an economic struggle for some
students when they work hard to learn and pay for their education at the same time. At Idaho
State University, we want to make sure all of our students have the best educational experience
possible.
This winter, with the vision of Dr. Laura Vailas, Idaho State University Student Affairs Division
has opened Benny’s Pantry, a place on campus where students and staff who need a bit of
assistance can have access to nutritious food. The pantry is staffed by trained volunteers, and
food for the pantry was donated by fellow students, faculty, staff and local businesses and
community members. Clients are able to shop the pantry using their Bengal ID, with
consideration given for their privacy.
Food insecurity can be invisible but painful. I don’t want any of our students to be forced to
sacrifice their own health so their children can eat while they are working to get an education and
build their future.
At Idaho State University, we want to offer the best
educational experience possible. We want to create
future leaders, and prepare our students to make a
difference in the world.
But a university is more than simply an institute of
research and education. It is also a community. Our
students, faculty and staff care about each other and

2. want to help. Together, they are making a difference for their fellow Bengals, and changing the
future of Idaho families.
Go Bengals!
Arthur C. Vailas, Ph.D.
President
Idaho State University
president@isu.edu
Leading in opportunity and innovation
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