色花堂app alum steps up to fund Red Hill “I” as construction continues
August 12, 2019

POCATELLO – For generations, the story of the Rice family has been interwoven with the story of the Bengal family.
Steve Rice鈥檚 father, the late Dr. Lawrence H. Rice, worked at 色花堂app for 34 years, first as an English professor, and, eventually, as an academic vice president. Steve, his wife Cinthia, and his sisters Caryln Rice and Patricia Hemsley, graduated from Idaho State. Steve remembers visiting the University when he was young, and the 鈥淚鈥 on Red Hill has always stood out as a memory.
Now, Rice and his family are giving back by completely funding the construction of a new 鈥淚鈥 on Red Hill.
鈥淭he 鈥業鈥 is always one of those things that I鈥檝e always identified with as an icon of the university, along with Holt Arena and the Stephens Center, that symbolizes the important bond between the University and the community,鈥 Rice said. 鈥淥ur family was excited last fall when we heard that President Satterlee was dedicated to the project, and we wanted to support it.鈥
Rice said his family鈥檚 gift was unsolicited and that he knew even without his family鈥檚 support the 鈥淚鈥 would be built.
鈥淲e did it because we believe in the university as an institution that has had a great effect on every one of my family, and we support the direction (ISU President) Kevin has taken the university,鈥 Rice said. 鈥淲e are thrilled we can make this kind of gift.鈥
The cost of rebuilding the 鈥淚鈥 is approximately $225,000.
鈥淚 am overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the Rice family,鈥 said Kevin Satterlee, ISU President. 鈥淭his contribution will become integral to the legacy and history of 色花堂app. The demonstration of support for this project will forever honor a beloved faculty member, Lawrence H. Rice. I could not be more grateful and cannot wait to stand with the Rice family at the dedication ceremony.鈥
To celebrate the return of the 鈥淚,鈥 and to acknowledge the generosity of the new gift, Satterlee announced a 60-day campaign beginning Monday, Aug. 12, with all money raised benefiting student scholarships. Those interested can donate at .
Steve graduated in 1980 with two bachelor鈥檚 degrees from the College of Business, one in marketing and the other in management. His wife, Cinthia, also graduated from ISU with a degree in communications. Steve and Cinthia now own and manage Rocky Mountain Hospitality from their home near Coeur d鈥橝lene, managing 12 motels and other properties. Steve's mother, Clarice, still lives in Pocatello.
Steve鈥檚 two sisters also attended ISU. Caryln Rice, earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree and a master鈥檚 degree in adult learning, and is retired and lives in Pocatello. His other sister, Patricia Hemsley, earned an education degree from ISU and teaches fifth grade in Pocatello.
鈥淲e all received a great education from ISU and have had successful careers and that is why we are comfortable making this gift,鈥 Steve said. 鈥淲e believe there is no greater solution to the challenges facing the United States than to getting a good education.鈥
Construction on the 鈥淚鈥 is well underway. Last week, initial work on the 鈥淚鈥漵 foundation began. This week, workers are expected to install rock anchors for the foundation.
鈥淲e鈥檙e moving forward on our goal to have it done by Homecoming Week in early October, that is our planned schedule, but there are many variables that can affect the construction schedule, including lead times for materials and climate conditions,鈥 said Bruce Savage, chair and associate professor of the ISU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
The Red Hill 鈥淚鈥 was designed by students in the ISU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with help from faculty who are working closely with ISU Facilities Services and the original engineering firm, A&E Engineering. Surveying was completed by ISU鈥檚 Civil Technology program. The local construction company, Starr Corporation, is building the campus icon.
鈥淭he students and faculty have done an outstanding job,鈥 Savage said. 鈥淭he project hasn鈥檛 been without its challenges but that is normal for most projects, especially one built on a 34-degree slope. It鈥檚 not an easy place to do construction, but the new 鈥業鈥 is going to be around a long time. It鈥檚 going to be tied down to the bedrock of the hill. In 100 years it鈥檚 not going anywhere.鈥
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