Gary D. and Susan G. Campbell, Bert and Lenee Godfrey Scholarship Endowment Fund

Donor Background
A Nebraska native, Gary’s family moved to Pocatello while he was in high school. He graduated from Highland HS, then attended ISU, initially wanting to become an educator. At the beginning of his sophomore year, Gary switched to ISU’s College of Business and declared as a Finance major. He also “walked-on” to the varsity swim team and earned an athletic scholarship. Gary was actively involved on campus including leadership roles with the business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi. After graduating and spending 11-years in banking, specializing in commercial real estate lending, he became an executive at a real estate investment and development firm in Houston, Texas. Over the next 30 years, Gary developed expertise in capital markets, real estate equity and debt placement, investments, investor relations, and wealth management. Gary was either a guest speaker or panelist before numerous local, state and national organizations including a New York stock exchange committee and congressional subcommittees. He also served several board directorships with Texas banks, insurance companies and nonprofits. After 41-years in finance, Gary retired from his professional career as the investment and development firm’s Chief Investment Officer. He then moved to northern California wine country where he became a sommelier and for 7-years, his retirement “job” was as a wine educator at a winery.
Susan, an Idaho native, graduated from Pocatello High School and also attended Idaho State. As a Finance major, she participated in a variety of student organizations including the Mortar Board Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Psi. During her senior year, she was honored as the Wall Street Journal Business Student of the Year at the College of Business, later graduating with honors. Susan then began her 41-year career in commercial lending, and was recognized on several occasions for being a top performing employee. During her career Susan served as a board member and president of the Boise Racquet & Swim Club and a board member for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. She also served as treasurer and president of her local Kiwanis Club. Three days after retiring as a Senior Vice President of a northern California bank, Susan and Gary moved “home” to Idaho to be closer to family.
Gary and Susan are strong proponents of the University, with more than 30 years of giving to support the College of Business, Bengal Athletics, and the Stephens Performing Arts Center. They’ve also established several scholarships and endowments, including the College of Business’ first endowed professorship in Finance. Gary and Susan have an aggregate of over 50 years of service on ISU’s Alumni Board, ISU’s Foundation Board, as well as College of Business Advisory Council and Leadership Board. Gary chaired the ISU Foundation Board’s Finance Committee, was also recognized for Professional Achievement by ISU’s College of Business and with the President’s Medallion by the University. He continues to serve on the College of Business Leadership Board and Susan currently serves on the ISU Foundation’s board, chairing the Investment Committee.
“We view education as an investment, not an expense. Idaho State and the College of Business offered numerous classroom and extra-curricular opportunities for us to experience, learn, practice, be encouraged as well as to grow personally and have the tools necessary to have successful professional careers. Idaho State is our North Star. Our careers and community involvement are the direct result of our Idaho State and College of Business experiences. It is our privilege to continue donating time and treasure so that others may experience opportunities to learn, grow, prosper and give back to their communities.”