Kasiska Scholarship

HISTORY OF THE KASISKA FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Kasiska Family, William F., the father, and his two daughters Eva and Mabel, established this Foundation to assist students who desire to attend Idaho State University. In addition to many other charitable gifts, the Kasiska family has particularly favored Idaho State University. The Foundation’s stated purpose is to devote property for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes, and especially to create scholarships at Idaho State University for deserving students who want to obtain their college educations.

The Foundation is directed by a Board of Managers: Mr. E.J. Berrett, Mr. Alan Van Orden, and Mr. Dave Gallafent. They direct the trust funds and have elected in part to make grants to the Idaho State University Foundation to direct the details of contributions and scholarships.

Mr. William F. Kasiska was a private investor and banker in Pocatello. He came from East Prussia (now Germany) to New York, then to Wisconsin, to Seattle, and eventually to Pocatello in 1890. Mr. Kasiska was Mayor of Pocatello for two terms, and owned substantial real estate in Pocatello, including the home now occupied by the President of Idaho State University, and the old Bannock Hotel.

His two daughters, Eva and Mabel, carried on his philanthropic attitude and made many substantial contributions to Pocatello charities. Mr. Kasiska said he made his money in Pocatello, and it should stay in Pocatello.

Eva carried on the family estate, managing the assets and increasing its value.

Mabel was one of the first women to be a banking executive in Idaho. She lived in Lava Hot Springs and managed and owned the bank in Lava. In addition, she served on the Board of Directors of the Cassia National Bank in Burley and was an investor in the Twin Falls Bank.

The Kasiska Family Foundation’s purpose is to assist long-term Idaho residents with direct educational costs in health-focused academic or applied-technical programs of study at Idaho State University. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome and encouraged to participate in this prestigious scholarship program.