‘We Are One Boise State.’ University marks the investiture of President David W. Hahn

Students, faculty, staff and community leaders gathered Thursday at the Morrison Center for the investiture of Dr. David W. Hahn as Boise State's eighth president and his inaugural university address. Hahn set an ambitious path and university goals with the theme, "We Are One Boise State."

He emphasized that Idaho's future is tied to Boise State, its students, faculty, and staff, but also to the wider community of sister universities, elected officials, taxpayers, employers and others.

"Boise State enters this chapter from a position of strength. We should be proud but never complacent. Idaho is growing. Our economy is evolving. And behind every challenge and opportunity are people and families counting on us to help build a brighter future," Hahn said.

Kurt Liebich, president of the Idaho State Board of Education, noted that the board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Hahn, who comes to Boise State with more than 30 years in higher education, most recently serving as dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona.

"David is not a status quo leader," Liebich said. "He is a 'let's go together' leader. Someone who sees what's possible, builds relationships, and inspires others to move forward with him. That is the kind of leadership we believe will keep Boise State moving forward."

Noting that Boise State has a responsibility to help shape Idaho's future, Hahn outlined five commitments. Student success, he said, would remain the top priority, including keeping a Boise State education affordable for Idaho families. The university will also work to prepare a strong workforce for Idaho through partnerships with state companies. Third, Boise State will address the state's challenges through research and innovation in healthcare, semiconductors, natural resources and other fields. Fourth, the university will set a new $700 million goal for its successful, ongoing Unbridled campaign. Finally, Hahn said, Boise State will continue building its athletics program into one of the premier programs in the country.

"Winning matters. But so does character. So does leadership. And so does preparing our student-athletes for success long after their playing days are over," Hahn said.

Performances by the ROTC Honor Color Guard, Boise State Bronco Battalion, the University Meistersingers and the Blue Thunder Marching Band, and a procession of faculty in traditional regalia were among the highlights Thursday, as well as comments from Idaho Gov. Brad Little.

"Boise State," Little said, "has become an important part of Idaho's success story.

"As our state grows and our economy evolves, we need universities to advance innovation, prepare students for good-paying careers and help drive our economy forward. President Hahn brings an impressive record of growing enrollment, expanding research and building partnerships that connect education to real-world opportunities. That experience will serve Boise State and Idaho well."

In keeping with Hahn's deep commitment to students, the event featured remarks by Ramiro Mendoza, a first-generation college student from Homedale, Idaho, studying business marketing. College posed challenges, he said, but he found his footing.

"In many ways, I have become the person I needed when I first arrived at Boise State. And that is what makes this university so special to me," Mendoza said. "A student's success isn't the work of one person alone. It takes family members who make sacrifices, advisors who encourage us to try again, faculty who challenge us to grow, staff who connect us with resources, and fellow students who help us feel that we belong. I am standing here as proof of what can happen when opportunity meets community."

Learn more about President Hahn's vision on the One Boise State webpage.

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