Boise State News May 4, 2021
Boise State commencement speaker Olivia Thomas, Albertsons Library. Thomas shared advice for students just beginning their college careers at Boise State. “There’s so much opportunity here. I did a lot, but think even I didn’t realize the possibilities. We’re large enough that you can find a group, a research project that interests you. But we’re small enough that it’s all accessible.” John Kelly photo.
From the time she was a young student at the Idaho Virtual Academy, Olivia Thomas knew she wanted to invent video games – in particular, games with an educational focus. She read her first book on coding when she was 10. Her interest in technology only grew through high school. In her senior year at the academy, she searched the country for video game design programs. It happened that Boise State’s Games, Interactive Media and Mobile program (GIMM) had welcomed its first class the year before.
Boise State News April 14, 2021
Photo Patrick Sweeney
Idaho Business Review’s 2021 awards feature a handful of Boise State alumni, faculty and donors for their leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence.
The publication’s CEO of Influence award recognizes talented business and nonprofit leaders throughout Idaho. Alumni who received this award are the following:
Jessica McKinney (alumna), CEO and co-founder, Red Aspen
Bret Moffett (Master of Business Administration, ’20), CEO and president, POWER Engineers Inc.
Tiam Rastegar Graduate (Master of Business Administration, ’15), executive director, Trailhead
Karen Vauk (Master of Education, ’85), CEO and president, The Idaho Foodbank
The Accomplished Under 40 program honors 40 Idaho business and professional leaders who have achieved success before the age of 40. The following list includes the Boise State alumni and faculty awardees.