POCATELLO — A farewell event was held Wednesday night for retiring Idaho State University President Arthur Vailas at the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Richard Westerberg, a member of the Idaho State Board of Education, and Kent Tingey, vice president for university advancement, spoke about Vailas’ accomplishments as president of the university.

Additionally, Jessica Sargent, president of the Associated Students of Idaho State University, thanked Vailas for being “student-centered” and presented Laura Vailas with a plaque and thanked her for founding Benny’s Pantry, which provides students with free food. ISU Credit Union then presented Benny’s Pantry with a check for $1,000 on Laura Vailas’ behalf.

A representative for the ROTC program also spoke at the event, thanking the Vailases for their “commitment to the military.”

During his farewell speech, Vailas thanked his wife, family, vice president, cabinet, community members, community leaders, the Idaho Legislature and students for being his “team.”

“A president is in a lot of ways like a quarterback in football, and the win is really about the team,” Vailas said. “I just happen to be in a position where you get credit. You also get criticized, which comes with the credit, but it’s all about the team.”

Throughout his 12 years as president, Vailas has faced many controversies, but he remains optimistic about his effectiveness in his role.

“All the things I promised in my investiture in 2006, most of those came true,” he said. “It’s all recorded — 12 years of a vision that finally came through.”

Vailas said he could not pick one favorite moment from his presidential career, but that he enjoyed “just doing things, whether it relates to economic development, student support system or building the campus.”

He also said that what he would miss most about his job was the students.

“I just love the students, no matter whether they’re in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Meridian, Twin, to just see the faces of the students and their parents, it’s exhilarating to see that you’re a part of that,” Vailas said. “I’ve been in universities where they’re more traditional students, and to see the impact of a student being the first in their family (to graduate college) is worth everything in the world to experience.”

As ISU looks forward, and the presidential torch is passed to Kevin Satterlee, Vailas said he thinks the future of the university is bright.

“I think ISU needs to build upon its strengths,” Vailas said. “I think ISU has a lot to offer, and I predict this university will continue to grow. Idaho State University is about opportunity. I said that in 2006, and it’s more so (now.)”