Soft spoken and gentle, it’s difficult to imagine Sylvia Papenberg having any kind of temper. As she recalls, “We were playing a basketball team from Dubois. They were rough girls! This girl kept fouling me and finally scratched me on the nose. I’d had enough. I gave her a great big shove. Coach took me out of the game until I calmed down. I don’t often lose my temper, but she crossed the line.”

But that fight is in the DNA of this University. Perhaps that helps explain why our community shows such great pride in its support. From humble beginnings in Pocatello, Idaho State University has learned to successfully swim upstream, against the current.

Founded in 1901 and through tremendous growth to where it stands today as a Carnegie research and teaching Institution, ISU has navigated a refiners fire, emerging as gold, a University of strength growing ever more dynamic. Our University, with outstanding academic programs, a committed, dedicated faculty, diligent students in whom we take pride, and incomparable alumni and friends, continues upward.

The tale of Sylvia and Don “Pappy” Papenberg and their love of and support for Idaho State University is echoed thousands of times by friends and alumni across our communities. Sylvia graduated from Teton High School in 1960--an outstanding student, a cheerleader, and a ranch girl who loved riding horses. One sweet memory, at eight years of age, was herding cattle up Teton Pass with her dad, who lovingly referred to Sylvia as “Sis Wiss.” Sylvia loved volleyball and basketball; the style in times when women only played on one side of mid-court. During senior sneak, Sylvia and friends traveled to Pocatello and strolled the Idaho State University campus where she was struck by the enormity of Reed Gymnasium. Sylvia decided to attend then and there. As an ISU cheerleader, one day walking down the hallway, a student approached this freshman coed saying, “Hey little girl, what’s your name?” That chance meeting of “Pappy,” a Bengal football star, changed their lives and has provided an inestimable value to our University. And so it was the Papenbergs began their support for our Bengals, kindness that has continued for some six decades, including building close friendships with mentors Dubby Holt and Babe Caccia.

Upon graduation the Papenbergs moved to Ashton, where Pappy coached football at North Fremont High School and Sylvia taught at rival South Fremont High. Sylvia chuckles when recalling her competitive nature and dedication to Pappy. “Pappy was coaching at North Fremont, but our home was right next to the South Fremont football field. Before the rivalry game, I watched South’s practices—scouted them—and passed their best plays to Pappy.” Turns out North Fremont won and as the bus was pulling away North Fremont players poked their heads out the window celebrating, “Thank you Mrs. Papenberg!”

A move to Boise and later California followed as Pappy took a job with the California Milk Advisory Board. Even so, their admiration and affection for the University never waned. Sylvia and Pappy occasionally attended a Homecoming football game. When Pappy became administrator for the United Dairymen of Idaho that association strengthened. They regularly spent time at the University and with Caccia and Holt.

Since 2003, Sylvia has rarely missed a football or basketball game. Sadly, in 2008, Pappy passed. Being alone has been difficult for Sylvia. Nevertheless, her support has only grown. Her helpfulness has been and remains extraordinary. The women’s softball field bears her family name, “Miller Ranch Stadium” and the attractive outdoor practice field, carries the name “Papenberg Complex.”

In large part, la raison d’etre of these facilities is because of a remarkable gift of property in Victor. From her seat in Miller Ranch Stadium watching our women’s team compete, including the brilliant Kacie Burnett, who won the 2017 NCAA batting title with a .487 average, Sylvia reveals that she misses her beloved childhood ranch, but is pleased it has been put to a worthy use. Burnett validates Sylvia’s feelings, “The Papenberg’s amazing gift has given us a place to build a legacy and create a program for the whole University and community to enjoy. I love playing and seeing fans watching from the beautiful outfield berms. Our whole team thanks Mrs. Papenberg.”

With the humility and kindness that typifies Idaho State University alumni and friends, Sylvia muses, “These lovely facilities would not have occurred if not for others. I am grateful to them.” Sylvia is accurate. This University is one of the outstanding institutions in this country because of thousands of men and women comparable to Pappy and Sylvia. Persons who give of their time, talents, heart and resources because of their fondness for Idaho State University, its students and the Bengal family. Softball coach Candi Letts also expressed admiration and gratitude. “Our program would not have had the extent of its success without their generosity. Their kindness is second to none. Miller Ranch has the best setting in the Big Sky Conference. This facility has given our players a sense of what the Bengal family means.”

Like thousands in our community and beyond who support our University; assistance ranging from science to theatre and from technology to athletics, Sylvia is there to lend a kind and generous hand. Sylvia always arrives early for all games. “I love watching warm-ups because I love watching the kids. I can’t wait to see how our new football coach does and this year’s basketball team, as well.”

From some of the finest academic programs in the State through an affiliation with a brand new Idaho medical school, we can be proud Bengals and, like Sylvia Papenberg, truly make a difference.

Dr. Kent Tingey is Idaho State University’s vice president for university advancement. He is responsible for advancing Idaho State University through public and government relations, marketing and communications, development, the Idaho State University Foundation and alumni relations. Under his direction, the university raised $152.5 million in its first-ever capital campaign. Dr. Tingey has been with ISU for 26 years.