ISU grads get degrees

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POCATELLO - After four years of balancing school, work and family, Jason Benedict finally saw the fruits of his labor at Idaho State University Saturday.

The married father of four graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree. He was one of 1,670 graduates to walk the stage at Holt Arena during the annual commencement ceremony. The university also honored three distinguished faculty members.

''It's good to be finished,'' Benedict said afterward. ''I'm just grateful for my family. It's for them.''

Standing outside Holt Arena in his cap and gown, Benedict was flanked by his wife Tiffany and his children, as his father snapped pictures. The kids held signs reading, ''Way to go Grad.''

Benedict, of Idaho Falls, worked full-time as a loan officer at Zions Bank in Rigby while attending mostly night classes at University Place. When classes weren't available in Idaho Falls, he commuted to the Pocatello campus.

During a short speech at Saturday's ceremony, student body President Jennifer Brown congratulated her fellow graduates. She noted that all had worked hard to finish their degrees and that many took sizable student loans to do so.

She encouraged them to strive for success.

''I hope you will create a great vision for yourself and believe in that vision,'' Brown said.

ISU President Arthur Vailas, Provost Robert Wharton and others also spoke.

Bethany Schultz Hurst was named distinguished ISU teacher of the year, Willis McAleese was given the Distinguished Public Service Award and Susan Swetnam received the Distinguished Researcher Award.

Benedict, who graduated with honors, said he will continue to work for Zions Bank doing commercial and agricultural lending, but he is thankful the sleepless nights filled with class and homework are over.

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