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ISU honors local couple
joconnell@journalnet.com
POCATELLO -- Norman and Beth Hill have good reason to attend every Bengal football home and away game this season. Their grandson, Russel, is the starting quarterback for Idaho State University. But even before Russel Hill, a sophomore, joined the Bengals, Norman and Beth were among the most loyal ISU supporters. They've had season tickets for several years running. And they can always be counted on to help with fundraisers and ISU events. That's why they were chosen to receive this year's William J. Bartz Award, which recognizes continued support and development of ISU through personal actions, participation in university affairs and financial support.
Norman and Beth, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year, were high school sweethearts at Hansen High School, located in a small town near Twin Falls. They moved to Pocatello to attend Idaho State University, then called Idaho State College, in 1958. But they had no intention of remaining in the Gate City.
"As it ended up, I got a job at INL and we just stayed," Norman said. "It's a great town. It's a friendly town. We're involved with a lot of things with the Chamber of Commerce. We're in Rotary club together. With a lot of those things, you're able to make a difference in a town like this if you get involved, and that's what it's all about." Norman studied electronics at ISU and worked for nine years at the Idaho National Laboratory before joining the communications department at Idaho Power. Beth took night classes at ISU and got too busy with her job to finish her accounting degree.
She worked for 35 years at Idaho Power and retired as the assistant division accounting manager. Both of their sons, Darrel and Galen, graduated from ISU. And Russel was recruited here from Timberline High School in Boise.
"We're proud of him. He never blames everyone else if they lose," Beth said. "He's very supportive of the whole team, and he will take the blame but he doesn't like to take the credit." The Hills have purchased two seats in the Jensen Grand Concert Hall at the Stephens Performing Arts Center. They're still part of the Bengal Foundation. They've both been team captains of the I Love ISU drive for a decade, and Beth is a past chairwoman of the event. They were involved with the civic group Valley Pride when it started, and they're past volunteers of the year for the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce.
Though the football team's record this year doesn't reflect success, the Hills say they like the direction that the football team is heading and believe Coach John Zamberlin has a terrific staff. ISJ: What's your favorite food?
Hill: Chicken fried steak and pizza. ISJ: If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be?
Hill: John Wayne. ISJ: Who inspires you the most?
Hill: I think over the years my parents. ISJ: Who's your ideal next-door neighbor? Hill: The ones we have, Clair and Sari Stucki. ISJ: If you could return to any age, what age would you be and why? Hill: I think I'll stay where I am. I've had a good life and been involved in a lot of functions with the city and the Idaho State University. ISJ: When (and if) you arrive at the gates of Heaven, what would you like to hear God say to you? Hill: You've done a good job. Welcome in. ISJ: If you could choose a new career, what would it be? Hill: I had a very interesting career and very rewarding. It was good. ISJ: Any regrets? Hill: Nope. ISJ: What's your favorite appliance? Article RatingReader CommentsSubmit a CommentCommenting RulesWe encourage your feedback and dialog. All comments are subject to deletion by our Web staff.
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