ISU commemorates 100th birthday of longtime supporter

In honor of his longtime support for the school, Idaho State University is honoring David “The Colonel” Kirkpatrick’s 100th birthday. Kirkpatrick has donated generously to the university and Pocatello community for decades.

Kirkpatrick’s relationship with ISU began in 1951 when he started its ROTC program. Ten years later he became the university’s housing director. He then retired 20 years later.

Despite retiring, he has never stopped trying to help ISU.

“(I’ve) been the champion of the underdog,” said Kirkpatrick. “I tried to help people anyway I could.”

Kirkpatrick’s raised money for the “I Love ISU” campaign, the Bengal athletic boosters and for endowments ISU uses for scholarships.

“Every year he has his list of contacts and he reaches out to them on his own time, his own nickel, and puts the thumb on them for contributions to the university,” said K.C. Felt, director of ISU alumni relations.

His giving hand reaches out to all of Pocatello. He’s still a very active member of the city’s Kiwanis Club, which aims to help needy youth.

Rich Smith, a past president of the club, met Kirkpatrick about 50 years ago as an ISU student. Smith said Kirkpatrick helped him become who he is today.

“He trained me and gave me opportunities in the jobs that he gave me,” said Smith. “Allowed me to grow into those jobs and take responsibility.”

No matter how many times you ask, Kirkpatrick replies with a simple explanation for his work.

“Well, you need something to do when you’re retired and do nothing,” Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick also is a past president of Pocatello’s Kiwanis Club. The club is currently raising $100,000 in Kirkpatrick’s name for an ISU endowment.