MOSCOW, Idaho – The Idaho AD Club, the longest standing athletics booster club at the University of Idaho, has finalized a gift agreement to continue supporting the University of Idaho through a legacy gift.
 
Proceeds from the Idaho AD Club Memorial Scholarship Trust will be moved to the Idaho AD Club Athletic Scholarship Endowment upon the passing of the club's remaining members. In total, the funds will produce nearly three full athletics scholarships yearly through the endowment's investment income.
 
"This generous commitment inspires me both personally and professionally," said Associate AD for Development, Mahmood Sheikh. "The Idaho AD Trust transforms lives, no question. As a Moscow kid, I grew up knowing many of the Trustees. They were and remain a 'Who's Who' of our community. Their vision has positively impacted the Vandal family for 80 years and will continue for generations thanks to the leadership of the remaining Trustees."
 
"The Vandal Family continues to amaze me," said Director of Athletics Terry Gawlik. "This group's longstanding commitment to the University of Idaho and Idaho Athletics has been incredible. This gift will have a long-lasting impact on the Vandals and I, for one, could not be more grateful."
 
Bob Steele of Moscow, Mike Felton Sr., of Buhl, Jim Pilcher of Spokane and Jerry Meyerhoeffer of Twin Falls comprise the current trustees. All four graduated from the University of Idaho.
 
"Since our inception, the number of student-athletes, administrators, coaches, support staff, conference titles, NCAA appearances, NCAA championships and individual achievements in the classroom, in competition and in the community is countless," the Idaho AD Club Trustees shared in a statement. "A constant has been the Idaho AD Club. All of the 18 trustees since 1941 have wholeheartedly supported the Athletic Department not only through the Trust but also professionally and personally. We are proud to know The Idaho AD Club's Vandal legacy will continue to transform lives and will be celebrated in perpetuity."
 
Since 1999, the Idaho AD Club Athletic Scholarship Endowment funds one full scholarship per year. With the local community in mind, preference has been given to student-athletes who graduated from Idaho high schools. Women's basketball's Nina Carlson, from Post Falls, has been the recipient each of the past two years.
 
MORE ON THE IDAHO AD CLUB
 
The Idaho AD Club was founded in 1941 by 11 Moscow businessmen. The nonprofit corporation was created to help streamline support of Idaho Athletics in the 1940's and early 1950's, through a physical social club in downtown Moscow. In 1954, the nonprofit corporation was dissolved, leading to the creation of the Idaho AD Club Memorial Scholarship Trust, which still exists today.
 
Although total dollar amounts over the years are unavailable, the Idaho AD Club Memorial Scholarship Fund, now a Trust, is listed as a member of Idaho's 1889 Society, which requires a cumulative donation or pledge of at least one million dollars. The Trust has been a member of the 1889 Society since 2011 and gifted $600,000 toward the new ICCU Arena and the Idaho AD Club Basketball Center.
 
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