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Military & Veteran Student Services Building
For students, for Idaho, for our future.

At University of Idaho, we are building something truly unprecedented — a Joint Military and Veterans Center that will serve as a lighthouse for those who serve. This facility will support the future officer leadership of every branch of our military, while providing critical resources for veterans and their families for decades to come. There is no other facility like it on a university campus anywhere in Idaho. 

Momentum is real, and it is growing.

The State of Idaho has committed $8 million. University of Idaho has invested $1 million. Generous donors have already contributed more than $2 million. With Lombard Conrad Architects now selected by the Idaho Division of Public Works, the design phase is officially underway in 2026, with construction planned from 2027 to 2029 and a ribbon cutting on the horizon in 2029.

But we are not finished. We have $6 million left to raise to bring this vision to life.

The need is clear and increasing.

Today, approximately 650 military-affiliated students call University of Idaho home — representing 5% of the student body. This spring alone, 411 students are utilizing VA education benefits, a significant increase from prior years. In addition, 64 currently-serving members of the military are advancing their education online through federal tuition assistance. 

Our ROTC programs continue to develop the next generation of leaders:

  • 80 Army ROTC Cadets
  • 78 Navy and Marine Corps Midshipmen
  • 38 Air Force and Space Force Cadets

These students are choosing to lead. They are choosing service. And they are choosing University of Idaho.

The Joint Military and Veterans Center will match their commitment — providing a centralized, purpose-built space for academic support, leadership development, community connection and transition services. It will stand as a visible and lasting commitment to those who serve and have served.

This is more than a building. It is an investment in leadership, in service and in the people who dedicate their lives to something greater than themselves.

Join us in completing this landmark project and help us serve those that have committed to serving us. Your support will help ensure that University of Idaho continues to be a national leader in serving military-connected students — today and for generations to come.

Participating Groups
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Athletics Homecoming, Alumni & UIRA Programming Arboretum Military & Veteran Student Services Building Lionel Hampton School of Music Fraternity & Sorority Life Honors Program College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences Raven Scholars Program Vandal Club Sport Teams College of Science Vandal Marching Band
$2,000
Military & Veteran Student Services Building Challenge
During Vandal Giving Day, the University of Idaho Military & Veteran Student Services Building invites you to join a $10,000 challenge! For every 10 gifts made, $2,000 will be unlocked — up to a total of $10,000 in challenge funds. Your support helps enhance Military & Veteran Student Services Building, creating improved spaces and resources for students, faculty, and campus programs.
10 Gift Goal
Starts in
$50
First Time Donor Challenge
If you are an alumni or current student who has never before made a gift to University of Idaho, please consider making your first give today! Your gift of at least $10 (to any fund on Vandal Giving Day) will be matched with a $50 donation to the Vandal Food Pantry.
$10 Goal
Starts in
$500
Early Bird Challenge
Whoever makes the first gift on April 7 will earn an additional $500 to the fund of their choice!
1 Gift Goal
Starts in
$500
Faculty & Staff Challenge
The 250th gift from a faculty/staff member will win a $500 bonus for the fund of their choice!
250 Gift Goal
Starts in
Leaderboard
Kick Off Challenge
The top three funds that receives the most gifts in the first 10 hours on April 7 will unlock an additional $1,000 donation!
Kick Off Challenge (183)
Event
Procrastinator Award
The last gift to Vandal Giving Day receives an additional $500 bonus to the fund of their choice.
Event
Vandal Trivia
We're posting five trivia questions on X (formerly Twitter) and the first person to answer correctly gets to direct $100 to the fund of their choice. Be sure to follow @UIdahoAlumni to join in the fun.
Event
Sip & Select Challenge
We want to give our colleges some Vandal Giving Day love! Enter the Vandal Giving Day College Challenge. The college with the most votes at the Sip Station on Campus earns $250 to their designated fund. Stop by with your family and friends to support your college and University of Idaho!
$2,500
Vandal Legacy Scholarship Challenge
Help build the Vandal Legacy Scholarship one rung at a time. When Vandals reach 150 gifts, a generous donor will unlock a total of $25,000 to support future generations of Vandals. Every gift helps the Honors College at University of Idaho get closer to their goal.
25 Gift Goal
Starts in
$1,000
ICCU Vandal Promise Scholarship
For every 100 gifts made during Vandal Giving Day, $1,000 will be unlocked to Vandal Promise Scholarships, up to $10,000, thanks to our partners at Idaho Central Credit Union.
100 Gift Goal
Starts in
$5,000
Foundation Participation Challenge
Every gift counts—and now, every 500 gift unlocks an additional $5,000, up to $25,000 in bonus funds! The more Vandals who give, the more we unlock to support students, programs, and initiatives across the University of Idaho.
500 Gift Goal
Starts in
$500
The 1889 Challenge
The 1,889 gift receives an additional $500 to the fund of their choice!
1,889 Gift Goal
Starts in
Leaderboard
Leader of Ambassadors
The 10 ambassadors who inspire the most number of gifts throughout Vandal Giving Day 2026 will receive a $350 bonus to award to the fund of their choice!
Vandal Giving Day Ambassadors (183)
Event
Find Joe Vandal
There are 20 hidden Joe Vandals around campus. If you find one please bring it to the ASUI Lounge in the Idaho Student Union Building. You get to designate $100 to the fund of your choice.
Event
Payroll Deducation Bonus Challenge
Every new payroll deduction on April 7 and 8 will be automatically entered into a drawing for four $250 bonuses to the fund of their choice. Three bonuses each day will be awarded.
Don't forget to share!

Questions? See our FAQ.

Or you can contact us at vandalsgive@uidaho.edu.