Boise State University to Rename Student Union Building Under $8.5 Million Westmark Credit Union Sponsorship Deal in Idaho
Boise State University’s Student Union Building will carry a new name under a major sponsorship agreement with Westmark Credit Union, an Idaho-based financial cooperative that will contribute more than $8.5 million to the university over the next decade. The Idaho State Board of Education approved the deal, which will rename the landmark campus facility the Boise State University Westmark Student Union Building and establish a Westmark micro-branch inside the building at the heart of the Boise campus.
Background: A Competitive Process Led to an Idaho Partnership
Before selecting Westmark, Boise State University hired an outside consultant to evaluate campus sponsorship opportunities. That review included benchmarking the university’s assets against peer institutions across the United States, assessing the value of various campus locations, and developing strategic recommendations. University officials said Westmark emerged from that process as the partner most closely aligned with Boise State’s values and long-term institutional objectives.
Westmark Credit Union is no newcomer to Idaho. Founded in 1954 as a member-owned, full-service financial cooperative, Westmark has grown from a single location in Idaho Falls to more than 15 branches statewide, including five locations across the Treasure Valley. The credit union now serves more than 80,000 members throughout Idaho, making it one of the state’s most established financial institutions.
Under the agreement, Westmark becomes Boise State’s exclusive official credit union sponsor — a designation that grants the credit union prominent visibility and access on campus while committing the institution to a long-term financial relationship with the university.
What the Deal Means for the Boise State Campus
The partnership brings two immediate and tangible changes to campus life. First, the Student Union Building — a central hub for student activity on the Boise campus — will be rebranded with Westmark’s name. Second, a Westmark micro-branch will open inside the building, giving students, faculty, and staff direct access to banking and financial services without leaving campus.
Boise State officials said the more than $8.5 million contributed by Westmark over the 10-year term will be directed toward improving the Student Union Building itself, enriching the day-to-day experience of students, and supporting high-impact programs and initiatives that serve the student body.
Boise State Interim President Jeremiah Shinn highlighted the alignment between the two institutions. “Westmark Credit Union brings a longstanding commitment to education and community that aligns closely with our mission,” Shinn said. “We’re thankful for this partnership and believe it will create lasting, positive impact for Boise State University students and the communities we serve.”
Westmark Credit Union President and CEO Mike Schenck echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the credit union’s focus on financial literacy and accessibility. “Together, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students and our broader community,” Schenck said. “This partnership advances our mission to elevate financial well-being by meeting people where they are — providing accessible financial guidance, education, and tools that support real-life decisions.”
Schenck added that Westmark looks forward to “serving students, faculty, staff, and the Treasure Valley while supporting Boise State’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education.”
Impact on Ada County Residents and Treasure Valley Families
For Ada County residents and Treasure Valley families with students at Boise State, the partnership represents a practical benefit: expanded access to a locally rooted, member-owned financial institution directly on campus. Unlike national corporate banking chains, Westmark operates as a financial cooperative — meaning its members are also its owners — with deep roots in Idaho communities.
The deal also reflects a broader trend among public universities seeking private partnerships to offset costs and fund campus improvements without increasing the tax burden on state residents. By leveraging naming rights and sponsorship agreements, universities can direct private dollars toward student services that might otherwise require additional state appropriations.
The $8.5 million commitment over 10 years represents a significant private investment in Boise State’s physical infrastructure and student programming, providing resources that benefit current and future students enrolled at the university.
What Comes Next
With approval from the Idaho State Board of Education already secured, the next steps involve the formal rebranding of the Student Union Building and the opening of the Westmark micro-branch on campus. Boise State has not yet announced a specific timeline for the branch opening or the official unveiling of the new building name.
Students, staff, and community members interested in Westmark Credit Union’s services can visit the credit union’s existing Treasure Valley branch locations or watch for updates from Boise State University regarding the on-campus micro-branch launch.