Duane and Marci Shaw and their nephew and niece, Brian and Natalie Broadbent, have made a $4.5 million joint commitment to Utah State University Athletics, according to an October 15 statement. The gift is intended to support student-athlete scholarships and address areas of greatest need to help football and men's basketball remain competitive.
The combined investment provides the Athletics Department with the flexibility to use funds where they are most needed. Duane Shaw stated that the goal is to help students and ensure Utah State remains competitive. While the Shaws are contributing to an existing Athletics endowment, the Broadbents are establishing a new endowment specifically to support student-athletes.
Utah State Vice President and Director of Athletics Cameron Walker noted that the investment provides flexibility to be responsive to the changing landscape of college sports while keeping student-athletes at the center of the department's mission. The gift comes as the university begins a new chapter in the Pac-12 conference.
The families' connection to Utah State and Cache Valley spans generations, with family ties to the valley dating back to the 1800s. Duane Shaw, who earned a finance degree from the university in 1973, has supported the institution for decades through scholarships and the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.
Brian Broadbent, a 1993 finance graduate, and Natalie Broadbent, who also graduated in 1993 with a degree in elementary education, decided to coordinate their philanthropy after a conversation at the Mountain West basketball tournament in Las Vegas last spring. Brian Broadbent expressed encouragement regarding the university's direction and the opportunity to build something special during this era of transition.
The Broadbents' decision to make this their first public gift was driven by a desire to encourage others to get involved. Brian Broadbent noted that his own experience working 20 to 30 hours a week while attending school made him realize the impact that even small scholarship amounts can have on students.
Matt White, Utah State Vice President for Advancement, said the generosity of the Shaws and Broadbents will create opportunities for student-athletes today while helping position the university for success for generations to come.
