In honor of his mother, Katherine, ISU Alum Roger Akers donated the funds to support and award this year's pitch off winners.

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Katherine (Andersen) Akers graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1943.  She was the Senior Class Vice President.   Katherine (Andersen) Akers attended University of Idaho, Southern Branch in Pocatello (now Idaho State University) in 1945.  She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

 

Katie married William (Bill) Akers in 1947 .  They built a home north of Pocatello on the original homestead of Bill’s parents and raised 4 children (1 deceased).  Katie was always involved in her church, local election committees, and was a very prolific artist up until her passing.   

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The watchwords around the Akers home were “education” and “work.” Good grades were expected, period.   It was not an option that their children would attend and graduate from university. Katie and Bill were very hard workers. Katie raised the kids, Bill worked as a nuclear engineer at INEL, and they continued to operate the family farm.

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Their work ethic and values were transferred to their children and translated to a can-do mentality for all of us.  Katie childrens' success is a tribute to the values and work ethic instilled by Katie and Bill.

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 Katie recently passed in August 2023 at the age of 97. Katie lived her faith and remained true to the values she and Bill instilled in the family as did their children.  “What a gift!”