University of Idaho President Duane Nellis reports donors so far have pledged $425,000 toward the creation of a third-year law program in the state capital.
In his weekly letter to alumni, Nellis said 1954 graduates Frank and Harriet Shrontz recently dedicated $300,000 to help launch the program.
The Moscow-based school had previously hoped to open a full three-year law school branch in Boise but the state Board of Education rejected the proposal as too expensive.
UI officials hope to start the program this fall in Boise, even without financial support from the state, by raising money for the classes. A student fee increase is also expected to help.
Meanwhile, Portland-based Concordia University expects to start offering law school classes in Boise starting in 2011. (AP)
