05/15/2026
The San Bernardino Valley College Foundation joins the nation in honoring the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho Governor, U.S. Senator, Mayor of Boise, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Kempthorne was raised in San Bernardino, graduated from San Gorgonio High School in 1970, and attended San Bernardino Valley College from 1970 to 1971 before continuing his education at the University of Idaho. He was inducted into the San Bernardino Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame and gave the 1999 commencement address, stating, "The knowledge I gained at Valley College, and the people who I met, have given me skills and memories that will last a lifetime."
https://apnews.com/article/idaho-kempthorne-interior-endangered-species-f46d872d26378c033053da0198b14bab
His remarkable journey from San Bernardino to state and national leadership reflects the promise and possibility that community colleges help make real.
On behalf of the SBVC Foundation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Governor Kempthorne’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were inspired by his decades of public service.
Former Idaho Gov. and U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne has died at age 74. His family said in a written statement that he died Friday evening in Boise.