Irene Bates was an educator, a coach, and mentor to thousands of students, both at Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls and at Utah State University. She directed the Aggiettes, the cheer- and songleaders, and Sunburst Dancers for the better part of twenty-five years, including the last decade or more as director of dance for the popular show, “An Evening with Glenn Miller.” She understood the sacrifices that excellence demanded, from her students and school administration. But she took pride in the knowledge that for the few short minutes each year her students had an opportunity to hold an audience in rapt attention, her students would understand the commitment necessary to reap that brief, but profound thrill of accomplishment.

To remember and honor Irene, donations may be made to the Irene Bates and Peggy Jo Bates Christensen Memorial Scholarship Endowment in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.