Sven Alskog
News Editor
Since 1927 when Idaho State University was still the University of Idaho-Southern Branch, the “I” on Red Hill has been one of the more recognizable features of the Pocatello campus.
In 2014, for the first time since then, the iconic “I” will not be a staple on campus as it has been removed due to reported risks due to heavy erosion on the hill surface.
Three studies were conducted showing that an estimated 50 percent of the structure of the “I” had been compromised due to the erosion.
Due to the concrete structure of the “I” and the possibility of further erosion on the hillside, the potential of implementing a berm was looked into. It was determined that in the scenario of the “I” failing in any way, the berm would not be enough to withstand the impact.
The removal of the “I” took place shortly after the spring 2014 semester.
While many are disappointed to see the landmark gone, bikers and hikers can once again utilize the trails below after they were closed for the majority of the previous academic year.
For many, these trails represent a great recreational opportunity and the reopening of them will allow them to go back to their old ways of taking a morning walk or bike ride there.
A student movement has begun in an effort to replace the “I” on Red Hill and throughout campus with a Facebook page titled “Bengals for an Interlocking ‘I-S’” being started on June 11, 2014.
The page displays multiple potential areas where a logo like the one seen on the 50 yard line at Holt Arena could be implemented on campus.
Some of these areas include Red Hill as a replacement for the “I” and the stairway facing Reed Gym in the Rendezvous Complex.
The managers of the page declined to comment for this article.
Removal of the “I” marks the second historic figure on the ISU campus to be removed in the last couple of years.
In 2013, the Bengal in front of Reed Gym was removed due to heavy costs associated with upkeep of the statue, which was not designed to handle the elements for any extended period of time.
The structure is papier-mâché and was originally built for use in a Homecoming Parade.
Although it was removed from in front of Reed Gym the statue is still on the ISU campus in storage.
Prior to its removal, another Bengal statue was unveiled in 2012 in front of the Student Union Building. According to then-ASISU President Matt Bloxham, the Bengal was a gift from ASISU to the ISU campus.
It remains to be seen what will replace the “I” on Red Hill but a group has been formed to help spark ideas and put them into action.
Anyone who has any ideas for a replacement can contact the group by email at ude.usinull@tcejorpllihder.
As of now the space where the “I’ previously resided on the hillside is barren with a noticeable outline of where the iconic piece of history at ISU had been for over 90 years.
