Idaho State University will unveil a new Bengal tiger statue at noon Wednesday, Oct. 24, outside the Pond Student Union Building (PSUB) with a ceremony following.
Situated in a planter by the steps leading up to the PSUB, the statue will be an obvious focal point for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
The idea for a new statue was both presented and facilitated by ASISU. Lowell Richards, ASISU general manager and assistant vice president for student affairs says, “One-and-a-half to two years ago, ASISU voted to dedicate some funds to install a bronze Bengal tiger. They had the idea and the vision and they made it work.”
An official call for submissions was then posted on the ISU website, with a deadline of February of 2012. Eligible artists were required to submit a cartoon or sketch of their vision, keeping in mind specifications like durability and space constraints.
A committee made up of members of both the student body and the faculty judged the resulting eight proposals then submitted, eventually deciding on the work of the local Pocatello artist Malynda Cooper.
Cooper, owner of the local Pocatello Art Supply, began the sculpting project over the summer, working to build a clay model in her garage.
Matt Bloxham, ASISU president, was able to witness a part of the process.
“There were buckets of clay everywhere; they had to cut the [clay sculpture] apart to fit it out the garage. It blew my mind…I can only imagine how awesome the finished product will be.”
Once finished with the clay sculpting, the statue was sent to be cast in bronze.
Installed in its final location outside the PSUB earlier this month, the statue will be unveiled today.
The following ceremony will include entertainment such as the Bengal marching band, Bengal Dancers and Bengal cheer squad.
Speakers include ISU Vice President for Advancement Jeff Tingey, ASISU President Matt Bloxham, and artist Malynda Cooper. Refreshments will follow.
Bloxham is hoping to unveil a new tradition focused around the statue. He acknowledges that “students tend to establish their own traditions,” but hopes that he can set a precursor that students can “grow and develop on their own.”
Bloxham plans the tradition to focus on good luck and achievement, especially in regards to exams and finals.
“The Chinese tiger is a symbol of luck,” Bloxham comments.
He hopes that students on their way to an exam will be able to “touch the paw [of the statue] for luck.”
Bloxham says that the new tradition will be “much more clear after the unveiling.”
