By Austen Hunzeker
News Editor
Idaho State University is turning 125 years old on March 11, and students, faculty and the Pocatello community at large are invited to celebrate the milestone all year long.
“Like a grand oak, Idaho State University was planted with purpose, and over generations its roots have stretched wide and deep, strengthening our foundation and sustaining our growth,” said ISU President Robert Wagner in a university statement. “In 2026, we proudly honor those who established and nurtured this institution, while continuing the heritage and adding to the growth that will support future generations for the next century and beyond.”
Year-long festivities are to occur, including Bengal Giving Day March 10-11, a day of service on March 11 and a Bengal Street Party slated for a date yet to be determined in September. More events and details will be shared with the public as they’re revealed by the university.
Additionally, a traveling history display highlighting various impactful moments and people to the institution will be accessible at multiple locations throughout 2026.
An online memory board was also launched in January for students, staff, alumni and community members to post their favorite memories from ISU. Over 40 memories have been posted so far and can be accessed at https://isu.kudoboard.com/boards/KnjNykxw#view.
“In May 2020 the commencement ceremony was canceled due to COVID,” Patty Tryon posted on the memory board. “Although our children were not able to cross that stage to get their diplomas, my husband, Tom, and I were bursting with pride as all three of our children, Chad, Brooke and Mariya, graduated from ISU with doctorate, master and bachelor degrees. Tom and I are also ISU alumni. ISU has provided a great experience and education for my family. We are proud to be ISU Bengals”
Mustafa Mashal, civil engineering professor at ISU, posted that he was proud to serve as the advising structural engineer for the student-led redesign and construction of the 71-foot Red Hill “I” that was installed in 2019.
“The project exemplified hands-on learning, collaboration and service to the university and community,” he said. “Seeing students translate classroom knowledge into a lasting campus landmark was especially rewarding.”
Governor Frank W. Hunt signed Senate Bill 53 into law on March 11, 1901, creating the Academy of Idaho — known today as Idaho State University. Former Pocatello mayor and Idaho state senator Theodore F. Turner drafted the bill and is now considered the “father” of ISU.
“From 1901 to today, education and impact have been what drives us,” Wagner said. “We may have started small, but as we celebrate 125 years, one thing is clear: Idaho State University is on a bold path forward.”
For more information on ISU’s 125th anniversary, visit https://www.isu.edu/125years/.
