Brigham Young University-Idaho: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho), a private institution rooted in Rexburg, Idaho, boasts a rich history and a commitment to providing quality undergraduate education. Originally established as the Bannock Stake Academy in 1888, it transitioned through various stages, including Ricks Academy and Ricks College, before becoming BYU-Idaho in 2000. This transformation marked a significant shift, with the university focusing on undergraduate programs and phasing out intercollegiate athletics in favor of a robust on-campus competitive sports program. BYU-Idaho is part of the Church Educational System (CES), which includes other schools like Brigham Young University in Utah. Most students are members of the LDS Church and agree to follow an honor code, which is a set of rules for good behavior. Over 200,000 people have graduated from BYU-Idaho and Ricks College.
A Foundation of Growth and Change
The university's journey reflects a commitment to adapting to the needs of its students and the broader community. From its humble beginnings in a single-room log cabin, BYU-Idaho has grown into the largest private university in Idaho, encompassing 40 major buildings. The institution "was founded upon the firm belief there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people," said John L. Clarke. The school began on November 12, 1888, as the Bannock Stake Academy. As more people moved to the region, the area was divided. In 1903, the school's name changed again to Ricks Academy. It was named after Thomas E. Ricks, an early church leader in the area. Ricks Academy survived by adding college-level classes. In 1923, it officially became Ricks College, a two-year junior college. During the 1930s, the LDS Church considered giving the college to the state of Idaho, but the state said no. In 1976, the nearby Teton Dam broke and caused a massive flood. Ricks College was used as a center to help people who were affected by the disaster. On June 21, 2000, the LDS Church announced that Ricks College would become a four-year university called Brigham Young University-Idaho. With this change, the school stopped having official sports teams that played against other colleges. Instead, it created a large program for students to play sports against each other on campus. The Thomas E. The BYU-Idaho campus is on a hill that looks over the city of Rexburg. The campus has many interesting places, including a planetarium, an arboretum (a garden of trees), and museums for geology and wildlife. The David O. For arts and music, the campus has a large concert hall with a famous Ruffatti pipe organ. In 2010, the BYU-Idaho Center opened. This huge building has an auditorium that can seat 15,000 people for weekly meetings, graduation, and concerts. BYU-Idaho is led by a president, Alvin F. Meredith III, who started in 2023. BYU-Idaho offers both two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor's degrees. The school year is split into three equal semesters: Fall, Winter, and Spring. This is called the "three-track" system. When students are accepted, they are assigned to attend two of the three semesters each year. As of 2024, over 41,000 students were enrolled at BYU-Idaho, including students on campus and those taking online classes. Students come from all 50 states and over 130 countries. When the school was Ricks College, its sports teams were called the Vikings. From 1919 to 2002, they competed against other junior colleges and were very successful. Many athletes who played for Ricks College went on to play professional sports. However, when the school became BYU-Idaho, the official sports program was ended. BYU-Idaho no longer has teams that play against other universities. Instead, it has a large competitive sports program on campus. Life at BYU-Idaho is closely tied to the LDS Church. Every Tuesday, the school holds a "devotional," which is a worship service for students and staff. The Rexburg Idaho Temple is located right next to the campus. Because Rexburg is in a place with cold, snowy winters, sports like skiing and snowboarding are very popular. In the summer, students enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping. All students and staff must agree to follow an Honor Code. This is a set of rules that encourages honesty, good language, and modest clothing. Single students live in housing that is approved by the university.
The "Three-Track" System and Academic Innovation
BYU-Idaho's academic structure is distinguished by its "three-track" system, dividing the school year into three equal semesters: Fall, Winter, and Spring. This innovative approach allows students to attend two out of the three semesters annually, maximizing enrollment capacity without necessitating extensive construction. BYU-Idaho will offer “integrated” degrees, which blend disciplines and use internships to prepare students to make an immediate impact in the workplace.
A Unique Campus Environment
The BYU-Idaho campus, situated on a hill overlooking Rexburg, offers a unique environment conducive to learning and personal growth. The campus features a planetarium, an arboretum, geology and wildlife museums, and a concert hall with a Ruffatti pipe organ. In 2010, the BYU-Idaho Center opened, providing a large auditorium that can seat 15,000 people for weekly meetings, graduation, and concerts.
Focus on Spiritual Development
Life at BYU-Idaho is closely intertwined with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Weekly devotionals, held every Tuesday, provide opportunities for spiritual enrichment. The proximity of the Rexburg Idaho Temple further reinforces the university's commitment to fostering a spiritually grounded community. All students and staff must agree to follow an Honor Code. This is a set of rules that encourages honesty, good language, and modest clothing.
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Notable Alumni: Shaping Diverse Fields
BYU-Idaho and its predecessor institutions have produced a diverse array of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. These alumni exemplify the university's commitment to fostering talent and preparing graduates for success.
Politics and Public Service
Marion G. Romney: An influential figure in the LDS Church, Romney served as an apostle and a member of the First Presidency.
Fred S. Martin: A former member of the Idaho State Senate, representing District 15 from 2012 until 2022.
George V. Hansen: Served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years, representing Idaho's 2nd district.
Thomas Forese: An American politician, a Republican, and former chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission.
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Aimee Winder Newton: An American politician and member of the Salt Lake County Council representing the 3rd District.
Tommy Ahlquist: An American businessman, commercial real-estate developer, and retired physician from Idaho.
Business and Entrepreneurship
- Frank L. VanderSloot: An American entrepreneur, radio network owner, rancher, and political campaign financier.
Arts and Entertainment
Benson Boone: An American singer-songwriter.
Michelle Willis: A British-born, Canadian-raised singer/songwriter and keyboard player.
Daryn Tufts: A writer, director, producer, and actor.
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Ryan Hamilton: A clean comedian.
Brandon Dorman: An artist.
Gary Lee Price: An American sculptor.
Athletics
Rulon Gardner: An American retired Greco-Roman wrestler and Olympic gold medalist.
Kelly Graves: The current head women's basketball coach at the University of Oregon.
Stew Morrill: An American college basketball coach and the former head coach of the Utah State University men's basketball team.
Matt Lindstrom: A Retired Major League Baseball pitcher who debuted with the St.
Other Notable Figures
Grant Wilson: An art director and developer for Rather Dashing Games (now a division of Kalmbach Publishing), a game company he founded with Michael Richie, and is the co-founder of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS)
Bruce Jessen: An American psychologist who, with James Elmer Mitchell, created the so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques".
Dave Wolverton: An American author, editor, and instructor of online writing workshops and groups.
Michael W. Mosman: A senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.
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