Earl R. Pond Student Union
As we celebrate 50 memorable years, we would like to reflect on the Union's rich past with you. Please share your memories of the Union during your time at Idaho State.
You can share in one of the following ways:
- Fill out the form below with your information and click submit.
- E-mail your memory to: mccucori@isu.edu
- Send your memory to:
Pond Student Union - 50th Anniversary
921 S. 8th Ave. Stop 8032
Pocatello, ID 83209
- Scroll down to see memories submitted by others.
"Memories I have of the Student Union go back to November 22, 1963. I was taking an Organic chemistry test and someone came to the door of the class room and said "The President has been shot!" After the test was lunch and at that time I ate at the Student Union. When I arrived the place was like a morgue. The televisions were playing and replaying the motorcade in which President Kennedy was shot. Everyone was watching the tv, some in disbelief and others crying.
On happier memories were the wonderful concerts of famous musicians of that period. Then there was all the great food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the beautiful view of the mountains while dining.
The Pond Student Union carries many fond memories, and may it create fond memories for those who are enjoying it this year and for years to come."
Best Wishes
Alan Alexander (BS Pharm '67)
"I spent many, many, many hours in the Union, "studying", drinking coffee, talking with friends, meeting as an RA with Dean Sanna, organizing anti-war protest activities, listening to coffee house acoustic concerts, taking advantage of the outdoors program, working with the Student Activities Board, courting my to-be girlfriend who worked there, etc, during my stay at ISU from 1968-1974. Two memories are related to the ASISU SAB activities. I was reminded of one controversial situation, as I saw the photo of Bill Cosby on the web page - I was SAB Social Chair the year he was in concert at OSU, and we lost a LOT of money on the concert. I distinctly remember the negative press, the grilling from the ASISU student leaders, and the accusations of mismanagement and lack of appropriate advertising, and yet the total support and understanding that came from Earl Pond and others... The other memory was related to a big concert, I think it was either It's a Beautiful Day, or Brewer and Shipley, in the MiniDome. I had the honor of introducing the band to the audience at the beginning of the concert, and I FORGOT THE NAME OF THE GROUP! "It is with great pleasure that I introduce..." (silence). As I was sheepishly sauntering up to one of the band members to ask, I luckily remembered. I think it came off as a planned dramatic silence that built excitement, but no, I actually forgot the name of the band."
Wayne Carlson
"I enjoyed reading about the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Student Union. We arrived at Idaho State in August of 1959. My husband was a "newly minted" Ph.D. and was hired by Dean Stanley Heywood to teach in the College of Education and to head up the Counseling Center. We traveled to Pocatello with three young children, all still in diapers, from Michigan. Our fourth was born in what was then Bannock Memorial Hospital in 1960.
One of my major memories of the Student Union is the barber shop that was run by an old man. This barber cut my husband's, and also my boys', hair. He was always full of tales of what Pocatello had been like 40 and 50 years earlier.I believe he had been a barber on the Union Pacific passenger trains that came through Pocatello when amenities such as barbers and beauticians routinely were available on luxury trains like the "City of Portland." We were greatly saddened when this gentleman suddenly passed away- that must have been in about 1962 or 1963. I don't think anyone replaced him- the barber shop just shut down. We left Idaho State in 1964 and moved to California, and later to Kentucky. Before we left I finished a master's degree at ISU in August of 1964 (M.A. Ed. in school psychology). It was right at the time that the name change from ISC to ISU occurred, and we were told that if we waited to get our diplomas till September, the new name would appear on them.
I have lots of other fond memories of Pocatello, both as a faculty wife and as a graduate student. We had five happy years there, but then it was time to move on."
Lisa K. Barclay, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita, University of Kentucky
Now living in Charleston, SC
"Although I have not attended Idaho State, (I am only in high school!)I fondly remember my grandpa, Earl Pond, giving me a personal tour of the Student Union he was so proud of. He showed me all the in's and out's of the building, and each room we stepped into had a story to go along with it. He seemed to know every person in the Union as well. I met at least 20 new people that day, and my grandpa loved each and every one of them as if they were his own. This was one of many times where my grandpa could not have seemed happier. He was proud of the Union, and there is no other place he would have rather been!"
Teresa Pond
"I first attended ISU in 1978 - 1981. I then left Idaho for over 25 years. In that 25 year span, I had many dreams about being back at ISU. My dreams always included being in the SUB!
I never planned to move back to Idaho or, to finish my education at ISU but, fate had other plans. I returned to ISU in 2003 and finished my degree. I remember my first day back, sitting in the SUB, it was such a surreal feeling and experience! It was almost as if I'd never left. It was like being back home. ISU will always have a very special place in my heart."
GO BENGALS!!
Andrea Morante-Suwara
"First of all, let me say that it is difficult to reflect back 50 years and be able to remember what was said or what I heard said about the opening of the new Student Union Building; however, reviewing some old newspaper clippings, I found a noteable quote by Dr. Mcintosh, "This is not just a building, it is a way of bringing people together in social, recreational and cultural activities." And it was, for example: The Man, Stan Kenton, and his band drew a capacity crowd for the first concert/dance held in the ballroom. Up to then, it was the biggest name to appear at Idaho State. As Chairman of the Social Committe, I was excited to have arranged for his appearance.
Regarding Earl Pond, the memory of him that I recall is how down-to-earth and accessible he was, not only to me, but everybody. He was like a big brother and a good friend."
Bob Kirkpatrick
I was the emcee for the 1996 Homecoming pageant. We waited 2 ½ hours for the ballots to be counted! It is now my pleasure to bring middle school students back to tour ISU as the coordinator of the GEAR UP grant in American Falls. Last year we met with recruiters in the SUB ballroom to answer trivia questions and win prizes. I knew all the answers!
Jennifer Simpson
Years at ISU: BA ‘97 MA ‘02
Student, Teaching Assistant, and Lecturer 2002-2007
The student union didn’t have much for me when I started school as I lived at home in Pocatello. I soon started to make friends at ISU and when the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority took me as a sister we used to meet at lunchtime and we’d stuff as many girls as we could into a booth in the SUB.
I met my husband Dan in the student union. He knew everybody and boy I thought he was Mr. Wonderful. We are celebrating our 39th Anniversary with the 50th Anniversary of the Pond Student Union.
He’s a purchasing agent at ISU and I am in my 39th year in the ISU Oboler Library.
Nancy Ellis Anthony
Years at ISU:Student 1965 - 1970
Alpha Omicron Pi Social Sorority
We met each other downstairs by the bowling alley in the fall of 1960. In 1962 we were allowed to march on Pocatello in protest because the state legislature had not voted to make ISC a university. We married in 1963 the week after Gene graduated.
Gene & Bev Gillette
Years at ISU: 1959 – 1963 and 1974 - 1976
Pete and Ronda met at the ISU student union building – at the phone on the information desk.
Ronda was actually going to classes – Pete was studying applied geometry and physics on the pool tables downstairs at the SUB (1968).
The rest is ‘history.’ 40 years later the Black’s are still strong supporters of ISU.
Pete & Ronda Black
Years at ISU: 1967 - 1975
ISU Band; Student Senate 1973 – 1975
My memory of the SUB is having my picture in the union hallway – representing a
voice for the students (especially the non-traditional students of College of Tech).
Also, sharing time while eating lunch in the canoe Room, sharing notes, studying with fellow classmates, and meeting new friends.
Heather McAdam
Years at ISU: Student 2005 - present
ASISU Senator College of Technology; Paralegal Student Association
Monte and I married in 1990. I started working at the Bookstore and he started working at the Total Copy Center. Both were located in the basement of the Earl Pond Student Union Building, just across the hall from each other. Monte would send love notes from the Total Copy Center to the Bookstore, and I would send love notes from the Bookstore to the Total Copy Center.
Farhana Hibbert
Years at ISU: 20
Involvement: ASISU Senator; SCSC Executive Board
I loved working at the craft shop with Dave Mills and later with Margo Proksa.
I have participated in many art exhibits in the Transition Gallery, and am currently preparing for an exhibit with 3 other artists in the Transition Gallery in September.
Over the years I’ve enjoyed attending movies and International Nights.
Janice Smith
Years at ISU: 1972 - 2009
Involvement: Grad student; Craft Shop Assistant Director and Acting Director
Work – study at the craft shop. I learned a great deal about all craft areas as well as life and friends that I still have to date.
Some of my creations are still used as examples in the shop.
Joe Foster
Years at ISU: 1981 – 1984 and Beyond
Involvement: Supporter; Graduate; Employee
I spent many years here at the student union. The craft shop was an invaluable resource for me. Friendship, learning and support were all a part of it. Memories of Margo Proksa, Phyllis Anderson and Deb Tate fill me with fondness and heart-warming smiles. I had the honor to work with Phyllis as an Interim Assistant Director for a year. I was also the Director of the Transition Gallery for a year and Ernie Naftzger was the student union director. He was always supportive and willing to help.
Tim Norton
Years at ISU: 1975 - 1983
Involvement: BFA Bachelor Fine Arts; Assistant Director ISU Craft Shop; Director Transition Gallery
The first friendly person who reached out to me after I arrived from Cleveland was Phyllis Anderson, Director of the ISU Craft Shop. She asked me teach a class for them. At that time I did not know that I would stay 21 years, become a full Professor, and Chair of my department. Since that time, I have faithfully taught workshops at the ISU Craft Shop, because I believe in what they do and their support of our students. Phil Jenkins is the best Director and is irreplaceable.
Paula Jull
Years at ISU: 21
Involvement: Professor
My memories revolve around the Craft Shop – learning new skills, making friends and later on – teaching classes. I am still in awe of this wonderful place that gives folks an outlet to create and the tools and expertise to make it possible. What a concept!
I also remember when the theater used to show movies that you couldn’t see anywhere else and foreign films on Wednesday nights.
Name: Kaye Turner
Years at ISU: Decades!
Involvement: Student - many years ago; ISU Craft Shop instructor and user
Huldah Bell caring about so many students, staff, and faculty. Children’s Art Festivals cosponsored by the Museum of Natural History and the Craft Shop. Health Hazards in the Arts Conference sponsored by the Craft Shop. Kirk Bachman building his yurt in the CS woodshop. Many great work-study student employees. Many community artists and crafts people from the region who shared their expertise teaching for the craft shop. The fabulous outdoor program, rental center and their wonderful trips and teaching. Whitaker – we danced at Earl’s Christmas party before he lost his foot. Tom’s rehabilitation here in the SUB. Tom Marimoto at the bowling alley. Lee Hill at the bookstore. Lots of life long friendships that mean the world to me.
Name: Margo Proksa
Years at ISU: 34
Involvement: Craft Shop Director 1978 – 1984
Many, many ISU students and local residents used the craft shop and took my wood working classes while I was involved with the shop.
I enjoyed sharing my knowledge of wood working, and seeing my student’s pride in their projects. The craft shop is a valuable resource.
Name: Mike Theiring
Years at ISU: 15
Involvement: Craft Shop – Wood Shop
I met my husband of 30 years at the student union. I worked up my courage, while sitting with my sorority sisters in the student union, to ask him (Darrell Brown) to our final dance of the year “The Rose Ball.” The rest is history.
Name: Paige and Darrell Brown
Years at ISU: 1973 – 1978
Involvement: Alpha Omicron Pi and College of Education
Studying in the student union and being on the Program Board and running the Transition Gallery where I heard about 9/11 on my way to my management class.
Name: Stephanie Richardson
Years at ISU: 1998 - 2003
Involvement: Program Board
I miss seeing Earl every-so-often walking on the quad.
Name: Max W. Pond
Years at ISU: 3
1. Met my soon to be ex-wife
2. Practiced for my orals (for 2 hours before)
3. Took my orals in the Salmon River Room
Name: Alexander Bellanca
Years at ISU: 2
Involvement: Completed Master’s Degree
Met my soon to be ex-husband (with whom I’m attending this evenings events).
Student Senator and Student Body President
Remember SUB from 1960 (visited as high school band member)
I’ve always enjoyed studying by the fireplaces. It was a disappointment when they
weren’t burning.
I was near front row when Senator Bobby Kennedy visited; also Ray Price country
singer.
I’ve always felt the quad was beautiful to look across from the Hypostyle.
Name: Jerilynn Mecham
Years at ISU: Which time? 1968 – 1970; 1991 – 1992; 1998 – 2003
Involvement: Student Body President 2002 – 2003 (First Grandmother Elected)
Worked for Saga Food in the student union. I was in the student union cleaning tables when John Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. I worked for Earl Pond. Each day I would drive a vehicle I called the “Land Whale” downtown to pick up cash and bills for student union front desk. There was no armored car service in 1960’s. I was member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Earl Pond was our advisor and a founding member of the group in 1949. Earl was a tremendous influence in my life. He taught me a lot about leadership, responsibility and being a volunteer.
Name: Neil Satterwhite
Years at ISU: 1961 - 1966
Involvement: President Phi Sigma Kappa; Brigade Commander ROTC Brigade; Student Body Vice President 1964 – 1965; Greek Man; Student of Quarter; ISU Wrestling
Team 1961 – 1962
“Gathering in the student union to watch Star Trek. For some reason a group of us Trekkies would meet and watch Star Trek downstairs. Those are fond memories that I’m sure many of us still remember to this day. Those were the days.
I also remember playing in a rock band on the quad and in the ballroom. I’m still playing rock & roll to this day, 33 years later.”
Name: Maurice Jay Ross
Years at ISU: Too many to even discuss
Involvement: Just a student
“I began my journey into higher education in 1984, first as staff, then as a student. My first four years I worked supervising the custodial staff on the lower campus for the academic buildings and those four years I had been exposed to every nook and cranny in every facility on both the lower and upper campus, except the student union building which I walked past numerous times for both work and classes. In 1988 I interviewed for and accepted a position offered to me by Greg Anderson as the Building Superintendent for the student union. My title has changed many times as well as the face of the student union and other facilities attached to it and many faces have moved through and beyond into the greater world. For me it became home, and I, its caretaker.”
Name: Wayne L. Christensen
Years at ISU: 25 years
Involvement: Student; Assistant Director of Operations
“Sock hop dances. Meeting with friends. Study groups on the 3rd floor. Being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and speaking with Dr. Bud Davis at the commissioning. A new one – attending this event with my children.”
Name: David Hyer
Years at ISU: 1969 – 1973
Involvement: College of Ed. ROTC
“In the 80’s – 90’s I was Director of OK KI KU Council Camp fire. We used the facility of this student union often and in varied ways. The Outdoor Department rented us skis and canoes and yurts and ice skates. The Craft Department taught classes on how to make paper masks and pottery. We attended the foreign student dinner and programs. Bowling and movies – all great opportunities for our kids to come to the University and be a part of a great program and resource. Thank you Pond Student Union from our community.”
Name: Bill and Mary Roberts
Years at ISU: 1967 – 1972; 1973 – 1975; 1992 – 1994
Involvement:
“I love bringing my children here. The first time I came to campus I brought my 3-month-old daughter to the SUB registration line.
Now that daughter is 14 and just competed in the Blake Snake debate tournament and was welcomed again in the SUB.
I love to bring my family to movies, bowling, and concerts. My children love it too!”
Name: Darrin Simpson
Years at ISU: BA 1995 – 1997; MPA 2000 – 2002
Involvement: Program Board; ASISU Vice President 1996 – 1997