ISU's Oral History Project
ISU Oral History Project: Preserving Bengal Stories
The Idaho State University Alumni Association proudly concluded the ISU Oral History Project, an initiative designed to capture and preserve the stories of our Bengal alumni. With more than 100,000 living alumni, this project invited Bengals to share their experiences in their own words, celebrating the moments, people, and paths shaped by Idaho State University.
The project resulted in both a print publication and a digital collection of stories, highlighting the lasting impact ISU has had on the lives of its alumni. These stories serve as a meaningful reflection of our shared history and the Bengal spirit that connects generations.
A digital version of the Oral History Project is now available. We invite you to explore the stories, reconnect with fellow alumni experiences, and reflect on what ISU has meant to you
About the Project Partnership
The Oral History Project was produced in partnership with PCI (Publishing Concepts), a family-owned company based in Dallas, Texas, with more than 100 years of experience publishing for educational institutions, military organizations, and alumni communities nationwide. PCI facilitated outreach, story collection, and publication while ensuring participant information was handled securely and confidentially.
Celebrating 125 Years of ISU
As Idaho State University celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2026, these stories take on even greater meaning. They remind us that ISU’s legacy is built not only on milestones and achievements, but on the lived experiences of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters.
To mark this milestone, we invite you to visit our 125th Anniversary Website and Memory Board, where you can read alumni stories and share your own memories of ISU. Whether you are an alumnus, current or former employee, student, or community supporter, your story is part of ISU’s history.
You are welcome to share text, photos, or videos.
Once a Bengal, always a Bengal. Thank you for helping us honor ISU’s past and shape its future.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Idaho State University. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Idaho State University and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.
Yes, in a few different ways:
- Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
- Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school
- Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
- If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Idaho State University. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Idaho State University at the conclusion of the project.
- If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
- If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call the dedicated Idaho State University update line at (866) 558-7904.
- If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
- PCI may also offer you the opportunity to purchase the Oral History Book and ISU merchandise during the call. However, it's crucial to emphasize that your participation is entirely voluntary, and there is no obligation to make any purchases. Rest assured, making a purchase is not required to have your story told in the book being produced. Your decision to make a purchase or not will not impact your story's inclusion in the book, and your story remains an essential part of this meaningful project.
If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 03/15/2024 by contacting PCI’s customer service help desk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
You can call back at any time before 03/15/2024 to share your story.
You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
The Idaho State University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Idaho State University alumni.
The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in September 2023, the books will be distributed in September 2024.
Contact PCI’s customer service help desk at 1-800-982-1590, and they will take care of this for you.