A New "I"
"I" Facts
Height: 71 feet
Width: 21 feet
Constructed of composite grating on a steel frame with a foundation of concrete and steel bars.
The "I" is a product of collaboration
Surveying: College of Technology’s Civil Engineering Technology students.
Design: Civil and Environmental Engineering students and faculty. A&E Engineering advised and served as the engineer of record.
Construction: Starr Corporation
Project Management: ISU Facilities Services
Updates
October 2019
The new "I" was placed on the foundation.
September 2019
The foundation for the "I" was completed.
August 2019
Initial work on the new "I"s foundation began, including rock anchors.
August 2018
A&E Engineering and Strata Geotechnical Engineering were commissioned to do soil samples and engineering studies on Red Hill. The results will be used to guide future design concepts and construction options. This information will inform Idaho State what it will take to make a permanent re-installation of the "I”. The plan is to restore the "I" in the same location on Red Hill but higher above the erosion cut.
July 2018
President Satterlee sent a memo to ISU faculty and staff to take part in the Red Hill "I" Action Group. Thirty-five members participated in the first action group meeting. Input from the action group will be used to finalize the project, including feedback on the design, fundraising options and communicating updates to constituents.
News
Idaho State University to celebrate the return of the Red Hill “I” on Oct. 10
After more than five years of absence from Idaho State University, the Red Hill “I” icon has returned to campus. The Bengal community will celebrate its return at 4 p.m. on Oct. 10 on the Hutchinson Quadrangle.
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Alum steps up to fund Red Hill “I” as construction continues
Rice and his family are giving back by completely funding the construction of a new “I” on Red Hill.
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Returning the “I” to Red Hill
For almost 100 years, Idaho State University’s iconic Red Hill was home to the beloved “I,” which was placed on the hill by some of the first students on campus in 1916.
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Historical Timeline
Since its addition to campus in 1916, the icon has undergone a number of changes.
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1916
"T": THE ORIGINAL SYMBOL
Originally a "T," the campus symbol was first placed on Red Hill in 1916 in recognition of the institution’s evolution from the Academy of Idaho to the Idaho Technical Institute.
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1926
"T" MODIFIED TO BE A "4"
The "T" became a tool for the students to display their desire for a four-year institution by changing their letter into the number "4."
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1927
"T" BECOMES AN "I"
Finally, when the Tech was made the University of Idaho Southern Branch in 1927, the Students couldn't wait to turn the "T" into an "I."
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1927-2014
THE "I" LIVES A LONG FULL LIFE
The iconic mark keeps a watchful "I" over campus for 87 years. Occasionally requiring upkeep in the form of whitewashing and chicken wire. A number of campus traditions related to the "I" existed.
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1960s
FIRST LOOK AT EROSION PROBLEMS
In the late 1960s, erosion problems on Red Hill were discussed, and the campus explored the feasibility of moving the "I" to a new location.
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2014
ICON REMOVED
The "I" was eventually removed completely in June 2014 due to safety concerns related to ongoing erosion.
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2014 – Present
PLANS AND PROMISES
During this time, Idaho State alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members have rallied to build a new "I" on Red Hill.