BYUI Unveils An Old Friend As Its New Face

REXBURG, Idaho — A quarter-century after transitioning from a junior college into a four-year university, Brigham Young University-Idaho is honoring its roots with a familiar face.

As part of campus Spirit Week festivities and the official kick-off to BYU-Idaho’s 25th-anniversary celebration, the university unveiled its new official mascot, Thor the Viking.

The introduction came during Friday night’s Spirit Cup lighting ceremony, complete with a drone show and fireworks display that illuminated the Rexburg sky. For many alumni watching, the blue-and-white clad mascot sparked nostalgic memories of the institution's former identity as Ricks College.

Bridging the Past and Present

When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced in 2000 that Ricks College would become BYU-Idaho, the school phased out its intercollegiate athletic programs and the longstanding Ricks College Viking mascot. For 25 years, BYU-Idaho operated without a mascot, focusing heavily on its student-centered recreation and intramural model.

Now, the university is bringing Thor out of the history books to bridge generations of students.

"Our team spent a lot of time talking to students, faculty and alumni to make sure we could introduce a mascot that would unify Ricks College alumni with generations of BYU-Idaho students both now and well into the future," said Amy Renee, Vice President of Student Life. "We look forward to adding to the energy and school spirit by introducing Thor the Viking."

University officials emphasized that Thor’s primary qualities focus on leadership, courage, and unity rather than combat or aggression.

While Thor will serve as an anchor for campus spirit, university officials made a few key distinctions clear regarding his role:

• No Return to Intercollegiate Sports: BYU-Idaho confirmed the mascot’s arrival does not signal a return to NCAA or junior college intercollegiate athletics.
• High-Energy Campus Events: Thor is scheduled to make regular appearances at New Student Orientation, Spirit Week activities, Date Night events, and campus recruitment drives.
• Sacred Settings Reserved: Thor will not participate in formal academic ceremonies like commencement, nor will he appear during weekly campus devotionals or worship services.

Gear Up and Follow Along as the BYU-Idaho University Store has officially launched a new line of Viking apparel, featuring classic-meets-modern hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and pennants.

Students and alumni looking to connect with the mascot online can follow Thor’s campus adventures on his official Instagram page @byui_thor.