Idaho State University holds “March Through the Arch” to welcome new students

School is back in session for Bannock County, starting Monday.

But Idaho State University got things started a little early with its traditional “March through the Arch” Sunday night.

“March through the Arch” happens every fall when new ISU students walk through the arch toward campus. It welcomes them to the campus and symbolizes the start of their college journey.

ISU’s band, cheerleaders and Benny the Bengal all welcomed the students as they came through the arch. Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad was also there to welcome them.

The tradition started back in 2000 and has been done every year since then.

Freshmen who walked through the arch Sunday said it was a pretty cool tradition and an exciting way to start the school year.

“Walking through it was actually super intense and with like the marching band and they were yelling really loud but everybody was super hyped up,” said Mikayla Simonsen. “I’m really excited because I’m a new student at ISU and now it’s official.”

“I thought it was cool. My parents got to come and see me and I got to be part of a cool tradition,” said Cara Malone, an ISU freshman from Jerome, Idaho. “I’m excited to meet all my new professors and start classes.”

The tradition also includes ISU seniors walking back through it at graduation, symbolizing their exit from college and going on to life’s next adventure.