Class of 2019 take last steps as ISU students

It’s a tradition that has been going on for years. Idaho State University graduates marched through the Swanson Arch on the Pocatello campus on Friday.

“Swanson Arch has a lot of meaning for our campus,” said director of Alumni Relations, Ryan Sargent.

The Swanson Arch is the last of what was once Swanson Hall. Swanson Hall was constructed in 1902. It was the first building at the Academy of Idaho, now known as Idaho State University.

“Swanson cleared up during the ’70s,” Sargent said. “(It) played an important role on our campus, housing most of our academic programs.”

Marching through the Arch is an Idaho State University tradition that dates back to the year 2000.

“It feels really cool to be able to be a part of a group that has also come through,” said Kaylea-Beth Ware, a class of 2019 graduate. “Walking off into the real world.”

For these students, making their way through this arch is a “come full circle” type of moment.

“As a freshman, you march through it basically becoming a Bengal and then once you graduate, you march out and you’re heading off into the world to make something of yourself but you’re still part of ISU and the Bengal community,” said Logan Schmidt, another ISU graduate.

Some took that march with friends, some took that march for their family. But no matter how they walked through that arch, the class of 2019 knows that hearing that bell and taking those final steps, means years worth of hard work in their academic career.

“I’m just so proud of us,” said Bailee Waymire, a graduate from the class of 2019. “It’s a proud moment.”

Idaho State University’s commencement ceremony will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Holt Arena in Pocatello.