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REXBURG, Idaho — Thousands of students and faculty gathered outside the BYU-Idaho Center for the unveiling of a new campus monument — the BYUI letters — on Tuesday after the university's weekly devotional.
At 8-feet-tall, 2-feet-deep and 30-feet-wide, the letters will stand for decades of students and graduates.
"This event marks a historic occasion for us as we continue to focus on BYU-Idaho's mission to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities," Brigham Young University-Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III said at the unveiling.
"We hope this location becomes a favorite spot on campus for students and alumni to meet and celebrate special occasions and find joy in this wonderful place," BYU-Idaho First Lady Jennifer Meredith added.
Before inviting students to jump in and take their own photos in front of the new sign, the Merediths climbed inside the "U" for a kiss to commemorate the occasion and establish a new tradition, which was immediately adopted by students.
To prepare the letters for their unveiling in time for Fall 2024 graduates, the Architecture and Construction Management team at BYU-Idaho has been hard at work since April, planning and executing every part of the project.
"The letters have been in discussion for years, but the timing and people were finally right to make it happen," said University Resource Vice President Brett Cook in a news release.
The letters, the concrete base, the weatherproof pavers and even the tarp used to unveil the monument were all custom-manufactured.
"Letters that are this big, they're not sitting on a shelf where you can just go buy them," Andy Johnson, director of architecture and construction management services, said. "Partnering with the right contractors that have the ability and the time to do it can be challenging, but things lined up so we could make it happen."
Construction began in August to excavate and create footings in the location of the letters in the main entrance to campus. The excavation was complicated by lava rock, but the team brought their best expertise and ideas and were able to get it done in a shorter timeframe than most construction projects.
"Everyone did an excellent job working together and coming together, knowing that this is a priority for the President's Executive Group to get done quickly," said Johnson. "It was fun to see everybody jump in and do what needed to be done."
The letters were delivered for installation on Dec. 5.
"The challenge of construction is always getting it done before the weather and winter hits," Johnson said.
Luckily, the day was temperate and free of wind.
"We couldn't have asked for better weather," Cook said.
"We hope the letters stand for many generations of students and successions of graduating classes get to take their pictures taken there," Johnson said. "BYU-Idaho is a place where students graduate and go on to be successful, and that one little picture will help tell that story."
