Spirit Week Schedule
Ticketed events are indicated with an *
Service Day
Spirit Week Headquarters/Display
Stop by the Amphitheatre between the MC & McKay Library to view the various Spirit Week displays, booths, games, and daily Mighty Oaks Challenge.
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Mighty Oaks Challenge
Complete small acts of service to receive free blue pancakes (while supplies last).
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Deck the Halls
Decorate offices, faculty doors, and housing complexes according to the Spirit Week Theme, A Beacon of Light.
Judging begins Tuesday
Helping Hands Service Night
Students, wards, FHE groups, employees and families can serve the community or campus as part of your home evening. Free T-shirts will be given to the first 500 people to arrive at service check-ins. Sign-up to reserve your service spot and free ticket to the spud bar (baked potato bar) dinner.
Stadium Parking Lot
Begins at 5:30pm
Founders Day
Spirit Week Founder
Today we honor John L. and Margaret LaRae Clarke. Learn more about them at the bottom of the page.
Spirit Week Headquarters/Display
View the various Spirit Week displays, booths, games, and participate in the daily Mighty Oaks Challenge.
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Mighty Oaks Challenge
Participate in the Find the Founders challenge to earn a blue food item (while supplies last).
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Devotional
Attend Devotional during Spirit Week.
BYU-Idaho Center
11:30 am
Founders Day Ice Cream Social
Following Devotional, enjoy free ice cream named after BYUI founders.
BYUI Center Courts
Following Devotional
Baby Contests
Married students and employees with infants (children/grandchildren) can enter their child in the Baby Crawl and Walker races, costume contest, and receive a free digital photo. The costume contest is based on the Spirit Week theme, "A Beacon of Light."
MC Crossroads
5:30 pm
Cutest Baby Photo Contest
Students, employees and alumni, can post a photo of your baby or grandchild and tag byui_spiritweek on Instagram. A winner will be selected from the entries received and will receive $50 towards purchases at the University Store.
Founders Day Night Light Parade And Luminary Processional
Come watch our first ever night light parade and prepare to join and march in the parade. Everyone will receive a glowstick at the start of the parade and then a free lighted luminary at the end of the parade after the last entry passes. You will then join the parade and proceed to the Taylor Quad for the Torch Lighting Ceremony. Come to the parade wearing wear neon colors.
Starts at 7 South & Center Street
7:30 pm
Torch Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate BYU-Idaho as we hold up our lights (luminaries) at the Torch Lighting Ceremony. You can also enjoy free hot dogs and treats!
Luminary Activity & group photo/video
Photo ops with torches, cauldron, floats, and more
Free hot dogs and treats
Taylor Quad
Begins after the Night Light Parade
True Blue Day
Spirit Week Headquarters/Display
View the various Spirit Week displays, booths, games, and participate in the daily Mighty Oaks Challenge.
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Mighty Oaks Challenge
Wear BYUI blue to earn a blue food item (while supplies last).
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Find Blue
Find mini-Spirit Week lawn flags on campus and redeem for prizes. Limit 2 flags per person.
Campus Grass Areas
8 am – 5 pm
Bleed Blue – Red Cross Blood Drive
Donate blood and help us break our one-day donation record. Treats Provided
BYUI Center Court 2
10 am – 4 pm
Battle For Blue - BYUI Box Challenge
Compete for one of 23 BYUI swag & prize boxes for the 23 years of Ricks College becoming BYU-Idaho. Follow Spirit Week Instagram and Student Activities & Involvement Instagram to watch for clues for where boxes are hidden. The first four to arrive will receive a “True Blue” t-shirt and compete to determine the winner of the box.
Around Campus
8 am – 6 pm
Spirit Week Rodeo* (Turn Blue)
Students can sign up to ride steers. Employees and students can sign up for barrel racing and calf roping (must provide own horse), and students and employees with children ages 5-8 and under 70lbs can be signed up to participate in “mutton bustin.” There will also be other contests and giveaways for spectators, along with coupons for use at Food Trucks.
Madison County Fairgrounds
460 West 2nd North
Rexburg, ID 83440
Madison Country Fairground – Indoor Arena
Pre-Rodeo Activities
Come participate in the pre-rodeo activities which include Food Trucks, mechanical bull, metal calf-roping, rock climbing wall, inflatable bouncy horse-riding contests, and more!
5:30 pm
Rodeo Starts
6:30 pm
Ticketed Event
Country Dance
Taylor Quad
9 – 11 pm
Free Dance
Might Oaks Day
Spirit Week Headquarters/Display
View the various Spirit Week displays, booths, games, and participate in the daily Mighty Oaks Challenge.
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Mighty Oaks Challenge
Wear the 2023-2024 BYUI Spirit Shirt (available for purchase at the University Store) to earn a blue food item (while supplies last).
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Rep Your Culture Fashion Show
Come see students exhibiting their clothing from around the world!
Amphitheatre
11:30 am
Mighty Oaks Flags Display
At the founding of the school, Jacob Spori said, “The seeds we are planting today will grow and become mighty oaks, and their branches will run all over the earth.” Come see the literal fulfillment of his words as we display every state and nation that students this semester are from.
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Mighty Oaks – Alumni Career Forums
Students are invited to participate in the Alumni Career Forums being held during the forum hour.
Computer Information Technology/Computer Science & Electrical Engineering
Location: STC 375
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Design & Construction Management
Presenters: Jon Snow & Durk Simpkins
Location: Benson 287
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Interdisciplinary Studies
Presenter: Kevin BrowerLocation: MC 372A
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Languages & International Studies
Presenter: Helaman Souza
Location: Smith 244/250
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Mechanical & Civil Engineering
Location: Austin 204/206
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Power 2 Become (P2B)*
The Power to Become (P2B) Conference encourages students, alumni, and guests to discover their passion, tell their story, and network effectively. P2B is not a traditional professional development conference—it’s an experience with nationally recognized speakers like Chris McChesney and performances from Adassa!
Hart Auditorium
7:00 pm
Ticketed Event
Legacy Day
Spirit Week Headquarters/Display
View the various Spirit Week displays, booths, games, and participate in the daily Mighty Oaks Challenge.
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Mighty Oaks Challenge
Come to the Amphitheatre and write a note(s) of gratitude to faculty, staff, administrators, and students, or the Board of Education. Or send a note of gratitute for BYU-Idaho. Those who write a note will receive a free blue food item (while supplies last).
Amphitheatre
9 am – 3 pm
Gratitude Notes Submission Form
Watch Elder Bednar's Gratitude Video
Spirit Week Ball*
Create memories and have fun at the semi-formal Spirit Week Ball. Don’t miss out on the largest ball of the year. Cost is $10 per couple or $6 per person. Includes refreshments, photo opportunities, amazing décor and more.
MC Crossroads
Semi-formal dance
8:00–11:00 pm
Ticketed Event
Spirit Day
Color Fun Run*
Participate in the Color Fun Run. Cost is $5 for students/employees and $10 for families. Tickets include chalk and a bandana. Choose your level of participation: 1-, 2-, or 3-mile route. Check-ins are at 10:00 a.m. and the race starts at 10:30 a.m. T-shirts are available for purchase at the event.
College Avenue Playfields
10:30 am
Spirit Day Breakfast
Enjoy free blue pancakes with your roommates, classmates, friends, family, or fellow Color Run participants.
BYUI Stadium
11:00 am
Spirit Week Center Stage Concert - Featuring Brett Young
BYU-Idaho Center
7:30 pm
Brett Young has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound, aptly dubbed "Caliville" style, with an undeniable string of seven No. 1's. Jake Scott and Griffen Palmer will be opening for Brett Young.
A Beacon of Light
Students, employees, alumni, and their families are invited to participate in this week of celebration and inspiration as we reflect on how BYU-Idaho is a “Beacon of Light.” In 3 Nephi 18:24 Christ invites us to hold up our light that it may shine unto the world. He then tells us He is the light which we shall hold up. As we strive to live like Christ, each of us can be beacons of light to those around us and to the world.
Whether you are in Rexburg, in North America or across the world, you can still participate in Spirit Week.
A Beacon of Light
Students, employees, alumni, and their families are invited to participate in this week of celebration and inspiration as we reflect on how BYU-Idaho is a “Beacon of Light.” In 3 Nephi 18:24 Christ invites us to hold up our light that it may shine unto the world. He then tells us He is the light which we shall hold up. As we strive to live like Christ, each of us can be beacons of light to those around us and to the world.
Whether you are in Rexburg, in North America or across the world, you can still participate in Spirit Week.
Sign-up links & Information
2023 Spirit Week Founders John And LaRae Clarke
President John L. Clarke
President John L. Clarke's administration began in 1944 and was one of pioneering and growth.
- Enrollment went from a few hundred in 1944 to several thousand students in the 1960s.
- Under the direction of President Clarke, facilities grew from two major buildings (the Spori building and the old gymnasium) to about 18.
- In 1948 and 1949 third- and fourth-year college work was added to the Ricks College curriculum and baccalaureate degrees were offered. But in 1956 the third- and fourth-year programs were discontinued.
- By 1970, enrollment had increased to 5,000 students, making it the largest junior college in the USA at that time.
- In 1971 his 27-year-long administration ended, which was the longest of any president to serve at this institution.
- President Clarke loved the young people. He had an open-door policy where students could come and meet with him if they so desired.
- Not only did Clarke love the students, but all people. He had a spirit of optimism that spread to those who came in contact with him.
- At his funeral, it was noted that his greatest legacy as President was “his unflinching commitment to people – to students, faculty and staff, and the community.
Margaret LaRae Picket King Clarke
After President Clarke’s first wife Fay passed, he married Margaret LaRae Clark.
- LaRae was a tremendous professional educator and administrator.
- She taught college courses in California where she received the “Outstanding Junior College Teacher” award in California.
- LaRae then taught at BYU-Hawaii before coming to Ricks College in 1970 where she worked in the Student Life Office.
- She was honored with the title of Dean of Women, and was also presented with the “Outstanding Administrator of the Year” award.
Alumni Schedule
Join Us For Spirit Week 2023
You and your loved ones are invited to participate in Spirit Week. No matter where you live, you and your loved ones can join in on the celebration and fun that is scheduled to take place during Spirit Week.
For additional information, contests, photos and more, be sure to follow us on our Spirit Week Instagram and Student Activities & Involvement Instagram.
BYUI Alumni Participation Opportunities
Pre-Spirit Week Contests
- Art Contest: Submit photography, graphic design, and other artwork elements based on the Spirit Week theme, “A Beacon of Light.”
- Essay Contest: Alumni can submit an essay on this year’s Spirit Week theme, “A Beacon of Light.”
Daily Participation Opportunities
Monday, October 2 – Service Day
Monday evening BYUI students and employees will be going out into the community to serve others.
Invitations
- Wear your BYU-Idaho gear &, take a photo serving others in your community this day
- (if you don’t have BYUI gear – purchase from University Store or wear blue!).
- Tag @byui_spiritweek on Instagram and we’ll feature you and the service you’re doing!
- One alumni winner will randomly be selected from the photo’s submitted.
Tuesday, October 3 – Founders Day
Each Spirit Week BYUI highlights a founder that has helped move this university forward. This year’s founders are John & LaRae Clarke. Learn more about the Clarke's contributions to BYUI.
Following devotional, students and employees will gather in the BYU-Idaho Center for the Founders Day Ice Cream social where they will enjoy flavors such as:
- Bednar’s Peanut Butter Cup
- Clarke’s Cookies & Cream
- Eliza R. Snow’s Vanilla
- Hinckley’s Huckleberry
- Hyrum’s Fudge Brownie
- Meredith’s Mint Cookie
- Rick’s Rocky Road
- Spori’s Tracks
- Taylor’s Cookie Dough
- Woodruff’s Raspberry Cheesecake
Invitations
- Watch devotional online
- Hold your own ice cream social
Download our graphics to print your own ice cream labels
- Participate in the “Know the Founders” quiz. Alumni who complete it most accurately will be entered to win a prize.
- A Baby Contest will take place on campus, but you can participate by submitting a photo of your baby and tag @byui_spiritweek so we can repost it! A winner will be selected from the entries received.
Wednesday, October 4 – True Blue Day
BYUI will be demonstrating its school pride by wearing blue BYUI gear on campus today and “bleed blue” as they participate in a Red Cross blood drive.
Invitations
- Show your school spirit and wear your blue BYU-Idaho gear (or blue clothing) at work, home, in the outdoors, or wherever you may be.
- Donate blood today in your community
- Post your photo (BYUI Gear and/or bleed blue blood drive) on your Instagram and tag @byui_spiritweek. When you do you will be entered into today’s alumni drawing for a prize!
Thursday, October 5 – Mighty Oaks Day
Today students and alumni will gather to learn about preparing for their careers through Alumni Career Forums and then attending P2B, to become the Mighty Oaks that Jacob Spori, 1st BYUI president described.
Invitations
- Sign up for BYUI Connect to become or find alumni mentors
- Join the BYU-Idaho official LinkedIn group
- Attend Power to Become (P2B)
Friday, October 6 – Legacy Day
Today students and alumni will celebrate the legacy of BYU-Idaho by expressing gratitude for those who have helped make BYU-Idaho a “Beacon of Light.”
Invitations
- View the Gratitude video featuring Elder David A. Bednar.
- Send an online note of gratitude to specific employee(s), the administration or the board of education for sponsoring BYUI.
- Reflect on how you were helped, inspired, strengthened, or prepared for life, discipleship and/or career by the things you were taught, learned, or experienced here at BYUI.
- Submit your story via email to spiritweek@byui.edu, or create a video and tag us @byui_spiritweek on Instagram.
Saturday, October 7 – Spirit Day
Today students, employees, and their families will gather for a color run, blue pancake breakfast, and a Spirit Week Concert featuring Country Music artist Brett Young.
Invitations
- Hold your own color run and/or blue pancake breakfast and take a photo.
- Tag @byui_spiritweek on Instagram.
- Alumni submitting photos will be entered in for a drawing for a prize.
- We will be announcing our winners for each alumni contest on this day.
Spirit Cup Challenge
The Spirit Cup Challenge provides participation incentives and friendly competition for the entire BYU-Idaho community. View this year's spirit cup rubric.
The Spirit Cup is divided into four leagues which are:
- Academic League: Colleges (which include Academic Departments & Societies)
- Department League: Campus Departments & Organizations
- Housing League: Housing Complexes
- Ward League: YSA Wards / Married Student Wards
Spirit Cup Champions
The champions from each league will receive the following:
- Spirit Cup Trophy: The winning organizations’ names will be printed on the trophy with the option to display it until the next Spirit Week.
- Spirit Cup Activity: A pizza party will be provided for the winners!
Participation
Organizations wishing to participate should complete the following steps:
- Review the Rubrics form
- Communicate which events you need to participate or compete in, to the members of your organization.
- Be sure to sign up for Deck The Halls, Night Light Parade, Service Night, and any other events you are participating in that require sign-ups.
- As students check-in, they will be awarded points for their college, housing complex, ward, and department.
- Check the Spirit Week Leaderboard often to see where your team is ranked and rally your team to a Spirit Cup victory.
- A leaderboard will be posted in the Activates & Involvement Center, and at the Amphitheater.
- View the live leaderboard digitally.
- Follow the Spirit Week Instagram and Student Activities & Involvement Instagram for updates on the leaderboard as well.
- Most important – have fun!, just have fun!
Points
Points will be awarded based on participation – see the 4 participation opportunities below.
- Percentage-Based Attendance Points: Service Night, Torch Lighting, and Forum Hour will be calculated on the percentage of your organization attending & checking in at the event.
- Individual Attendance/Participation-Based Points: The Blood Drive, Art & Essay contests, and service (Spirit Week assistance) are calculated on each individual participating or helping.
- Contact spiritweek@byui.edu to volunteer to help with the following service activities:
- Headquarters flag setup/takedown
- Ice Cream Social setup/takedown
- Rodeo setup, parking, etc.
- Torch Lighting BBQ
- Spirit Week Ball setup/takedown
- Contact spiritweek@byui.edu to volunteer to help with the following service activities:
- Event Participation Points: Deck The Halls entries, Parade entries, sponsoring “Find Blue” lawn flags, scooping ice cream, and Parade and Deck The Halls Awards are each calculated differently, check rubric to see how points are awarded.
- Communicate which events you need to participate or compete in, to the members of your organization’s (review rubrics). Be sure to sign up for Deck The Halls, Parade, Service Night, and any other events you are participating in that require sign-ups.
Prizes
Deck The Halls
Departments – 5 Award Options
Each award receives $100 towards food purchase, a Spirit Week Award, and blue cookies.
All participants will receive a consolation prize – blue cookies.
- Brigham Young Award – Best Overall Entry
- Eliza R. Snow Award – Most Entertaining Entry
- Jacob Spori Award – Most Creative Entry
- Thomas E. Ricks Award – Best representation of the Spirit of BYU-Idaho
- People’s Choice Award – Campus can vote on their favorite Deck the Halls entries. The winner of the People’s Choice Award receives an additional $50 if their department has already received an award, or $100, if the entry did not receive an award previously.
Door decorating (Faculty/others) – 3 winners will be selected
- 1st Place - receives $50 towards food purchase, a ribbon, and blue cookies
- 2nd Place - receives $40 towards food purchase, a ribbon, and blue cookies
- 3rd Place – receives $30 towards food purchase, a ribbon, and blue cookies
Founder’s Day Night Light Parade – 5 Award Options
Each award receives $100 towards food purchases, a Spirit Week Award, and blue treats.
- Brigham Young Award – Best Overall Entry
- Eliza R. Snow Award – Most Entertaining Entry
- Jacob Spori Award – Most Creative Entry
- Thomas E. Ricks Award – Best representation of the Spirit of BYU-Idaho
- People’s Choice Award – Campus can vote on their favorite parade entries. The winner of the People’s Choice Award receives an additional $50 if their department has already received a parade entry award, or $100, if the entry did not receive an award previously.
Baby Contest
- Crawling - $50 worth of baby prizes
- Walking - $50 worth of baby prizes
- Dancing - $50 worth of baby prizes
Alumni Contests
Monday, October 2 – Service Day
- Helping Hands Service Photo - $25 to the University Store
Tuesday, October 3 – Founder’s Day
- Founder's Quiz - $25 to the University Store
- Baby Contest - $25 to University Store
Wednesday, October 4 – True Blue Day
- 1 Winner from True Blue Photo or Bleed Blue Blood Drive photo - $25 to the University Store
Thursday, October 5 – Mighty Oaks Day
- No contest
Friday, October 6 – Legacy Day
- No contest
Saturday, October 7 – Spirit Day
- Blue Pancake Photo or Color Run photo - $25 to the University Store