At the culmination of its celebration of 25 years of BYU-Idaho during annual Spirit Week festivities this year, the university unveiled Thor the Viking as its mascot and reintroduced the familiar Viking logo from the institution's Ricks College heritage while unifying a new generation of BYU-Idaho students.
For generations of Ricks College alumni, the Viking represented school spirit, teamwork, and a proud athletic tradition. Today, the refreshed symbol of the Viking is intended to strengthen belonging, connect students and alumni, and carry forward aspects of the university's heritage associated with leadership, courage, and unity.
The Viking has a long history as the adopted mascot of Ricks’ College, and images of the Viking and a Viking ship appeared regularly on campus during the college’s early years.
Today, BYU-Idaho reintroduces the Viking in a way that reflects the university's current mission and student experience.
"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.”
Thor may appear at school-spirit events like New Student Orientation, Date Night, or other high-energy student activities, while the emblem of the Viking will appear on some BYUI merchandise.
To commemorate this return, the University Store has launched an official Viking collection featuring shirts, hoodies, hats, pennants, and other spirit items. Explore the collection at byuistore.com.
The return of the Viking does not signal a return to intercollegiate athletics.
Students, alumni and friends of the university can follow Thor on Instagram at @byui_thor.