BYU-Idaho's Spirit Week staff has created a challenge to help students serve each other. It’s
called the Mighty Oaks Acorn Challenge. It encourages us to remember and keep the spirit of
Ricks and BYU-Idaho going strong.
This Mighty Oaks Acorn Challenge is held in honor of John L. Clarke and his wife, LaRae
Clarke, for helping develop the campus in more of an institution of higher learning.
“The seeds we are planting today will grow and become mighty oaks and their branches will
spread all over the earth.”
That quote was made by Jacob Spori, one of the main founders of BYU-Idaho when it was called
the Bannock Stake Academy.
John L. Clarke served as president of Ricks College from 1944 to 1971, the longest term a
president ever served in the history of the campus. He started with several hundred students and
2 buildings and retired with 5,000 students and 18 buildings! He was remembered by many old
students as being an open person, having his office open to students so he could talk with them.
LaRae Clarke was recognized as a powerful teacher and an inspiring person. As the Dean of
Women at Ricks, she was made as an awardee of the Outstanding Administrator of the Year
Award.
The Mighty Oaks Acorn Challenge continues in the amphitheater at the David O. McKay
Library and will hold challenges for students.