Swanson Arch at Foundation Plaza

One place. Many Bengals. A shared legacy.

For generations of Bengals, Swanson Arch has marked important moments at Idaho State — from the excitement of arriving as a new student to the pride of graduation and the moment of stepping through the arch and into life as an alum.

Now, Idaho State is creating a new gathering place around this historic landmark. Swanson Arch at Foundation Plaza will preserve an important part of Idaho State history while creating a beautiful, accessible space for students, alumni, families and friends to gather, celebrate and make memories for generations to come.

The Story of Swanson Arch

Swanson Arch was built in 1902 as the entryway to the first building on the Idaho State campus. While the building no longer stands, the arch remains one of the university's strongest connections to its early days.

For nearly 125 years, generations of Bengals have walked beneath the arch.

For a new student, walking through the arch can mark the start of a new chapter. For a graduating student, it can mark an accomplishment and a new beginning — walking through the arch and out into the world. For alumni, the arch remains a familiar symbol of the people, experiences and traditions that made Idaho State part of their lives.

The arch is part of some of Idaho State's most meaningful traditions, including New Student Convocation and March Through the Arch at graduation. It has welcomed generations of Bengals. Now, it is time to create a place around it that reflects what the arch means to Idaho State.

Why This Project Matters

Foundation Plaza will shape how generations of Bengals experience Idaho State.

Preserve an icon
Swanson Arch is one of Idaho State's most recognizable landmarks. Foundation Plaza will make the arch a centerpiece of campus while preserving its place in the story.
Give traditions room to grow
The plaza will provide a permanent setting for New Student Convocation, March Through the Arch, alumni celebrations, and community events.
Create a place to gather
Welcoming up to 1,200 guests, the space includes gathering areas, an elevated event stage, and inviting landscaping.
Make the space accessible
Completed pathways ensure everyone can experience the historic arch.
Tell the Idaho State story
An updated History Walk will extend toward the nearby road, giving visitors a chance to learn about pivotal moments in Idaho State history.

What's Your Swanson Arch Memory?

Every Bengal has a story. Maybe you walked through the arch as a new student, or celebrated your graduation there. As we create Swanson Arch at Foundation Plaza, we'd love to hear the memories that make this landmark meaningful to you.

Share Your Swanson Arch Memory →

Swanson Arch has been part of Idaho State for nearly 125 years. You may have walked beneath it as a new student, celebrated beneath it as a graduate, or returned to it years later as an alum. By giving to Swanson Arch at Foundation Plaza, you are helping create a permanent place for future Bengals to gather, celebrate and make memories.

Be a part of:

Creating a welcoming, accessible gathering place around Swanson Arch
Giving Idaho State traditions like New Student Convocation and March Through the Arch a lasting home
Preserving and sharing the history connected to this landmark
Gifting future generations of Bengals a place to build memories of their own

Our Goal: Raise $125,000 from alumni by Jan. 1, 2027.

You don't have to make a large gift to be part of this. A $5 gift, $25 gift, or whatever feels meaningful to you can help create a place that will belong to generations of Bengals.

Your gift helps create:

A lasting gathering place around Swanson Arch
An accessible space for students, alumni, families and visitors
A permanent setting for Idaho State traditions and celebrations
An updated History Walk connecting visitors with Idaho State's history
A place where future Bengals can gather and make memories

Give to Swanson Arch at Foundation Plaza

Be Part of the Legacy