BYU-Idaho unveils Thor the Viking as official mascot to honor Ricks College heritage
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Brigham Young University-Idaho has unveiled Thor the Viking as its official mascot and reintroduced the Viking logo from its Ricks College heritage. The announcement took place at the conclusion of annual Spirit Week festivities as the university marks 25 years as BYU-Idaho.
The Viking has a long history as the adopted mascot of Ricks College, where images of the Viking and a Viking ship routinely appeared across campus. University leaders refreshed the emblem to strengthen student belonging, connect alumni and highlight historical values of leadership, courage and unity.
School officials noted that the return of the Viking does not signal a return to intercollegiate athletics. The emblem will instead be featured on university materials and merchandise.
Amy Renee, vice president of student life, described the process of gathering feedback from across the campus community before the mascot was selected.
“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,” Renee said. “We look forward to adding to the energy and school spirit by introducing Thor the Viking.”
Thor is scheduled to appear at campus events such as New Student Orientation, Date Night and other high-energy student activities. To mark the mascot’s debut, the University Store launched an official Viking collection that features shirts, hoodies, hats, pennants and other spirit items online.
Students, alumni and supporters of the university can follow Thor on Instagram at @byui_thor.
Click here to follow the original article.