Campus monuments
Recognizing and remembering the impact of Vandals
Across University of Idaho’s Moscow campus, monuments and memorials tell the story of our community — honoring our past, celebrating our people and inspiring generations of Vandals to come. From student-led projects to historic landmarks, each monument reflects the values, vision and spirit that define our university.
Building Dedications and Date Stones
Discover the stories behind U of I’s historic buildings and landmarks through photos and location details of campus markers.
ASUI Recognition Monument
A new monument, located between the P1FCU Kibbie Dome and the ICCU Arena, stands in tribute to the Associated Students of the University of Idaho (ASUI). For more than a century, ASUI has shaped student life and supported the growth of campus — including its contributions to the Kibbie Dome and other key student resources.
This permanent monument celebrates that enduring legacy. More than 1,500 students, alumni, faculty and fans shared their input on the design, which is being sculpted by artist Gareth Curtiss. During his visit to the Moscow campus, Curtiss connected with students and community members to capture the spirit of Joe Vandal. This larger-than-life bronze statue stands tall at the university’s newest location to learn about ASUI, meet friends or take pictures.
About the artist
Curtiss, a Montana-based sculptor with more than 30 years of experience in public art, was selected from 35 national submissions. His past work includes bronze commissions for universities, municipalities and public spaces across the Northwest.
“Together, we will be making a character already larger than life, much, much larger!” — Gareth Curtiss, sculptor
Timelapse of the artist’s progress
Watch the transformation of the sculpture as Gareth Curtiss worked on the clay maquette, shaping the foundation of what will become a lasting tribute to our university's legacy.
Vandal Healing Garden
Located on MacLean Field between the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and the Physical Education Building, the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial provides a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance. It honors all Vandal students who passed away while enrolled at the university.
Designed through a student-led, community-supported process, the garden blends landscape architecture and empathy — creating spaces for both quiet solitude and shared moments of remembrance. Dedicated on Aug. 21, 2024, the garden stands as a lasting symbol of hope, care, connection and resilience on our campus.
This project was made possible through generous donations and in-kind support. Give to support ongoing care and enhancements.
Spanish American War Memorial
Erected in 1901, this statue is the oldest landmark on the U of I campus. It honors students Paul Draper and Ole Gabriel Hagberg, who died while serving in the Spanish-American War. Believed to be the earliest example of a “hiker” statue — a memorial to the common soldier — it stands as a tribute to sacrifice and service.
Over the decades, the monument endured damage, loss and restoration — including a 1970s protest that broke parts of the statue, and a 1985 restoration by local sculptor Bud Washburn. Today, plaques in Memorial Gym replicate the original inscriptions honoring Draper and Hagberg, preserving their memory for future Vandals.
Memorial Steps
The Memorial Steps near the Administration Building are a quiet reminder of resilience. They were built using stones salvaged from the original Administration Building, which was destroyed by fire in 1906. Though the building was lost, its legacy endures through these steps — a symbol of rebuilding and moving forward together.