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. 

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.

View his portfolio

“Together, we will be making a character already larger than life, much, much larger!” — Gareth Curtiss, sculptor

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.

Katy Benoit Memorial Bench

Named in memory of U of I student Katy Benoit, who tragically lost her life to interpersonal violence in 2011, this bench sits southeast of the Administration Building. Dedicated in 2012, it bears the inscription: “Katy Benoit: In memory of Katy’s journey, her care for others, her willingness to speak up and her courage to make a difference.”

The memorial bench — together with the annual Katy Benoit Campus Safety Month — serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to support one another and foster a campus culture of safety and care.

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.