Bruce M. Pitman Center
A hub for campus life and services
The Bruce M. Pitman Center is a central destination for both student life and university operations. Located at the eastern edge of University of Idaho’s Moscow campus, the building offers essential services for students, employees and campus visitors.
On the first floor, you’ll find Student Accounts, Admissions, Financial Aid, Campus Visits and the Office of the Registrar — all in one convenient location for students and families.
The basement supports university operations with departments like Asset Accounting, Accounts Payable, Records Management and Professional Development.
The second floor hosts the International and Vandal ballrooms as well as the Borah Theater.
The third floor houses U of I’s student media, including the campus newspaper, magazine and radio station.
Building history
Built in 1924 as the Blue Bucket Inn by Dean of Women Permeal French, the building was originally designed as a gathering space for students. Its distinctive name came from a blue-glass-covered front light that gave the illusion of a blue bucket.
The university acquired the building in 1936 and renamed it the Student Union Building (SUB). Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and expansions to better serve the growing campus community.
In 2015, it was renamed the Bruce M. Pitman Center to honor longtime administrator Bruce Pitman, who served the university for more than 40 years as dean of students and vice provost for academic affairs.
Today, the Pitman Center continues to welcome students, alumni, and guests as a hub for services, study spaces, events and community.
Reserve a space in the Bruce Pitman Center
From conferences and galas to meetings, receptions and performances, the Bruce M. Pitman Center offers a range of reservable spaces suited for groups of all sizes.
The second-floor Conference Center includes the International Ballroom and Vandal Ballroom, both ideal for events with 200 or more attendees. Convenient on-site catering and central campus parking make the Pitman Center a go-to choice for campus and public events.
For details on pricing and available services, reach out to Events and Conference Services at idahoevents@uidaho.edu or check availability and make a reservation request online.
Spaces available for reservations
Borah Lounge
A popular space for students to gather and relax, the Borah Lounge offers a welcoming atmosphere for informal events and social gatherings. It’s located on the second floor and can be reserved on its own or in combination with the adjacent Borah Theater.
Borah Theater
This fixed-seat theater on the second floor accommodates up to 160 guests. It’s ideal for film screenings, presentations, lectures and performances. The theater can be booked independently or along with the Borah Lounge for larger events.
Chief's Lounge
A comfortable second-floor lounge designed for student use, this space also serves as a great option for casual events and small receptions. It can be reserved on its own or paired with the Chief’s Room for added flexibility.
Chief's Room
Perfect for meetings or breakout sessions, the Chief’s Room features a fixed conference table with seating for 12. A whiteboard is included, and a digital presentation system is available upon request.
International Ballroom
Our largest event space in the Pitman Center, the International Ballroom can accommodate between 150 and 850 guests. Its flexible layout options make it suitable for banquets, keynote speakers, job fairs, formal receptions and more.
Tribal Nations Lounge
Located on the first floor, this space honors University of Idaho’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northwest Tribal Governments. The lounge features flags from signatory nations and rotating Native art exhibits. While not available for reservation, it serves as a cultural and educational space for the campus community.
Vandal Ballroom
With a capacity range of 86 to 682 guests, the Vandal Ballroom on the second floor is ideal for mid- to large-scale events. Whether you're planning a gala, conference or celebration, this venue can be configured to meet your needs.
Bruce M. Pitman Center building hours
Academic hours
- Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Fridays: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sundays: Closed
Summer, breaks and non-academic hours
- Weekdays: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Weekends: Closed
This building is closed for all university-recognized holidays.