Pond Student Union Building
Idaho State University
Since opening in 1959, this structure has undergone three additions, including one in 1966 when the original size was doubled. Today this 149,004 square foot building houses dining facilities for 800, a ballroom, movie theatre, games area with bowling lanes, art galleries, conference rooms, bookstore, student activities offices, outdoor programs, outdoor equipment rental, craft shop, post office, copy center, computer lab, hair salon, and bakery. In 1985 the building was renamed in honor of Earl R. Pond (1923- ), a 1949 ISU graduate who retired in 1982 as Director of the Student Union and General Manager of the Associated Students.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1959.
Location. 42° 51.652′ N, 112° 25.982′ W. Marker is in Pocatello, Idaho, in Bannock County. It can be reached from the intersection of South 8th Avenue and Red Hill Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is mounted directly on the north side of the subject building, which is at the southeast corner of the Idaho State University Hutchinson
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Regionally, this marker is in Idaho’s Bear River Country. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Red Hill I (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Reed Hall (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hutchinson Quadrangle (about 600 feet away); Leonard Hall Pharmacy Building (about 600 feet away); Charles H. Kegel Liberal Arts Building (about 700 feet away); Idaho State University (about 800 feet away); Utah & Northern Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pocatello.
Also see . . .
1. Mr. ISU Earl Pond leaves lasting legacy (Idaho State University).
Excerpt: We are truly grateful to Earl Pond for his leadership and commitment to Idaho State University and(Submitted on July 13, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)our community, said Arthur C. Vailas, ISU President. He will truly be remembered for his accomplishments and contributions to student life. Pond held a variety of positions at Idaho State University, where he worked for 33 years. He was also active in public service in the community. He held public offices for more than 24 years, including three-and-one-half years as the mayor of Pocatello and served many years on the Pocatello City Council.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 20242. Pond Student Union Building MarkerThe marker is mounted on the left side of the front entrance.A native of Filer, Idaho, Pond began his long affiliation with Idaho State University as a student, enrolling in 1941. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II in Guam and China, he returned to ISU in 1946. He received his bachelors degree in accounting and pre-law in 1949. Highlights of his college career included helping to found one of ISUs best-known fraternities, Phi Sigma Kappa, and playing on the football team on both offense and defense for three years.
Pond was the athletic business manager from 1949 to 1959. He was also graduate manager until 1959 and was general manager of the Associated Students of ISU, was in charge of the bookstore, and was in charge of the Student Union Food Services. He then became manager of the Student Union, a position he held for more than 23 years, and was also general manager of ASISU during that time. His influence on the University is immeasurable and widespread.
Idaho State University bestowed many honors on Pond. They included his induction into the ISU Sports Hall of Fame in 1960 and the William J. Bartz Award in 1979. The latter award is an honor given at ISU Homecoming to those who offer continued support and development of Idaho State University through personal actions, participation in University affairs and financial support. Pond also was a past president of the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors. The Earl R. Pond Student Union Building was named in his honor in 1985.
2. Earl Ray Pond (1923-2008) (Find A Grave).
(Mountain View Cemetery, Pocatello, Bannock County, Idaho, USA) Excerpt: In 1985, the students of Idaho State University gained approval to name their student union the Earl R. Pond Student Union Building. He receive the honorary degree of doctor of laws in 1996 from ISU. Earl's diploma stated, "In recognition of his long period of service and his contributions to Idaho State University as well as to Pocatello and the region; for his ability to develop consensus and to move with calm optimism that things can change for the better; for his example of voluntary public service with dedication, intelligence, tolerance, humor and grace; for his demonstrating that success as a public servant does not necessitate leaving Idaho, or necessitate accumulation of money or political honors, Idaho State University confers upon Earl R. Pond the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws with the rights, privileges and honors there to pertaining."(Submitted on July 13, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
