EXHIBITS

Where the Sagebrush Grows: A History of USU Homecoming Traditions: The Block A

The Block A

One of the most recognizable features of the USU campus is the Block A, which currently stands near the steps of Old Main. The Block A was originally constructed by the University’s Beno Club, which had formerly upheld a tradition of kissing at the top of Old Main’s bell tower. After moving to several different locations on campus, including a brief stint in storage, it was placed at its current location and the official tradition of becoming a “True Aggie” by kissing another True Aggie on top of the Block A was born. Today, students can only become True Aggies on full moon nights by kissing someone who is already a True Aggie. Homecoming is one of only two nights (the other is A-Day) when two people can become True Aggies at the same time.

Students clean the Block A as a service project for Homecoming.

(Utah State University Special Collections & Archives, Homecoming photograph collection, P0387, Box 1, Folder 15, Image 69.)

A student sits on the Block A in 1963.

(Utah State University Special Collections & Archives, Homecoming photograph collection, P0387, Box 1, Folder 10, Image 2.)

This page from the 1917 Buzzer commemorates the 1916 installation of the Block A at USU.

(Utah State University Special Collections & Archives, University Archives, Record Group 25.5/7, 1917)

True Aggie night from 2007. As always, there was an impressive crowd of people waiting to become True Aggies.

On April 22, 2016, students celebrated the 100th anniversary of the original construction of the Block A with a special True Aggie Night. Many alumni returned to campus and, in the spirit of Homecoming, once again experienced the True Aggie magic.

These alumni couples returned to campus to relive their True Aggie moments.