Independent Student voice of Boise State since 1933
Record enrollment
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Gymnastics looks forward to 2026 season
After securing the Mountain West title last season, the team is fired up and ready for more.
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Boise-based artist creates murals honoring influential Black Idahoans
Mungo Ligoya’s work, ‘The Writing of Idaho’s Black History’, builds on the rich history of the Erma Hayman House.
Vol. 38, Issue 7 Nov. 20, 2025
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Fake ID crackdown
In just one weekend, the Boise Police Department confiscated over 100 fake IDs near campus.
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Jitters on Ninth Street
What started as a college dream for one student quickly became a thriving coffee shop in the heart of downtown.
to address it.
“We will assess whether we think that a violation has occurred according to the preponderance of evidence, and we will impose a finding based on that,” Law said.
As for the confiscated fake IDs, Davis said once they’re in the police’s possession, they are typically destroyed. Davis noted there is often no use in attempting to locate the owner, as the information on the ID is likely fake, so they would only be going by a photo.
“They are purchasing them from overseas, typically from China,” Kolos said. “[Students are essentially] sharing information with China and the dark web.”
Kolos emphasized he often warns students that ordering fake IDs online puts them at risk of getting their personal information stolen by companies.
“There are certainly security concerns about how fake IDs are obtained,” Law added.
Davis compared catching students with fake IDs to playing Whack-a-Mole, as they consistently receive reports from all over the city. He noted that the majority of fake IDs are seized at the start of the school year as out-of-state students bring them to campus from home.
“We try and give everybody the most latitude we can and give them second
chances, but the problem is, a lot of times we see the same [students] week in and week out,” Davis said.
Kolos is adamant about cracking down on underage drinking as he believes that it’s a dangerous activity that leads to several other problems.
“The statistics are very alarming when it comes to all of the externalities that happen from underage drinking,” Kolos said. “It just goes far beyond just buying beer at a convenience store.”
Kolos and BPD plan to continue conversations with local businesses about the implementation of advanced ID scanning technology, hoping it will prevent students from putting themselves at risk.
“We’re going to be continuing to move them around to different locations, and we’re going to continue to take enforcement action, as well as the school will continue to take enforcement,” said Kolos.
GOODBYE DUO, HELLO ENTRA
Valentin Termite | News Reporter
As Jack Wood, student, logged into his university accounts on Nov. 11, an unfamiliar authentication prompt greeted him.
The Duo multi-factor authenticator, a fixture of any Boise State experience, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Microsoft Entra took its place.
“It wouldn’t refresh once I put the code in, and that was kind of pissing me off,” Wood said. “It was not showing up because it wouldn’t reload, but I think it works now.”
Another student, Amelia Nowinski, described the switch to using Entra, the new authentication platform, as “neutral”.
“I feel like it always seems like a hassle,” she said. “Whether it’s the Duo app or the new one.”
Noticing no significant change between the two systems, both students asked a similar question.
Why did Boise State make the transition?
According to Brandon Bowlin, chief information security officer, the change came about due to two main factors: affordability and House Bill 35.
The Office of Information Technology became aware of an increase in Duo subscription costs in late 2024, two years before the contract’s renewal in January 2026, prompting them to consider alternatives.
“We typically sign multi-year contracts when we do licensing agreements with vendors, and as with everything in the technical space, subscriptions tend to increase in price,” Bowlin said. “The same happened with Duo.”
On Jan. 22, 2025, the Idaho legislature introduced House Bill 35, requiring all state agencies to implement multi-factor authentication services when accessing state networks and
resources.
Multi-factor authentication systems such as Duo and Entra create an additional layer of security by prompting users with multiple identity checks. After users input their account passwords, they must also provide a single-use code to verify their login attempt.
“The university was already compliant with the law, but [House Bill 35] did change the scope for how we had implemented multi-factor authentication, [and] it was going to increase it to include all users of the [university] environment,” Bowlin said. “It was going to cost us about six times as much to remain in Duo.”
Following the decision to switch applications, the university formed an internal project team to determine the timing of the transition.
“It was a lot of back and forth with lots of different groups to determine timing, scope and any potential hurdles that we were going to have,” he added.
The team weighed general access to students on campus, such as summer availability versus traditional semester schedules, and avoided dates when the switch might interrupt exam dates.
Anticipating a possible increase in technical difficulties, Bowlin said the team also collaborated with the Help Desk to “augment” response times, including an all-day conference to prepare IT employees.
Theo French, a Help Desk zone support analyst, expects Entra to reduce response times, citing the app’s use of smaller authentication codes.
“It’s probably just going to be the same old, same old,” French said. “I imagine that in two or three weeks, everything’s gonna return to the status quo.”
november 20, 2025
ASBSU SEEKS TO BRIDGE GAPS ON CAMPUS THROUGH TOWN HALL SERIES
Valentin Termite | News Reporter | Photo by Valentin Termite
On Nov. 6, ASBSU representatives met with students in the Bronco Lounge to inaugurate a series of town halls aimed at improving connections and communication with the student body.
Thirteen people attended, with around four students and nine ASBSU members filling tables across the room.
Throughout the meeting, the two parties discussed student concerns such as club funding and current ASBSU initiatives in the works, including finals week relief packages.
“I can get a general idea from [ASBSU] people beneath me about what students want, but unless I talk to them directly, I have no idea,” said Ethan Mariner, student body vice president. “I want to make sure that what we’re working on is aligned with what [the student body] wants to see.”
According to Mariner, ASBSU hosted four or five town halls last year with a similar objective to gather student perspectives.
“We did [a survey] within ASBSU and it worked really well,” Mariner said. “We saw three major trends, which were safety, campus improvements and scholarships slash career development.”
“We’re going to identify trends from the community overall, send it out to [ASBSU] legislators and let the legislative branch do their job,” Mariner continued. “On the executive side, we’re advocating… who do we need to speak with to create the change that students want.”
The first town hall kicked off with a member of the BAJA racing club questioning ASBSU members about the possibility of receiving club funds in light of paused direct grants for the academic year.
After a brief discussion, Mariner concluded ASBSU could not guarantee club
funds for the near future.
“Trust me, we hear you,” he said. “I want your club to succeed, so I would look to external areas, and we’re happy to collaborate and talk with you guys more on the strategy.”
Other students voiced concerns about scholarship accessibility, and ASBSU members contributed by sharing future legislative ideas such as non-financial club support, though no specific examples were given.
The meeting lasted about 40 minutes, but the low turnout gave little indication of whether students would participate in future town halls.
“I’m hoping for more turnout in the future,” Kelsey Smith, first-year representative, said. “We try our best to connect with the student body, but it’s hard when there’s 28,000 [students] and only a decent amount of us… so I think the townhalls are a great way to do that.”
For Therresa Hernandez, underserved population representative, the event still offered an opportunity to hear student perspectives.
“I think the input that we did get is valuable, and I think the funding board is a very valuable concern,” Hernandez said. “[It] is important and I think [it] should be prioritized, even though I’m not part of the funding board, I see how hard they’re working on it… so I’m looking forward to seeing their solution.”
Mariner echoed Hernandez’s sentiment, emphasizing hosting town halls ensures transparency in student politics.
“If students come to these town halls with questions, I’m here to answer,” he said. “And if I can’t, I will defer to you or put you in contact with someone that can more properly answer that question.”
Even so, town halls hinge on active student participation. When asked about the low attendance, Mariner focused on building future momentum.
“[It] doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s a start,” Mariner said. “[We are now asking ourselves,] What can we do in a week? What can we do better? … so attendance wise, super stoked about [making overall improvements to the event].”
One week later, on Nov. 13, ASBSU hosted its second town hall in the Interactive Learning Center. This time around, no non-ASBSU students attended.
Mariner presented possible explanations for the lack of student engagement, such as choosing locations with low student foot traffic and a lack of promotion, but remains certain of their ability to adapt.
“I think this initiative has a lot of potential, and I want it to be utilized effectively,” he noted.
Mariner said a new digital survey,
accessible through QR codes distributed during tabling, will ask students to provide feedback about their university experience without the need for an in-person conversation.
“In-person ones are great, but sometimes students are busy and can’t make it,” said Hunter Sparrow, general assembly leader. “I think disseminating information out to the general assembly, out to senators and all of executive tabling, will hopefully make it more accessible for people who can’t come to a physical location.”
“I think the first one really showed us there’s a lot of things students want to talk about,” Sparrow continued. “It’s just [about] convenience.”
Students can find out more about town halls, including future dates and locations, on ASBSU’s social media accounts.
OPINION
DEL TORO’S ‘FRANKENSTEIN’: A TOUCHING GOTHIC REVIVAL OF A HORROR CLASSIC
In the wake of Robert Eggers’ extremely successful “Nosferatu” adaptation gaining popularity at the beginning of the year, fans of the horror genre have acquired a taste for successful revisitations of classics. This fall, acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro, the visionary behind “Crimson Peak”, “Hellboy” and “Pinocchio”, tackled another staple in the horror genre — Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”.
This is not the first time that Frankenstein has been retold, with many filmgoers tired of remakes and desiring new and original stories; it’s understandable why some may be hesitant to see it in theaters or even watch it in the comfort of their own homes on Netflix.
Despite walking an already worn path, del Toro’s “Frankenstein” strikes closer to the heart of Shelley’s original tale than any other filmmaker has. While prior adaptations of “Frankenstein” have seemingly made it a goal to shock viewers with the terror of a lumbering, deformed and unintelligent creature, this film departs from the older precedents and turns to the spirit of the source material directly.
Del Toro has spoken at length regarding how near and dear the story of Frankenstein was to him throughout his life, both as a human being and in his journey as a filmmaker. Because of this, it’s no surprise that his adaptation comes with a clear sense of a deep understanding of the original text, its characters and themes.
Del Toro methodically lays Shelley’s original story open for a modern audience with a narrative that is successful enough not to be overshadowed by the impressive visuals or star-studded cast, including Mia Goth and Jacob Elordi. There are several notable departures
20, 2025
from the original plot. While Elizabeth was previously Victor’s fiancée (and cousin) in the novel, she is instead his brother William’s fiancée in the film.
This choice adds a layer of inaccessibility to the love and life that Victor pines for, while also adding additional depth to the character of Elizabeth, exploring her wants and desires. Furthermore, the director’s choice to cast Goth in the dual roles of Elizabeth and Victor’s mother adds another level of symbolism to her interactions with [Victor] Frankenstein and The Creature.
In another large narrative change, William has been aged up to be closer to Victor’s age, as opposed to the novel, where he is a toddler. This older version of William combines two significant figures in Victor’s life, his best friend and his little brother, into one. This not only cuts out the need for introducing another character, but also underscores the importance of Victor’s relationship with his only brother. While such large revisions to the story could initially appear as a turn-off to viewers, in this case, the changes are made with clear forethought to how they will enhance and complement the narrative rather than confusing it.
Each change is deliberate, thought out and measured against the story that the novel tells. It’s rare to see an adaptation so conscientious of source material that departures from the plot do not seem like a misunderstanding of the author’s initial intentions.
The only thing working against the film’s success is pacing. A majority of the runtime focuses on the story of creation, while the second half of the film plays catch-up, squeezing a substantial amount of action into a less-than-ideal period of time. Because of this, viewers miss
out on much of the emotional buildup to the climax of the plot that the novel spends careful time crafting. A sevenhour-long “Frankenstein” isn’t feasible at the box office, but the story just isn’t the same without the care put into the second act.
Despite its pacing, “Fran kenstein” is nothing short of a beautiful, tender and electric masterpiece. Pack aged in del Toro’s signature meticulous style, he repeatedly underscores the care with which he has adapted it. While many creative liberties were taken and a few major departures from the novel’s plot, each thought -
ful change deliberately enhances the narrative.
Faithful to the heart of the story, its commentaries on scientific advancements, and what it means to be human, make del Toro’s “Frankenstein” an instant modern gothic classic.
Mia Strand | Illustrator | Photo courtesy of Netflix, Illustrations by Mia Stand
HOW MEN DISRUPT THE THRIFT ECOSYSTEM
Zaccary Kimes | Opinion Editor | Photos by Omar Saucedo
While taking out a sizable loan for new clothes is fun, thrifting offers a cheaper route to look snazzy — if you’re not shopping in the men’s section.
A scarce amount of men’s clothing lines the rows at local thrift stores, limiting options for those who shop out there out of necessity. This is evident inside the Idaho Youth Ranch off Broadway, where less than half of the racks are dedicated to men’s clothing, while the women’s section swallows up the front-facing racks and an entire back wall.
When asked about the discrepancy between sections, an employee noted that men are not donating as often as women do, and when they do choose to donate, the clothing often arrives tattered, stained or torn.
While this explains the measly two rows of boring blue denim and button-up shirts you can find at almost every local thrift, it’s discouraging when all that’s available are sizes made exclusively for Paul Bunyan.
Trevin Henderson, president of the university’s Fashion Society, attributed the limited options to the fact that men’s clothing is manufactured to value practicality over style.
“Guys have one pair of jeans for everything, so they don’t really have many clothes to give away,” Henderson said. “Clothes that they do wear don’t make it to that part of the clothing cycle where they can be given away.”
After pummeling a pair of Reeboks within the first three months of ownership, I found myself buying a new pair without even a second thought of donating the old ones. This focus on practicality leaves men with significantly fewer fashion options than women or children.
“Guys wear stuff until it’s absolutely obliterated, whether it’s socks, sweaters, everything,” added sophomore Ethan Webb.. “We wear something until we
basically get our money’s worth out of it and it’s not donatable anymore.”
Webb considers himself an avid thrifter, viewing the act as an important way to recycle clothes and prevent unnecessary waste.
“Whenever my closet gets pretty full, that’s when I’ll go through it,” Webb said. “Then I’ll go to the [donation] drive-through, to donate my stuff back into the cycle.”
His donating habits are inspiring, as it’s tricky to discern the difference between donatable items and trash. Men tend to lack the sense of quality awareness required to not obliterate clothing items and donation is simply not at the forefront of every young man’s mind.
“It’s something that I’ve thought about more,” sophomore Isaiah Ford said on the topic. “I had a conversation with someone who was like, ‘we really don’t have to wear down all our clothes to the point where they’re just completely broken’, and that never really occurred to me.”
Stores like Uptown Cheapstake and Runway Fashion Exchange combat this quality awareness gap by offering everyone’s favorite incentive — cash.
To a degree, this incentive works. Consignment establishments tend to have a higher quality of clothing than donation stores at the cost of a smaller selection and higher prices.
“People know the value of clothes now more than ever. They’re gonna sell it, not just gonna give it away,” Henderson said. “It’s harder to find flattering clothes at thrift stores for men and women because of that.”
A valuable piece causes individuals to retain it as if they’re sitting atop a treasure hoard. In the case of men, once the clothes no longer hold the esteemed market value, they get worn down and thrown out rather than donated.
Second hand shopping is not only a fashion statement. For some, it’s a necessity. It opens doors for others to change
their style, prep for an interview or outfit their loved ones, all on a budget.
For thrift shops to sustain that experience for everyone, men must understand that hoarding valuable clothes or immediately trashing old ones takes it out of the thrift ecosystem and away from those in need.
Conscious donations give a pummeled, but still wearable, pair of Reeboks a second-chance to become someone else’s perfect piece.
“Always continue the life cycle with clothes as much as you can,” Henderson added. “Sell it. Donate it. Just don’t throw away clothes.”
Heidi Kraay’s writing is vulnerable and real. As a playwright, author, poet and theater professor, their work explores themes of self-acceptance and empathy, as well as fractured selves and experiences like grief, fear and change.
After releasing the second edition of her book, “12 Lifetimes: A Century Cycle”, Heidi welcomed the outside world to connect with her deeply personal work through a reading and musical performance she called “Cycles of Words and Music”.
Ethereal acoustic song floated through the Hemingway Center on Friday, Nov. 7 as a small crowd gathered for an evening of poetry and song. Guests sat in a circle, facing one another, as music immersed them
As Kraay read excerpts from their book, their longtime collaborator, Nick Jaina, accompanied her on guitar
Kraay read passages reflecting on challenges she has faced throughout her life, such as dealing with the loss of loved ones and life during the pandemic. The stories mirror a journal entry, following
“A theme that arises a lot for me [in my work] is hidden monsters,”
Kraay said. “It’s this part of us that we want to deny, that we want to push down. The thing that we probably need to
do, or that I’ve learned that I need to do, is welcome that part in, to not only heal myself but to accept myself as a whole being.”
Through her plays and creative writing, Kraay uses layered, complex characters and storylines as metaphors for the human experience, often drawing inspiration from her own psyche.
“My hope is to help [others] see the parts in ourselves that we don’t love, and actually [start to] love them so we can connect more with each other,” they said.
Kraay grew up as a “military brat”, frequently moving to different cities with her family.
According to Kraay, the constant movement in their childhood served as “good training grounds” for becoming a writer.
She said she often found herself thrust into “observer mode”, sitting on the outskirts of social groups. Always being the “new person” taught her observational skills, which she said are “really useful for playwriting”.
“I [explore] themes of running away and leaving and traveling, and also a lot of different places where I grew up or spent a lot of time,” they said. “Place has become a really big important factor in my work.”
Kraay and her sister both felt drawn to the arts, but while her sister went into acting, Kraay was drawn to a different form — writing for the stage.
She immersed herself in playwriting through her education, graduating from Boise State with a degree in Theater Arts before attending graduate school in San Francisco.
Kraay said she wasn’t immediately gifted at the playwriting form, but was
Julianna Kelsey | Culture Editor | Photos by Omar Saucedo, Graphics by Amber Jansson
CULTURE
IDAHO ART GALLERY OPENS NEW LOCATION ON IDAHO STREET
Conversations, color and creativity filled Idaho Street as Idaho Art Gallery celebrated the grand opening of its newest location in Downtown Boise. The event gathered hundreds of visitors in celebration of the city’s art scene expansion.
“We have owned [the Meridian location] for three and a half years and decided to expand into the Boise market,” Nelli Garibyan, alumna and co-owner and curator of Idaho Art Gallery said. “We had some success and had been very happy with the Meridian community, and then a spot came available in the Boise area, on the corner of Idaho and Capital, and we decided to expand and open a second location of Idaho Art Gallery.”
The gallery partners with local and national artists, offering them a space to display and sell their work.
“Art captures the spirit of a community and preserves its stories,” she said. “By supporting artists and galleries, we can help ensure the future generations can experience the beauty, the diversity and the creativity of our time.”
Several featured artists attended the new location’s grand opening, speaking with guests about their work.
Oil painter Betsie Richardson was one of the local artists showcasing their work. The former software technician discovered her passion for art in 2012.
“It’s been about 13 years now,” Richardson said. “I gave art a go, and really just caught the bug. I couldn’t stop, and now I’m here today.”
Richardson’s vibrant paintings of cakes, pastries and other still-life canvases of viewers’ “happiest memories” brought the gallery walls to life.
“I do enjoy painting food, and I love that food is so community-oriented and tells a [story] on its own,” Richardson said. “These are all slices of cake from Crave Kitchen and Bar outside of Boise. They bring me different delicious [desserts] to photograph, and then I paint them. You can actually eat these cakes I paint.”
Each of Richardson’s brushstrokes highlight what she describes as “life’s sweetest moments in the fast-paced world around us”.
“I hope my art conjures delightful memories, and maybe they’ll call their mom and say, ‘Can you make me that birthday cake you used to make me as a kid?’,” Richardson said. “I’m drawn to bringing color and delight, and reminding people that there are happy things that are in our lives. I hope it brings people a little closer.”
Guests also admired the industrial work of alumna and sculptor Gia Strang. Working with reclaimed steel, Strang sources her materials from salvage yards to create her intricate designs.
After a career in the Air Force, the mother of three discovered her love for sculpting in 2018.
Her work explores the concept of regrowth through sculpture.
“It was thrown away before I rescued it, and now it’s living another life very different from its original purpose,” Strang said. “It’s a metaphor for us as humans. Wherever we were at in one point in our lives does not dictate what we become, or where we go.”
Pocatello-based artist Danene Taysom, brought transformation to canvas at the grand opening. The Brigham Young University graduate began her career in interior design before turning to fine art.
“I fell in love with color and harmony,” Taysom said. “Painting just became the next language for me.”
Taysom’s paintings took on new meaning in 2020 after being diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer — an experience that morphed her perspective on life and art.
“I remember lying in the hospital and feeling an overwhelming sense of love — not just for me, but for everyone,” she said. “From then on, my painting
changed. I wanted people to feel that same hope and strength when they saw my work.”
Boise local Jonathan Foster said the gallery’s range of talent captured the “essence of Idaho’s art scene”.
“It’s inspiring to see this much creativity in one place,” Foster said. “Every piece tells a story. You can feel how much of themselves these artists put into their work.”
Samantha Caccamo | Culture Reporter | Photos courtesy of Idaho Art Gallery
FROM BARISTA TO BUSINESSWOMAN
Samantha Caccamo | Culture Reporter | Photos by Omar Saucedo
On a sunny day in May 2023, then 21-year-old Lexi Jayne Gabbert celebrated the grand opening of her business, Jitters by Jayne.
Hundreds of local residents buzzed to the newest addition to Ninth Street. Greeting each customer with a smile, Gabbert felt she had accomplished her biggest dream yet. Little did she know it was just the beginning.
Gabbert started working in the coffee industry at sixteen in Walla Walla, Wash. After high school, she moved to Idaho to study Elementary Education at Boise State. While at university, she began to work at the Starbucks located in the Student Union Building.
Each pump of syrup, drop of espresso and sprinkle of cinnamon became the highlight of Gabbert’s day as a student. She loved connecting with her community through each cup.
Though she planned on becoming a teacher, an idea still lingered in the back of her mind — what if she opened her own coffee shop?
“It seemed so unreasonable at first, but I knew it was what I was meant to do,” Gabbert said. “I eventually came to the conclusion that it wasn’t if anymore, but
when, and I took the leap of faith and unenrolled [from the university].”
The young entrepreneur’s motivation outweighed her stress as she worked multiple jobs and saved every penny toward her goal.
“It was insane trying to gather all of the ingredients and supplies I needed,” Gabbert said. “My sister worked for this amazing coffee roaster company in Oregon [called] Holderness Coffee Roasters. I trusted their brand and really started building my shop and taste around them.”
It was a never-ending search for the perfect storefront. The process of “adult logistics” began for the young businesswoman.
“It was so hard to navigate licensing, landlords and just being taken seriously at my age,” Gabbert said. “I started looking at Facebook groups and this location just fell into my lap. I mean, it was perfect. I couldn’t have been more lucky.”
Gabbert quickly fell in love with the hustle and bustle of Ninth Street. Located in the heart of Downtown, she encountered one of the most important questions of her career: what would be
the perfect name?
The 23-year-old brainstormed memorable name ideas to attract Boiseans on their daily coffee runs.
Back to the drawing board, Gabbert brainstormed names. She knew it had to be short, but memorable for Boiseans on their coffee run.
“My mom thought of jitters, because you know, caffeine,” Gabbert laughed. “My middle [name] is Jayne, and Jitters by Jayne sounds a lot better than Jitters by Lexi. We added that double ‘J’, and the business was born.”
Gabbert and her team stocked the shelves with all of the equipment, ingredients and decor within a day, adorning the front window with her personal logo.
Gabbert faced skepticism from the public as a young small business owner.
“Some people think this business was handed to me or that my parents bought it for me,” Gabbert said. “It kinda hurts to hear that, but I know the truth. I know the work and passion I have, and I can’t fight every negative comment.”
However, Gabbert also found resounding support from those who stop by her shop.
“Everyone here is so nice,” she said.
“We get tons of support from the community, and I try to make it as cozy as I can in here. The best compliment I’ve ever received was when a customer told me they feel safe in here, and our staff feels like best friends — it makes me emotional even repeating it.”
Gabbert strives to create a comfortable environment within her business, prioritizing the needs of her employees.
“Lexi is the best boss I’ve ever had, and working here completely changed my life for the better,” Maddie Lawrence, barista, said. “Every day is amazing, all of my coworkers are my besties. I remember just crying happy tears when I realized this is where I’m supposed to be.”
From finding the perfect location to choosing a name, Jitters by Jayne is a labor of love for Gabbert. Beyond the history, the shop’s sense of familiarity is what keeps people coming back.
“I come here all the time, and I feel so at ease when I walk in. The decor, the lighting, it’s just a wonderful place,” Carley Grayber, a regular customer, said. “It’s completely obvious the owner is passionate about her business, and I can definitely see her going far. She deserves everything she’s worked for.”
CULTURE
‘THE WRITING OF IDAHO’S BLACK HISTORY’ MURALS ON DISPLAY IN DOWNTOWN BOISE
Julianna Kelsey | Culture Editor | Photo by Carter Nash
When the Department of Arts and History sent out a call for artists to create murals to “build on the history of the Erma Hayman House and the River Street Neighborhood”, Mungo Ligoya knew immediately he wanted to step up to the task.
The Boise-based artist wanted to honor Black individuals who have made great contributions to the culture and community of Idaho. He created two murals titled “The Writing of Idaho’s Black History”, now on display at the Boise Public Library and Erma Hayman House.
The murals depict influential figures such as Elvina Moulton, one of the first Black residents in Idaho and Erma Hayman, a longtime Boise resident who advocated for her neighborhood, one of the only places Black people could live in the city due to racial discrimination. The work also portrays individuals who have worked or lived in Idaho more recently, including Dayo Ayodele, executive and producing artistic director of Global Lounge and Jerome Mapp, the first Black Boise city council member.
Ligoya created each portrait digitally in a style he felt best encapsulated the individuals and their work. He then brought each portrait together into two expansive murals that now stand tall above the community.
“As I create, I’m always thinking about the impact that it would have,” he said. “That’s something I keep close to my heart, and I try and make that be something that reminds people of their greatness.”
Ligoya, born and raised in Malawi, was immersed in art and music throughout his childhood. His older sister, who would later become a music lecturer, introduced him to songs and music that moved him at a young age. His father
collected art, specifically art by Malawi artists. His mother shared her love for fashion and color with Ligoya, which prompted Ligoya to create fashion sketches.
“All those different art influences really made me appreciate art,” he said.
After moving to Idaho to study Art and Design at the College of Idaho, he became active in the local art and music scenes, met his partner and stayed in the Treasure Valley after graduation. Ligoya spent some time assistant teaching at Riverstone International School, still exploring art and the possibility of creating public art.
“The connecting factor with all of my art is the messaging more than it is the presentation of it,” Ligoya said, explaining how his art varies in style and medium. “I always try to incorporate something that is going to be impactful to the communities that it lives in, especially when it’s public art.”
Ligoya used varying color schemes in each portrait, portraying individuals from past generations in black-andwhite, while those still active today are shown in vivid color. The phrase “Idaho’s Black history is still being written”, stretches across the top of the mural at Erma Hayman House.
“I wanted to do a piece that reflects on Idaho’s black history, because Erma Hayman house is all about that,” he said. “It’s about this community they were able to create, despite all of the things that were happening against them at the time. That resilient nature of the Erma Hayman house was a way for me to think about the resilient nature of Black folk in Idaho right now.”
Inspired by many of the Black individuals he had met and worked with in Boise, Ligoya wanted to honor the work they had done to create spaces and opportunities for future generations of
Black Idahoans.
“I wanted to write a love letter to them, in a way, because they’ve been doing all of this work for so long,” he said.
Through both his music and art, Ligoya focuses on the idea that every individual has a purpose and the potential to make meaningful change.
“I try to have all my art speak to the fact that out of all the things that were possible, you’re here today, you live in Idaho, and you’re able to have this impact,” he said. “This mural also does that in that way.”
Ligoya said he hopes the people depicted in the murals will feel recognized and seen, energizing them to continue their work.
In the mural at the library, Ligoya added a frame with a question mark inside it. He said it is meant to encourage younger generations to continue the work of those who came before.
“That’s meant to serve as a call to people to think about how they can be of service, and to find a way to pour back into their community and all these demographics differently,” he said.
Ligoya’s murals will be on display until spring 2026 as part of a rotating six-month cycle showcasing the work of different artists.
“As with all public art, we hope the rotating murals can help visually define the character of our city, creating spaces that reflect community values, spark conversation and inspire creativity,” Hamby said.
Following “The Writing of Idaho’s Black History”, alumna Hallie Maxwell will have her work displayed for the next cycle.
Those interested in exploring more of Ligoya’s work can find his art on his Instagram page, @mungodoesart.
NORMA JEAN WEIMER: THE HEART BEHIND THE MARKET
Samantha Caccamo | Culture Reporter | Illustration by Mia Strand
The Market in the Student Union Building (SUB) has had the same smiling face at the register since 1984.
Whether visitors are grabbing a quick snack, touring campus or planning dinner, all are treated with hospitality by Norma Jean Weimer.
Before coming to Boise State, Weimer was raised under the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada. While some may think a childhood in Sin City would be overwhelming, Weimer saw it as totally ordinary.
“It was like any normal town,” Weimer recalled. “We all knew about the Strip — gambling, Elvis Presley, lots of concerts – but at the end of the day, we were just kids.”
Life in Las Vegas wasn’t all flashing lights. Growing up in the 1960s meant witnessing social change firsthand.
“I remember junior high, where we were segregated,” Weimer said. “I didn’t understand why we couldn’t drink out of the same fountain, or why we couldn’t go to the same bathroom, or why we couldn’t eat in the same cafeteria side by side. As kids, we never understood why.”
Weimer’s school desegregated in 1970, allowing all students to integrate fully.
“Life became so much happier,” Weimer said. “We all integrated beautifully, since we were friends anyway. Nobody could ever take that away from us back then, no matter what.”
Weimer graduated from Western High School and started college at Idaho State University (ISU) in Pocatello, Idaho. From the bustling streets of Vegas to the breezy countryside of Pocatello, the leap left Weimer culture shocked.
“In Vegas, you could buy a pair of shoes in the middle of the night,” Weimer reflected. “In Pocatello, everything closed early.”
At ISU, Weimer studied Home Economics and found comfort in the slower pace of Idaho life. The beauty of the Gem State drew her into outdoor sports,
primarily skiing. She met her future husband while hitting the slopes of her local ski resort. The 19-year-old duo married on the snowy evening of Dec. 13, 1975.
“We didn’t spend ten thousand dollars or go anywhere fancy,” Weimer said. “We stayed at the Roadway Inn on Chinden and honeymooned in Jackson Hole. It was perfect.”
The newlyweds made Boise their forever home — a decision that shaped the next 40 years of her life.
Weimer welcomed her first child, Siobhan, in 1978 and her second, Derek, in 1980. When her children were young, she was happy as a stay-at-home mother.
“I was lucky enough to stay home until they started first grade,” she said. “After that, I went back to work.”
In 1984, she accepted a full-time cashier position at The Market in the SUB. Boise State offered Weimer the flexibility she needed as a young mom.
“We didn’t make much money, but things didn’t cost a lot either,” she said. “Life was easy — we just worked hard and took care of our kids. BSU really supported me as a new mom.”
Weimer reflected on the growth of Boise State over the decades and said she views the ever-changing campus as her second home. After decades on campus,
“I’ve watched so many students grow up here,” she said. “Sometimes they come back with kids of their own, and they still remember my name. That’s what makes it all worth it.”
Weimer has witnessed countless changes at the university. Behind her smiling face at the counter, however, she carried a quiet strength that arose from tragedy.
In 2015, Weimer faced the hardest chapter of her life: the end of her marriage. That heartbreak evolved into something new as she rediscovered independence and self-love through friendship.
“It was hard after 38 years of marriage. You think you know what your life is going to be, and then it’s not,” Weimer said. “I learned I can do things on my own. My coworkers are the ones who got me through it. They’re my family.”
It’s clear that Weimer is more than just another cashier on campus. Her laughs, hellos and warmth keep students coming back everyday.
Kortny Serrano, a regular of The Market, said she adores Weimer’s gentle kindness.
“Norma is just wonderful,” Serrano said. “She brightens my day every time I come in here. She’s really just a beautiful soul. I feel like I could come to her about anything.”
Mayuko Luff, Weimer’s coworker, said she is grate ful to have Weimer in her life.
“I was so nervous coming here from Japan, and Norma was so accepting and respectful of my culture,” Luff said. “She made me feel so happy. She’s like my second mom.”
What began as a sudden move became a lifelong part of her story. Weimer
expressed her passion for the “beautiful” campus, emphasizing her goal to uplift each customer’s experience.
She continues to spread love on campus and to herself through life’s ups and downs.
“Boise State’s been my life,” Weimer said. “I’ve seen it change, I’ve seen myself change — but it’s still home.”
SPORTS
‘GRITTY UP’: GYMNASTICS ENTERS 2026 WITH RENEWED PASSION
Jake Zamora | Sports Editor | Photo by Boise State Athletics
The 2024-25 season saw Boise State gymnastics secure a regular-season Mountain West title, going 5-1 in conference meets. They were also the only team in the conference to go undefeated at home, compiling a 4-0 record at ExtraMile Arena.
However, head coach Tina Bird said the team doesn’t want to just barely win championships. They want to blow other teams out of the water.
As the team continues offseason preparation before their Jan. 9 season opener at Southern Utah, Bird describes this year’s team’s theme as “gritty up”.
“So far, we’re doing more work than we’ve probably done in the past five years,” Bird said. “They’re in the gym every day grinding. We’re doing more conditioning, more attention to detail, more leadership things … Their confidence is growing. I can see it.”
This year’s team boasts talent and prowess across all four events. Bird noted through this point of the offseason, she’s seen the most consistency out of her athletes on bars. While floor and beam have shown signs of promise as well, Bird added the team lacks depth at vault.
“If the flu were to hit the team this year, I’d be worried for vault,” Bird said, jokingly. “We just don’t have that many kids that are training it, we’ve recruited heavily in the vault for the future.”
Despite the room for improvement on vault, there’s no question that the Broncos have athletes who will give opponents a run for their money.
When asked which gymnasts will have the biggest impacts on the team this year, Bird had no hesitation mentioning sophomore Kristina Shchennikova first.
After just one full season at Boise
State, Shchennikova has established herself as one of the top gymnasts in the Mountain West. Her performance last year garnered her a plethora of accolades, including Mountain West Co-Freshman of the Year, All-Mountain West Bars Second Team, and eight Mountain West Specialist of the Week awards.
Appearing in all 13 meets for Boise State last year, Shchennikova scored a 9.775 on bars in her collegiate debut. In her beam debut, she scored a 9.900 and won the title at the tri-meet at Air Force on Feb. 9, marking the highest Bronco freshmen debut score since 1987.
Shchennikova spoke on the team’s mindset and noted how a shared sense of passion will distinguish the team from its competition this upcoming season.
“Everyone’s just fired up and ready to do more,” Shchennikova said. “I think that fire in us is really going to set us apart. We have what it takes to win and we’re getting to know that more as preseason goes on.”
Another impact gymnast Bird mentioned will be junior Julia Krzywanski. After injury-plagued freshman and sophomore seasons, the Sarasota, Florida native, now healthy, is having what Bird calls the best pre-season she’s had yet.
“She is a powerhouse,” Bird said. “She has a huge vault, she’s got great tumbling and she’s also a great beam worker. She’s going to come out and be somebody we can count on in three events.”
Last season, Krzywanski competed in eight meets and scored a 9.550 on beam in her collegiate debut against Georgia. Before her career as a Bronco, Krzywanski was a regional bar champion and qualified for nationals, where she finished 10th AA representing Golden City Gymnastics.
Krzywanski, who hasn’t competed floor in over two years due to a prior
achilles injury, expressed excitement to be returning to what she calls her favorite event. She credits a shift in perspective as a confidence-booster for her coming into this season.
“Last year, coming off an injury, it was rough because I was still in pain and didn’t know if my foot could handle everything,” Krzywanski said. “Coming into this year, I wanted to change my mindset to, ‘I’m grateful, I’m happy to be here’, and I want to be present and enjoy everything I’m doing.”
The Broncos, who recently welcomed five gymnasts to their 2026 recruiting class on National Signing Day, will open their season on Jan. 9 at Southern Utah. With this year’s Mountain West Championship being held in Boise at ExtraMile Arena, Boise State gymnastics will have added incentive to elevate its game.
SPORTS
BEHIND THE GEAR
Jake Zamora | Sports Editor | Photos by Carter Nash
Trophies, plaques and memorabilia fill the main lobby of Boise State’s Bleymaier Football Center, reminding every player and coach stepping into the building of the rich history the program carries and the standard they are expected to meet.
Deeper into the facility is a room unassuming in appearance, but rich in purpose: the equipment room.
The equipment room serves as the hub for what is a cornerstone of every football program: the equipment staff. Fans often see part of the staff’s work on game days, like when the Broncos take the field sporting a different eye-catching uniform combo every week. However, what fans don’t get to see is the behindthe-scenes, hands-on work that goes into suiting up each and every Bronco week in and week out.
When asked about the most rewarding parts of his job, Associate Director of Athletic Equipment Operations Dale Holste pointed out the relationships he’s built with players and coaches in his almost 30 years with the team.
“The most rewarding part is just getting to know the kids,” Holste said. “Just
getting to know the players and their culture and who they are — it’s pretty cool. Obviously, the coaches too, getting to know them and knowing some of the ins and outs of them is a part I really enjoy.”
Holste spent his college years working in arena football as well as completing an internship with the then-Washington Redskins. After college, he was an equipment manager for Division II Colorado Mesa. He later served the same position at Fort Hays State, a fellow Division II school, while also serving as an administrative assistant. Holste arrived at Boise State in 1996 and has been the associate director of athletic equipment operations ever since.
The strong relationships Holste has with both current and former players and coaches are a testament to the countless hours he and the rest of his staff spend working with the team.
Holste explained the work week for the equipment staff begins on Sundays, finishing up laundry from the previous day’s game. During the rest of the week’s morning practices, the staff works closely with the team, with student managers assigned to specific position groups as -
sisting players with any issues they might face with their gear.
Whether it be tightening a screw in a player’s helmet or ensuring their jersey is firmly in place with double-sided tape, the behind-the-scenes work of the equipment staff is essential to keeping the team running smoothly.
In the days leading up to away games, the staff is responsible for loading all of the equipment trunks into the team’s truck, sending it off with experienced drivers. Holste noted the truck drivers have been with the team since 2005, so the team knows their equipment is in safe, capable hands.
However, their work isn’t simply maintenance. The equipment staff is responsible for bringing some of college football’s most eye-catching uniforms to life. Whether it be the helmet, jersey, pants or cleats, Boise State football players have no shortage of options when it comes to looking good on game day. During weeks when special helmets are worn, graduate assistant Mason Becker
is in charge of making sure each decal is placed with precision.
“Thousands”, Holste responded when asked the total number of Boise State football uniform combinations.
“If you want to change the decal or the facemask just on the blue helmet alone, we can go chrome decal with the blue mask, silver mask, blue jersey, white pants, you can go [with] so many different combinations, it’s crazy,” Holste said.
Behind the eye-catching looks, it’s the people who do the work beyond the public eye that make it all possible. For Equipment Manager Kellen Jolley, his role goes further than simply doing his job. The close-knit culture of the staff and the opportunity to stay around football after his own playing career make the job gratifying.
“It’s been an unbelievable experience,” Jolley said. “A lot of us were former high school athletes, so for us, it’s our way to stay around it … we have an awesome group, which makes it a lot better. It doesn’t feel like work.”
