Thousands Expected at True Aggie Night to Celebrate Block 'A' Centennial

On Friday Utah State University will host a celebration expected to bring together thousands of Aggies in the name of tradition — one of its most iconic structures and kissing.

The USU Student Alumni Association invites Aggies near and far for a centennial celebration of the Block A to be held April 22. The structure, erected in 1916, has become the centerpiece of the oldest collegiate tradition in Utah.

The night-long event will epitomize USU’s “True Aggie” tradition. According to Maegan Kasteler, the USU traditions officer, anyone can become a True Aggie by receiving a kiss from another True Aggie on the Block A under a full moon at midnight or from anyone on the nights of Homecoming and A-Day.

From 7-9 p.m. community members and Aggie alumni are invited to renew their True Aggie status while a student jazz band plays. A photographer will be on hand to document the community event and the first 300 participants will receive a commemorative coin for participating.

“This is our first time ever doing this,” Kasteler said. “It’s an exciting opportunity for community members and Aggie alumni to become True Aggies for the first time or all over again.”

The second portion, which will feature Provo-based acoustic musician John Allred, begins at midnight and ends at 3 a.m. The acoustic music will end at 1:30 p.m.

Even at three hours, event organizers recommend students line up early.

“At homecoming in the rain, we had more than 900 couples in a span of an hour and a half,” Kasteler said. “There were more than 3,000 people in attendance and a line that stretched across the Quad. This is expected to be much bigger.”

The first few hundred students in line will be receiving commemorative centennial T-shirts and lip balm, she said.

Kasteler said event organizers expect to get everyone through for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“At this point they have the logistics of the kissing tradition down to a science.”

Throughout the week “fast passes” were sold to students that will allow them to skip the line. The money raised will go toward the senior gift.

“To become a part of the True Aggie Night legacy is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said. “And it’s really fun.”

Contact: Maegan Kasteler, 801-879-0887, maegan.kasteler@gmail.com