A trail of glittering stars bathes the hillside in a white glow. These bright stars are the students of BYU, raising flashlights and gifting their light as they surround the block Y.
On Oct. 8, 2024, BYU celebrated the 100th anniversary of hiking and lighting the Y, a tradition that began in 1924 with homemade torches. “Hiking the Y helps the students really feel they are part of something bigger,” says alumni relations event manager Curtis C. Isaak (BA ’92, MA ’98, MPA ’16).
This tradition transcends time, reflecting the university’s enduring legacy as, in the fall of 2025, it celebrates 150 years. “They will only be students for a few years, but they will be alumni and connected to BYU for life.”
