WILDCAT WSU Alumni Magazine | FALL 2020 FALLING WE ARE LIFTED. WE LIFT EACH OTHER. As we face the unknown of the COVID-19 pandemic, art allows us to encourage and inspire. Create your uplifting chalk drawing on this cover, and share your creation with the world on social media, using #EverUpwardatWeber. WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY News for Alumni & Friends ✄ “People come in with heart attacks and walk out of the hospital a day later because of what we’re able to accomplish in the cath lab. 25% off WILDCAT Vol. 25, No. 2, Fall 2020 We save lives.” editor in chief Jaime Winston Creative director Hillary Wallace BFA ’98 Contributing writers Katie England Allison Barlow Hess Karin Hurst AS ’79 Jessica Kokesh John Kowalewski Leah Murray Shaylee Stevens AS ’20 designers Emily Caraballo Hillary Wallace BFA ’98 p hotographer Benjamin Zack 1 WSU APPAREL ITEM at WSU Downtown ✄ 25% off contributing editors Nancy B. Collinwood BS ’94 Katie England Rebecca Gibson AS ’09 John Kowalewski Betsy Mennell Amber Robson BS ’05 1 WSU APPAREL ITEM at WSU Davis Comments and questions may be sent to Wildcat, Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4025, Ogden UT 84408-4025. The editor may also be contacted by phone: 801-626-7396 or email: magazine@weber.edu. Training to Save Lives As a non-traditional student starting a second career, Christopher Steelman learned to save lives through invasive Send address changes to Advancement Services, Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4018, Ogden UT 84408-4018, call 801-626-6138 or email giving@weber.edu to update your records. 1 WSU APPAREL ITEM at WSU Ogden decades, working in more than a dozen catheterization weber state university board of trustees 2020-21 Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences, Cardiac Specialist NO CASH VALUE Clearance not included. Coupon valid only at WSU Ogden until 12/31/20. ✄ Carolina to South Korea to South Africa. become heroes. Clearance not included. Coupon valid only at WSU Davis until 12/31/20. 25% off postmaster: Send address changes to Advancement Services, Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4018, Ogden UT 84408-4018. labs and training radiologists across the globe, from South NO CASH VALUE ✄ cardiology. He developed his expertise over nearly two Now, he prepares Weber State graduate students to NO CASH VALUE Clearance not included. Coupon valid ONLY at WSU Downtown until 12/31/20. Nolan Karras BS ’70, Chair Kearston Cutrubus, Vice Chair Karla K. Bergeson Marty Carpenter BA ’01 Clint Costley BS ’98 Amanda K. Covington Louenda Downs BS ’78 Karen White Fairbanks Ben Ferney AS ’19 Donald J. Salazar FREE TUNE UP DIAGNOSTIC & CLEANING of your Apple Computer at WSU Ogden or WSU Downtown NO CASH VALUE Coupon valid only at WSU Ogden or WSU Downtown until 12/31/20. weber.edu/radsci weber.edu/wsumagazine | alumni.weber.edu Christopher Steelman MS, RT(R)(CI)(ARRT), RCIS, FACVP Assistant Professor, Invasive Cardiology Program Coordinator Three locations to serve you: Ogden, Davis and WSU Downtown. wildcatstores.com WEBER WATCH CONTENTS WEBER WATCH Allison Barlow Hess, Jessica Kokesh, Shaylee Stevens AS ’20, Jaime Winston 14 A Place to Innovate The new Computer & Automotive Engineering Building at WSU Davis opened fall semester. Throwing Off Fear The 51,000-square-foot building will help the College As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives, the Weber State community took action. of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology accommodate growth. GSBS Architects designed the building, which was completed by R&O Construction. In addition to six classrooms, the $20 million building 5 Weber Watch 38 Successful grads, supporting current students, our latest research and a new home for computer and automotive engineering 28 Alumni Association Leaders “Zoom” in on our 2020–21 Alumni Association leaders. 31 features a testing or “sandbox” environment for One for the History Books computer science and software engineering courses. Politically, this is one of the most important years in the American election cycle. will enjoy updated automotive shops, including a Tesla learning center and an engine test cell. The project also includes a new primary entrance 40 to the campus from State Route 193, which will be Dixon Awards Named in memory of former Weber College President H. Aldous Dixon, the awards go to... Class Notes Updates on the careers and achievements of Weber State alumni The new home of the automotive technology program On the Cover Share your chalk artwork with us, using #EverUpwardAtWeber, and tag us. @weberstate @weberstate @WeberStateU @WeberStateU completed this fall. Read more about the new building at weber.edu/wsumagazine. MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS WEBER WATCH WEBER WATCH New Provost Arrives to Guide in Crisis Giving Back Opportunities During his time at Weber State, Jose Alberto Perea BS ’15 received the Oportunidad Scholarship, which prioritizes first-generation college students who graduated from Ogden, Weber or Davis high schools. The scholarship made a huge impact on his experience. “Being a first-generation college student, it was a little difficult not really knowing the process and how everything worked,” When Ravi Krovi became “I like to be decisive,” he said. “I think this is one case where Weber State’s new provost speed mattered. Weber State was one of the first to recognize on March 1, 2020, he the urgency. You have to be adaptive and flexible. That is part presented President Brad of my operating model. Get everyone engaged. You have to Mortensen with his 90-day collaborate and communicate, which means engaging all the plan, “which went out the key stakeholders, faculty senate, administration and students window in the first week,” in important decisions.” he said. As vice president for Academic Affairs, the provost is While the university’s responsible for ensuring quality and excellence in the school’s urgent response to the curriculum. The provost oversees seven colleges, Stewart COVID-19 pandemic Library and Enrollment Services, and supports student success changed his plans, Krovi initiatives that keep students enrolled and progressing toward said it also provided an graduation. intense crash course Krovi knows the disruption of COVID-19 will continue to he said. “When I was given the opportunity to apply for the on the university’s people and processes. The strengths Oportunidad Scholarship, it made the difference.” test the university’s educational mission of attracting and that attracted him to Weber State were on constant display graduating students. He said it will require a unified, visionary Now, as Vice President of Secondary Marketing for Graystone during the crisis, particularly when it came to student focus, effort. Mortgage, a mortgage lender based out of Salt Lake City, collegiality, shared governance and fiscal stability. Alberto has the means to make the difference for current With a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems & Decision Weber State students. very, very important,” Krovi said. “We cannot be everything to Sciences from The University of Memphis, and nearly 20 years all people because the market is becoming very fragmented. Alberto and his wife, Amanda, recently established the Phyllis of teaching and leadership experience at the University of We have to know who we are and what the community needs, “Heart” Geurts Memorial Scholarship for students in need. Akron, Krovi said a tumultuous greeting did not change his and we have to anticipate and respond before others do.” The $2,500 annual scholarship mirrors the Oportunidad guiding principles. “We have to have a clarity of vision, and that’s going to be Scholarship, prioritizing first-generation and low-income students but emphasizing those who are active and volunteer in the community. The scholarship is named after New Business Dean During Pandemic Amanda’s late grandmother, who was While serving as interim During their retreat, Goddard faculty and staff set guidelines given the nickname “Heart” by family dean for the John B. for creating a flex-paced, market-driven curriculum delivered and friends due to her giving and Goddard School of in a student-centered environment. Knowing that they would supportive nature. Business and Economics, provide a compassionate and personal touch to serving The scholarship name was a surprise Matthew Mouritsen students made the transition to virtual teaching much easier, for Amanda. facilitated a strategic Mouritsen said. planning retreat for all Mouritsen has been with the university for nearly two decades. “I sobbed,” she said. “It was very touching. It was hard to see her pass Phyllis “Heart” Geurts Principles Guide and see her go. It’s just a great way to remember her and share her memory.” Alberto said he wants to give back what was given to him while he was a student and to pass along that same opportunity to future leaders. Goddard faculty and staff to identify strategic initiatives based on their shared guiding principles and values. In December, WSU announced Mouritsen As former director of the Master of Business Administration program, he established strong relationships with community partners and led strategic initiatives to discover innovative ways to meet student needs. Mouritsen also served as a faculty member and earned his Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Weber State. As dean, Mouritsen plans to continue a forward-thinking, “My time at Weber State was great,” he said. “It really shaped as dean of the college. Three months later, he put those me up and allowed me to be in the position that I am.” principles to the test when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. To develop a scholarship of your own or contribute to other “When we needed them most, our values and principles Weber State scholarships, contact the Development Office at first. “We look forward as faculty and staff to building new helped us steer through some of the most trying times any of wsudevelopment@weber.edu. bridges to, and from, the Goddard School,” he said. us have faced,” Mouritsen said. “Compassion was our rule.” hands-on-learning approach to help students in the Goddard School build strong portfolios, while putting ethics and trust Fall 2020 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 7 WEBER WATCH WEBER WATCH Small critters MIS Graduates Receive Last spring, zoology major Chyanne Smith BS ’20 received to Carnegie Mellon bring huge opportunity a big honor to research a small animal (less than a foot in size). 100% Acceptance Success is great, but perfect is something else, and perfect describes the rate of Weber State University applicants who The honor, acceptance to the National Science Foundation were recently accepted to Carnegie Mellon University’s graduate (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), will program for information security and information management. allow her to study the degu (Octodon degus), a rodent that lives in large groups, as part of her master’s program in environmental science at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. While she initially planned to conduct her research in Santiago, Chile, this fall, her trip has been delayed until next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Five WSU graduates started CMU’s master’s program this fall, and nine participated in the Summer Security Intensive Information Technology Lab to get a look at the rigors of the master’s program and complete three cybersecurity courses. After finishing the summer program, students typically join the master’s program. “Specifically, we will investigate maternal effects on the water-balance physiology of degu pups,” she said. “In other words, we are looking at the conditions a mother degu faces and how the conditions may be internally communicated to her young to better prepare the pups for survival.” Tracking Bird Populations Her research goes beyond one species though. “Central Chile is currently in the throes of a megadrought that has been linked to climate change, and degu colonies are declining during the drought,” said John Mull, Weber State zoology professor and mentor. “Chyanne’s research will have implications for understanding how social Next time you hear birds chirping, take some time to “Although I haven’t helped yet with an exotic pet, learning appreciate the moment. According to a study in the journal how to handle birds during banding will aid me when “Science,” birds, chirping or otherwise, have become more rare, handling a client’s pet bird,” she said. “My research experience with populations dropping over 25% during the past 50 years. also has helped boost my employment resume and Since fall 2019, Weber State student researchers have been application for veterinarian school.” conducting field research to see if bird populations near the Cavitt plans to continue the research to gain more data before Ogden campus have experienced a similar decline. publishing results. Along with College of Science Dean Andrea John Cavitt, professor of zoology, started the research with Easter-Pilcher, he also hopes to lead students on a trip to students by setting up a bird banding station in the foothills east conduct related research at Lake Baikal in Russia’s Siberia of Stewart Stadium. Using a technique called mark recapture, region. Originally scheduled for May, the trip was postponed to Cavitt and students captured birds in nets, before placing small help prevent the spread of COVID-19. numbered bands on their legs and releasing them, hoping to “We already have compared our current research to research determine populations by the number recaptured over time. The done by Marti in 1977 and have seen a researchers assessed the birds’ physiological condition, looking decline in abundance of bird species,” for signs of illness. Data will be compared to bird population Odland Judd said. “I think this research by former WSU ornithologist Carl Marti to determine if will be a fun project to follow and populations are dropping. hopefully bring more attention to bird Laura Odland Judd BS ’20, a research participant, said populations and abundance.” she wasn’t interested in ornithology before taking Cavitt’s Visit weber.edu/wsumagazine for footage ornithology class and conducting research with him on shore of students engaged in avian research. birds last summer. Now, her experience benefits her in her role as a veterinarian technician. 8 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 animals respond to severe climate change.” CMU has an average acceptance rate of less than 20 percent. The rate of WSU students accepted speaks to the strength of the university’s management information systems program. Randy Boyle, cybersecurity expert and management information systems professor, collaborated with industry leaders to develop the program, which incorporates advanced applied skills to every class to meet industry demand. Students not only learn the The GRFP is the NSF’s oldest graduate fellowship program applications and systems, but they practice that provides direct support to graduate students in various them hundreds of times in real-life scenarios. fields. Past fellows include numerous Nobel Prize winners. Over the past 15 years, the frequency and size Previously, Smith gained research experience in Mull’s of data breaches has increased exponentially, animal behavior course, and a summer in Mongolia and the subsequent demand for well-trained studying small mammals in the Darhad Valley. She cybersecurity professionals has gone up. presented her findings from Mongolia at the 2020 Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research. At the 2019 conference, Smith presented her findings on the caching behavior of woodrats through maturity with zoology professor Michele Skopec. “My core goal has always been to obtain a position that helps animals in some way,” Smith said. “The Weber State University College of Science and the Department of Zoology have provided me all the opportunities I “The recent COVID-19 lockdown has forced companies to put nearly everything online, which has exacerbated the problem,” Boyle explained. “Businesses must provide remote access to everyone, and hackers know it.” In 2018, Weber State was selected as a CMU National Education Partner, allowing admitted WSU students to receive scholarships equal to at least 30 percent of tuition per semester with additional scholarships based on the strength of their applications. In the past four years, 20 Weber State students have been admitted to the CMU graduate programs and 22 to the summer program. needed to be successful.” Fall 2020 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 9 WEBER WATCH ’CATapult Scholarship ‘ Powerful Motivation ’ Supporting Early Childhood Professionals Susan Winterton, early childhood education major, said Weber State has taught her what to expect at each stage of a child’s When President Mortensen announced the ’CATapult development, how to handle difficult behavior issues and a scholarship at his inauguration, he had no way of little about herself and her own family — knowledge she puts knowing the increased need students would soon to use daily as she runs her family daycare center. Those ready- experience as lives were upended with a global to-use skills also came with most tuition and fees covered. pandemic. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Utah Scholarship covers 80% of ’CATapult is intended to provide an energetic, upward a recipient’s tuition and fees, while their workplace covers an burst of momentum for students who are nearing additional 10%. graduation but without the means to continue. “It took the financial burden off, so I could focus on Recipients’ heartfelt thank you letters to donors attest schoolwork,” said Winterton, who hopes to become a trainer to the need and the gratitude. at WSU’s Care About Childcare program or a childcare licensor “I have certainly learned a great deal from the program. It has helped to round out areas that I didn’t even understand I had a gap in.” after graduating. Employers in the program also commit to pay three hours of released time per 16-week semester for students to complete schoolwork, and T.E.A.C.H. reimburses employers for $4.50 — Darcy Siebenaller, eMHA Student per hour paid. Additionally, employers commit to providing students with raises or bonuses following each completed educational contract. In return, employers elevate their status with trained childcare professionals. “I would highly recommend early childhood educators to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Nancy Rodriguez, WSU scholarship recipient and assistant director at Little Seed Evolution Child Care Center. “It has challenged and helped me improve in the way we teach and train our teachers and EXECUTIVE MASTER OF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION children.” Administered through the Utah Association for the Education Within the first few months of its creation, 237 of Young Children (UAEYC), T.E.A.C.H. first offered scholarships students have received a total of $256,037, mostly for at WSU in fall 2018. Over the summer, five of Utah’s 35 the summer semester 2020. T.E.A.C.H. scholarship recipients attended WSU. “Thank you so much for your kindness, and generosity,” Teri Henke, associate professor of child and family studies, a grateful student wrote. “I had no idea how I was said she hopes WSU’s new online Associate of Applied going to pay for my last semester of school! You are Science in Early Childhood will attract others to the program, truly a blessing! I would not be able to finish my degree particularly students who represent diverse backgrounds of without you! Because of your generosity, I can now children in local childcare make a difference in young troubled youth’s lives.” programs. The university hopes to raise $10 million dollars to In Utah, T.E.A.C.H. create a lasting, meaningful endowment to inspire scholarships are currently future Wildcats in their education pursuit. open to childcare center “I’ve been 82% finished with my degree for almost two years,” a recipient reflected. “I took a short break, which turned into a moderate break, which then nearly became an indefinite break. I lost momentum. Your donation is powerful motivation.” THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT The need for qualified healthcare management professionals has never been greater. Weber State University’s Executive Master of Health Administration degree is designed for students whose personal and professional demands keep them from attending a traditional campus. NO GRE/GMAT REQUIRED With five years experience ACCELERATED PROGRAM Complete in just 4 semesters FLAT-RATE TUITION No out-of-state increase as family childcare providers desiring to earn an associate’s Find more information at Attend one orientation ONLINE COURSEWORK Online degree NATIONALLY RANKED* Top 10 in the nation *Recognized among the Top 20 Master’s in Healthcare Management Online by the Healthcare Management Degree Guide directors and teachers, as well degree in early childhood. ON-SITE ORIENTATION APPLY NOW ALUMNI DISCOUNT Weber State alumni who are accepted into the 2021 eMHA cohort will be eligible for an additional one-time 5% loyalty discount on the first semester’s tuition. weber.edu/chfam. weber.edu/mha 10 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 Weber Arts THEATRE A DIGITAL THEATRE EXPERIMENT A six-part series of virtual panel discussions and fully produced and filmed theatrical showcases SEPT. 10 | Working A panel discussion with professionals from a range of unusual theatrical careers FALL 2020 MUSIC OCT. 01 | Fever A student-driven showcase of scenes and songs A virtual weekly concert series showcasing student and faculty performances and presentations. CHLOÉ VALDARY Founder, Theory of Enchantment OCTOBER 13, 2020 SEP. 12 Bach in Solitude, Beethoven @ 250 Bonneville Chamber Music Festival OCT. 15 | Behind The Curtain DA N C E ORCHESIS DANCE THEATRE “Dancing in the Stream” A behind-the-scenes look at WSU’s production of Pippin, featuring singing, dancing and interviews with the cast, crew and designers OCT. 20 & 22 Excerpts from H.M.S. Pinafore by the Opera Ensemble NOV. 05 | Choices OCT. 27 Jazz Ensemble Concert by the Department of Performing Arts Music Area An experiment in digital theatre NOV. 19 | Illumination A reading of new plays written specifically for virtual theatre by Weber State students DEC. 03 | A New World Three weekends of vitrtual dance NOVEMBER 7, 14 & 21 A musical showcase exploring life and the world we live in through the art of song. Experience all the highs and lows, joys and sorrows, and messy in-betweens life has to offer from the comfort of your own screen. NOV. 07 A Beethoven Celebration Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert NOV. 13 Symphonic Band Fall Concert FOR TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND MORE INFO: WEBER.EDU/ARTSCALENDAR As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of our lives, Weber State alumni attacked the spread head on, staff and faculty took action to protect our community, and students showed what it means to be a Wildcat. 14 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 By: Jaime Winston, Katie England, Allison Barlow Hess, Shaylee Stevens, John Kowalewski MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS LIFE IS RISKY, AND SOMETIMES, IT TAKES GRIT TO PULL THROUGH. When Colter Blanchard and five of his friends left for a ski trip last spring, they thought that risk was relatively low. Blanchard realized his own exhaustion wasn’t just travel After three days of treating symptoms with NyQuil and fatigue and was tested for COVID-19 on March 19, four days a lot of water, he started feeling better. But the virus after returning to Utah. wasn’t the tough part. He became the first Weber State student to report having the “It was difficult for me to finish out my classes, not virus. Young and healthy, he was able to fight the virus better because I had the virus, rather because I missed the than some. learning environment that a classroom provides,” said “I had a slight, very mild cough for about 12 hours. I had a Blanchard, who took 13 credit hours. Lessons from Anne Frank Tela Faeamani BA ’19 hadn’t been in her classroom for long when all public schools went online. After earning her English teaching degree, she began teaching seventh and eighth grade English at Mueller Park Junior High School in Bountiful in January 2020. Due to the very low-grade fever, but, overall, I would’ve classified it as a The Steamboat Springs forecast called for light snow, dusting COVID-19 pandemic, she had to make a quick pivot after mild cold or mild flu, because I never felt seriously ill,” he said. the resort town’s slopes with its signature light, fluffy getting started to move all six of her “I did not want to spread it to any of my family or friends or “champagne” powder. While two COVID-19 cases would soon loved ones, like my grandparents.” be reported in the surrounding county, Blanchard and his friends didn’t see news of any when they left home. With Weber State classes temporarily canceled, giving faculty time to move spring semester courses from in-person to online formats, the mid-March trip seemed perfectly timed — and it nearly was. “We had a great trip, super fun,” said Blanchard, a mechanical engineering major and WSU track and field athlete. Amid skiing, dining on pizza and laughing with friends in the picturesque town, the virus wasn’t at the top of Blanchard’s mind. After the trip, though, one of his ski buddies had bad news. Like Blanchard, Weber State students have battled classes online. hardships throughout the pandemic. Many lost jobs, Since she had her course content He quarantined in his bedroom at his parents’ home in many faced anxiety over family and friends, and some backed up online already, Faeamani Farmington. were unable to visit family. said going online was the easy part. Students pulled through amid adversity. Losing one-on-one interactions with When doubt came, and darkness loomed, they students was another story. “That’s probably the hardest part of threw off fear. “This is something that we can control in our immediate circles,” Blanchard said. “We need to take it seriously, but I don’t think we need to be stopped in our tracks with fear.” it for me, as a teacher, and for my students,” Faeamani said. “When I check in with them and see how they’re doing, or ask them to write something and tell me some of the things that they’re missing, not being at school, that’s probably the number one thing. They miss that face-to-face learning.” Along with learning in an “He went to a routine checkup, actual classroom, students told her and he told the doctor ‘I feel they miss their peers. pretty fatigued, my chest is kind of tight,’” Blanchard recalled. “So, he got tested by chance, and his results came back positive.” For many of her eighth graders, though, their isolation gave them a foundation to connect to their studies, specifically a stage adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank. Students drew connections between the quarantine and the isolation the Frank family and those with them experienced in the secret annex. “I’ve been able to have them personalize that story to what they’re going through,” Faeamani said. While isolated, her students still saw her through Zoom Blanchard was the first Weber State student to report having the virus. sessions and weekly video lessons, while she gave them an option to complete their homework via video so she could see them. Faeamani has five of her own children, four who completed schooling online last spring. She has also lost family due to the COVID-19 virus. She’s well aware of the toll adjusting to remote learning and the deadly pandemic has had on families. “The best advice I can give other teachers, and even parents and kids, is to be patient with yourselves. It’s an adjustment for everybody that’s involved,” she said. “In the end, it’s going to be okay.” 16 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 Fall 2020 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 17 A DAY’S WORK WSU in the Community recipients expressed relief for the technology that enabled quick to jump into action. His willing response kicked off them to stay in school and keep learning. Weber State’s participation in “Sew Your True Colors,” a Faculty members in the College of Engineering, Applied coverings. useful in an on-campus internship where she once wrote assistant at University Village in late April, it felt different. press releases on campus events. “As an RA, the biggest thing we do is community building, so As a graduate, Valdez wishes she could have said goodbye to really interacting with our residents and creating activities peers and thank you to professors in-person before her final where they can come together,” said Valdez, who spent two classes went online. years as an RA before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Amid the pandemic and rising tensions throughout the communication. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, world, Valdez found sparks of inspiration in fellow Wildcats. however, creating community in the halls came second to When frontline medical workers needed help, Waldo was statewide campaign to make and distribute 5 million face When Karen Valdez worked her last shift as a resident Science & Technology cannibalized labs of high-end computers and loaned them out for manufacturing, keeping the residents safe. though commencement was postponed, and she made were closed due to the pandemic. Valdez said the once-lively, this infographic that she shared with all the ways people energetic residence hall felt like a “ghost town” as more and submitted,” Valdez said. “Those positive little reinforcements more students left to go home during the second block of really made this pandemic a lot more manageable.” spring semester mechanical engineering and interior design students to run Wildcat family offered a helping hand — or paw — to the specialized design software. community. The 3D lab director in the John B. Goddard School of Business Knowing the critical need to provide timely support, WSU’s & Economics, Jeff Clements, coordinated a campus-wide “Wow, this is crazy, people are actually packing up and Online & Continuing Education program administrator and collaboration to print face shields. Clements, along with leaving already, and the semester is far from over,” she team of interns updated the guideemogden.org website, assistant professor of teacher education Ryan Cain, and two recalled thinking. “It was in that moment I knew the created during the government shutdown of 2018–2019, student volunteers, staggered their shifts and worked night rest of the semester was going to be completely and day. They used 3D printers across campus to print 300 different and just be ready to expect face shields, which were donated to the Weber Morgan Health anything.” Department for distribution around the county. Though she knew the changes were Because students and faculty were working from home and necessary, she missed the one-on-one clinical and lab rotations were canceled, the Dr. Ezekiel R. time she had with residents, helping Dumke College of Health Professions was able to share its them realize they belong at Weber professor Jennifer extra supplies. The college donated 15 ventilators, 1,000 State University, that they make Gnagey provided masks, 200 fluid-resistant gowns, as well as hundreds of the school great. an expert resource bottles of hand sanitizer, head covers, boxes of gloves and eye During finals weeks, Valdez when she quickly goggles to McKay-Dee Hospital, Midtown Community Health found ways to encourage produced and and the Ogden Clinic. the few remaining students uploaded two how- Weber State Athletics helped host a drive-through food drive through gestures like in the Dee Events Center parking lot that collected 9,000 dropping off puzzles and pounds of food for Catholic Community Services of Northern crosswords, or writing notes Utah and the Salvation Army. For those who did not qualify, of positivity. “I like to think generous donors also supplemented CARES Act funding that those little actions to help students who incurred expenses due to campus helped my residents feel disruption during spring semester in amounts between $100 better, feel more at home,” she resources, including the Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Community Services and the United Way. Waldo’s work was representative of the many ways the Wildcat family offered a helping hand — or paw — to the community. Adjunct economics to videos for the thousands of Utahns filing unemployment claims. Her class of labor economics students also volunteered to help individuals through the process. She remembers her surprise seeing so many students pack up the day WSU announced that courses would go online. and $500. said. In collaboration with Student Affairs Technology and most Visit weber.edu/wsumagazine for more stories of alumni Outside the residence halls, of the colleges across campus, Stewart Library loaned 92 helping others during the pandemic, along with a timeline Valdez’s internship with the Real laptops, 27 chrome books and 20 Wi-Fi hotspots so students showing how WSU responded to COVID-19. Salt Lake soccer team was on hold, could continue their spring and summer coursework. Grateful 18 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 students are still planning on celebrating graduation even RAs limited interactions with residents, and shared spaces Waldo’s work was representative of the many ways the to direct individuals to community “My friend Dawn made a poll on Instagram about how and she had to find new ways to be Aside from having to leave the job, Achebo also had to adjust to spring semester classes going online. Both When asked how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her schedule, including schooling and sports, and helping her life, Denise Call says the easier question to answer would be daughter plan a wedding in May. “The social distancing issue routine like everyone else, but that how it hasn’t. was the most impactful for me when I realized we were not huge abrupt shift to my schedule “It’s affected every aspect of my life,” Call said. having the same kind of wedding reception we’ve done for all school work and being self-reliant — getting everything done you could get done.” While some classes didn’t translate as well to an online format, Achebo credits professors such as John Sohl for making the transition easier. “We did daily Zoom calls,” Achebo said. “He was on top of everything, and made the adjustment pretty well.” Rather than give in to the fact that he no longer had a regular routine to follow, Achebo had to adjust the way he thought about the situation. “I’m realizing ‘Wow, I have all this free time.’ I really ought to use it for something useful and good,” he recalled. “I really want to spend this summer with all this time that I have trying to better myself, and that’s been the motivation to Achebo said his roommates and another position at a physical Like Valdez, his on-campus job was impacted by COVID-19. social distancing. He also had a chance to look inward. Achebo, a Campus Recreation employee, greeted guests at the “A lot of people, especially with our society, are always in a Wildcat Center gym last spring semester. “They call it ‘access,’” go mode and always looking toward the next thing and what he said. “I just make sure everyone who’s coming in has their we can do to be productive and keep busy,” he said. “With this card and the proper clearance to get in.” huge disruption, it’s like ‘Whoa, I don’t have to do that right Wildcards. more,” he said in May, as many gyms closed. “That’s one aspect of the position I really enjoy and miss.” 20 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 To manage it all, she said she had to be flexible and accept to new homes, and when she and her husband decided to that things had changed. Making it through everything the again have children. pandemic has thrown at her, Call is a Weber State University She returned to school just over a year ago as a mother of success story in the making. seven. And she’s now preparing for her next challenge. “I secretly, Three of her children are Weber State graduates, and two are deep down inside, think I might pursue a master’s degree in current students. During the latter half of spring semester communication at Weber,” she said. “I love the professors, I 2020, Call began sharing desk space with her seventh and love the program, it’s close by, I’m really kind of addicted to sixth grader to complete homework, as WSU classes and education right now.” public schools went online. Those closest to her were a source of strength. Recently, they More than once, she admits, she drove to Weber State’s Ogden helped her celebrate her 50th birthday with a “virtual party.” campus to use the Wi-Fi and study from her car. “Once I “My husband texted all of our friends and family, and he got learned that trick, that made a big difference in helping me video clips of them wishing me a happy birthday and put get my tasks done,” she said. it together in a little video,” she said. “I gathered with my circumstances. Getting a grip on her emotions was another matter. kids and did cake and ice cream, and we got to watch the video of all of our friends saying happy birthday.” Falling we are “I have to really stay on top of my emotions so I don’t let them lifted. Rising get carried away,” she said last spring. “There’s not a single we lift each hour of a single day that goes by that you’re not considering other. the pandemic and how it affects your life in one way or another.” While her family’s health concerned her, she found herself worrying most about whether her two youngest children were missing key elements of their education while away from more introspective and think about who I am and who I want to be, what I want to do with my life.” close with, just meeting them at the gym and getting to know them more and dental school across the country, during several family moves now necessarily.’ I’ve been trying to use that time to be “I met a ton of friends that I have become and talking to them as they come in, different.” Even the wedding shower was different, held over Zoom. were compassionate and empathetic to students’ beautiful, especially this time of year, super green.” our other kids,” she said. “Every aspect about this wedding is education on hold when her husband was accepted to a wanted to do with all this time I never had.” therapy clinic kept him grounded as life slowed down through Of course, the job means more to him than just checking continued school after having children, but had to put While spring semester was a challenge, Call said instructors “I’ve never been up there before,” he said last May. “It’s really sport science major, Najite Achebo. She started her communication degree 28 years ago, and go run, or go hike, or journal and meditate, to do stuff that I One recent hike he won’t forget was in Logan Canyon. goers could always expect a warm greeting from exercise and Additional stress came from keeping her children on a routine “I definitely value regularity and was pretty jarring,” he said. “I really Whether they know him by name or not, Weber State gym- the pandemic. shifts were a challenge. struggled with staying on top of my LOOKING INWARD A SOURCE OF STRENGTH school, and if her husband’s dental business would weather Aside from having to leave the job, Achebo also had to adjust to spring semester classes going online. The Wildcat Center reopened its gym during the summer. Achebo plans to work the front desk this fall, with a smile for guests. Denise Call, mom to seven, continuing school herself, sharing deskspace with her 6th & 7th graders, planning a wedding, and keeping a grip on her emotions through it all New York City Nurse Whitney Hilton AS ’13 has always loved New York City. She was in sixth grade during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and has since associated the city with American pride and unity. MISSING HOME Microbiology major Niharika Mishra After earning her associate’s degree in nursing at Weber State, Whitney went on to earn her bachelor’s degree online to become a registered nurse. She wanted to offer her nursing skills to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, which was hit hard by the virus, but she wasn’t sure how to get off work for long enough. returned home after the first block of summer semester to spend time with family last year. This past summer, she stayed in University Village on Weber State’s Ogden campus. She still saw family, this time on FaceTime. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial passenger flights from the United States to India were suspended. Many international students, like Mishra, were unable to return When she heard that her employer, home after spring semester. Intermountain Healthcare, was “Out of India, it’s kind of hard,” she said. “The summers are sending a team to New York City in a good time interval for all of us to spend some time with April to assist healthcare workers our family. It kind of refreshes us for the next semester.” responding to the virus, she knew she had to go. Missing home in New Delhi, Mishra made the most of her time in the residence halls with her suitemates, Connie Hilton found out on a Saturday that she had been accepted on the team, and was flying to New York by the next Tuesday for two weeks on the front lines of pandemic response. Because she has past critical care experience, she was placed in an intensive care unit at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. and her service dog, Bear. “I feel blessed to have them,” Mishra said. “Otherwise, it would have been so bad just staying inside alone and just studying.” And she wasn’t the only one in her family stranded. Her brother was at school in Philadelphia when India went into The most rewarding part was getting to challenge herself by using her nursing skills under pressure, Whitney said. The hardest part was watching lockdown, and her father was restricted from returning home from an out-of-town business trip in India. “We all are spread out,” Mishra said. “I FaceTime them everyday, because I feel like it makes COVID-19 patients pass away alone. “As nurses, you know you’re going to see death,” she said. “But no one really you feel like you’re at home, although you’re not so close.” She spent her time in quarantine on homework, playing with Bear, prepared me for the amount of death I was going to see.” As she provided care, Hilton said she tried to look at patients from a family cooking and trying to learn new skills online. Though unable to travel, she understood the reasoning. perspective. “I’m going to hold [the patient’s] hand, even though I don’t know who he is, because he has family who hopes that’s happening,” she said. “Right now, I don’t want to go home,” Mishra said last May. “Maybe, in my travel, I might get the virus, and maybe I turn out to be asymptomatic and spread it to other people.” “If my dad was passing away, I would want someone to be While careful to avoid potentially spreading the virus, Mishra showed her fortitude as her there.” typically hands-on courses like zoology and chemistry were moved online. Meanwhile, she and After returning home from her two weeks in New other Weber State residents in Wildcat Village were asked to relocate to University Village and York, Hilton said she doesn’t see herself as a hero — after all, she got to come home after only two weeks. “The people of New York really are the heroes,” she said. “They are the ones with no end in sight. They are the ones who should be honored for what they’re doing.” 22 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 As nurses, you know you’re going to see death. But no one really prepared me for the amount of death I was going to see. her usual summer job, as a microbial technician, was unavailable. Through it all, she found positive moments. “I enjoy that moment when you talk to five or six of your friends on Facetime, and they all share their experiences: what they’re cooking, if they’re trying a new recipe, if they’re trying a new skill or if they’re doing something new,” she said. Eventually, she plans to earn her Ph.D. to become a research scientist. Today, she exemplifies the resilience of a Wildcat. Fall 2020 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 23 High Profile Events Become High-wire Act surprisingly, more than a Brandon Stoddard, director of the Hall Global social media followers, is reported COVID-19 cases at Weber State. Entrepreneurship Center, was pleased to complete his credited for garnering Today, however, he says he feels “100 percent.” preparations for the 2020 Outdoor Weber entrepreneurship the international competition a day ahead of schedule. The annual contest audience. gives college students around the world a chance to pitch Alice Mulder, their recreation ideas for a chance to win $30,000. director of the He didn’t realize the real challenge was ahead. SPARC, said that A SILVER LINING Colter Blanchard, a runner in the mile, cross-country and 3,000 metres steeplechase, finished first in While sick, he successfully avoided transmitting the virus. He said those whom he came in contact with tested negative. And, perhaps, his experience with the virus can now help others. “I’ve been able to donate blood for research for Extra Precautions Luis Martinez BS ’20 works as a paramedic at Gold Cross Ambulance in Salt Lake City. A normal day would consist of transporting patients, often from hospital to hospital, and, typically, to higher levels of care. While he and his fellow paramedics have always made sure the ambulances were sterilized after each use, the COVID-19 pandemic took everything to another level. Over the spring and summer, when he gets onto a shift, complete decontamination of the back of the ambulance is one of the first actions required, along with his typical med checkout, truck checkout and other normal preparations for the day. Even though the last crew to work in the ambulance decontaminated it after its last use, they can’t take any chances. better testing and vaccines,” Blanchard said. “I’ve also been tested for antibodies to get certain tests approved by the FDA.” the back of the ambulance so no surface is missed. Then Martinez has to shower, switch uniforms and get back to the job. unexpected results of holding online events, many of Weber State’s nontraditional students, whose schedules often Center (SPARC), and the Intermountain Sustainability road bike, I spend a lot of time on the trails, and I’m Summit organizers had spent the week prior to the WSU noticing there’s a lot more people cultivating old announcement brainstorming a white board full of ideas on talents or passions.” how to move from an in-person to a virtual event. “Whether it’s a good thing or bad thing, people “The decision to pivot to an online event was hard, but it was are spending more time in their homes with their much easier to deconstruct/modify the summit than to plan families.” it,” Christiansen said. Suddenly an event featuring 25 sessions “I think there’s, for sure, a silver lining.” and 68 speakers sharing sustainability best practices, needed “This situation really mimicked life and what it’s like to run to be pared back — eventually to three sessions including the a business,” said Stoddard. “You just never know what’s going two keynote presentations. to happen, but you need to learn to move quickly and solve Rather than offering participants a discounted rate for online access, registration fees were refunded and the virtual summit was offered free to anyone who Through it all, he came to a realization: wanted to attend. Instead of hosting attendees from five states and the Navajo Nation, the online presentations attracted people from states and, weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 turn reduced carbon emissions, “But since recovering, I spend a lot of time on a While he does occasionally worry about the potential of 24 travel issues which in coordinator of the Sustainability Practices and Research cities, 21 coming from. and alleviated on the economy and peoples’ ways of life,” he said. because that’s how they’re keeping patients safe, Martinez said. that he doesn’t have to worry about where his next paycheck is greater reach, Across campus, Bonnie Christiansen, academic sustainability 20 Utah in the precautions being taken, and he’s thankful for the fact offered a “It is really unfortunate, all of the effects it’s having While it does take more time out of each day, it’s worth it spreading the disease to others, Martinez said he takes comfort virtual summit participate. Specialized N95 masks and face shields are worn on every machine is used to distribute antibacterial cleaner throughout and gardening event into an online platform. Among the while hosting a strengthen us. Extra precautions are also taken while transporting patients. with the normal decontamination procedures, a fogging for a virtual 5K, yoga at your desk, and converting a poetry shared the event with his prevent them from attending on-campus events, were able to Martinez said. “So that’s always our biggest concern.” decontamination processes are even more stringent. Along organizers everywhere had to improvise, developing plans presenter John Cook, who Through it all, he came to a realization: Connections “The biggest thing is not knowing if the patient has it or not,” single call. After transporting a confirmed COVID-19 case, the When WSU suspended in-person operations March 12, event dozen countries. Workshop STRENGTHEN US. she’s not ready to abandon the networking and connections that occur at an in-person conference. Stoddard had less time to pivot. The decision to go virtual was made on the Friday before his event started the following Wednesday. A crash course on Zoom was essential to allow 10 teams of students, along with 53 mentors and seven judges to engage remotely. Aside from some technological hiccups the first day, Stoddard joked that the worst thing to happen was announcing the winning teams out of order. problems fast if you hope to survive.” Postponed! COVID-19 forced the cancellation of all sports at Weber State in spring 2020. In August, the Big Sky Conference announced that the fall sports season would be postponed until spring 2021. Our Wildcat student athletes and coaches have shown grit and tenacity, as well as a great deal of patience, as they continue to practice in hopes of returning to the fields and courts soon. Fall 2020 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 25 Front-line Radiologist Libby Parr BS ’19 says that, in many ways, A PREPARED RESPONSE The pandemic response plan had been put together after swine flu, a novel influenza, had swept the globe in 2009, and updated again during the Ebola outbreak that started in 2014. As Weber State’s Public Safety Director, Dane LeBlanc has LeBlanc coordinates the WSU effort with Mike Davies, WSU’s spent years preparing for worst-case scenarios, and last police captain and emergency manager. March, one happened. “Every time something happens, we get lessons learned from When the COVID-19 pandemic forced WSU, along with other those things so we can adjust our approach and planning,” universities across the nation, to move to online classes, he Davies said. “It’s been a constant, ongoing process over the was thankful for the plan Weber State already had in place. last 10 years or more.” Her job would normally take her all over “I have learned from days in the military, you will respond to Having that plan, as well as the support from university the hospital on any given day, performing the level of training you have been involved with,” LeBlanc said. officials to execute annual emergency exercises, prepares x-rays anywhere from the ER to surgery and When LeBlanc first started hearing word of COVID-19 beyond. spreading outside of China in late January and early February, her job feels the same as it always has. Originally graduating from Weber State with an associate’s in radiology in 2001, she’s closing in on 20 years in the field as a radiologic technologist. She loves the versatility of a normal day-to-day. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, a lot has changed. COVID-19 requires chest x-rays along with the swab test, and more x-rays daily to follow symptoms and make sure the lungs are improving once someone has been diagnosed with the virus. “A lot of times, people don’t realize how front-line radiology really is,” Parr said. Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, where Parr works, has three COVID-19 units: one in the ER for those displaying COVID-19-like symptoms, one for COVID-19-positive patients who have been admitted, and one for COVID-19 patients who require intensive he pulled out the university’s pandemic response plan for an update. those who need to be communicating when a crisis actually hits. Over the years, these emergency exercises included multiple agencies from local jurisdictions such as police, fire, paramedics, hospitals, health departments and more coming together so they know how to work together during a real emergency. “I think it’s amazing how we’ve come together as a community, as a state, and pressed forward,” Davies said. “These are the times that will test us. It’s amazing to see the collaborative effort that everyone is making to mitigate this.” LeBlanc said he’s proud of the preparation and collaboration that allowed for Weber State to respond effectively to one of the largest emergencies to ever face the university. “People thought I was exercising them to death, but it’s paid off, and I can be proud of that,” LeBlanc said. But shutting down the campus was the easy part. care. Parr and the other radiologic technologists do four- Figuring out when, if and how to bring services back to “normal” is far more difficult. Weber hour shifts in these units — which may not sound State, though it has written its own recovery long until you realize that even taking a sip of water plan, will continue to follow state, Utah requires taking off all the protective equipment, System of Higher Education and local health making functions like bathroom breaks nearly department guidelines. impossible. Balancing public safety with reopening By the time she gets off a four-hour stint in a COVID-19 requires detailed plans on issues like isolation unit, her throat is dry from the air circulating wearing face masks, social distancing, and inside her personal protective equipment, her lips are when to reopen each specific service the chapped and her eyes are dry. campus offers. Parr says through it all, morale with her coworkers has stayed high. People bring in donuts for each other, and family members drop off snacks for everyone. “I see how tired my coworkers are,” she said. “It makes me grateful they’re getting gratitude and praise for what they do.” “If we move too fast and have to back it all up, we need to be prepared for that,” LeBlanc said. “It’s possible that there could be a sudden outbreak or resurgence of the virus.” While the economic impact of the shutdown has been large, LeBlanc said moving back to normal activities too fast could cost lives. “I think we need to be smart and methodical about it,” LeBlanc said. 26 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 Fall 2020 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 27 ’ C A T S I N Q U A R A N T I N E “Zoom” in on Our 2020–21 Alumni Association Leaders WSU Alumni Association President CLINT COSTLEY BA ’98 (Major: technical sales) If you could shelter in place with one celebrity (living or dead) for 24 hours, whom would you choose? Abraham Lincoln because in the face of nearly insurmountable odds, he became one of the greatest leaders. How did staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic affect you, and what did you learn about yourself? Fortunately, I was able to continue to work in the office. That said, I struggled (and continue to struggle) with not being able to engage with people. Virtual meetings and experiences cannot replace faceto-face interaction. What’s the most unusual thing you did while sheltering at home? Started finishing my basement. Have you developed new interests or skills that will be part of your “new normal?” I began writing a daily blog to our employees and found that I enjoyed writing more than I ever have in the past. Do you prefer books or movies? Books. Literature is pandemic proof! What do you most hope to accomplish during your term of WSUAA leadership? To bolster membership and continue the organization’s amazing legacy! 28 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2020 L Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association A Annual Member of the Alumni Association Fall 2020 | alumni.weber.edu 29 WSU Emeriti Alumni Council President CHRISTOPHER C. RIVERA BS ’71 (Major: sociology) Have you developed new interests or skills that will be part of your “new normal?” Michelle and I grew closer with the small circle of people that were safe to be around. We also experimented with our Instant Pot and air fryer! If you could shelter in place with one celebrity (living or dead) Do you prefer books or movies? A movie is over in 2.5 for 24 hours, whom would you choose? Don Diego de Vargas, hours; a book keeps you engaged for days and the conquistador who led Spanish colonists back into what always has a deeper impact on your thoughts is now Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1692. Two of the soldiers on and feelings. the second entrance into New Mexico are ancestors from my What do you most hope to accomplish mother’s side of the family. during your term of WSUAA leadership? How did staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic affect I want to grow our council and find you, and what did you learn about yourself? I’m basically a quantifiable ways to bring value to our recent grads through homebody, so staying put was fairly easy. My days were filled engagement and service opportunities. CLASS NOTES A L U M N I U P D AT E S with gardening, yard maintenance and reading. What’s the most unusual thing you did while sheltering at home? My wife and I decided to remodel our kitchen. From April through June, we basically lived in our basement. Have you developed new interests or skills that will be part of your “new normal?” No new skills, but the quarantine did give me an opportunity to better utilize my talents and time. WSU Student Alumni Association President BRIANNA NORDGREN (Major: professional sales & entrepreneurship) If you could shelter in place with one celebrity (living or dead) for 24 hours, whom would you choose? Jim Carrey. He’s my ’50s School band to the Calgary married to Vernon Hazen, Stampede in Canada, one who attended Weber State ’60s Do you prefer books or movies? I’m a reader and favorite actor and his great sense of humor would make the Brent Van Kampen AS ’58 of the largest rodeos in and spent over 21 years Douglas Marker BA ’67 partial to nonfiction military history. experience enjoyable. graduated from Weber when the world. The school took as a U.S. Air Force officer, received a master’s degree in it was a two-year school. As second place out of all those for over 50 years. Together, physics from the University a private student of piano, competing from the U.S. He with their children, they of Virginia. He has worked Brent volunteered his time later started Van Kampen lived throughout the United for the U.S. Navy in a civilian weekly as a pianist in music Crusader Marine and sold States and Europe on various position at the Naval Surface appreciation classes. He boats all over the country for military assignments. In Warfare Center in Dahlgren, served in the Eastern States 12 years. Brent also enjoyed 1970, Mary Ellen was awarded Virginia for 50 years. Since Mission for the Church of working for two years as “Military Wife of the Year,” 2002, Douglas has served What’s the most unusual thing you did while sheltering Jesus Christ of Latter-day a car salesman for the representing the Malmstrom as the technology manager at home? I tried doing yoga on my bed. (It was much more Saints. Brent was awarded Larry H. Miller Group. After Air Force Base in Montana. for the Navy Program CASH KNIGHT BS ’14 difficult than I had anticipated!) a music scholarship to the working with Summerhays While stationed in Italy, she Executive Office Integrated (Major: criminal justice); MPC ’16; MBA ’19 Have you developed new interests or skills that will be an University of Utah, where he as a piano salesman for served on wives club boards Warfare Systems (PEO in various positions, and in IWS). In 2019, the Small What do you most hope to accomplish during How did the experience of staying home during the COVID-19 your term of WSUAA leadership? Our council pandemic affect you, and what did you learn about yourself? is all about service. I believe the council will find new, safe ways to serve our university and community during this pandemic. Quarantine was kind of a blessing in disguise. I used that time to recover from an illness and focus more on my family. I also learned that happiness is a mindset; you can’t rely on others to make you happy. WSU Young Alumni Council President integral part of your “new normal?” I now take 10 to 15 met and married his wife, 10 years, he retired, but If you could shelter in place with one celebrity (living or dead) minutes each day to self-reflect and set goals; it helps me de- Patty Rae Hansen. Brent continues to teach piano to the PTA presidency. Mary Business Technology Council for 24 hours, whom would you choose? Kevin Hart. I think we stress, refocus and motivate myself. graduated in 1965 with his his grandchildren. Brent and Ellen has served in various presented Douglas with the Do you prefer books or movies? I love watching bachelor’s degree in music Patty Rae have three children, roles in the Church of Jesus prestigious “Champion of movies with friends and family and sharing education. He began teaching 17 grandchildren and 14 Christ of Latter-day Saints. Small Business Technology opinions and experiences, whereas books are private piano lessons and great-grandchildren. They She and Vernon have six Commercialization Award.” kind of a solo activity. has continued teaching live in Cottonwood Heights, children, 19 grandchildren This award recognizes throughout his life. Brent Utah. and 10 great-grandchildren. outstanding Small Business They live in Beavercreek, Innovation Research (SBIR) Ohio. contributions made by would just laugh the entire time and I wouldn’t be so unhappy about having to shelter in place. How did staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic affect you, and what did you learn about yourself? While social distancing outdoors on the Weber River, my fiancé, Michelle, and I gained a greater appreciation for northern Utah’s amazing scenery. We also learned to work through the mental health concerns that arise from feeling cooped up and anxious about the future. What’s the most unusual thing you did while sheltering at What do you most hope to accomplish during your term of WSUAA leadership? I want to motivate students to become more involved on campus whether it be by joining a club, attending neat events, meeting new people or trying new programs. I also hope to offer a helping hand to students and community members during these trying times. taught band for 12 years Mary Ellen Ipson Hazen in public schools, serving AS ’59 is a retired labor for 10 years at Murray High and delivery nurse with government officials. While School as band director. Greene Memorial Hospital he served as technology He took the Murray High in Xenia, Ohio. She has been manager for the Program home? My fiancé and I played pranks on each other. End Meeting for All 30 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2020 L Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association A Annual Member of the Alumni Association Fall 2020 | alumni.weber.edu 31 Executive Office Integrated of Wyoming for one year, the Weber State, and nine season ticket holders. They volunteers for the Boy Scouts University-Billings. He is Warfare Systems, the small University Lab School in Iowa grandchildren. After retiring, have three sons and one of America. He and his wife, now managing principal of businesses he managed while working on his Ph.D., Al and Charlene served a full- daughter, who are all WSU Tricia, live in Ogden. Solomon Bruce Consulting in the SBIR program have and Cal State University at time, live-at-home mission in graduates. They also have transitioned over $1 billion Los Angeles for three years. the Utah Ogden Mission for nine grandchildren. Debbie in technology to the fleet He later taught business the Church of Jesus Christ of and Kenny live in Eden, Utah. and the private sector. education at Weber State, Latter-day Saints. Al currently His wife, Kathleen Reeve where he remained 38 years serves on the WSU Emeriti Marker AS ’62, received before retiring. For 25 years, Alumni Council. a Bachelor of Arts in he served as the chapter business management from advisor for WSU’s Future Brigham Young University, Business Leaders of America and worked for the IRS. Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) A Debra “Debbie” DeBoer Douglas and Kathleen live in organization. He also served Wright AS ’76, BS ’79 owns Fredericksburg, Virginia. They terms on the organization’s have eight children and 27 National Board of Directors grandchildren. A Alden “Al” Talbot BS ’67 received his master’s degree in business from Utah State University in 1969, and Ph.D. in business education at the University of Iowa in 1976. He taught at the University Robb Alexander BS ’78 is executive director of the Aerospace Heritage Richard C. Scott BS ’78 is Foundation of Utah. He the current director of sales is known as “the voice for Ogden Blue, which has of the Wildcats,” and has been serving the community announced at numerous for over 65 years in the WSU athletics events business of blueprinting, such as football, volleyball large graphics, business and and men’s and women’s general retail printing. Ogden basketball. He’s announced Grizzly Graphics LLC, a Blue is currently supporting nearly every women’s home full-service graphics print and earned FBLA-PBL the community with PPE basketball and tournament shop. For over 20 years, “Advisor of the Year” for face shields, barriers and game since 1976. He also her business has provided Utah numerous times. For safety products for essential worked for nearly 30 years graphic and logo design his dedicated service, Al was employees to use while they as a WSU Development services, and printing the first Utahn elected to the work. Richard has previously Director. He spent time in services, such as banners, FBLA-PBL Wall of Fame. He is been involved in leadership both the Goddard School of signs, decals and vehicle married to Charlene Winegar roles for the Ogden Weber Business & Economics and graphics. She and her Talbot. They have three Chamber and in religious the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke husband, Kenny Wright, children, who all attended service, and he currently College of Health Professions are Weber State basketball ’70s and helped secure millions of dollars for various WSU disciplines during his career. Robb is married to Camille Limited Watercolor Print Edition Print WSU graduates. Retired Col. Joseph B. Michels BS ’76 served for nearly 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. Joseph holds a master’s degree in systems management from the CE R University of Southern California. He received ICATE O T IF his Ph.D. in industrial 100% H E N TIC the dean of the College of 32 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2020 supply chain management, executive coaching and government contract procurement strategies. He has also done legal expert witness work. He is a member of the Fort Worth Downtown Rotary club. ’80s L Rob Higginson BS ’80 currently serves on the WSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and is a lifelong resident of Weber County. Rob previously owned H & W Industrial Sales from 1980–1994 and, for the past 23 years, has worked in the elevator industry. After working for Lerch Bates, Thyssen Krupp, and KONE Elevator, Rob became an independent elevator consultant and started Higginson Consulting Services. Most recently, Rob and his wife, Pam, opened a Crumbl Cookies bakery in Lubbock, Texas. They have three children and live in West Haven. University and completed nine years, Joseph served as alumni.weber.edu/print business operations, AS ’81, BS ’82 enjoyed University of Oklahoma. For Koolmees den artist Cara of 100 Signed by Og on iti Ed d Limite ticity en th Au Certificate of consultation regarding Karen Ducharme Snoy policy analysis from the I In his work, he provides engineering from Texas A&M a post-doctorate in public TY UT A “Weber State Pond” have two sons who are also F Become a lifetime member of WSUAA and receive: Blau, a WSU graduate. They LLC in Fort Worth, Texas. Business at Montana State a 30-year career as an The WSU Alumni Association has proudly distributed 57 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS totaling over $98,561 in FY 2020. elementary teacher in the Davis School District. She taught kindergarten and second grade, and served as a reading specialist and reading coach for the district. Visit alumni.weber.edu/scholarships to learn more about the WSUAA scholarship programs. BECOME A MEMBER Traditions Keeper 22 Since her retirement, Karen AS ’91, AS ’97, BS ’98, is a Alumni Association Board of Fenn BS ’16. They have one surrounding areas. For the still tests for the resource family nurse practitioner for Directors. daughter and two sons. past 13 years, Christie has and gifted programs for Davis MountainStar Primary Care. School District. She and her Adam received his master’s L Jason Grider BS ’97, Gary Hill BA ’99 is the city husband, Ken, live in Layton. degree in nursing at the M.Ed ’14 is a colonel in the manager for Bountiful City. They have four children, two University of Utah in 2001. United States Army Reserve. He previously worked for Dan Smith BS ’00 graduated of whom graduated from They have four children and He serves as the state Park City Municipal for eight summa cum laude in Weber State. live in Kaysville, Utah. emergency preparedness years, and as city manager computer science at Weber officer for Utah, as well as the of West Point, Utah, for five State, following his Bachelor Shawn Dorr BS ’84 is the Len Putnam AS ’89, IC ’91 scholarship and enrollment years. Gary is a current board of Fine Arts degree from the president of 2 Guys’ Deco has served as a registered officer for the University of member and past president University of Utah in 1991. Flooring America. For 30 nurse for Intermountain Utah Army ROTC Program. He of the Utah City Managers He has worked as a software years, this retail flooring Healthcare for 29 years. and his wife, Summer Grider, Association. He serves as an engineer for L3Harris and decorating business She currently works as an have one son. They live in officer for the Utah League Corporation for over 20 years. has provided carpet, tile, experience of care consultant Sandy. of Cities and Towns board of He and his wife, Lisa-Marie, hardwood, laminate and for Intermountain. In directors. He married Amber have two children. They live luxury vinyl flooring. They previous years, Len worked Elggren AS ’98 in 1998. in Cocoa, Florida. also provide all types of at McKay-Dee Hospital, cabinets, lights, counter tops, Intermountain Layton stone and paint for every Hospital and Intermountain home and lifestyle. Shawn Homecare and Hospice. and his wife, Sonya, live in Len and her husband, Scott Gillette, Wyo. Putnam, are WSU supporters, A Gary Petersen AS ’87, BS ’90 is a partner at Adams & Petersen, CPAs LLC. He has worked for 31 years in public accounting. His work focuses on entity selection, taxation, and Len currently serves on the WSU Alumni Association also has specific expertise in construction and almost every other industry. He has The WSU Traditions Keeper program links students — past, present and future — through shared involvement in Wildcat traditions and activities. All members of the WSU family are invited to become official WSU Traditions Keepers. Out of the 50 Traditions, only 10 are limited during COVID-19. alumni.weber.edu/traditionskeeper 34 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2020 served on many community boards and on the West Point City Council for 19 years. He and his wife, Carolyn, live in West Point, Utah. They have four children and five grandchildren. A Lynell Craner BIS ’89 is the regional sales and marketing manager for Sam’s Club, where she has worked for 18 years. She has served on the WSU Alumni Association Board of Directors since 2017. Her husband, Adam Craner 30% off Outdoor Program equipment rentals two children. ’90s Brandice Bringhurst BS ’94 Stewart Library access Free Dee Events Center parking pass is a librarian and teaching assistant for Wasatch Peak Academy. She married Mike Bringhurst in 1995. They have three children and two grandchildren. When Brandice was raising her children, she worked Stromberg Complex and Davis Fitness Center discount own online business and serving as a marketing 10% Wildcat Store discount director for a motorcycle City. He received a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young has spent 23 years working for local government. He alumni.weber.edu currently serving on the WSU Alumni Association Board of Directors. BA ’02 is an associate professor of sociology at Southern Connecticut State University. She received her master’s degree and doctorate in sociology from his Juris Doctor degree from the State University of New Association, where he has Brigham Young University York at Buffalo in 2006 and served as treasurer, vice in 2002. He was appointed 2012. Cassi is the editor of president and president. by Governor Gary R. Herbert Race: Identity, Ideology, and Matt serves as a board as the executive director Inequality (2020), and has member for Cottages of Hope of the Utah Department three published articles in and continues to look for of Commerce, after nine academic journals. Cassi opportunities to serve his years as director of the also published a chapter in church and his community. Utah Division of Public Encyclopedia of Diversity and He currently serves on the Utilities. Chris also served Social Justice (2014). Previously, WSU Alumni Association as an attorney for the Utah she was a lecturer at Board of Directors. Legislature and law clerk for University of Buffalo, Niagara Justice Michael J. Wilkins at University and Weber State the Utah Supreme Court. University. Cassi was married Melena Fenn AA ’99, BA ’01 leads a product management When she’s not crafting a in 2012, and she and her ’00s partner have two children. Nicole Carpenter ’02 is product vision and strategy, she volunteers as a coach Christie Fewkes AS ’00, BS an author, speaker and with American Youth Soccer ’19 is the customer service the communications and practices and games. She is four years. Brandice serves attends WSU. Gary is Cassi Meyerhoffer AS ’00, City/County Management taxiing her kids between delivery technician for and their eldest currently Chris Parker BS ’99 received She spends her evenings working as a labor and They have seven children, with Girl Scouts of Utah. is a member of the Utah Association and Junior Jazz. company. She also enjoyed as a member of the WSU manager for South Ogden team at NICE inContact. in various roles, including owning and operating her Matt Dixon BA ’98 is the city University in 2004. Matt Board of Directors. They have high-net-worth individuals and estate planning. He Priority registration on Community Education courses volunteered as a troop leader married to William David L Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association A Annual Member of the Alumni Association manager for Rentmeister Total Home Service, a family-owned and operated heating, air conditioning and plumbing company that serves Davis County and operations manager for the Women’s Leadership Institute, a nonprofit working to elevate Utah women in business and politics. She is the author of 52 Weeks Fall 2020 | alumni.weber.edu 35 Are you an Alumni mentor? winning journalist for local Daniel P. “Dan” Schwab controller for Our Schools at Grounds for Coffee before Services facilities supervisor is an improved wireless reporting and breaking news. BA ’09 is a Vertical Lift Global Now and Education First. He starting her own business. at Michigan State University. communication mobility Hailey began her career as a Sales campaign team leader also worked as the controller She volunteered for two For nearly 20 years prior, management process. Brian reporter in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for The Boeing Company. He for the Spencer Cox years at the Ogden Treehouse Michael worked as a is the sole inventor. Brian and and later moved to Sioux leads marketing, strategy campaign for governor. He Museum and has served supervisor in the custodial Leandra have three children. Falls, S.D., where she worked and sales efforts with has served for a collective 30 on the Ogden Arts Festival management department in as a weekend anchor and military customers in Latin years in various civic action, Committee. the Davis School District and producer. Hailey has also America, Kuwait, Jordan, education and fundraising worked for ABC4 Utah in St. UAE, Norway and Bahrain volunteer roles. David lives in George and Salt Lake City. for the AH-64 Apache, AH-6 Pleasant View, Utah, with his Little Bird, CH-47 Chinook wife, Jodi Broadbent BS ’03, and V-22 Osprey estimated and their four kids. Brandon Hone BS ’08, MBA ’16 is the vice president of operations for Hone Propane, Inc. His company specializes in home heating solutions, with tanks and propane for all applications, including small tanks for BBQ grills and trailers. He received a master’s degree in history from Utah State University in 2010. He also earned a business certificate in international supply chain management from Louvain Become a Leadership to Legacy mentor today! Share your advice and experience with WSU students in your field at a future event. alumni.weber.edu/mentor School of Management in Brussels, Belgium in 2014. was selected for Boeing’s premier leadership rotational program, the Business Career Foundation Program. While part of that program, he worked in various functions, including 787 procurement financial analysis, Boeing Capital Corporation Applied Science & the community. With over 15 Technology. She has more and founder of MOMentity, years of experience, he and than 15 years of experience a motivational support his team of trained mental assisting both private and blog for moms. Nicole health clinicians counsel professional clients to also serves on the board individuals, couples and develop effective job-search of directors for Reading families using psychotherapy, strategies. Previously, Kim Horizons of Kaysville, Utah, talk therapy and mindfulness received her bachelor’s an educational company techniques, including degree in organizational dedicated to making reading telehealth therapy. He lives in behavior from National accessible for everyone. North Ogden. University in California. Her A Douglas Clawson BS ’06 Hailey Higgins BS ’08 is a career path has allowed is the owner of North Star reporter and multimedia her to teach and present on Counseling Services in journalist for FOX 13 News. the west and east coasts, in Ogden, providing mental and She is a two-time Emmy- and Japan, and, presently, in Utah. behavioral health services to Edward R. Murrow Award- an international company with trampoline parks in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Bogota, Colombia. He lives in Holt, Michigan. independent owner and operator of the licensed Avon retail store in Ogden. She has been in business for over 13 years. Her store Alissa Burden BA ’17 is the the United States, Canada, owner of Grounds for Coffee Belgium and Japan. She Brian Stearmer BS ’16 and Avon products, including Creekside Cafe in Marriott- also works as a freelance his wife, Leandra Stearmer, bath and body, skincare, Slaterville, Utah. Founded in graphic design artist on Etsy. have spent 20 years serving fragrance and makeup. She 2019, the business offers a She and her husband, Isaac as a military family in has earned multiple awards wide variety of hot and iced Hernandez, are expecting the Utah Army National for sales increase, volume drinks, savory and sweet their first child in fall 2020. Guard. The U.S. Patent and and recruiting. Tammy and Trademark Office published her husband, Beazer, have U.S. Patent 10,560,916 one son, who also graduated B2 in Feb. 2020, which from Weber State. food options, and catering. As a Weber State student, she served as a local barista Michael Maynor BS ’16 is a Residential and Hospitality provides the full range of revenue management and cash operations, and the fabrication division as a transitioning to attack to Fortify Your Family (2015), designer for Get Air Sports, He served a mission for the AS ’17 is the proud planning and analysis, rotational manager before employment and internship AS ’16, BA ’16 is a graphic at Weber State University. accounting, 777 financial MPC ’18 is a professional the College of Engineering, alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2020 from Weber State, Dan Kim Ealy AS ’08, MBA ’16, advisor for Weber State in 36 at $5 billion. After graduating Kimberly Hernandez Snoy L Tammy Duran-Martin helicopters global sales. Dan is a member of the Association of the United States Army, Army Aviation Association of America and the Vertical Flight Society. ’10s David Broadbent BS ’05, MAcc ’08, MBA ’15 is the practice administrator for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah. David previously worked for nearly 15 years at the Management & Training Corporation, including eight as director of administration. He volunteered as the If you’re a Weber State alum who owns or operates a business, let us help you spread the word. We encourage you to show your support for small business everywhere and especially those created, owned and operated by fellow Wildcats. To be added to, or to browse our Wildcats Business as Usual Directory, visit alumni.weber.edu/businesslisting. ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS BY LEAH MURRAY Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor, Political Science and Philosophy HOW LUCKY WE ARE TO BE ALIVE RIGHT NOW CENSUS 2020 38 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2020 Historically, this election is happening in a time of unrest, and from unrest comes change. To quote a wonderful musical (Hamilton) about a fabulous founding father, “How lucky we are to be alive right now.” Politically, this is one of the most important years in the American election cycle. First, this is a census year, which we use to determine representation. Every person in Utah is counted, as has every person in the United States since 1790, and we learn how many we are and who we are. If you have not been counted, or if you aren’t sure, please visit 2020census.gov, because Wildcats count! BE COUNTED Third, this is a presidential election year, which is the most exciting American election we have. The entire nation will see the same two names at the top of the ballot in the only national collective political moment we have. The president is the most powerful position in our government and is possibly the most powerful leader in the world. What that person says and does will have monumental repercussions. We will live with that choice for the next four years. We will live with the ramifications of the decisions that person makes for a lifetime. If you are unsure who to vote for, do some research, learn from events such as those at WSU’s Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service, because Wildcats make informed decisions. These are stressful times, but these are the times that make us. We will be amazing as a result of these times. You do not want to miss being a part of this. You do not want to miss having your voice heard as we make decisions about what our country will be for the next few decades. This will be a time that the AP history exams will cover for years to come as this year will live on in our nation’s collective memory. We will all remember where we were when the schools closed. And, in a hundred years, scholars will study how we voted and what happened as a result. You want to be a part of this. Second, in this election we will choose the people who will then make decisions based on that census. Our state legislators will decide how geographic districts are drawn for the U.S. House of Representatives and for the State Legislature. This election will choose the choosers. We will live with those decisions for the next decade. To vote, you need to register. If you are not sure if you are registered, please visit vote.utah.gov, because Wildcats vote! L Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association A Annual Member of the Alumni Association CENSUS 2020 I’M VOTING! BE PART OFTHIS Fall 2020 | alumni.weber.edu 39 50 Annual th H. Aldous DIXON AWARDS Students Award for her efforts. A year later, Andrews was “My primary motivation for returning to my alma mater was selected as Weber State’s first chief diversity officer. In 2018, to join my professors who were so influential in my career, she added the title of assistant vice president for diversity to and to teach science where I knew teaching was important,” her already impressive résumé. he explained. Andrews earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University Soon after his arrival, he helped of Utah. She received two master’s degrees — one in women’s design and implement the chemical studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and one in technician associate’s degree political science at Rutgers University. She returned to the U program. He still coordinates this of U for a post-graduate certificate in conflict resolution and effort, successfully obtaining an mediation, and is now working on a doctoral degree. average of $25,000 a year in federal She also serves on the Utah Governor’s Martin Luther King Jr. funding. In 1990, he founded the Human Rights Commission, the Ogden Diversity Commission Center of Excellence for Chemical and the McKay-Dee and Layton Hospital governing boards. In Technology. Over the past three 2017, she received the ATHENA Leadership Award from the decades, the center has partnered Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce. with more than 100 Utah companies to enhance the quality of applied science teaching and research at Edward B. Walker BA ’ 76 Professor, Director of Chemical Technology Center Weber, and to stimulate the state’s economic growth. Students who have worked on center-sponsored projects have presented their research at scientific meetings, published their findings in peer-reviewed journals, and administrators and external stakeholders to implement After 39 years, Ed Walker obtained numerous patents. Dozens of WSU science graduates approaches to inclusivity in relation to the university’s still gets excited about every are still in Utah, working as doctors, lab managers and values of access, learning and community. In addition, she lecture and lab he teaches. executives at large companies. Some have founded their own helps organize and oversee events that celebrate diversity “I enjoy my one-on-one businesses, while others are professors at Weber State and and brings in keynote speakers, summits and workshops time with my students — elsewhere. Born and raised in northern that explore diversity, equity and inclusion from a variety helping them study, conduct of perspectives. At facilitating difficult discussions about Not only does Walker strive to keep pace with the latest Utah, Adrienne Gillespie experiments and prepare for sensitive issues on campus, she is proactive and adept. developments in chemistry, he frequently also sets that pace. Andrews is a social activist by rewarding careers in science,” His publications, discoveries and participation in national and nature and nurture. Andrews began working part-time at WSU in 2005. She he said. international scientific organizations have brought prestige Her grandfather, James H. quickly advanced to a full-time role as the special student Internet postings from former to Weber State. Assisted by student research teams in the Gillespie, was president of the population counselor at WSU Davis. She has also taught students indicate their feelings 1990s, for example, Walker identified the active ingredients Ogden chapter of the NAACP political science and women’s and gender studies courses, for him are mutual. in cranberries that help prevent bladder infections. He is at the height of the civil rights but her transformative work in building campus community, “Dr. Walker is awesome,” one now recognized as a world leader in bacterial anti-adherence movement, and her parents connection and mechanisms, organometallic chelation and the compositional inclusion at Weber student wrote recently. “He’s taught her to take care of others in addition to taking State began in care of herself. earnest in 2013, Adrienne Gillespie Andrews Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Chief Diversity Officer positive and funny; he tries his best to make biochemistry fun analysis of fruit juices. and interesting. Make sure that you study hard for his tests, In recognition of his extensive achievements in research and though, because it is biochemistry, after all.” community service, Walker received the Governor’s Medal the special assistant Walker challenges students to develop cognitive thinking for Science and Technology. He is also a Brady Presidential to the president for skills by combining traditional academic activities with Distinguished Professor and a Crystal Crest Master Teacher. diversity. In 2014, industry-standard analytical methods. she led the charge Graduating from Weber in 1976, Walker went on to earn his Named in memory of the former Weber president, the H. Aldous Andrews creates a learning environment at WSU that to create the LGBT Ph.D. in chemistry from Texas Tech University and was a post- Dixon Awards have been presented annually since 1970 to honor makes students feel safe, respected and free to pursue any Resource Center doctoral scholar in biochemical pharmacology at Stanford faculty and staff who have demonstrated careers of excellence and career regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or at WSU, and was University. The Ogden native returned to Weber State in the have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support students. socio-economic circumstance. As a crucial member of the awarded the Crystal summer of 1981. Dixon served as president of Weber College from 1919 to 1920 and president’s executive team, Andrews interacts with faculty, Crest Friend of As a result, she was a fearless advocate for social justice at an early age. “If anyone was friendless or lonely, I’d take them under my wing,” she said. Today, these values are reflected in her work at Weber State. 40 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2020 when she became again from 1937 to 1953. Fall 2020 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 41 Wildcat Join the Inbox Our Spring 2020 article Lasting Impressions covered WSU students’ environmental fieldwork in Utah around the globe, along with the legendary trips former geology professor Walter Buss took with students to explore geologic sites across the Southwestern United States and Mexico. We received the following letter regarding the story from one of our alumni. away, but it wasn’t until I went to visit Great-aunt Merrill and asked her to show me her photo album that I realized she had the photo collection that complemented Madeline’s journal. I knew I had found a treasure. With both the written and visual parts of the story finally together, I compiled them into two volumes, one for each trip. Madeline’s dates and notes were thorough, and Merrill had carefully written names, dates and locations on the backs of the photos, so it was easy to I was so pleased to see Walter Buss and his classes mentioned in your article in the spring 2020 issue. I have a connection with the “College on Wheels” trips. Two of my great-aunts, Madeline place them together with accuracy. The result is family history magic, and also a real tribute to the experiences Professor Buss provided those students. Watkins and Merrill Watkins, went on both trips [in 1946 and 1947]. My great-aunts and my grandma (their sister) spoke of Professor Madeline kept a daily journal of everything they did, and Merrill took Buss fondly throughout their lives. From the photos and descriptions the photos. I don’t think they divided the writing/photography jobs from Madeline and Merrill, it is easy to see that both trips were on purpose — one just liked writing and one liked taking pictures. unforgettable. I had inherited the journal in Madeline’s papers when she passed Anyway, thanks for highlighting such a great bit of WSU history! WILDCAT Clic k Sincerely, Emma Dibble West Weber State ‘93, BA English For shareable stories, videos, photos and everything we couldn’t fit in the magazine, visit weber.edu/wsumagazine. Want to share your thoughts on Photos est Dibble W f Emma o sy e rt cou something you read? Email us at magazine@weber.edu. 42 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2020 Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID RECY 1265 Village Dr. Dept. 4025 Ogden, UT 84408-4025 E ME! L C Permit No. 151 Salt Lake City, UT