WILDCAT WSU Alumni Magazine | FALL 2021 Connections MAKE US STRONGER Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Stewart Bell Tower WILDCAT WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY News for Alumni & Friends Vol. 26, No. 2, Fall 2021 Quality of care is a top priority at Weber State Laurie Coburn, EdD, RRA, RT(R)(CV)(ARRT), EDITOR IN CHIEF Jaime Winston CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allison Barlow Hess Anna Burleson Karin Hurst AS ’79 Jessica Kokesh John Kowalewski Brad Mortensen Shaylee Stevens AS ’20, BS ’21 Jordan Wise RPA(CBRPA), simulates how to place a needle for Bachelor’s or Master’s, Learn Quality Care from the Best Laurie Coburn trains bachelor’s degree students for careers in the vascular interventional radiology field, and master’s degree students to become radiology assistants. Her undergrad students go on to conduct important procedures like angiograms, and her graduate students become essential members of radiology teams, working closely with physicians. Coburn spent 29 years working as an interventional radiology technologist and an advanced practitioner in radiology, doing most of her work at Primary Children’s Hospital. Like her students, she started at Weber State. She earned her associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Weber, and even took classes from her current faculty colleague, Dr. Bob Walker. The most important thing she teaches at WSU: providing quality care for patients. weber.edu/radsci an invasive radiological procedure. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Allison Barlow Hess Nancy B. Collinwood BS ’94 Rebecca Gibson AS ’09 John Kowalewski Betsy Mennell Amber Robson BS ’05, MPC ’17 Jill Walker BS ’06, MA ’12 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matthew Zacher BFA ’11 DESIGNERS Emily Caraballo MED ’21 Antonio Moya BFA ’12 Matthew Zacher BFA ’11 STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Benjamin Zack CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Liz Baronofsky Ryan Belnap Alloyius Mcilwaine Joe Salmond 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. 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. WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2021-22 Kearston Cutrubus, Chair Karla K. Bergeson, Vice Chair Brent Bishop Amanda K. Covington Louenda H. Downs BS ’78 Karen White Fairbanks Ben Ferney AS ’19, BS ’21 Curtis Funk BS ’11 Donald J. Salazar Keith Titus BS ’03 Sherri Cox, Secretary POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Advancement Services, Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4018, Ogden UT 84408-4018. weber.edu/wsumagazine | alumni.weber.edu CONTENTS Allison Barlow Hess, Jessica Kokesh, John Kowalewski, Shaylee Stevens AS ’20, BS ’21, Jaime Winston MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS The The Weber State 12 An Ogden Campus Landmark Turns 50 Years Old 15 Weber Watch Learn the history of the Stewart Bell Tower from the man who secured its funding. 33 Alumni Ash Ryan and Yuqi Liu share their artistic talents, WSU’s Utah Jazz scholarship recipients, an alum making history in the Utah Army National Guard, social and behavioral sciences’ new dean, and more 18 Updates on the careers and achievements of Weber State alumni 40 We Have Spirit! 44 Dixon Awards Wildcat Inbox Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stewart Bell Tower, readers sent us their memories of the iconic structure. Creating Connections to Care At the height of COVID-19, WSU and Ogden community leaders banded together for residents lacking healthcare. 30 Class Notes Named in memory of former Weber College President H. Aldous Dixon, the awards go to... WSU’s Spirit Squad wins national titles and shows what dedication means. 24 Bells of 46 in Shades of Purple Ash Ryan BA ’16 is chasing her dream on the streets and Amplified Getting to know our 2021–22 Alumni Association leaders Parisian style “K Stevenson supported me and inspired me to continue walls of Philadelphia. creating my lowbrow, dark surrealism art and helped Ryan is a street artist and muralist, creating large scale me discover some of my favorite and influential artists,” murals in her signature blue, purple and pink palate. One Ryan said. of her most recent murals, a 1,300-square-foot portrait of Now with the disease in remission, Ryan continues hip-hop artist Lil Nas X in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, was her work as a muralist. One of her latest projects is featured in Variety and Philadelphia Magazine. “Once I lost my job due to the pandemic, I wanted to chase President Brad Mortensen relates a Weber faculty mentor and his successful student to the university’s forward-looking strategic plan. ’Cats with Class Painting the Streets my original dream of becoming a muralist,” said Ryan, who a 1,100-square-foot mural that consists of nine diverse portraits. Ryan spray painted this issue’s cover on a public art wall in previously worked as a floral designer. Philadelphia. See her create her artwork in a time-lapse video During her time at Weber State, Ryan experienced health at weber.edu/wsumagazine. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter issues from chronic Lyme disease and found her painting, and TikTok at @asheyeart. She can also be reached at her printmaking and figure drawing classes particularly website, asheyeart.com. cathartic. Kathleen “K” Stevenson, visual art and design department chair, was her favorite professor. @weberstate @weberstate @WeberStateU @WeberStateU Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 5 WEBER WATCH Artwork from WEBER WATCH the Heart WSU grad-turned-recruiter named Talent of the Year in the final Crystal Crest Awards “It’s a very fantastic opportunity to study at Weber State.” —Yuqi Liu Yuqi Liu’s 2020 Crystal Crest Talent of the Year Award came as a surprise to her, especially since she painted as a hobby, not as a major. On the day the awards were announced, she received a congratulatory email from a colleague at work. “‘What happened?’” she replied. Liu was one of the final winners of the Crystal Crest Awards, which celebrated individuals and organizations in the areas of scholarship, talent, leadership, achievement and instruction. The awards were held annually for 38 years. While she didn’t expect an award, her stunning art and charitable work make her the clear winner. A fall 2020 graduate in business administration, Liu now recruits students for WSU’s International Student & Scholar Center. On the side, she has practiced oil painting and Welcoming a New Dean to donated artwork to a Chinese charity established to help fund Social & Behavioral Sciences children’s education. “It means a lot to me to notice my talent Newly appointed dean of the College of Social & traditional Chinese watercolors since childhood. She has in this area,” said Liu, whose art subjects range from cultural Behavioral Sciences (CSBS) Julie Rich holds a Ph.D. from Chinese scenes to still lifes to go-kart racers. the University of Oxford in geography with an emphasis While she expresses herself through art, she said WSU public on paleoclimatology, the study of ancient climates. What speaking instructor Greg Larson helped her find her voice in she’s found at Weber is a climate that’s perfectly suited his class, where she had to step out of her comfort zone to for her focus on teaching and community connections. deliver five speeches or presentations to Larson and her peers From the moment she stepped foot on Weber State’s in English, a language she was actively learning. campus as a first-year student “decades ago,” Rich said “Yuqi was part of that class when she had recently come she’s been committed to the university. Her mother from China and perhaps the biggest obstacle she faced was worked in Weber State housing; her father helped install her transition from classroom English learned in China to the first seats at Stewart Stadium. “There is a lot of Rich conversational American English,” Larson said. “Besides her blood, sweat and tears at Weber State,” said Rich, who intelligence, two of her strongest qualities were courage and worked as interim dean before beginning her work as the willingness to work very hard to achieve her goals.” dean during the summer of 2021. Liu chose WSU because she thought Utah would be a peaceful As a member of the Weber State faculty since 1991, state for studying. At WSU, she discovered an institution that Rich has emphasized teaching and field work. Her supported international students. She made friends from research and writing focus on arid environments and many countries, including the U.S., and with them explored environmental change. local culture. CSBS is home to the departments of sociology and “She is the kind of student that we hope to have at WSU, and anthropology; criminal justice; geography, environment she deserves to be recognized for her amazing talents and also and sustainability; history; political science and commitment to making Weber State University great, Great, philosophy; psychological science; and social work and GREAT!,” said Tiana Witkamp, administrative specialist for gerontology. The college is expanding with new certificate the International Student & Scholar Center who nominated programs in tele-mental health, crisis intervention and Liu for the award. “She makes every effort to happily serve her geospatial analysis; an associate’s degree in social and fellow students and consciously wants to make a difference behavioral sciences; and a Master of Social Work. In addition to her role as dean, Rich will continue to advance Weber State’s Global Community Engaged Learning (GCEL) program, which undertakes projects to help alleviate poverty in developing nations. “All of the challenges we face in the world deal with societal issues,” Rich said. “How did we become so polarized? Why is the suicide rate so high in Utah? How can we live more sustainably? These big problems we deal with day in and day out are going to be resolved in part by social scientists, people who understand the way individuals think and respond and know how policy is created. The importance of what we teach and learn in this college is critical.” for others, especially those in need.” 6 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 7 WEBER WATCH Shooting for Success No Doors The Utah Jazz have made earning a college diploma a slam dunk for four first-year Wildcats. Each student received a scholarship from the team aimed at helping first-generation, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) students earn their bachelor’s degrees. The scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, books, fees, room and board. Gabriela Rosas Calderon, one of four Weber State recipients of a Utah Jazz scholarship are Closed WSU graduate makes history in the Utah Army National Guard The first female to be promoted to brigadier general in the Utah Army National Guard is a Weber State University alum. Charlene C. Dalto is the land component commander for the Gabriela Rosas Calderon, whose parents are from Mexico, knew she wanted to be a teacher since third or fourth grade. She would play teacher with other children while they waited for their moms, who were taking ESL classes. Utah Army National Guard headquartered at Draper, Utah. “In elementary school, I looked up to my teachers as role models,” Rosas recalled. “I want to be like that when I grow up.” 1992, said she was inspired to go into the military by her older Jai’Auna Jefferson, the youngest of 14 siblings, is a selfdescribed “over-thinker,” who knew early on she would need a college degree, whether she became a veterinarian or worked in psychology. “I was always looking for ways to improve myself, to become Dalto said it can be hard to be in the limelight, but young a better soldier, to get outside my comfort zone,” she said. women need role models. “It’s important to show them when Dalto served her first 20 years as an enlisted soldier, achieving starting their military career there’s no door that’s closed to the second-highest rank, serving as a master sergeant, and them, and it’s okay to celebrate women’s accomplishments,” then took a direct commission into the U.S. Army Nurse she said. Corps as a first lieutenant, serving 18 years as an officer Dalto’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army before going on to command the Utah Army National Guard’s Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. She Medical Detachment. Then, in 2021, she was promoted to also deployed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation brigadier general. Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990. “My dad’s friends would say, ‘I wish I had done good in school. I wish I had gone to college.’” Today, Jefferson’s plan is to study sociology, and eventually become a professor. Angel Solis, who plans to study mechanical engineering, said that at age 15, watching his mom “work her butt off to provide for me and my brother” inspired him to go to college. She provides strategic leadership for six major subordinate commands, made up of about 4,400 soldiers. Dalto, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing in sister, who also served. Jordyn Beddow said her decision to pursue a radiologic sciences degree is inspired by her father, who suffers from diabetes and has had four open-heart surgeries. She fell in love with Weber State after touring the campus. “I loved the mix of downtown and nature,” she said. “I also know that I am going to get the best education.” All four give credit to school counselors or family for encouraging them to apply, but each doubted it would amount to anything until they heard directly from Jazz players and staff. Beddow was in a state of shock and disbelief when she got the call from Jazz forward Royce O’Neale. Along with Jefferson, she admits that she was not a Jazz fan at first, but that’s changed for Beddow after receiving the scholarship. “I watched them all the way to the playoff games against the Clippers,” she said. “I will always be their No. 1 fan!” For Rosas, sharing the news with her parents was the highlight. “They came to this country with nothing and gave me everything,” she said. “I received the scholarship, but it represents all their hard work and dedication.” Visit weber.edu/wsumagazine to read more about WSU’s Jazz Scholars. 8 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 SCHOLARSHIPS 30 The number of Jazz Scholarships awarded in 2021, based on the number of preseason and regular season wins the team had by the All Star Break. Life-Saving Doses Administered Here When the community needed help, Wildcats rolled up their Another 30 non-medical employee volunteers from various sleeves and went to work. departments including Campus Police, the Fire Marshall, Weber-Morgan Health Department partnered with the Facilities Management, Dee Events Center, Human Resources, university and the Dee Events Center to hold a mass COVID Marketing & Communications and Environmental Health & vaccination clinic from January to June 2021. Safety also helped with the process. Weber State’s long history of engaging with the community Thanks to the volunteer effort nearly 100,000 life-saving prepared the university for a public-health emergency. COVID doses were administered. Task Force Chair and Public Safety Director, Dane LeBlanc, “We have many Weber State alumni on our staff,” said Brian helped coordinate the university’s first pandemic response Cowan, health department executive director. “The university back in 2009 with an H1N1 vaccination clinic at the Dee. He has been a critical partner for us for many years, particularly said that training and collaboration made the connection during the pandemic. We would not have been able to sustain easy this time. our COVID-19 mass-vaccination clinic without their help, and More than 200 faculty, staff and students from the Dr. our entire community owes them a debt of gratitude.” Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions were trained, Caring for each other and for the community is a Wildcat screened, credential-certified and enrolled with the Weber- hallmark that was on full display during the worst moments Morgan Medical Reserve Corps. The volunteers provided 50% of the pandemic. or more of the staffing for the vaccination area, including during the days specifically reserved for Weber State faculty, staff and students. Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 9 WEBER WATCH Weber State Ranks Second in the Nation for Veterans ARTS WEBER AT A new Military Times survey ranks Weber State as No. 2 in the nation for veteran students. More than 300 schools across the United States participated in the “Best For Vets: College” survey, which included 70 questions about each college’s costs, programs, policies and services that impact military-connected students. WSU is LINDQUIST COLLEGE OF ARTS & HUMANITIES EVENTS CALENDAR WINTER/FALL 2021 Charles Chandler, WSU Veterans Services director the only Utah college in the top 10. Outreach for Veterans Education (MOVE) committee, and it WSU Veterans Services helps veteran students excel by is the teamwork we have in the Veterans Services office,” offering services like certifying educational benefits and explained Charles Chandler, WSU Veterans Services director. connecting veterans to scholarship opportunities. In 2020, “You put those two together, and it’s a catalyst for making 1,275 students received some type of benefit through Veterans sure that veterans are taken care of here at the university Services. The WSU Davis campus offers a dedicated full-time because the transition from being in the military into higher school certifying official, tutoring services and a veterans education is daunting.” study lounge through Veterans Upward Bound. September 10-11 Bonneville Chamber Music Festival OCTOBER OCTOBER “It’s the support we get from the university and its Military October 01 October 08-16 Weber State Symphony Orchestra Concert Something’s Afoot a play by WSU Theatre students 23 Annual October 20 October 26 October 28 WSU DIVERSITY CONFERENCE Choirfest presented by WSU Music Hurst Artist in Residence: Amitav Ghosh Browning Presents! Guillermo Galindo November 06 November 12-20 The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons written by Rachel Teagle ING EXPLOR h c ee p s ee fr 2021 Diversity Conference Sparks Dialogue November 05 DECEMBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER rd Throughout the past year and a half, the United States The conference explored the meaning and idea of free speech, has witnessed a continual state of unrest, both at local giving participants an opportunity to better understand an and national levels. Racial tensions and extreme political essential component of the First Amendment. Presenters Dumke Arts Plaza Grand Opening featuring the sculptures of polarization have brought attention to the need for civil and participants also examined how free speech impacts the inaugural artist Chakaia Booker Weber State Symphony Orchestra Movie Scores discourse within our communities. world around us. As the country continues to face challenges, Weber State The conference strives to educate people on the importance of University recently fostered open dialogue about these issues engaging in discourse and advocacy in their communities. It at the 23rd Annual Diversity Conference, held Sept. 30–Oct. 1 offers a unique platform for attendees to engage in workshops in a virtual format. Events were held virtually on both days, and presentations that encourage them to challenge their with an in-person option on Sept. 30 in the Shepherd Union. own biases by examining the issues from all sides and November 18-20 December 03 December 05 “Through social media, a 24/7 news cycle and other platforms, perspectives. Past conferences have explored such topics as we have seen firsthand the discord in our country, and a diversity in music, the challenges of immigration and the frequent component being expressed through that is the right importance of diversity in education. Symphonic Band Holiday Concert Combined Choirs & Orchestra Holiday Concert to free speech,” said Tia Nero, diversity, equity and inclusion program coordinator. 10 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Orchesis Dance Theatre: Rhythm, Here & Now FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS: WEBER.EDU/ARTSCALENDAR The Bells of Weber State AN OGDEN CAMPUS LANDMARK TURNS 50 By: Karin Hurst MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Dean Hurst, former WSU executive director of Alumni Relations who helped secure funding for the Stewart Bell Tower. On Christmas Eve 1945, a weary World War II paratrooper from the Army 82nd Airborne Division battled tangled ticket lines at crowded train terminals and circuitous detours on an ill-conceived mission to reunite with his family in Ogden, Utah. Four days into his nine-day leave, the young soldier had only made it from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Cincinnati, Ohio. Homesick and defeated, he stepped outside the depot to stretch his cramped legs. While moon-kissed snowflakes fluttered to earth, his eyes locked on an illuminated nativity scene a short distance away. As he trudged closer, a magnificent chorus of carillon bells pierced the evening solitude. The otherworldly toll of an ancient carol soothed Pfc. Dean W. Hurst’s soul and steeled his resolve to find joy and meaning in each new experience. Continued —> Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 13 A Lasting Impression Like Music to a Development Officer’s Ears The carillon is an extraordinary musical instrument After establishing a music scholarship comprised of at least 23 cast bronze bells, tuned to in honor of Elizabeth’s mother in 1964, produce concordant harmony when multiple bells the Stewarts donated a series of what are sounded together. For more than five centuries, they considered to be “small gifts” to the carillon has been a voice for humankind: tolling Weber — a Jeep for archeological trips, warnings, mourning defeats, celebrating victories equipment to measure atomic power for and announcing news. Carillons are typically the physics lab. installed in a belfry, a tower that is attached to a “Then one day I said to Dean, ‘Isn’t main building, or a free-standing structure called there something the college needs that a campanile. is a little more acknowledgeable than what we have done?’” Dean Hurst’s memory of yuletide Elizabeth noted in her journal. bells in Cincinnati resurfaced in Hurst consulted a two-year-old campus plan sketch and 1968 as he studied a Weber State spotted an inconspicuous shape he was told could represent campus master plan. One year a clock or bell tower. earlier, he had been hired as the cost to build one at Weber. Elizabeth suggested that Hurst “I immediately thought of the carillon in Cincinnati and school’s first, full-time executive envisioned something similar at Weber, a kind of central director of Alumni Relations and landmark that would rise above campus and be seen from the newly established college many vantage points in the community,” he said. development fund. Through his solicit additional funding from her late mother’s charitable organization, the Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Foundation, which was chaired by her “Uncle Lawry” (Lawrence T. Dee), the only surviving son of Thomas and Annie Dee. “After I extolled the virtues of the carillon, Chairman Dee scrutinized my primitive bell tower sketch and proclaimed, somewhat sardonically, ‘This looks like something off the Golden Gate Bridge!’” Hurst recalled. “My heart sank. But after a thoughtful pause, Mr. Dee continued: ‘You know, when I was a student at Cornell, I’d lie in bed on Sunday mornings energetic fundraising efforts and Hurst ran the idea past then-President William P. Miller, and listen to the campus carillon. It always made me think of extensive involvement in the who recalled listening to the cheerful clang of the carillon in home. A carillon tower at Weber is a great idea. I say we do it!’ Hoover Tower at Stanford University, where he pursued his The rest of the board agreed, and we were on our way!” community, Hurst became well- Dean Hurst, mid-to-late 1970s acquainted with an Ogden couple doctorate. He encouraged Hurst to seek funding from and their affinity for Weber. the Stewarts. Donnell B. Stewart served as student body “I made a rough sketch of what I thought a bell tower on campus, planners chose to install a Schulmerich “electro- president during the 1925–26 academic year. After might look like and arbitrarily attached a $50,000 price mechanical” carillon with 183 miniature, precision-tuned, a lengthy military career, he returned to Weber tag,” said Hurst. bell-metal tone generators, which, when struck by metal State in 1966 for a business administration While the idea immediately appealed to Elizabeth, who loved hammers and amplified through Stentor speakers positioned degree. His wife, Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart, music and had studied pipe organ with a renowned professor atop the tower, produced bell tones indistinguishable from a granddaughter of Ogden pioneer industrialist at Columbia University, Hurst’s subsequent research into a carillon of full-sized bells, but at a fraction of the cost and Thomas D. Dee, attended high school at Weber carillons revealed an alarming disparity in the amount of weight. The instrument was played manually from a dual Normal College and stayed when the school money he had asked for and the actual amount it would keyboard console located in a performance room at the base Well-known Ogden architect John L. Piers, a Weber College alum, designed the 100-foot-tall tower. With limited space became a junior college in 1922. She worked at of the tower. The carillon could also be pre- Weber as the assistant registrar and, later, as programmed to play melodies automatically at secretary to President Aaron W. Tracy. While certain times. temporarily placed in charge of the college In addition to the electronic carillon, the library in 1931, she was asked to teach two Stewarts commissioned four, full-sized carillon English courses. bells, cast in Asten, Netherlands, by the Royal At 35, Elizabeth underwent life-saving surgery Eijsbouts bell foundry, along with stone clock that left her unable to bear children. faces and a quartet of “golden buff” brick-face pylons to match the color of other buildings “It was a dreadful shock to me, for it meant that on campus. To promote the area as a peaceful the family I had always hoped to have would never gathering place for campus and community, become a reality,” she recorded in her memoirs. Piers added a landscaped terrace and The antidote to her profound sense of loss, she reflecting pool, bumping the total cost of the would discover, was to lose herself in the service project to $220,000. of others. 14 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Donors Elizabeth and Donnell Stewart admire architect John Piers’ model of Stewart Bell Tower Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 15 A Gathering Place, Now and Always Opening Doors for Donors For 50 years, Stewart Bell Tower has been an eyewitness The next step was to give the tower a name. No other structure on campus had been memorialized excess groundwater in the plaza, replaced the four gigantic to Weber State University history. and, according to Hurst, the Stewarts were reluctant to add their name to the bell tower. clock faces, and backlit the hands and tick marks with LED It has been the backdrop for holiday concerts, dances, “Elizabeth may have had an illustrious Dee family pedigree, but she and Don never sought the limelight,” he said. “They were lovely, humble, low-key individuals.” Hurst, however, had his own agenda. He pulled the Stewarts aside and said, “I’m making you a sacrificial lamb for memorialization. I know you don’t want to, but it’ll open up doors for me as a development officer.” Turns out, Hurst was right. Don and Elizabeth Stewart’s public generosity inspired dozens of other local donors to come forward. “In fact,” Hurst chuckled, “right after the bell tower was built, Willard Eccles said to me, ‘Why didn’t you ask me to fund that bell tower? I would have done it!’” lighting so the time could be viewed at night. To emulate firework displays, midnight Homecoming traditions, the beauty of the hillside above campus, landscapers also purple-pancake breakfasts, fashion shows and created a water feature with exposed rock and natural vegetation. But, what about the bells? In times of tragedy, such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist “The four large bronze bells are still up in the tower; they attacks, Wildcats have gathered at Stewart Bell Tower still play the Westminster melody and chime the hours,” to comfort each other and grieve as a community. said Malone. “The carillon and keyboard are over at Shepherd Union in the Stewart Bell Tower Lounge. They can still be activated to play different melodies that are amplified through the speakers,” he added. While the project was announced to the public in March of 1970, preliminary construction didn’t begin until the spring of the following year. An onslaught of unseasonable winter storms and construction setbacks delayed Stewart Bell Tower’s grand opening until Tuesday, December 14, 1971. About 200 people assembled to hear worldrenowned carillonneur John Klein demonstrate the versatility of the instrument and perform a recital. Klein pronounced the Stewart Bell Tower carillon “perfectly installed and beautifully voiced.” Weber’s Juneteenth celebration. Hurst said the new system was hard for him to fathom. Hurst, who lives near campus, admits he misses daily carillon concerts. But, as he has watched Stewart Bell Tower retain its prominence amidst campus growth and development, he has grown increasingly proud of the role he played in securing a historic gift whose mere presence “I remember Ann telling me that we no longer needed all symbolizes the dignity and distinction associated those bells, wires and conduits,” he recounted. “I said, ‘But with higher education. how will the bell sound come from the tower?’ And she said, “Dean, it’s a new, digital world!” “Over the years, there came a sense of pride in having done something that would outlive me,” said Hurst, who Wildcat readers shared their memories of the Stewart Bell Tower with us. Turn to page 44. is 94. “I think what they’ve done to the plaza is absolutely marvelous. I’m sure the Stewarts would agree.” A Facelift for the Ages Once tuned at the foundry, a carillon bell never needs further tuning in its tower. Bells over 300 years old sound as they did when they left their maker’s hands. Unfortunately, many structures that house carillon bells lack comparable stamina. By 2002, Weber State’s iconic bell tower was in trouble. “Water started leaking into the subbasement,” said WSU Facility Management’s Patrick Malone, an electronic systems technician and bell tower caretaker for more than 32 years. “But the primary problem was that bricks began falling off.” When then-President Ann Millner informed Hurst, his first thought was, “Oh, dear! They’re going to tear it down.” Instead, renovation crews stripped the pylons and installed new bricks; they built a large drainage system to remove 16 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 About The Author Most kids grow up hearing nursery rhymes and fairy tales at bedtime; former broadcast journalist Karin Hurst AA ’79 grew up listening to her dad’s Weber State campus stories. Dean Hurst AS ’48 began an administrative career there in 1967 and retired as vice president for college relations in 1989. At 94, he’s one of the few, living primary sources of WSU history. For Karin, now a writer for University Marketing & Communications, the 50th anniversary of Stewart Bell Tower seemed a perfect opportunity to plumb Dean’s treasure trove of first-hand knowledge. Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 17 We have Spirit ! 󼀔 By: Allison Barlow Hess MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS WSU’s Spirit Squad Wins National Titles & Shows What Dedication Means 18 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 19 Above the 󼀔 Line What does perfection look like? For two minutes and 15 What they accomplished on the national stage was a goal they seconds, Weber State’s cheer team came as close as possible set from the beginning of the year. Willis said it was inspiring at the 2021 NCA National Cheer and Dance Competition in to watch the team pull together and do the work to make the Daytona Beach, Florida. dream a reality, and it turned out to be easy compared to the The overall score — 98.507 — earned the team its fourth- mental and emotional intensity of the previous year. straight national title in the Advanced Large Coed division. The Spirit Squad had to miss a whole season of cheering and That’s not all, that score was best in the country — of all 100 performing at university events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. teams, in any division — giving the Wildcats their first Grand Their 2020 nationals competition was canceled practically as they National Championship. packed to attend. They had to wear masks to practice, and to stop And WSU’s dance team, which along with the cheer team practice whenever members came in contact with someone makes up the Spirit Squad, reclaimed the national Hip Hop who had COVID. title. To cap off a weekend of wins in Daytona Beach, Elsa Nationals gave them something to focus on. “Above the Line,” with a commitment Hassett and Kollin Cockrell earned the national Partner Stunt to teambuilding and leadership, became their mantra and their motivation. title, while Anu Keene and CJ Weinberg placed second and Team captain Cockrell said practice was intense: three days a week of team Katherine Abela and Michael Androsov placed fifth. workouts and then three or more days of individual lifting and conditioning. But for program advisor and cheer coach Summer Willis, there’s no such thing as perfection. “From the outside you might not see all the little things that happen on the mat, but overcoming adversity He and Haskett dedicated 160 hours on their own to the partner stunt routine. The reward was cohesion and control, and it helped overcome a world of turmoil outside the gym. And for Cockrell, it’s not the first time the Spirit Squad saved him. In 2015, he was a three-time National Champion in Olympic is what we work so hard on,” Willis said. “We do rep weightlifting. After eight years of work, a back injury abruptly ended upon rep upon rep to be prepared for that one little his dream of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. “I was at my lowest of thing that goes wrong. I think we’re teaching and lows,” Cockrell said. we’re working on adjusting. True champions make a He decided to visit his sister in Utah and work out at routine appear perfect and never give up.” a local gym. A Wildcat team member immediately Adjusting as a team required 416 beats of recognized Cockrell’s potential and recruited him to choreographed and synchronized tumbling stunts, basket tosses and pyramids, culminating with a two-part-elite stunt sequence, never before performed at nationals. “No one knew what we were coming to do,” said Hassett, turn his physicality from an individual sport to one where the team literally stands on his back — or bounces on an upturned palm. While he learned a new sport, he also refocused on academics, earning a degree in health promotion. a senior studying communication. “No one knew the “My whole plan is to introduce cheerleading to sequence we had, and we went out there and literally did guys, and show it’s not a girlie thing,” Cockrell the best routine of our lives. Our stunts were perfect; our said. “To show guys this is what partner stunting tumbling was amazing; our pyramid was just to die for. We is. This is the strength it takes: the power, the ended the routine and people were crying. It was so cool.” speed, the muscles, the concentration. It’s very, very difficult. My plan is to introduce it to the world.” “We ended the routine and people were crying. It was so cool.” —Elsa Hassett 20 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 21 USA National 󰋝 󰋝 He’s made a significant start on that effort. After the team victory, and winning the national partners title with Haskett, Cockrell spent the summer hosting 30 cheer camps in 18 states around the country with Gabi Butler, one of Weber State’s new recruits and a health promotion major. Butler, who was featured on the Netflix docuseries Cheer, has more than 1.7 million Instagram followers. After graduating from Navarro Junior College in Texas, she found her new home at Weber State. “Elsa’s athleticism, and Gabi’s work ethic are phenomenal,” Cockrell said. “It’s amazing to have been on this journey with both of them.” The experience and depth of the 2021–22 team will add excitement and energy at every game. The level of perfection is actually a little intimidating for Cameron Canada, a firstgeneration, first-year student. He’s moving to Ogden to leave Cheer Team Taking home titles isn’t the only way Wildcats represent side and you see another four,” said Elsa Hassett. “It is so WSU nationally. awesome. It’s such a huge accomplishment for Weber State For the 2021–22 year, nine Wildcats made the USA National to have produced so many elite athletes.” Coed Premier Team, composed of the most talented Eventually the USA National team may get a shot at the female and male cheerleaders in America. They compete Olympics. After many years of consideration, in August at the International Cheer Union World Cheerleading 2021, the International Olympic Committee announced that Championships. cheerleading has received full Olympic recognition. Kollin Weber State’s Ed Moroney was the first Wildcat to make the Cockrell is excited about the possibility of the Olympic team in 2017, but each year the number has grown. Wildcats experience he missed as a weightlifter. now comprise 25 percent of the national team. “If I can accomplish being an Olympian, I will have Just like everything else, COVID-19 disrupted events and completed the goal I set for myself when I started working competitions in 2020, but finally, in July 2021, the team got out back in middle school,” Cockrell said. “That would together to plan and practice a new routine for be tremendous.” world competition. Performing on a world stage is just another way Spirit Squad “It is so cool to look next to you on the mat and you see four members jump at the chance to elevate Weber State. of your Weber teammates and then you look on the other behind a turbulent childhood in California. For him, the cheer squad is his best path to earn a degree in English and pursue his lifelong dream of teaching and mentoring. “I have a huge drive to affect and impact others’ lives, not necessarily change the world, but make the world around me a better place,” Canada said. The Wildcats’ Grand National title brought national attention and attracted recruits from around the country, but Willis said the cheer and dance team members who will represent the school for the 2021–22 season are the ones who visited or attended camps before the championship and truly understand the Weber way. They fell in love with the culture and community and want to make a meaningful difference. “For me cheerleading is just another dose of life lessons,” Willis reflected. “It’s about knowing your why, giving your best each and every day and working together to lift each other up.” And that’s as close to perfection as you can get. 22 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 23 Community health worker Shardae Jones is earning her Bachelor of Integrated Studies at Weber State in health administration, communication and criminal justice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was a key member of Ogden’s Multicultural Task Force Against COVID-19, helping combat COVID in her community. By: Jaime Winston MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS At the height of COVID-19, WSU and Ogden community leaders banded together for residents lacking healthcare “ I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO NAVIGATE [THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM] IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS WILLING TO HELP YOU.” – Shardae Jones Spanish speakers accounted for a disproportionate number of out,” said Angela Choberka MA ’11, task force member and hospitalizations. Member Equity Program Consultant at SelectHealth. As of April 2021, the percentage of total cases that resulted Realizing CDC health guidance was being disseminated in hospitalizations for Spanish speakers (3.1%) was twice rapidly by local organizations with little to nothing provided that of English speakers (1.6%). In July 2021, the percentage of in Spanish, the task force lobbied local health organizations residents identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/ to dedicate Spanish-language resources. Ogden City Council African American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander who allocated $30,000 for translation services. Weber County and were vaccinated was lower than other races and ethnicities. Weber-Morgan Health Department also made it a priority. Much of the disparities stemmed from barriers to The task force also partnered with A Mask for Every Utahn accessing care. to distribute over 60,000 masks, handing them out at a wide “Testing was a huge issue,” Knuth said. “People of color were range of locations, from Walmart to Rancho Markets to the underrepresented in all of the numbers. So, not only were they Ogden Intermodal Transit Center. Two things drive Shardae Jones’ commitment to helping As a 32-year-old, non-trad WSU student, she is earning people access healthcare: her experiences at work and her Bachelor of Integrated Studies in criminal justice, growing up. communication and health administration to one day help As a community health worker, Jones sees the struggles those others at an administrative level. with limited access to care face daily due to lack of income, Jones isn’t alone in wanting to address health inequities. lack of insurance, homelessness, language barriers and more. She recently joined other Ogden community members in having higher infection rates but they weren’t getting tested, For children in the Ogden School District learning at home, Working for the Association for Utah Community Health the COVID-19 Multicultural Task Force for Ogden City. so it’s possible those infection rates were way higher than the task force prepped over 1,500 art kits, with crayons and scissors. (AUCH), she connects patients in Weber County facing Community leaders created the task force following a what was reported.” these barriers to sustainable, long-term care. The Alliance presentation Nubia Péna, director of the Utah Division of for the Determinants of Health, an organization dedicated Partnering with Intermountain Healthcare for a testing Jones found out about the task force from Choberka, a Multicultural Affairs, gave to the Ogden City Council and to combating non-medical issues that impact health, looks clinic in November 2020, the task force helped set an coordinator for the Alliance for the Determinants of Health. Ogden Diversity Commission, outlining urgent healthcare to Jones and her colleagues to help address those issues as Intermountain Healthcare record for the most tests needs for local communities. “I wanted to get more involved in what was going on in administered at a single event: 564 in four hours. The task “We kind of just started thinking about various groups and force, which operated from April to December 2020, gave me the information and then I just leaders in our community who could band together,” said held six other testing clinics, along with a free flu Jones works with clients for up to six months. started joining the meetings.” Taylor Knuth BA ’14, founding task force member and vaccination clinic thanks to a $25,000 state grant. “I’m not any better than them. I work here, I’ve gone to former WSU development director. “One of the efforts was making sure we were school here, I’m involved in the community here, I’ve walked The task force included 28 community leaders and many communicating in the languages of the the streets here, I live here… I am them,” Jones, a lifelong some didn’t like having to wear a mask in line, and a few volunteers, including WSU staff, faculty, alumni and communities that were being impacted heavily, Ogdenite, said about her clients. mistakenly thought it would be a drive-through clinic and students like Jones. so we ensured there was Spanish translation well. Patients are referred by Select Health and local health organizations like Midtown Community Health Center. of this information that was coming the city and the county,” Jones said. “So, she just Jones recalls screening people receiving COVID-19 tests at Odyssey Elementary. Some were appreciative, didn’t dress for the cold day. While lessons were learned Growing up, she said her parents struggled with drugs, alcohol The task force set out to increase healthcare access for and rehab stints. She and two of her three siblings lived with underserved, underrepresented and historically marginalized her grandparents for a time, and she moved often, since the communities, a need also pointed out by Weber family struggled to afford housing. To this day, Jones worries force, she’s considering one day running for city State’s Center for Community Engaged Learning about her mother’s ability to afford healthcare. council. Recently, she accepted a position on the Research Extension (CCEL-RE). “My mom is a felon, a three-time felon,” Jones said. “So, it’s At the height of the pandemic, CCEL-RE, hard for her to find jobs, it’s really hard for her to keep jobs.” an office created to meet community data Jones works with people in similar situations to her mother, and research needs, launched an online somewhere other people want to live,” Jones said. “I’ve been who also has a chronic health condition and recently had dashboard, pulling together data from public really blessed, but not everybody’s in the same position, so I open-heart surgery. sources and community partners to show just want to be able to give back in some way.” “I know how difficult it is to navigate [the healthcare system] how the pandemic impacted Weber County. if you don’t have someone who is willing to help you,” The dashboard features charts and graphs she said. regarding hospitalizations, unemployment “TESTING WAS A HUGE ISSUE… PEOPLE OF COLOR WERE UNDERREPRESENTED IN ALL OF THE NUMBERS.” – Taylor Knuth 26 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 rates, evictions and more. When it went online in February 2021, Weber County residents who were American Indian or Native Alaskan were four times as likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19, compared to those for the next clinic, she knows she made a difference. After working with community leaders in the task Ogden City Diversity Commission. “It’s just pushed me to see my greater responsibility — doing what I can to make where I live a better place and VISIT THE CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGED LEARNING RESEARCH EXTENSION’S DASHBOARD FEATURING COVID-19 STATISTICS. identifying as white, while Hispanic/Latinx residents were three times as likely to be hospitalized. Hospitalizations rose in April 2020 for all COVID-19 patients, but Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 27 FURTHER RESEARCH LOCAL HEALTH, ADVOCACY AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Alliance for the Determinants of Health alliancefordeterminantsofhealth.org Association for Utah Community Health auch.org Project Success Coalition projectsuccessinc.org “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.” Grandfamilies cssutah.org OgdenCAN weber.edu/ogdencan Midtown Community Health Center Locations in Cache, Weber, Davis and Salt Lake counties midtownchc.org Bill Cook, Ogden Civic Action Network (OgdenCAN) director OGDENCAN MEETS AN ONGOING NEED Weber-Morgan Health Department webermorganhealth.org Davis County Health Department daviscountyutah.gov/health OgdenCAN’s projects in the community have included working with Ogden School District and Ogden-Weber Bill Cook proudly served on the Multicultural Task Force. Technical College to provide paths to adult high school After all, the group’s goals dovetail with his ongoing mission diplomas and GEDs, implementing a program for as Ogden Civic Action Network (OgdenCAN) director. physicians to prescribe free produce at grocery stores for Part of WSU’s Office of Community Development, OgdenCAN brings together seven local institutions to address health, 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. program for doctor visits. “This particular neighborhood has so many incredible residents in Ogden’s East Central neighborhood. Participating assets,” Cook said. “The people are so resilient; it’s been organizations include Ogden City, local health organizations quite amazing getting to know people.” and more. OgdenCAN recently published a wellness guide, featuring “It’s probably over 14,000 reasons why people have health inexpensive or free health resources, and started a issues,” Cook said. “However, poverty does contribute community leaders program where five interns are to that, lack of healthcare access contributes to that, hired from the neighborhood each year to complete intergenerational poverty contributes to that as well.” community projects. About 30% of the residents are in poverty, and about 70% Cook invites anyone interested in volunteering to reach out. don’t earn a living wage, he said. Find more information at weber.edu/ogdencan. weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 EXECUTIVE MASTER OF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION those facing food insecurity; and piloting a rideshare education, housing and financial stability for nearly 14,000 28 — Darcy Siebenaller, eMHA graduate NO GRE/GMAT REQUIRED VIRTUAL ORIENTATION With five years of experience Attend one virtual orientation ACCELERATED PROGRAM ONLINE COURSEWORK Complete in just 4 semesters FLAT-RATE TUITION No out-of-state increase 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 APPLY NOW ALUMNI DISCOUNT Weber State alumni who are accepted into the program will be eligible for an additional one-time 5% loyalty discount on the first semester’s tuition. weber.edu/mha ’Cats with Class 2021–22 WSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LEADERS WSU Alumni Association President CURTIS FUNK BS ’11 If you could travel to Paris, France, with a famous person who would it be? Benjamin Franklin spent many years there and would surely have some incredible stories to tell. If you could do only one activity near Paris, what would it be? I’d tour the Palace of Versailles in search of some sweet landscaping ideas. What is your dream travel destination? I’m not cool enough to dream of climbing to the summit of Mount Everest, but the trek to the base camp from Kathmandu, Nepal, sounds like an incredible backpacking trip, with awesome views. Have you ever felt like a “tacky” tourist? Definitely more than once! In Paris, we signed up for lots of “touristy” sightseeing trips, and whenever I tried to communicate with locals, the language barrier was always too thick. Share a memory of Stewart Bell Tower: Trying to convince my wife, Megan, to sneak up there for a kiss to fulfill our duty as official Weber State “traditions keepers.” The No. 1 reason to get involved with the WSU Alumni Association is: To stay informed about exciting things happening in our Weber State community. Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 31 WSU Emeriti Alumni Council President BRUCE SHEPHERD BA ’77 Have you ever felt like a “tacky” tourist? Probably on a trip to Europe after high school. When you’re in a large group of If you could travel to Paris, France, with teenagers speaking American-English, a famous person who would it be? Victor you’re just going to stand out. Hugo. It would be interesting to hear his take on what has happened since he wrote Les Misérables. If you could do only one activity near Paris, what would it be? I’d visit the Louvre Museum to see the art and exhibits there. (I’ve already climbed the Eiffel Tower.) What is your dream travel destination? Hawaii. I’ve never been there! Have you ever felt like a “tacky” tourist? Yes, when we took a family trip to Disneyland, we put a leash on one child who liked to wander and gave the other end to his “Grandpa Shep.” We always knew where they were, but we sure got a lot of strange looks from other guests. Share a memory of Stewart Bell Tower: I remember the campus before the bell tower, when it was just four buildings. We had great teachers and great events. I remember Bob Hunter [former president and CEO of United Way of Northern Utah, former director of the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service and WSU graduate] sleeping in a tent in front of the Union Building during a student election; another candidate landing an airplane on Harrison Boulevard as a campaign stunt! Later, Stewart Bell Tower became a sign of growth and change. Share a memory of Stewart Bell Tower: I remember hearing a variety of songs played on the bells. The No. 1 reason to get involved with the WSU Alumni Association is: The opportunity to meet new people. CLASS NOTES WSU Student Alumni Association President A L U M N I U P D AT E S ERIN DOMINGUEZ MLS ’20 If you could travel to Paris, France, with a famous person who would it be? TV’s “Judge Judy” [Sheindlin] because we’d get premier access to fine restaurants and good service. Plus, Judy is very “to the point,” so you know people are going to behave around her, especially on airplanes. ’50s If you could do only one activity near Paris, what would it be? Marlene Barnett AS ’51 was In total, there are 1,665 steps from the esplanade to the top named 1950 Homecoming of the Eiffel Tower, but the stairway from the 2nd floor to the Queen, and was involved top is not open to the public. (I looked this up.) It takes about in the Singing Musettes, a 30 to 45 minutes to climb the stairs, depending on how fit you performing student group. are. I love challenging myself to do things that a lot of people After graduating with wouldn’t do. her bachelor’s degree in What is your dream travel destination? I’d love to elementary education from visit the shooting sites of iconic films. For example, the University of Utah in Oregon’s Timberline Lodge (The Shining); Kauai, 1953, she moved to the East Hawaii, standing in for the fictional Isla Nublar Coast, where she taught in Jurassic Park; and Forrest Gump’s bench in elementary school for 23 Savannah, Georgia. years in Washington, DC, Have you ever felt like a “tacky” tourist? The New York City, and State first time I went through a TSA checkpoint, I College, Pennsylvania. didn’t have important items, like my boarding Marlene returned to Utah If you could travel to Paris, France, with pass and ID, out for easy access. My water bottle in 1981, and taught for a famous person who would it be? Julia got confiscated and my bag was searched for an additional 17 years in Child. What better way to experience concealing a “suspicious-looking” Rubik’s Cube. the Weber School District, The No. 1 reason to get involved with the WSU Alumni Association is: To give back to a school that affords so many educational and social opportunities. Weber State, Weber State, great, Great, GREAT! WSU Young Alumni Council President PHILIP SAUVAGEAU MBA ’16 French cooking at its finest? If you could do only one activity near Paris, what would it be? Tour Versailles Palace because of all the gardens. What is your dream travel destination? Just one? I’d like Share a memory of Stewart Bell Tower: I’m a “true Wildcat.” (Need I say more?) the years of music experience she had at Weber, she has and family history books, surgery (DDS) in 1982 from honored by Ogden City in the including titles such as In Case Western Reserve Mayor’s Awards in the Arts Their Footsteps (2018), C. University School of Dental with a Lifetime Contribution Francis Jenkins, Pioneer of Medicine in Cleveland, to the Arts award. Marlene Film and Television (2014) Ohio. He founded, owned has three children and lives and Methods of Historical and operated Gilbert Family in Ogden. Analysis in Electronic Media Dental in Ogden, Utah, (2006). He is a producer where he worked for nearly and media consultant, 40 years. He is a member of ’60s and worked in corporate both the American and Utah Orrin J Sharp BS ’67 is a communications from Dental Association, and has retired president and CEO 1985–2012 doing advertising, served as the Weber Dental of Dows Investment Corp. public relations and Society President. He retired Industrial and Commercial corporate video. He worked in December 2020. During Developments in Colorado in television production, as his first year at WSU, he was Springs, Colorado. He an IBEW sound engineer for on the swim team. His wife, attributes his career success KIRO Television, in Seattle, Ann Avondet Gilbert BS ’79, to the manufacturing Washington, from 1969–1981, was a student athlete as well, engineering program at where he worked in news and competed in volleyball, WSU. He has been married and production. He was the basketball and softball for to Suzanne Shepherd Sharp recipient of the Broadcast all four years. They married since 1967. They have Education Association’s BEA in 1983. Ann taught English, three children and nine Lifetime Achievement Award and coached volleyball, grandchildren. in 2017. He lives in Queen basketball, and track and Creek, Arizona. field at Davis High School. The No. 1 reason to get involved with the WSU been in singing groups for Donald Godfrey BS ’68 is Alumni Association is: To form lifelong personal most of her life. Marlene an Arizona State University and professional relationships with other Wildcats. served for eight years on professor emeritus of the the Weber County Library Walter Cronkite School of Board, and 12 years on the Journalism. He is the author Symphony Association of 15 journalism, history, to visit New York and New England, because I’ve never been there, and I’d also like to experience Ontario and Quebec, Canada, where my ancestors lived. retiring in 1998. Motivated by Board. In 2009, Marlene was Get involved with the WSU Alumni Association at alumni.weber.edu. ’70s She later became a stay-athome mother. They have four children, three of whom are J. Bryan Gilbert BA ’78 WSU graduates. received his doctor of dental Read the history of WSU’s Stewart Bell Tower, and learn about more experiences there, on page 12. 32 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Fall 2021 | alumni.weber.edu 33 g n i l e e F [ ittle ? l d a e t a d Keep Your WSU Alumni Association Profile Current to: • • • • Steven “Steve” Mayfield BS ’81 retired in 2019 after 38 years in law enforcement, where he worked on highprofile cases that made US national news, such as the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case. He worked for 25 years as a crime scene photographer and crime lab tech for the Salt Lake City Police Department. He previously worked as a file clerk for the FBI in San Francisco from 1973–1977. He also worked as a deputy sheriff in Jefferson County, Colorado, from 1981–1990. He lives in Layton, Utah. Brent Jacobsen BS ’83 is the president and CEO of Big Prairie Ventures Inc., a Atagi AA ’92, live in South Projects. Chris has also community with Boy Scouts of Utah. Dr. Wilcox is one of Weber, Utah. taught English for WSU, Utah of America, Davis County the few select surgeons who Receive campus notifications Acquire complimentary Wildcat alumni magazine subscription Learn about regional WSU events Stay in-the-know with the Alumni e-Newsletter to receive monthly information on events and special promotions. Update Your Profile at: WEBER.EDU/UPDATEYOURINFO ’80s residency at the University State University and Brigham Chamber of Commerce, Davis instructs other surgeons Aimee Martinez Thoman Young University-Hawaii. Education Foundation and worldwide with the latest BA ’95 is a member of the She and her husband, Rick in his family and church. technologies and refinements investigative council for Millard, served a mission He served a mission for in cataract advancements the Utah Judicial Conduct for The Church of Jesus The Church of Jesus Christ at the American Society Commission. In addition to Christ of Latter-day Saints of Latter-day Saints in of Cataract and Refractive her education from Weber in Laie, Hawaii. Together, Sacramento, California. He Surgery conference every State University, she earned a they have three children, 12 lives in Layton, Utah, with his year. Over the past 20 Juris Doctorate from Brigham grandchildren and five great- wife, Melanie. They have five years, he’s performed over Young University in 1998. She grandchildren. They live in St. children, two of whom are 20,000 cataract and LASIK has worked in public service George, Utah. attending Weber State. Jason procedures, and has been for seven years. She works recognized as one of the with Weber State students Stacie Simmons BS ’96 is top 100 LASIK surgeons in to edify the Utah Chinese a teacher with the Davis the nation. He is also an Immersion program. She County School District. She Steven Peterson BS ’97 is accomplished instrument is currently serving on the has served in many callings the president and CEO of rated pilot. Michael serves WSUAA Board of Directors. within The Church of Jesus Zeus Industrial Products, as a mentor in the WSU Her husband, Ash Thoman Christ of Latter-day Saints, Inc. Steven previously Leadership to Legacy MBA ’11, is a civil engineer including Young Women’s worked as vice president with Weber County. They president, Primary Presidency and general manager for TE Stephanie Wilcox BA ’94 live support WSU athletics and first counselor and primary Connectivity in Shanghai, in Farmington, Utah. on-campus forums available teacher. She has also served China. He also worked as to the community. They have in the Relief Society as a vice president head of sales Program. He and his wife, is currently serving on the WSUAA Board of Directors. distribution and logistics She served as vice chair psychology in 2004 from enterprise. Previously, he of the Republican House Capella University. She is Miller Atagi ’94 is a social two daughters, and live in second counselor, teacher for Samsung. Upon receiving served as VP and general Conference, and on the the coordinator for WSU worker with the Ogden North Ogden, Utah. and music leader and she is his degree from WSU, Steven manager of Life Science for Ways and Means Committee Student Support Services School District. For 27 currently on the activities worked for General Electric IMI Precision Engineering. as chair of the Oversight - STEM (SSS-STEM), a years, he has helped show Christina “Chris” Haddow committee. Stacie is currently for 14 years in a variety of Brent received his MBA in Subcommittee. Prior to her grant-funded program that incarcerated youth a Millard BS ’95 retired after serving on the WSUAA Board roles, completing his time general management from time in Congress, she served provides academic support better path in life through 20 years in Advancement of Directors. as a general manager. He Brigham Young University. six years as the Kansas state primarily to first-generation education. He is also a at WSU. She served as the Brent has worked in various treasurer, and one term in and low-income students hospice social worker. Miller WSU director of government Jason Smith BS ’96 is the from Bellarmine University in commercial, strategy and both the Kansas House of with majors in science, is currently serving on the relations, and previously director of family services Louisville, Kentucky. He has new product development Representatives and Senate. technology, engineering and WSUAA Board of Directors. worked as the director of for Lindquist Mortuaries and volunteered with roles with global, publicly She received an associate’s mathematics fields. He and his wife, Jennifer the Office of Sponsored Cemeteries. He serves in his traded medical device degree from Kansas State companies, such as C.R. University in 1985. She is Bard, Johnson & Johnson currently working as a senior and Medtronic, as well as policy advisor for Capitol Hill Michael Wilcox BS ’93 is venture-funded startups. Policy Group, focusing on an opthamologist for Utah Brent and his wife, Tammy, federal policy issues relating Eye Centers, specializing in and their family live in the to tax, trade and healthcare. cataract, LASIK and glaucoma Denver metro area. She and her husband, Jerry surgery. He received his Katzfey, live in Eudora, MD from the Medical Kansas. University of South Carolina, Former US Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins Katzfey BS ’85 is a CPA by trade. She served Stephanie Kawamura AS for a decade in Congress, ’89, BS ’91, MS ’94 received representing Kansas. her PhD in educational received his MBA in 2003 ’90s with honors and national recognition for his research in ocular lens implants. He KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS A SCHOLARSHIP? WSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships through the Alumni Association are awarded based on a number of criteria, and students may qualify for several scholarships. completed his ophthalmology Scholarships open January 12, 2022 and close on March 1, 2022. alumni.weber.edu/scholarships 34 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2021 Fall 2021 | alumni.weber.edu 35 Helping Hands, providing of the Women in Business based out of Ogden. She lives superintendent of Ogden Sri Lanka, who came to in the Davis County School husband, Nathan Reynolds disaster relief to individuals Committee and a spiker in South Ogden. Her partner School District. In 2019, he the US to attend WSU. He District. Prior to becoming BS ’11, is a refurbishment and families in the US since through the Ogden-Weber of 19 years, Justin Torres AS received the Principal of is the founder and owner a teacher, he served the value stream manager for 2010. He is married to Lisa Chamber of Commerce. ’98, AS ’99, BS ’00, BA ’05, is the Year Award from the of Janadhi & Company, community for 10 years G.E. Healthcare. Aloha is a Peterson, who also studied She has three children, a professional oboe player State of Utah Association which provides IT services as a police officer with member of Junior League of at WSU. They have been two of whom are current in northern Utah. He is a of Secondary School for small-to-medium-sized the Commerce City Police Ogden and volunteers in the married for 29 years and WSU students. member of the Ballet West Principals for his work businesses. The company has Department in Colorado. He local community. They live in Orchestra, Cathedral of the toward increasing student designed over 2,500 websites, was awarded a Silver Star West Haven, Utah. Madeleine Orchestra and achievement and school and provides technological for valor. His wife, Camie Chamber Orchestra Ogden. growth at Ogden High School. needs from hardware to Carr BS ’05, is a registered Holly Bowden AS ’01, BM He is also a board member Luke also teaches courses for software. Janadhi & Company nurse and a personalized ’02 works at Weber State and performer with the New Weber State University in the has provided services for primary care coordinator Nathan Roberson BS ’12 University as the technical American Philharmonic. In Educational Administration Tesla, the US Senate and with Castell Healthcare, part is a software engineering services manager in the addition, he is a recording program for aspiring school Proctor & Gamble, but they of Intermountain Healthcare. manager for O.C. Tanner. Stewart Library. She received artist for feature films, TV, leaders. His wife, Amber, is an are most proud of services They have one daughter, He holds two graduate her Master of Library Science radio, musicals and records educator in the Ogden School they provide to local small- three dogs and live in South degrees from Grand Canyon degree from the University and plays in bands and District. They have three to-medium-sized businesses. Ogden, Utah. University: a PhD (2019), and of North Texas. She is a orchestras for traveling children and live in North Their IT services also include full-time performer with the Broadway shows and Ogden, Utah. residential technological Afton Barksdale Hinckley BS New American Philharmonic traveling headliners. live in Charleston, South Carolina. They have four ’00s sons, and two grandsons. Emily Vause Oyler BS ’98 is the executive director of the Weber School Foundation for Weber School District, where she has worked for five years. She currently volunteers for a variety of organizations, such as the Breakfast Exchange Club of Ogden, the Rotary Club of Ogden and the Weber-Davis Boys and Girls Club. Emily is the chair Orchestra and board president of the non-profit music group NEXT Ensemble, support. Mel’s daughter is ’05 is an active volunteer in Mel Witharana AS ’02 is carrying on the tradition as her church and community. Luke Rasmussen BS ’01 a proud first-generation a Wildcat, attending WSU as She has served with the is the newly appointed American, originally from of fall 2021. He lives in South Junior League of Ogden Ogden, Utah. for seven years, including two years on the board of Look where we’ve been this year! Nancy Jarvis BS ’05, MA ’14 directors. Her husband, Eric is a #louderandprouder Hinckley MAcc ’06, is the WSU alum, adjunct professor assistant controller at Ogden and WSU employee of 20 Regional Medical Center, and years. She continued her volunteers his time with a education by earning the local church youth group. Information Technology They have one daughter and Infrastructure Library (ITIL) live in Ogden, Utah. certification from Axelos Don’t miss out on the fun. Learn more about WSU’s 12 regional alumni networks and events in your area: 1 Visit alumni.weber.edu 2 Click on Get Involved 3 Scroll down and select Regional Alumni Network Interested in creating a network near you? Email us at alumni@weber.edu 36 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2021 ’10s a master’s degree (2014), both in industrial and organizational psychology. He will receive a second master’s degree in data analytics and information technology from Western Governors University in fall 2021. Nathan serves as adjunct faculty at Neumont College of Computer Science, teaching both psychology and Quality Software Engineering. He is a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Nathan is engaged Global Best Practices and the Project Management received his doctorate from to Sara Lamoreaux, and Professional (PMP) Ohio College of Podiatric together they have certification from the Project Medicine in 2012. He is a three children. Management Institute. She double board certified foot served as the president of and ankle surgeon. Dr. the WSU Chapter of Utah Haynes founded Elite Foot & Women of Higher Education Ankle Associates, which has in 2020. The positions she four locations around the has held at WSU have added Portland, Oregon, area. He value to the university and and his wife, Karie Haynes made a difference toward AS ’05, have four children. Nicholas Carr AS ’05, BS ’19 is a sixth grade teacher Aloha Flores Reynolds BS ’06 Buy 1 ERIC DOWDLE Weber State Traditions Puzzle — Get 1 FREE. volunteer educator for the Trevor Haynes BS ’06 student success. LIMITED TIME OFFER Ashlee Sheehan BS ’14 is a teacher in Davis School District. She has been teaching Utah studies, world geography and AP human geography at North Layton Junior High for seven years. She also served as a Latinos in Action (LIA) advisor for is a program manager for the four years. Ashlee married United States Air Force. Her Andy Sheehan BS ’20 in 2018. VISIT alumni.weber.edu/puzzled and enter promo code: PUZZLED Andy is a marketing and Certification Program Level II outreach program that travels Dumke Arts Plaza are among worked at the University of communications specialist from The American Society to different Ogden city parks. her projects. Lorie and her Utah as a graduate assistant for Savage Services. They for Nondestructive Testing, He is an adjunct professor husband, Eddie Buckley, have for leadership development have one daughter and live in and received his certificate in at WSU. He is a founding two children and reside in and training. Andrea lives in Fruit Heights, Utah. 2019. Prior to attending WSU, member of The Banyan Layton, Utah. Ogden, Utah. he received an associate’s Collective media company degree in welding technology and co-hosts the Nine Rails Valleen Day BIS ’15 is the José De Avila BA ’18 works at Salt Lake Community Laurence Merl Nelson III BA ’14 is the General Lemuel from Ferris State University Arts Podcast, Ogden Outdoor owner of a healing and C. Shepherd Jr. Memorial in 2010. He is a certified Adventure Show and the wellness company, Emerald College (SLCC) as a college Van Sessions. Hive, where she is a master recruiter and admissions Research Fellow. As such, he welding inspector (CWI) and is writing a US Marine Corps is a member of the American history of the occupation of 2021 SPONSORS AND PARTICIPANTS! Haiti. Laurence is finishing foot-zonologist and teacher. advisor. While his day-to-day Welding Society. He lives in Lorie Buckley BFA ’15 is the She is working towards duties vary, helping students Bend, Oregon. arts coordinator for Ogden being a functional wellness in his role is his passion. City. She directs public art coach. She owns a small He received his associate’s his PhD in history at Texas A&M University. His Todd Oberndorfer BFA ’15 is initiatives, the art grant logo and T-shirt design shop. from SLCC in 2016, and after dissertation covers the US the outreach manager and program, First Friday Art Valleen volunteers for the graduating from WSU, began occupation of Nicaragua, advisor for the Department Stroll, Mayor’s Awards and Rocky Mountain Great Dane working for the University of 1927–1933. Laurence and his of Visual Art & Design at more. Lorie works to change Rescue Association. Valleen Utah as an academic advisor wife, Emma C. Nelson, have Weber State University. Todd the face of Ogden using the is married to Frank Day. for the College of Social three children. is the co-director of Arts in arts. The Don Rimx murals Together they have three and Behavioral Sciences. the Parks, a free summer on Grant Avenue and the children and live in He is currently pursuing Ogden, Utah. his master’s degree in Nathan Meyer AS ’14 is an This year’s WSU Alumni information technology and cybersecurity instructor Matthew Ross Barker BS Golf Classic raised policy from the University for Davis Technical College. ’15 currently manages the of Utah. $41,066 for student scholarships. Previously, he was the IT Security and Network CREATE Sara Ellefson MSAT ’19 University. Matthew is a is a certified athletic trainer. South Salt Lake. Nathan is volunteer coach for Weber She is currently pursuing currently attending Western State Weightlifting. His a PhD in athletic training pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing. He is an active member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He and his wife, Amanda, live in Kaysville, Utah. They have one daughter. FOR SUCCESS Take part in WSU’s annual Leadership to Legacy mentorship program. As a mentor, your expertise can help students prepare for a successful future. Register today and we’ll contact you if and when a student in your field is seeking a mentor. Ryan Mulcalhy AS ’15, BS ’15 alumni.weber.edu/ golfclassic Swenson/Stromberg Complex at Weber State specialist for the City of Governors University, SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! June 3, 2022 educational leadership and is a materials and process engineer at BLUE ORIGIN. He received his master’s degree in welding engineering from The Ohio State University in 2019. He received an Additive Manufacturing Certificate Become a Mentor! ALUMNI.WEBER.EDU/MENTOR wife, McKay Barker BS ’16, from Rocky Mountain BS ’18, currently teaches University of Health PE and health, along with Professions. In 2017, Sara coaching volleyball at Davis received her bachelor’s High School. They have two degree in kinesiology and dogs and live in South sports science from the Ogden, Utah. University of South Dakota. She is also CPR and BAT Andrea Salcedo BS ’17 certified. Sara previously received an MEd in worked at The Orthopedic educational leadership and Partners in Park City, Utah. policy from the University Her team specialized in of Utah in 2019. She works acute knee injuries, as well as a mentor advisor for as total knee arthroplasties. WSU, and oversees WSU’s She conducted her own peer mentor program. post-operative clinic. She Previously, Andrea worked lives in Indian Harbour at WSU in Career Services Beach, Florida. from CAM-T in 2019. He as a student employment also completed a Central coordinator. She has also Great, Great PLATE! Support WSU students and show Wildcat pride wherever you drive To learn more, call 801-626-7535 or visit alumni.weber.edu/lp Fall 2021 | alumni.weber.edu 39 51st Annual H. Aldous DIXON AWARDS Yasmen Simonian Kelly Stackaruk Dean, Dumke College of Health Professions Senior Development Director How does someone inspire Kelly Stackaruk arrived at students to remember and Weber State as a student on differentiate the morphology of a vocal scholarship. She loved blood-forming cells eternally performing with the jazz group in order to diagnose a disease? Choralition and studying Does it resemble a pepperoni or abroad in England. mortadella? Is it a whole potato Stackaruk returned to WSU or a potato chip? Using food after the birth of her first child analogies is what Yas Simonian to work with the Wildcat Club, has successfully been doing hosting out-of-state booster to teach hematology (blood trips, handling annual giving disorders) for years. campaigns, producing the Simonian graduated from three colleges at the University of newsletter, “Cat Paws” and promoting the annual Cat Bash Utah: health, pharmacy and medicine. She joined the WSU dinner and auction. faculty in 1981. After chairing the Department of Medical Her success and enthusiasm eventually led to the position Laboratory Sciences for 12 years, she was appointed dean of as development director for COAST, now the College of the Dumke College of Health Professions in 2008. Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST). During Her many professional achievements include serving as her tenure with EAST, she has established a successful Named in memory of the former Weber president, the H. Aldous Dixon Awards president of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Pacific Northwest Alumni event and increased privately have been presented annually since 1970 to honor faculty and staff who have Laboratory Science, commissioner on the Commission on funded scholarships by 70%. During Weber State’s Dream 125 demonstrated careers of excellence and have gone above and beyond the call Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and Comprehensive Campaign, she oversaw fundraising efforts of duty to support students. Dixon served as president of Weber College from representative for the Association of Schools of Advancing that exceeded the college goal by over 200%. 1919 to 1920 and again from 1937 to 1953. Health Professions. She has authored numerous articles in Her fundraising has resulted in two new buildings for professional journals and regularly presents at state, regional, the university: the Computer & Automotive Engineering national and international conferences with students. Building at WSU Davis and the Noorda Engineering, She received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from Applied Science & Technology Building under construction the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions three in Ogden. Stackaruk’s efforts also produced the Ardell times and was honored as Crystal Crest Master Teacher. In Brown Automotive Wing and three centers: Alan E. Hall addition, she received WSU’s John S. Hinckley Award and Center for Sales Excellence, Wadman Center for Excellence the Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor award, the in Construction & Building Sciences and the Center for Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Utah Technology Outreach. When President Mortensen announced Professor of the Year and the Kendall Award for Professional his “Louder and Prouder” initiative, Stackaruk developed the Achievement in Hematology/Hemostasis and Education EAST Explorer Initiative, a program that employs current awards. Along with her colleagues, Simonian pioneered the WSU students to conduct strategic outreach to alumni. She development and delivery of the first entirely online clinical also collaborated with the interior design program to create laboratory sciences program in the nation the annual Charitable Chair fundraising event. During her tenure as dean, the college went from offering Stackaruk loves meeting with alumni, corporate partners one master’s degree program to five. Recently, the college and friends of the university. A favorite aspect of her job is graduated its first Doctor of Nursing Practice cohort. hearing stories from alumni about their time at WSU and Visit weber.edu/wsumagazine for links to videos featuring the winners. Simonian has educated thousands of students who are now their life after graduation. healthcare providers. Their contributions to healthcare locally, She has served on the board of trustees for the Boys & nationally and globally validate the value of their Weber State Girls Clubs of Weber-Davis and is a current member of the education and demonstrate the differences they continue to Box Elder School District Foundation Board, overseeing make in communities they serve. fundraising efforts. Stackaruk remains a loyal Wildcat and is proud to represent Weber State. 40 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 41 A golden deal for future Wildcats • One of three Gold-rated 529 college savings plans nationwide, out of 61 plans evaluated. • Accounts are free to open. • Earnings are tax-free when spent on qualified higher education expenses. • Funds can be used at eligible colleges, universities and technical schools nationwide and abroad. Visit my529.org/weber-state-deal or use the QR code for a promo for Weber State alumni. my529.org | 800.418.2551 FILM STUDIES PROGRA M my529, Utah’s educational savings plan, has helped families save for college for 25 years. Investing is an important decision. Read the Program Description in its entirety for more information and consider all investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Call 800.418.2551 for a copy of the Program Description or visit my529.org. Investments in my529 are not insured or guaranteed by my529, the Utah Board of Higher Education, the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority Board of Directors or any other state or federal agency. Your investment could lose value. However, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance is provided for the FDIC-insured accounts. Please read the Program Description to learn about the FDIC-insured accounts. The state in which you or your beneficiary pays taxes or lives may offer a 529 plan that provides state tax or other benefits, such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors, not otherwise available to you by investing in my529. You should consider such benefits, if any, before investing in my529. my529 does not provide legal, financial, investment or tax advice. You should consult your own tax or legal advisor to determine the effect of federal and state tax laws on your particular situation. A Morningstar Analyst RatingTM for a 529 college savings plan is not a credit or risk rating. Analyst ratings are subjective in nature and should not be used as the sole basis for investment decisions. Morningstar does not represent its analyst ratings to be guarantees. Please visit Morningstar.com for more information about the analyst ratings, as well as other Morningstar ratings and fund rankings. EXPLORE CAREERS IN Producing & Directing \\ Camera Operation Film & Video Editing \\ Broadcasting Advertising & Public Relations \\ Screenwriting Documentary Filmmaking \\ Content Creation WEBER.EDU/FILMSTUDIES GETTING SOCIAL Weber State asked for your Stewart Bell Tower stories on social media. Here is what you said: 50 YEARS OF BELL TOWER MEMORIES Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stewart Bell Tower, readers sent us their memories of the iconic structure. Homecoming 2017 we were waiting at Stewart Bell Tower to do True Wildcat at midnight, but the time came and went. The bells never rang. Everyone was so confused, so a bunch of us played bells ringing on our phones and kissed our SO’s. Then, after five minutes, the cops kicked everyone out. We’re still counting ourselves as True Wildcats, though. Mostly I just remember being on campus in 2011/2012 when that really bad wind storm hit, scurrying through campus to get into Elizabeth Hall before it locked down, and seeing the minute hand on one of the faces hanging down at a concerning level and wondering if we were going to lose it. — Sami Postma, Facebook On March 31, 2020, my husband and I took a nice stroll I remember when the Stewart Bell Tower was new. It on the Weber State University campus as the COVID-19 was built in the parking lot south of buildings 1, 2, 3, 4, restrictions were just beginning. We passed the silent and most of the parking lot was still there when the bell Stewart Bell Tower where we had seen many students tower was dedicated. The campus was expanding, and meet and mingle only a few days before. Now nothing was the Stewart Bell Tower was a big part. In 1981, the night happening. The campus was almost completely empty with before we were married, Doris and I walked around the few cars and even fewer people. It was very strange and campus, and we spent time sitting under the Bell Tower. a little frightening to see such a formerly vibrant place so There was a nice plaza area, directly under the tower, devoid of students. with a great view of the surrounding buildings. It has We received the WSU Alumni Magazine in the Spring been 40 years since, but we still have the fond memories of 2021. I was surprised by the amount of learning that of that night. was actually going on when the campus was empty. I Scott Mumford BS ’81 As children we used to find such joy in seeing all of the wishes/coins that had been tossed into the pool. We visited so frequently that we came to know the schedule (or perceived schedule) of when the coins were cleared out. We also were blessed to hear the bells tolling every day, it always made me smile as I knew another day was starting. Great memories! — Julie Jonson, LinkedIn learned from the magazine that WSU certificate programs helped 1,200 Utahns build high-demand skills during the pandemic, with support from state grants funded by the CARES Act. In the early stages of the pandemic, the FOLLOW US Weber State Counseling & Psychological Services Center transitioned to tele-therapy. And Weber State’s Storytelling Festival is celebrating its 25th year and will run during February and March 2021 online. Weber State University had 5,727 graduates in 2020. — @wildcatrack, Instagram facebook.com/WeberState SPILL THE DIRT! WSU students and alumni often take on jobs that require a shower at the end of the day, from remodeling homes to collecting microbiology samples in the Great Salt Lake. Write to us about your dirty job and how Weber helped prepare you for it at magazine@weber.edu. linkedin.com/school/weberstate @weberstate I guess the real answer is that many programs were active and progressing even though the physical campus seemed so unproductive. Thank goodness for the technology and the resourcefulness of the Weber State University leaders, faculty, and students. Soon the Stewart Bell Tower will ring out the end of COVID-19 and student life will once again be normal. Eleanor Newman During the fall 2021 semester, 63.9% of classes included face-to-face instruction. Once again, students are gathering under the Stewart Bell Tower. Read our feature story about the founding of the Stewart Bell Tower on page 12. 44 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 James A. Crookston AS ’94 sent us this pen-andink drawing of the Bell Tower he created for his WSU art class in 1989. “I was studying art and art history at Weber State. I grew up within a few blocks of the Bell Tower and enjoyed listening to the chimes from my home,” he wrote. Email as at: magazine@weber.edu J. Willard Marriott, Sr. Wildcat Alumni, Exactly 100 years ago, before the start of classes in fall To strengthen our ability to provide these opportunities 1921, a Weber College faculty member helped a young, first- to more students in an ever-changing world, this fall we generation college student enroll in school and pursue his launched a new five-year strategic plan — “Weber State educational and business dreams, even though he lacked Amplified” — with this vision: the funds or high school credits to qualify. That student is Weber State University will be a leader in transforming lives someone I dare say you all know. by meeting all students where they are, challenging and J. Willard Marriott, Sr. went on to found a multi-billion guiding them to achieve their goals academically and in life. dollar, international hospitality company, all because a We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan goals faculty member named Aaron Tracy cared enough to help and desired outcomes at weber.edu/strategic-plan. As we him overcome his immediate challenges and reach his implement the plan, we seek your continued feedback and long-term potential. support to “amplify” the experience of our students and Before classes started this fall, Dick Marriott, J.Willard’s son, impact on our community. addressed an assembly of our faculty and staff, encouraging Join us in positioning Weber State to be an even greater them to help today’s generation of students the same way university in the years ahead. Go Wildcats! J. Willard Marriott, Sr. & Alice S. Marriott Aaron Tracy helped Dick’s father have a transformative educational experience at Weber. Whether seeking an education to pursue graduate studies at Best, elite institutions like Oxford or Carnegie Mellon University, or seeking an education that allows a single parent to provide immediately for family, Weber State offers boundless opportunities for learning with individualized attention. Brad L. Mortensen, PhD Aaron Tracy Weber College, 1920 President 46 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2021 Fall 2021 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 47 Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 151 Salt Lake City, UT 1265 Village Dr. Dept. 4025 Ogden, UT 84408-4025 Visit weber.edu/wsumagazine for links to share the articles in this magazine with friends and family. You’ll also find exclusive additional content, videos and more. R Join the Click! CLE ME! Y EC