WILDCAT WSU Alumni Magazine | FALL 2022 WILDCAT WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY WE KNOW HOW TO CHALLENGE YOU, and care enough to do it. Kim Parkinson, MSRS, advises the School of Radiologic Sciences’ Honors students, who never settle for good enough. These high-achieving students go above and beyond the requirements to earn their degrees by maintaining high GPAs while giving back to the community, promoting their fields and seeking out opportunities. Along with their clinical hours at local hospitals and medical centers, you may see them in the community as volunteers with food drives, children’s charities and more. They share their radiologic sciences knowledge with high school students, at professional conferences and elsewhere. In return, Honors students receive special recognition at graduation, practical experience in their fields and close relationships with faculty. “I’m so impressed with them,” Parkinson says.“They inspire me.” News for Alumni & Friends Vol. 27, No. 2, Fall 2022 EDITOR IN CHIEF Jaime Winston BA ’22 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rachel Badali BS ’17 Anna Burleson Paul Grua BA ’02, MPC ’13 Karin Hurst AS ’79 Jessica Kokesh Shaylee Stevens AS ’20, BS ’21 Jordan Wise CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Nancy B. Collinwood BS ’94 Rebecca Gibson AS ’09 John Kowalewski Bryan Magaña BS ’06, MA ’09 Betsy Mennell Amber Robson BS ’05, MPC ’17 Jill Walker BS ’06, MA ’12 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matthew Zacher BFA ’11 DESIGNERS Chelsea Maki BS ’16 Antonio Moya BFA ’12 Matthew Zacher BFA ’11 STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Benjamin Zack CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Curtis & Cort Photography Humberto Hernandez 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 2022–23 Kearston Cutrubus, Chair Karla K. Bergeson, Vice Chair Brent Bishop Amanda K. Covington Louenda H. Downs BS ’78 Karen White Fairbanks Rob Higginson BS ’80 Ashley Potokar BS ’22 Donald J. Salazar Jon Keith Titus BS ’03 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 The Honors program is awesome. It’s a great way to be involved in your program, but also in the community. — Emilee Scott, senior in radiology Top row: Associate professor Tanya Nolan, Emilee Scott, Jillian Pugh, Reece Richardson, Lacy Harris, instructor and advisor Kim Parkinson Bottom row: Iami Sabin, Brayden Crismon weber.edu/radsci WEBER WATCH CONTENTS WEBER WATCH Anna Burleson, Paul Grua BA ’02, MPC ’13, Jessica Kokesh, Shaylee Stevens AS ’20, BS ’21, Jaime Winston BA ’22, Jordan Wise MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS 14 Unveiling the Wildcat Den A WSU tradition started 100 years ago on the peak of Mount Ogden lives on. Ogden’s seniors have a new space to show WSU pride. 15 Weber Watch The openings of the Wildcat Den and Wildcat Shuttle, a new director of HispanicServing Institution Initiatives, a Broadway star returns and more 22 34 Getting to know our 2022–23 Alumni Association leaders, 1920s style 37 A Chance to Reinvent Yourself Red Barn Academy gives men on a dark path a chance to change their lives. 26 44 Uncharted Territory WSU researchers explain the implications of a drying Great Salt Lake. 32 A Grassroots Effort to Save Afghan Allies A WSU alum works day and night to help save Afghan lives. With a $5,000 budget, hundreds of volunteer hours, and nearly The Roaring ’20s Ogden City Mayor Mike Caldwell and WSU President Brad Mortensen enjoy the Wildcat Den’s refurbished pool table. 20 months of planning and remodeling, the Golden Hour Senior Center transformed its outdated — and under-utilized — game room into the Wildcat Den. The room now includes its original 1968 pool table refurbished with purple felt; Class Notes ample space for games; new lighting, flooring and electronic Updates on the careers and achievements of Weber State alumni equipment; and historic WSU memorabilia. “To really appreciate it, you had to see it a couple years ago,” said Fred Stettler, WSU Emeriti Alumni Council member who Dixon Awards coordinated volunteers for the project. Ginger Myers, recreation Named in memory of former Weber President H. Aldous Dixon, the awards go to… a refreshing change from the old “yellowy-brown” aesthetic. She facility supervisor for Golden Hours, agrees the purple makeover is particularly loves the décor. “We ended up getting some amazing 46 pieces, and it was important to us to highlight those pieces Wildcat Inbox instead of just a collage of things,” she said. Shouting Weber State pride from the world’s mountaintops Wildcat Den memorabilia includes a letterman jacket worn by WSU Hall of Fame basketball player Mike Sivulich BS ’64, a photo signed by Hall of Famer and NBA star Damian Lillard TAKE OUR SURVEY to help shape the future of Wildcat. BS ’15, historic WSU photos and artwork, and more. Golden Hours unveiled the Wildcat Den on June 13, 2022, with a ribbon cutting honoring the many WSU departments, companies and individuals who helped create the room. In addition to the den, Ogden residents over 50 years old enjoy an indoor Fred Stettler, WSU Emeriti Alumni Council member, and Ginger Myers, Golden Hour recreation facility supervisor, cut the purple ribbon to open the Wildcat Den. golf simulator, wellness activities, classes and more at the senior center. 4 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 5 WEBER WATCH WEBER WATCH Event speaker Elaine Cope BAS ’17 and David Brown use Oculus headsets to play a virtual reality simulation game. Brown represented Weber State’s Center for Technology Outreach at the event. WSU opens MARS Center near Hill Air Force Base Weber State University recently opened the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions (MARS) Center, formerly the USTAR Building, thanks to a generous gift from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. Students and faculty at the center, located at the Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park, assist Hill Air Force Base in accomplishing national defense objectives by conducting research and completing engineering projects. Kim R. Wilson, WSU President Brad Mortensen, Gail Miller and President of the Utah State Senate Stuart Adams at the ribbon cutting It also provides a space to bring together industry and government partners, and support northern Utah aerospace and defense businesses. “With the opening of the MARS Center, we’re bringing the university to the forefront of our aerospace ecosystem in northern Utah,” said WSU President Brad Mortensen. “Thanks to a substantial gift from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, this center has the potential to transform our economy and set us up for success in the future.” 6 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Interactive displays and information booths from industry partners Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 7 WEBER WATCH WEBER WATCH OGX offers a new ride to class Wildcats have a new, efficient, environmentally conscious way to get to class on Weber State’s Ogden campus. In August, the Utah Transit Authority and WSU opened the first segment of the Ogden Express Bus Rapid Transit (OGX) line. The Wildcat Shuttle provides three stops on campus: the Dee Events Center, Wildcat Village and central campus near the Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts and Shepherd Union Building. The all-electric shuttles run every 10 minutes from 6:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, and are free to ride with a UTA Ed Pass. Campusinspired art created by Weber State staff is on display at all three stations. “Utah Transit Authority is excited to see the OGX Wildcat Shuttle opening fall semester,” said James Larson, UTA public relations specialist. “We are at the halfway point on this project, and the entire OGX line will open late 2023.” The all-electric shuttle was made possible through the Department of Transportation; Federal Transit Administration; Ogden City; Stacy and Witbeck, Inc.; Wasatch Front Regional Council; Weber County; and WSU Facilities Management. When finished, the full OGX line will include stops at the Ogden Intermodal Transit Center, The Junction, downtown Ogden, along 25th Street and Harrison Boulevard, and McKay-Dee Hospital. The $120 million bus rapid transit project will be funded through federal, state and local funds, including funding from Ogden City, Weber County and UTA, along with in-kind funds, such as land contributed to the project. The project aims to combine the capacity and speed of light rail with the low-cost construction of a bus route. For more information, visit weber.edu/shuttle. 8 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 9 WEBER WATCH WEBER WATCH Leading the way to becoming an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution Weber State University has brought a new face on board to lead the charge to become an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (eHSI). Yudi Lewis came to Weber State in September from Utah Valley University, where she also earned two bachelor’s degrees before going on to earn a master’s in business administration and becoming a doctoral candidate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah. Lewis’s goal at Weber State is to increase access and equitable opportunities for Latinos, the largest underrepresented student population in Utah. “We are transforming generations, one student at a time.” “Weber State made a bold statement in creating this position to not only do the work that is needed to meet that population’s needs, but also to send a message to the state of Utah that we need to pay attention to this population,” she said. In the university strategic plan, Weber State Amplified, a 5-year plan for growth, WSU has committed to increasing the percentage of students of Hispanic or Latino descent to 15% by fall 2025. To help reach this goal, the university hired Lewis as director of HSI Initiatives, thanks to a generous $500,000 commitment from Ally Financial Inc. Recognizing the hard work that has already been done, Lewis plans to look for opportunities to advance by meeting with individuals across campus, in K–12 schools and in the community. “We’re not just preparing students to take college classes, we’re helping Hispanics or Latinos transition from high school to a certificate or college degree to a career they’re passionate about,” she said. “We are transforming generations, one student at a time.” 10 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 WSUSA creates LGBTQ+ student senator position In spring 2022, Garrett Potokar, a professional sales student, made history as Weber State’s first LGBTQ+ student senator, filling the inaugural role as an advocate for previously unrepresented students. “A lot of other groups have senators, which is amazing,” Potokar said. “I think every group should be represented in the senate and that every student deserves a voice. LGBT students didn’t have a voice before now.” While working as a graphic designer for the Weber State University Student Association (WSUSA), Potokar realized there was little LGBTQ+ representation in the group. “I saw there were changes that needed to be made, and I’ve had past leadership positions,” Potokar said. “As part of the student senate, I wanted to help pass legislation, get things going and make campus a safer space for everyone.” In order to move forward quickly for spring 2022, Potokar was selected through an interview process. During his semester in the role, Potokar passed several pieces of legislation, making it easier for students to change their names and identifying pronouns, providing easier access to LGBTQ+ resources and supporting transgender athletes. “It’s been amazing being in close collaboration with constituents and senators alike. It’s truly been a labor of love from not just me, but also from everyone I’ve worked with,” Potokar said. “I really hit the ground running, and it was exhilarating to pass such large legislation in such a short time.” Potokar now serves as the executive vice president for WSUSA and as acting parliamentarian, ensuring proper parliamentary procedure is followed by the student senate. Jazmyne Olson, a public relations and advertising major, was selected as LGBTQ+ senator for the 2022–23 academic year. WSU alum returns to Utah as a Broadway sensation From the Austad Auditorium at Weber State University to the theaters of Broadway, Andre Ward BA ’95, has performed his way to becoming a successful stage actor. For Ward, performing came naturally. Raised Pentecostal, he began singing at an early age in his church choir, learning to carry a tune long before acting ever seemed like a possible career. When a school teacher Photo by Curtis & Cort Photography suggested his parents enroll him in acting classes because of his energetic personality, Ward took to the stage and quickly excelled. From elementary through high school, Ward’s passion for acting grew. A talented actor, singer and dancer, he was offered multiple scholarships from various colleges when the time came. But it was Weber State that caught his attention after he auditioned in the Val A. Browning Center. He found a welcoming community and was offered a full scholarship for the theatre arts program. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse. “I feel like Weber State chose me,” Ward said. “I auditioned for a scholarship, and I just loved my experience there. Then, when I was offered a full scholarship, it felt like an opportunity to repay my family for all the sacrifices they had made for me through the years.” Mentored by his professors and supported by his peers, he graduated with a full portfolio and network of connections that helped him quickly launch his career in the professional realm. A few years after graduating, he landed his first big role on Broadway in a production of Saturday Night Fever. More than 20 years later, Ward’s portfolio has continued to grow. He has starred in stage productions that include Rock of Ages, Xanadu, Escape to Margaritaville and the national tour of Dream Girls, as well as guest starring on several TV shows, such as Inventing Anna and Pose. Ward will return to Utah in November 2022 to perform in Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. He plays Toulouse-Lautrec, an eccentric screenwriter who finds himself in the middle of a tragic love story between his friends. Ward took on the role earlier in 2022, traveling the country for the production’s first national tour. “I feel so fortunate to be a part of this show and to share the beauty and energy of it with the audience every night,” Ward said. “It’s such a diverse group of people, and everyone is celebrated and represented. This show is about truth, beauty, freedom and love, and who can’t get on board with that?” See M ou Nov. 3 lin Rouge! T 0 thro ugh D he Musical in Dolore ec. s S availa Doré Eccles 11, at the G alt Lake Cit ble at saltlak Theater. Tic eorge S. an y, d ecoun k tyarts ets are .org. Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 11 WEBER WATCH A New Head Coach Eric Duft, a native of Kansas, grew up playing, and later Rahe retired with 316 career wins, the most in WSU and Big coaching, basketball in the Sunflower State. But for the last 16 Sky Conference history. As an assistant coach, Duft helped years, as an assistant coach for WSU’s men’s basketball team, the Wildcats to five Big Sky titles and three trips to the he has called Ogden his home. During those years, he has had NCAA Tournament. many opportunities to pursue higher positions elsewhere, but one ambition kept him a Wildcat. In May 2022, that ambition became a reality. “The reason I stayed is because I wanted to be the head coach,” Duft said, following the retirement of longtime head coach Randy Rahe. “I wanted to be loyal to Coach Rahe and help him every way I could, but, when he decided to move on, I wanted to be in a position to be the next head coach.” As the 10th head coach in Weber State’s Division I history, Duft has high expectations for his squad. “We want to be fearless in our pursuit of excellence, on and off the court,” he said. “We want to be a championship team on the court and be a championship team off the court, in every area of life. We want our players to develop as people, as students and as players, and give a great product to the university and the community that people can be proud of in every way.” “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.” Duft’s decision was also about family. He and his wife Sherri have four children, Jaret, Halle, Easton and Kourt. “My wife has been an unbelievable supporter of me throughout my career,” Duft said. “Our kids have grown up here and they have lived and died with every win and loss.” REMEMBERING RANDY RAHE Share your favorite memory of Coach Rahe’s many years with the Wildcats for our letters section. Send your message to magazine@weber.edu. — Darcy Siebenaller, eMHA graduate A Record-breaking Softball Season EXECUTIVE MASTER OF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION Among its many accomplishments, the Weber State women’s softball team scored a Big Sky Conference Championship during the 2022 season without allowing a single run. The team was then selected as the third seed going into the NCAA regionals, the highest any Big Sky softball team has earned 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. for the tournament. The Wildcats ultimately went 0-2 in the tournament, but still set several records while they were there. The championship marked the ninth overall for the program. With the 13-1 conference record, the Wildcats had a .929 winning percentage — the highest in Big Sky Conference history. Head coach Mary Kay Amicone was named Big Sky Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year. This season also brought her 100th career Big Sky Conference victory, making her the only coach in conference history to reach that mark. “Our team and coaches have tremendous buy-in to our team culture,” Amicone said. “I’m very fortunate to have amazing NO GRE/GMAT REQUIRED VIRTUAL ORIENTATION With five years of experience Attend one virtual orientation ACCELERATED PROGRAM ONLINE COURSEWORK Complete in just four semesters FLAT-RATE TUITION No out-of-state increase Fully online degree NATIONALLY RANKED #1 Online MHA Program, 2021* *Recognized among EduMed’s Best Online MHA Programs for 2021 coaches who really support me and our student athletes.” Pitcher and first-base player Arissa Henderson, a transfer from Brigham Young University, was named Big Sky Conference APPLY NOW FOR SPRING 2023 ALUMNI DISCOUNT Weber State alumni who are accepted into the spring 2023 eMHA cohort will be eligible for an additional one-time 5% loyalty discount on the first semester’s tuition. Newcomer of the Year and led the conference with a 14-1 record. 12 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 weber.edu/mha 2022 Over 200 students and Weber State University community members trekked to the top of Mount Ogden for the 100th anniversary of the Mount Ogden Hike on Sept. 24, 2022. Written by KARIN HURST 14 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 15 Remnants of the 1922 flagpole Among the items you’d least expect to see displayed in President Brad Mortensen’s conference room is a 100-yearold hunk of oxidized steel. Yet, there it lurks — a jaggededged, 24-inch cylinder bathed in a rich palette of rust, silver and charcoal — unabashedly greeting visiting donors and dignitaries, and silently presiding over official gatherings of administrators, faculty, staff and community leaders. AN EXPLOSIVE START Those unfamiliar with Weber’s past would not likely guess the corroded curiosity is a precious relic of a venerable school tradition. But it is. of students, faculty and trustees gathered near a rock Historic photos courtesy of Weber State University Archives 1970 Technically, the original trekkers had some assistance, courtesy of a six-member vanguard crew that traveled to Mount Ogden Peak by horseback on Saturday, Sept. 30, to forge a rudimentary trail and sledgehammer a hole deep enough to bury a charge of dynamite. The explosion created a three-foot crater to accommodate the base of the flagpole. Between 4 and 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, a noisy swarm landmark at the mouth of Taylor Canyon. The students split into groups according to age, each charged with a specific task. The high school sophomores would carry water, sand and cement; juniors would haul the 300-pound steel flagpole in three sections. (A team of six horses was brought A CHANGE IN THE AIR in to carry the heavy load, but as the trail grew steeper and Weber College was undergoing a pivotal transition in the autumn of 1922. sections themselves.) Once they reached the peak, seniors At the end of that school year, high school classes would no longer be would set the pole; student body leaders would splice the offered. For President Aaron Tracy, Weber’s imminent adoption of college- pole pieces; and college students would raise the United only academic curricula was the fulfillment of a dream. College student States and school flags. more treacherous, the students had to transport the pole body president J. Willard Marriott and high school student body president The hikers began their ascent as the school band cheered Llewelyn McKay teamed with sociology faculty Harvey L. Taylor to plan a them on with lively tunes. Faculty led the way, followed by fitting celebration. They settled on the audacious idea of leading a march high school sophomores, junior and seniors, with college students bringing to the 9,579-foot summit of Mount Ogden to “crown the peak” with a steel up the rear. flagpole. In its Oct. 3, 1922, edition, the Weber Herald student newspaper, urged all 630 students enrolled to participate in the Oct. 4 event and sign sheets of paper that would be placed in a glass jar and encased at the foot of the flagpole “as a sign that you love your school and share in her gift to those that are to follow.” WSU professor emeritus Gary D. Willden, aka “Dr. Fun,” taught outdoor adventure and recreation for 35 years and understands the appeal of blister- Nine grueling hours later, the weary masses reached their destination. They paused long enough to eat lunch before raising the flagpole to its 20-foot height, placing it into the prepared hole and packing it tightly with concrete mixed on the spot. An inscription on a bronze plaque bolted to the bottom of the flagpole read, “Presented by the Associated Students of Weber College, 1922.” bursting, muscle-cramping hikes. “It’s in some ways almost a spiritual experience,” he said. “The sights and sounds and sensations in places like that, you just don’t find in valleys.” According to Willden, marking an important milestone with a large group trekking to a single destination wasn’t uncommon in an era that pre-dated 1922 TV and social media. Large groups of Utah hikers had been scaling the 12,000foot summit of Mount Timpanogos together yearly since the summer of 1912. What amazes Willden about Weber’s inaugural Mount Ogden Hike is the ruggedness of the original route, the large turnout (an estimated 350 to 365 participants) and the fact that their mission was accomplished in one day. “Snowbasin was not developed in 1922, so the original hikers came up the Taylor Canyon side,” he explained. “From that side, you’ve got a nice trail up to Malan’s Basin, where there are remnants of Malan Heights, a Gilded Age hotel and resort. But once you get out of there, it’s pretty much bushwhacking Top: Hikers at the peak of Mount Ogden for a flag ceremony Left: Students resting during the hike to Mt. Ogden and boulder hopping the rest of the way up to the saddle.” 16 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 17 1922 David O. McKay (center) and Weber College president Aaron Tracy (left) speaking to hikers during the flag ceremony Admiring what they considered their gift to future generations, the hikers now looks like an airport!” In 1975, the Forest listened attentively to remarks from President Tracy and student leaders. Service granted alumni leaders permission Llewelyn McKay’s father, Weber College Board of Trustees president, alum to secure a bronze memorial plaque to an and former principal, David O. McKay, complimented the students on their outcropping of rocks on the peak, but an early miraculous feat, reminding them that “all things worthwhile in life are difficult mountain snowstorm delayed that effort until of attainment, just as the reaching of the peak had been.” McKay, a Church August of 1976. 2002 Gary Willden standing at the top of Mount Ogden of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apostle, then offered a dedicatory prayer. Accompanied by the wail of a bugle, college students hoisted the two flags. The program concluded with the group singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” REVIVING A RUGGED ADVENTURE and “Purple and White,” Weber’s newly composed school song. For the next decade, the trail through Taylor Canyon, past Malan Heights and up to the summit of Mount Ogden was known as the Weber Trail. However, by 1932, an alternative campus tradition had emerged. It involved a much easier hike to Malan’s Peak and culminated in the lighting of a large bonfire In 1987, then Weber State president, Stephen Nadauld, asked Willden to revive the legendary hike. Despite atrocious weather and a meager turnout, the activity generated enough enthusiasm that Nadauld promoted the following year’s hike as part of the college’s 1988 centennial celebration. after which participants hiked back down the trail in moonlight. This activity “He came up with some private funding to pay for a helicopter and we were became known as the Flaming W Hike. able to locate four elderly gentlemen who had made the inaugural hike and transport them up to the saddle to greet the roughly 300 hikers,” Willden reminisced. “It was beautiful weather. There were some folding chairs and WHAT WENT UP MUST COME DOWN a PA system so we could have a nice program.” Clearly, the intent of those who erected the steel structure on Mount Ogden’s windy peak in 1922 was for it to last forever. So, you can imagine alum Ted McGregor’s angst close to five decades later when he burst into thenalumni association director Dean W. Hurst’s office claiming the U.S. Forest Service had enforced a law mandating the removal of all unauthorized structures on northern Utah mountains, including Mount Ogden. (McGregor 1970 2022 was among the vanguard unit that created a hole for the pole’s foundation.) Russell Croft (left) and Dean Hurst (right) on Mount Ogden holding the remnants of the 1922 flagpole To confirm the rumored demolition, McGregor and Hurst flew over the peak in a private plane. They saw that the flagpole had, indeed, been knocked down in sections and hurled over the eastern cliffs. Hurst said he visited the Hikers making their approach to the peak of Mount Ogden site a short time later in hopes of finding the Mason jar that contained the signatures of the hike participants, but only managed to recover a piece of concrete that appeared to bear the impression of a glass jar lid, and a rusty, two-foot fragment of flagpole. While the current whereabouts of the concrete remains a mystery, the chunk of pole was disinterred from a long-forgotten storage box in the basement of Lindquist Alumni Center shortly before Mortensen’s 2020 inauguration. He has displayed it as a symbol of school pride and student tenacity ever since. “In their official government language, the Forest Service referred to the flagpole as ‘an unauthorized protuberance,’ so they tore that out,” Willden lamented. “Well, in the years since then, all kinds of ‘protuberances’ have been authorized and the place 18 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 19 A HIKE WORTH REMEMBERING In its current iteration as in its past, Weber’s trek to Mount Ogden Peak is more than a pleasure hike. At its core, the Mount Ogden Hike is a metaphor for Weber’s remarkable trajectory from Weber Stake Academy to Weber State University. In 1922–23, as high school courses yielded to junior college curriculum, students and faculty were hopeful, yet largely uncertain about the future of their beloved institution. The community at large also wondered what would happen next. By staking a flagpole at the summit of Mount Ogden, Weber staked its claim to the past, present and future. “Here’s a group of 350 faculty, staff and students that, by establishing that flagpole on that mountain top that day, said, ‘Weber is here to stay,’” Turner said. As the editors of the Acorn Souvenir yearbook noted so prophetically in their 1922–23 publication: “Ogden City realizes as this school year ends, that Weber College is established to remain and that it has attained that true spirit which will mean growth for the community, for the college, and for the individual.” Turner said he believes that someone at WSU will always assume the mantle of overseeing an annual hike. CELEBRATING A CENTURY On Oct. 4, 2022, the Mount Ogden Hike turned 100. WSU Campus Recreation associate director Daniel Turner and a 15-member committee spent nearly two years planning a commemoration that was bigger and more elaborate than anything ever done. “We tried to make 2022’s hike as similar as possible to the 1922 hike,” Turner said. “We continued the tradition of carrying the Weber State flag with us, but by using the Snowbasin route instead Taylor Canyon, we were better able to manage the risk associated with hiking that mountain with a large group of people.” The event, held Sept. 24, 2022, began at Earl’s Lodge patio with a light breakfast, a greeting from President Mortensen and the introduction of special guests, including 95-year-old Quinn G. McKay, a David O. McKay family representative. The marching band provided a rousing send off as participants split into advanced, intermediate and beginner hiking groups. Some folks chose to ride the gondola to Snowbasin’s Needles Lodge, which eliminated three quarters of the distance. “One of our key goals was to meet people where they were in terms of age and ability,” Turner explained. An afternoon program at the saddle, just below the summit, featured the unveiling of a 100th anniversary plaque. The crowd sang “Purple and White,” as well as the school’s familiar fight song, which has declared Weber State “great, Great, GREAT” since 1965. 20 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 “The beauty of this tradition is that we’ll continue to pick up that flag and carry it up the mountain year after year, era after era.” — Daniel Turner 2022 Top Left: President Brad Mortensen (top row, center) holds a remnant of the original flagpole erected in 1922 in a group shot at the top of Mount Ogden. Bottom Left: Mount Ogden Hike participants totaled over 200 students, faculty, staff and community members. A Chance to Reinvent Yourself A collaboration between Jerry & Vickie Moyes Center for Supply Chain Excellence and Red Barn Academy expands students’ future possibilities By Rachel Badali 22 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Jeffrey Reese is a student at Red Barn Academy and manages Red Barn Thrift. Red Barn Academy is a vocational training and residential therapeutic community in Farmington for men who have battled addiction. Faculty from Weber State University’s Moyes Center for Supply Chain Excellence teach classes for students in the academy. Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 23 Three years ago, Jeffrey Reese was in a hotel room in Florida with “no money and no hopes.” He was deep into his battle with alcoholism, and he left his home state of Utah in an attempt to escape failed relationships and burned bridges. “Something needed to change, or else I was going to start Already, Reese is putting that knowledge to good use. He There’s a power in helping people see themselves and their futures differently. is now a manager at Red Barn Thrift, the program’s thrift — NANCY TOMON “You give them an assignment or you give them a challenge committing crime to get by,” Reese said. “I was most likely going to end up dead, either from drinking myself to death or by taking my own life.” Opportunity shop. And, while he admits he has a busy schedule, he likes the responsibility. Red Barn students’ work ethic is part of what inspired WSU supply chain faculty to pursue a partnership. and they will rise to the occasion,” said François GiraudCarrier, WSU supply chain management associate professor. In Utah, Reese’s mother heard about a local program she Providing Along with WSU’s supply chain management program, Red Barn gives students a wide range of career-training opportunities. Work on the farm: Students care for the Red Barn animals, which include chickens, ducks and goats. They also tend their on-campus garden and maintain campus grounds. hoped could help, and, fearing for her son’s safety, got him Reese calls Red Barn a chance to reinvent himself. He said it Giraud-Carrier helped create the supply chain curriculum an interview. Reese boarded a plane back to Utah and represents hope — a place to relearn life skills he describes and taught two of the program’s modules. The rest of the hasn’t looked back since. as being “lost along the way,” and completely new ones. For course content was split among WSU supply chain faculty At Red Barn Academy, a residential therapeutic center example, every Friday night, after a week of regimented members Evan Barlow, Alicia Ingersoll, Ben Neve and Shane in Farmington, Utah, Reese found a community for men work from sunrise to sunset, a small group of students meet Schvaneveldt. Together, they created a program that offers with a history of substance abuse or crime who are seizing to learn about supply chain management. They’re part of a career preparation and college credit. chances to create a better future for themselves. collaboration between the Jerry & Vickie Moyes Center for The program was created with a $110,212 grant from Learn Supply Chain Excellence at Weber State University and Red & Work in Utah, an initiative from the Utah Governor’s Office Barn Academy. of Economic Development that focuses on upskilling and enterprises, where many participants work, including a The program, a 40-week training led by Weber State returning individuals to the workforce. The idea came from thrift store, restaurant, construction company and moving professors, first opened in September 2021. Reese and 11 WSU alum Matt Williams, a member of the Moyes Center company, all located near Station Park, the city’s trendy other students were part of the program’s first graduating for Supply Chain Excellence advisory board and past Red shopping, dining and entertainment district. class in August 2022. A new cohort began this fall. Barn Academy board member. Red Barn students, like Reese, are expected to work hard and Reese was already a Red Barn Movers manager and house Williams was impressed with Red Barn Academy’s work, take on increased responsibility in the academy’s farm setting leader, helping guide other students, when he learned about and he wanted to explore how WSU could help expand Red for two years or more. They also take part in leadership and the supply chain program. Not wanting to miss a chance to Barn students’ future employment options. As someone with job-readiness training. Students can apply for the academy on learn new skills, he signed up. experience in warehouse operations and other aspects of their own accord, or a judge can grant the option in lieu of jail “We all wanted to do the same thing, which is to do something supply chain, he also recognized valuable qualities, like grit or prison. Regardless, everyone must go through an interview different,” Reese said about himself and his classmates. “Our and willingness to learn, within Red Barn students that he process and demonstrate a willingness to improve. lives were unmanageable before, because, when times got believed would allow them to be successful in the supply hard, we turned to our addictions or bad behaviors.” chain career field. The course offered possible entry to in-demand career fields For Williams and faculty members, the collaboration was also Tomon is helping to set up some of the company partnerships, such as logistics, warehousing or e-commerce. But, perhaps a chance to put WSU’s vision, “transforming lives by meeting and there is already high demand for Red Barn graduates, more important to Reese, it expanded options for the future. all students where they are,” into action. which doesn’t come as a surprise to her. “My personal goal is financial stability so I can have a family “There’s a power in education,” said Nancy Tomon, WSU “It’s inspiring,” she said. “They have high expectations of one day,” Reese said. “I want a career, and now I just have Department of Supply Chain & Management Information themselves, they hold themselves accountable, they show up.” more knowledge of different aspects of the world that will Systems administrative specialist. “And there’s a power in After completing what feels like a job well done, supply chain helping people see themselves and their futures differently.” faculty are excited to begin working with the next cohort of Tomon helped secure the grant funding and worked students. The program received another round of Learn & with Red Barn to get the program up and running. Work grant funding and will continue through 2023. While a few course participants had past college experience, Now a supply chain training program graduate, Reese said most didn’t, and this was a way to give them their first taste he will keep putting in the work to get closer to his goals. of higher education. It also provides a pathway to new job Even when the demands of life build — as they did when experience, as students have the opportunity to begin he was balancing coursework, multiple jobs and Red Barn a supply chain internship once they’ve completed responsibilities — he said he’s proving to himself that he the coursework. can keep going. The academy operates at no cost to insurance or taxpayers. Most of the funding comes from Red Barn’s various be crucial to helping me get there.” Technical training: Local trade schools work with Red Barn to offer students training like culinary arts and welding. Life skills: Residents take workshops on topics such as team building, public speaking and conflict resolution. Enterprises: Students can work at Red Barn Thrift, Red Barn Construction, Red Barn Movers and the restaurant Sticky Bird. The businesses give purpose and self-worth to students while providing goods and services to customers. “That’s what we do here,” Reese said. “We don’t give up.” 24 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 25 WSU RESEARCHERS EXAMINE THE GREAT SALT LAKE’S CONCERNING FUTURE Uncharted Territory BY JAIME WINSTON Students in WSU’s GETUP Summer Research Experience spend a month studying the Great Salt Lake and how shrinking water levels are impacting the microbialite ecosystem. 26 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 27 It’s hard to imagine Utah without its Great Salt Lake. The lake has existed in — more or less — its current form for the past 11,000 years. It was an important landmark for the Ute, Goshute, Shoshone and Paiute nations before white settlers arrived. “We’ve entered uncharted territory… It’s at a scary tipping point right now, and we don’t know what’s going to happen. — Carie Frantz Spectacularly preserved petroglyphs cover rocks on Stansbury Island. Brigham Young is said to have remarked “This is the right place; drive on” upon viewing the lake and surrounding valley before founding Salt Lake City. Today, as the largest saltwater lake in the Western hemisphere, it’s a major tourist destination, supports a thriving brine shrimping industry, houses migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, and serves as a breeding ground for songbirds. Unfortunately, the state’s distinctive landmark has been drying up. Over the summer, Frantz led Nguyen and five other students in studying microbialites, rock structures that house photosynthetic microorganisms that are an important food source for other organisms in the lake. As the lake dries and more microbialites are exposed to the air, the organisms on them no longer contribute to the lake’s food chain, impacting brine shrimp, birds and other animals. Carie Frantz, WSU associate professor of Earth and Since 2012, over half of the microbialites in the lake have environmental sciences, leads student researchers in been exposed. examining the impact of the lake’s declining water levels Nguyen warns that the drying of the lake could also put and increased salinity. While she admits the outcomes of dust from the lake bottom into the air, possibly harming air the lake drying up are not a certainty, what could likely quality for anyone downwind. occur is frightening. “Have you noticed that when it rains and it dries there’s this The food chain relying on the lake’s microorganisms and film on your car?” she asked. “That’s from the dust that gets brine flies could be broken. Humans could be impacted, too, suspended into the air, and the more the lake dries up, the since a “toxic dust soup” could be kicked up into the air. more that sediment gets suspended into the air.” A TIPPING POINT Usually seen in winter inversions, Frantz said Utahns should expect to see more of that “particulate matter pollution” “We’ve entered uncharted territory,” Frantz said. “It’s at a year-round, and it’s possible the dust may contain high scary tipping point right now, and we don’t know what’s concentrations of metals above EPA levels, including going to happen.” arsenic. Some of the metals have entered the lake Frantz attributes the Great Salt Lake’s lower water levels to a through agriculture, mining and industrial discharge. megadrought gripping the southwestern United States, global “There’s a bunch of other metals of concern climate change and overuse of water from the Jordan, Weber, as well in Great Salt Lake sediments, so and Bear Rivers that would otherwise flow into the lake. it’s basically a ticking time bomb of For the past two summers, she led the GETUP Summer health hazards sitting out there,” Research Experience, giving geoscience students the chance Frantz said. to research the impact of the lake’s water and salinity levels on the ecosystem as full-time research assistants. Frantz and her students collect lake samples at Antelope Island and analyze them at Weber State. At the end of the program, the students present their results at a symposium, and some serve as peer mentors in the GETUP Summer Bridge Program, a hands-on learning program for first- Maggie Nguyen collects dust and soil samples from the dried-up lakebed of the Great Salt Lake near Antelope Island. generation or low-income students interested in geoscience and environmental science who plan to attend Weber State. Maggie Nguyen, a geology major, learned about last summer’s GETUP program from Marek Matyjasik, Carie Frantz (right) measures a lake water sample with student Kayla Whipple on Antelope Island on July 19, 2022. Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences chair. “I want to go into hydrology and look at water systems,” said Nguyen, who will graduate in 2024. “So, monitoring and researching the Great Salt Lake directly ties into that.” 28 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 29 ANOTHER CAUSE FOR CONCERN Since 2019, Rebecka Brasso, associate professor of zoology, has also led Weber State students in studying the lake’s ecosystem. Each summer she brings students to Antelope Island to collect brine flies and western spotted orb weaver spiders — an increasingly difficult task. “I have been shocked by the degree the water level in the lake has changed over the past four years,” Brasso said. “A few years ago, it was a half mile walk to the edge of Cody Ellsworth, a student in the GETUP Summer the water to collect flies at one location. This year, the Research Experience, examines samples collected from Antelope Island to study the impact of the shrinking Great Salt Lake. walk is almost a mile.” She continually changes her plans, as spiders or flies in one area may not be in the same spot the next year, or month, as the shoreline moves farther away. Brasso is concerned with the potential loss of localized populations of invertebrates that are important food sources for breeding birds. “As these invertebrates make up the near entirety of the Great Salt Lake aquatic food web, species that rely on their abundance are at great risk of low food levels or starvation,” said Brasso, adding that millions of birds prey on the shrimp and flies. After collecting spiders and flies, Brasso and her students analyze their mercury levels at Weber State labs. Their goal is to create a long-term data set to track the changes in the lake’s mercury availability. They have found mercury levels in brine flies increase from June to August, and, with lower water levels, suspect mercury concentrations could increase year to year. “Mercury concentrations in orb weaver spiders that consume brine GETUP student and applied environmental geology major Rebekah Nilson uses a refractometer to measure salinity at the Great Salt Lake. 30 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 WHAT CAN WE DO? While it may not fix everything, Frantz strongly encourages meters were restricted by a certain volume each month Wasatch Front residents and organizations to take part in based on their contract with the district. water conservation efforts. In addition, residents could take part in the Flip Your Strip Weber State University is heeding the advice. The university program, which incentivized them to replace grass parking has reduced its total water use per acre by 40.3% compared to strips with rocks and/or water-wise plants. a 2016–2018 average baseline, while the university has grown by 265,699 square feet from the baseline years. Drew Hodge BS ’16, water conservation and stormwater coordinator, developed the university’s Water Action Plan, which offers best practice guidelines. Along with consulting Salt Lake Water Elevations The United States Geological Survey has measured lake surface elevation levels (feet above sea level) 3.4 miles northwest of Saline, Utah, in the Great Salt Lake, since the 1960s. A steady decline in elevation has been shown over the last several decades. Jan. 1, 1990: 4,203.8 | Jan. 1, 2000: 4,202 for renovations and new construction projects, Hodge works Jan. 1, 2010: 4,193.69 | Jan. 1, 2020: 4,193.1 with WSU’s in-house landscaping team on two xeriscape projects each year and the Water Warrior program, a competition among landscapers to conserve water. Measurement as of Jan. 1, 2022: 4,190.3. To see levels going back to 1966, visit webapps.usgs.gov/gsl/data.html. flies seem to depend on the availability of brine flies “We’ve got some cool projects,” he said. “We are in the Darren Hess, assistant general manager and COO of the near their webs,” Brasso said. “The spiders build webs in process of switching our cooling towers over to secondary conservancy district, said although soil moisture and runoff shrubs that are usually along the water’s edge, but are water. They have historically been run on culinary water.” levels were higher this year than the previous, he sees a need now increasingly distant, making this food resource less Stormwater collected on the Ogden campus is retained abundant, altering the mercury exposure.” in WSU’s duck pond. Pollutants in the water settle at the Wetlands, like those surrounding the lake, are known bottom of the pond before the water is used for other to be “mercury hotspots,” Brasso said, adding that the purposes. Hodge and his team are working on a project to likelihood of methylmercury, a more toxic form of deepen the pond, which will make the water in the pond mercury, being produced increases as water levels begin cleaner by allowing it to circulate more efficiently. to go down. “The main question now is ‘what will this “With the added water, we can use it more effectively,” he mean for the movement of mercury from the Great Salt said. “This allows us to use less irrigation water on campus, Lake into the associated terrestrial food webs?’ It could and, with the pond water quality improving, it will be better go up or even down,” she said. for Ogden City as well as the Great Salt Lake.” Students like Nguyen are learning about this first hand. Even low levels of mercury have been known to affect Weber Basin Conservancy District, which serves Davis, “If we don’t change our ways, then the lake will continue reproductive success, Brasso said, "meaning the birds Weber, Morgan, Summit and a portion of Box Elder counties, to dry up and things will start to spiral,” Nguyen said. “As feeding on the brine flies could be laying and hatching restricted residential irrigation to two days per week for pessimistic as that is, I think it’s the truth.” fewer eggs, and having fewer chicks that will survive." unmetered customers during the summer. Those with for continual conservation as Utah becomes an even drier state. However, he said just diverting more water to the lake may not fix the problem, since so much evaporates due to the lake’s low depth and wide surface area. “It’s like pouring water on a plate versus a bowl,” he said. “We likely need help from Mother Nature to put us into a wet cycle where we can fill our reservoirs and then spill them to the Great Salt Lake.” However, anything done to help save water can benefit, if not save, the lake. Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 31 Follow @Fletcherevac on Twitter for updates from the Fletcher Afghan Evacuation & Resettlement working group. BY JAIME WINSTON Lark Escobar helps distribute backpacks filled with school supplies, donated by NATO countries, at a girls’ school in Kabul in October 2010. A GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO SAVE AFGHAN ALLIES If Lark Escobar BS ’06 takes a day off, people could die. In August 2021, as the United States withdrew after a 20-year presence in Afghanistan and the Taliban seized control, she went to work helping people escape. Photo courtesy of Lark Escobar As founder of the Fletcher Afghan Evacuation & Resettlement working group (FAER-WG), based at Tufts University, she leads a team of volunteers in preparing documentation for American allies trying to escape the country. The documents are sent on to the U.S. Department of State for review. The group is part of the #AfghanEvac coalition, a network of While studying for a midterm in October 2021, she received over 180 volunteer-based organizations dedicated to helping evidence of 18 cases of torture and learned that two people on Before the withdrawal began, she had helped four families United States allies flee Afghanistan, and the Evacuate Our her evacuee list died from a lack of aid. She failed the exam. resettle to the United States and was working with a fifth. Allies Coalition, a legislative advocacy group. Despite the setbacks, government bureaucracy and seemingly While Escobar’s Weber degree didn’t prepare her for endless list of people who need her help, she knows she is Handling just one person’s intake and visa application can evacuation work, it eventually led her to Afghanistan. making a difference. take eight or more hours, she said. At WSU, she learned to teach English. Later she became Last summer, a family she helped welcomed its ninth child “I collect all of the threat evidence, I make sure that they’ve educated in Arabic and Middle Eastern studies and went on while safely awaiting their chance to come to the United got all of the required pieces of their application, I explain to earn a graduate degree in international education systems States at a Qatar processing center. the different parts of the application to them, we make sure and English as a second language. She has taught English they’ve got all of their credentials in order,” said Escobar about in high school and across the world through NATO and the the process. United States military. Over two academic years, she ran a Today, her list of people who need help is in the thousands. culture and language program for the Afghan National Army, FAER-WG is made up of Tufts students, as well as Harvard which included integrating women into the Afghan Air Force, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology students. Along designing curriculum and establishing tri-lingual libraries with collecting documentation, they work to gain government around the country. support and raise funds to help evacuees. Today, she splits her volunteer work with being a full-time graduate student and working as a writing tutor. She recently held an internship for the U.S. Army War College. Being both a student and volunteer helping evacuees has its dark days. Photo by Humberto Hernandez 32 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 JUST GETTING 20 OR 30 PEOPLE OUT, IT DOESN’T SEEM LIKE A LOT, BUT IT’S PROGRESS. — LARK ESCOBAR Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 33 WSU Alumni Association leaders kicked off 100 years of the Mount Ogden Hike (page 14) by paying homage to the 1920s, a decade of silent film, newsies, flappers and fedoras. Board of Directors President ROB HIGGINSON BS ’80 Speaking of the ’20s, what has been your favorite moment of the 2020s? The 2020s started out as a wild ride to say the least. I have enjoyed the closeness of family relationships that the pandemic has provided. I feel my family is more united than any time I can remember. If you could bring an object back 100 years to show your If you could take a time machine to any decade, when would it be? I would love to revisit the 1970s and attend a few more rock concerts at the Salt Palace. Tell us about an annual tradition you take part in. My family loves Lake Powell; we have had an annual trip for many years. Coolest thing about the WSU Alumni Association? I have very much enjoyed serving on the Alumni board and making new friends and reacquainting with old classmates. It is great to be back on campus and be involved with great alumni. ancestors, what would it be? A flat-screen TV. On Location at the Eccles Art Center We couldn’t think of a better location for our alumni leader photo shoot than the Eccles Art Center in Ogden, a Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion where David and Bertha Eccles raised their 12 children in the late 19th and early 20th century. Before her death, Bertha made it known she wanted the home to benefit the community and local arts and education. Through the years, it has done so, becoming a Weber State College women’s dormitory in 1935 and community art center in 1959. Today, Eccles Art Center hosts performing and visual arts classes, exhibits and more. 34 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 35 Emeriti Alumni Council President If you could bring an object back 100 years to show your JOE BARRETT BA ’73 would be blown. Speaking of the ’20s, what has ancestors, what would it be? A smart phone. Their minds What is the biggest hike you’ve taken? With a 70-pound backpack? Twelve miles up Granite Canyon in the Tetons in off the face mask and return to Which WSU sports team is your favorite to watch? Jay Hill CLASS NOTES somewhat normal. We’ve been able has brought a lot of positive energy to the football program, A LUMNI UPDAT ES to travel by air and visit our family making it exciting to be a Wildcat. That being said, the in New York and Connecticut. women’s soccer team is by and far the most enjoyable team been your favorite moment of the 2020s so far? Probably my favorite moment was being able to take If you could take a time machine to any decade, when would it be and why? I would like to have been present to a thunderstorm. Non-backpacking related? Twenty miles round trip to Union Falls in Yellowstone. to watch. Each woman on that team is giving 110% each and every second they are on the field, and the passion shows. hear the debates and discussion around the founding of Coolest thing about the WSU Alumni Association? our nation. I would like to meet those men and women Sometimes, in college, I would find myself mentally who risked their lives and fortunes for this cause. pigeonholed in associating with people within my program, Share a memory of the Great Salt Lake. As a little boy, my parents would take me to Saltair. We would change in changing tents that were set up on the beach, and then go out into the water and just lay back and float. but, being a member of the alumni association, I have been able to connect with Wildcats from all walks of life and that has been amazing. Student Alumni Association President ’50s College and went on to earn Phoenix, Arizona. He is an avid historian of the his Bachelor of Arts in 1961 lives in Surprise, Arizona, sugar industry in Utah and HANNAH OLSEN BS ’22 Niles W. Herrod AS ’59 is and doctorate degree in 1967 with his wife, Gerry. They Idaho. He and his late wife, a retired oral/maxillofacial from the University of Utah, have two children and Jo Ann Nielson Schmalz surgeon. He earned his where he majored in history three grandchildren. Speaking of the ’20s, doctorate of dentistry at and minored in American what has been your Northwestern University. studies. Upon graduation, he Coolest thing about the WSU Alumni Association? favorite moment of the He practiced in San Diego, taught Latin American and The coolest thing is the excitement of people, young and 2020s? I got engaged and Charles Schmalz AS ’61 is worker. During their time old, who are working toward a goal in their lives and the California, for five years Mexican history at several graduated from Weber a third-generation Wildcat in Idaho, she worked in excitement when they finish. Reconnecting with old State with my associate’s before moving to Provo, Utah, universities, including State who attended Weber College a hospital nursing home. friends also ranks really high. and bachelor’s degrees. where he practiced from University of New York at 1972–2007. He received the Fredonia and Arizona State from 1959–1961. He went After returning to Utah, she Navy Commendation Medal University. He recently on to earn a bachelor’s continued as a social worker for surgeries performed at published his ninth book degree in chemistry from at McKay-Dee Hospital, time in the legal world. the First Marine Division titled Lost Worlds of 1863: the University of Utah. In retiring in 2002. Jo Ann In the year 2120, what tradition do you hope Wildcats Hospital in Vietnam from Relocation and Removal of 1965, he began working for served on the Emeriti 1967–1968. He has served American Indians in the Central Utah-Idaho Sugar Company. Alumni Council for the multiple callings with The Rockies and Greater Southwest. Charles began working for WSU Alumni Association. the Amalgamated Sugar Which Weber State sports team is your favorite to watch? I’ve always enjoyed Weber State Basketball, but, having played soccer at Weber, I enjoy watching the soccer team play as well. I especially remember the years that Phil Johnson was the coach and Willie Sojourner was the star for the men’s basketball team. New Alumni Council President CHARLES BOWKER BA ’18 when would it be? The 1970s, because it was a crucial still participate in? Rubbing Louis Moench’s boot for Ann studied gerontology and became a social Speaking of the ’20s, what has good luck before an exam. been your favorite moment of the Which Weber State sports team is your favorite to watch? Church of Jesus Christ of Of special interest to Utahns 2020s? It would have to be getting Latter-day Saints, including are excerpts in the book Company in 1977, first in Fred Stettler AS ’67 served Football and hockey. stake president and about the Southern Paiute, Ogden and later in Idaho in the United States Air patriarch. He and his wife, Northern Ute and Cache as a chemist and assistant Force for 37 years, in active Janet Edmunds Herrod, live Valley Shoshone peoples, as superintendent. After 11 duty for six years and in the in Provo, Utah. well as a chapter on the Bear years in Idaho, he returned reserves for 31 years. He was River Massacre. Dirk to Ogden and continued activated during Operation W. Dirk Raat AS ’59 has served as a docent for with Amalgamated until Desert Shield, Operation graduated from Weber the Heard Museum in retiring in 2005. Charles Desert Storm and the 9/11 married to my wife… or was it the pandemic? No, my wife has been the highlight of the ’20s for me. 36 If you could take a time machine to any decade, ’60s AS ’61, BS ’79, met in 1959 while attending Weber. Jo weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Coolest thing about the WSU Alumni Association? Staying connected! Fall 2022 | alumni.weber.edu 37 2022 SPONSORS & PARTICIPANTS! THIS YEAR’S WSU ALUMNI GOLF CLASSIC RAISED $44,179 FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS. attacks. He also worked in service to the TRiO programs, conferences and authored After retiring from the at Kansas City Kansas She is an active member of and Cyber Jack. Along the pharmaceutical industry the Art Quinn Memorial various articles relating to military, he worked for the Community College. Beach the Ogden-Weber Chamber of with speaking about his with Organon for many years. Award and the Toni Weight education. She is currently Northrop Corp, now known also served as assistant vice Commerce. She has chaired adventures at conventions, After his pharmaceutical Lifetime Achievement Award. the chair of the Board as Northrop Grumman, president for finance and Leadership Northern Utah he has interviewed experience, he went on to a In addition to his career at of Directors for America supporting the Federal treasurer at Southern Utah Academy, the executive board and worked with many successful 25-year career in WSU, David was a Layton First Credit Union. She Aviation Administration. University. He earned Master of the Women in Business luminaries such as Adam medical equipment sales. City recreation coach and received the Distinguished After retiring from that of Business Administration Committee, and the Women Baldwin, Ron Glass and Steve Fred volunteers his time as started the women’s and Director Award from CUES, chapter of his career, Lee and Master of Accountancy Empowered Conference. She Wozniak. Recently, Brian a teacher’s assistant with girls’ softball programs. He a national organization for began working for H&R Block degrees from SUU, and also is a member of the Board completed a book about the Renaissance Academy, a coached Davis County junior credit union leaders. She is where he learned the tax a Bachelor of Science in of Trustees for McKay-Dee the monks and charitable residential school that works high school basketball at a founding trustee of industry. He later started Accounting from Weber State Hospital. The chamber has endeavors of the Abbey of to change students’ quality Central Davis, North Davis Northern Utah Academy his own tax consultation University. He lives in Kansas recognized Monica with the Our Lady of the Holy Trinity of life and help them fulfill and Fairfield junior high for Math, Engineering & business, named Lee the Tax City, Missouri. prestigious Volunteer of the in Huntsville, Utah. their potential. He currently schools. He is a Central Science (NUAMES). She Man. He recently sold his serves on the WSU Alumni Davis Junior High School has served on a variety of business and now considers Monica Schwenk AA ’89, himself officially retired. BA ’92, MPC ’13 serves as Association Emeriti Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. He other boards throughout Council. He has taken on and his wife, Neweleen the community and as the vice president for student Paula Livingston BS ’96 is ’90s the dean of instruction and occupational education services at Ogden-Weber Brian Wiser BA ’92 is a at Estrella Mountain duties and been active in his Barnes Trujillo AS ’70, met chairperson of the Weber Michael Beach BS ’88 church throughout his life. while they were attending Morgan Children’s Justice has been appointed to Technical College, where producer of books, films, Community College in Center. She was recognized serve as vice president of she began working in 1995. games and events. Best- Avondale, Arizona. In this in Utah Business as one finance and administration Prior to her vice president known for the Firefly role, she oversees both position, she served as documentary Done The academic and occupational He and his wife of 55 years, Linda, have six children, 21 Weber. She graduated from the nursing program and grandchildren and 12 worked for Davis Hospital of “30 Women to Watch.” for Park University. In great-grandchildren. and Medical Center for 35 She is married to David his role, he oversees the the college’s Custom Fit Impossible, he was an extra programs including, but not Carver BS ’74, who worked financial, accounting and Training and Roy Campus in Serenity, and brought limited to, STEM programs, independently in the administrative operations Business Link manager. the Firefly cast aboard his nursing and business. Utah. They have five sons, financial services industry for of the university. He She successfully cultivated Browncoat Cruise convention. She has volunteered 22 grandchildren and five 30 years. They have traveled is also responsible for business relationships with He has raised money for with organizations such to over 100 countries, and oversight of the Office of hundreds of companies in many charities. Brian is an as the March of Dimes; have three children and Human Resources, Office providing industry-driven Apple consultant, historian Natalie’s House, a project of 11 grandchildren. of Information Technology training. Her leadership and archivist, designing and Arizonans for the Protection Services and Office of has been recognized by the editing retro computer books of Exploited Children and ’80s Facilities. Before joining Park college, including awards at Call-A.P.P.L.E., an online Adults; and West Valley University, he served as vice for Outstanding Employee group for Apple users. Books Mavericks Foundation. ’70s David Trujillo BS ’70 is retired after a successful 40- years. She is a recipient of the Miss Holstein Award of great-grandchildren. year career with Weber State SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! June 2, 2023 Year Award. University. From 1973–2014, Linda Carver BS ’77 David worked to establish began her career in many of the student support special education. After services, including, but not a few years of teaching, limited to, Veterans Upward she became principal of Leland “Lee’’ Burkett BS ’83 president of finance, chief of the Year and Outstanding he has designed include The Through her work, she Bound, Supplemental Canyon View School. She served in the U.S. Air Force financial officer and treasurer Organizational Leadership. WOZPAK, Nibble Viewpoints, is connected with many Instruction and Disability earned a master’s degree in from 1959–1982. During Services. He came to WSU secondary education and an his 23 years as active- as a student-athlete, with administrative/supervisory duty military, he spent 18 a four-year track and field endorsement from Utah years stationed abroad in scholarship. He was twice State University. She was countries including Vietnam, named Most Valuable Track later appointed Weber School Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Athlete. He is the recipient District director of student Germany and England. He of numerous awards and services and retired as the was a jet fighter mechanic recognitions, including assistant superintendent. She and later supervisor. Lee Layton City Hometown Hero, received the Principal of the attended Weber State while Utah High School Activities Year Award and Excellence in stationed at Hill Air Force Association Super Fan Award, School Management award. Base, where he was the chief the H. Aldous Dixon Award, She has been a presenter of maintenance of combat recognition for outstanding at several educational air rescue helicopters. 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. SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN JAN. 10, 2023, & CLOSE ON FEB. 10, 2023. ALUMNI.WEBER.EDU/SCHOLARSHIPS alumni.weber.edu/golf Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 39 What city do you live in? We want to come visit! role was to ensure that Center in South Ogden and Mexico, Canada and the conditions imposed upon at McKay-Dee Hospital. United States. In his role, he release were upheld and While earning her nursing is responsible for launching communicated to the State degree from WSU, she was new production assembly of Utah State Courts and the the activities director for lines, which produce airbags, Utah Board of Pardons and residents at Washington steering wheels and seat Parole. He currently works as Terrace Health Services (now belts, and implementing a Don’t miss out on the fun. a transportation technician Washington Terrace Care higher level of automation with the Utah Department of and Rehabilitation Center). with these new launches. Learn more about WSU’s 12 regional alumni networks and events in your area: Transportation. He and his She received the C. Hilman Stacy and Stuart love living in three children live in Ogden. Castle scholarship for clinical Ogden and are proud Weber Visit alumni.weber.edu excellence while attending State alumni. Stacy Probasco BS ’02, AS the U of U. Her husband, ’07 is a physician assistant at Stuart Probasco BS ’00 has Tamara Davies BS ’04 Tanner Clinic in Layton, Utah, worked for Autoliv North is a senior manager of where she practices physical America Inc. for the past 22 internal communications medicine and rehabilitation years. He began his career as at Pluralsight, where focused on neck and back an intern for the company in she has worked for the pain. Prior to earning manufacturing engineering. last five years. Prior to her Master of Physician He is now the director of Pluralsight, she worked Assistant Studies from the Industrial Engineering and at O.C. Tanner, KSL-TV, University of Utah in 2016, Launch for the Autoliv FranklinCovey and Western 1 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 community organizations for DCappella, Disney’s a States regional manager for City Arts Advisory Committee she worked as a registered cappella group that tours Kenan Advantage Group from 2014–2018, and named American plants, which Governors University. She to enhance workforce and nurse at Mt. Ogden Surgical both in the U.S. and Japan. Specialty Products, which to the Standard-Examiner’s include locations in Brazil, earned a master’s degree economic development, is one of the largest bulk 40 under 40 list. He is the including the Westmarc West in communication from Westminster College in 2015. Valley Workforce Pipeline Jolene Zito AS ’97, BS ’00, transporters of chemicals founder of the Ogden Pub MED ’13 is retired from Her husband, Derek Davies Project. In 2015, she received and specialty products in Runners group. Kase hosts her master’s degree in Weber School District after BS ’04, MPA ’05 leads Petzl’s North America. Patrick also a literary podcast called North American finance and educational leadership from teaching theater at Orion serves on the Florida Freight LITerally, where he interviews Northern Arizona University, Junior High School for 10 Advisory Committee for authors about all things and she is currently years. She is a longtime the Florida Department of publishing and writing. He member of the Drama Club Derek live in Centerville, working on her doctorate in Transportation. He and his teaches for the Creative of Ogden. She has served Utah, with their son, and community college/higher wife live in Lakeland, Florida. Nonfiction Foundation, the on numerous arts boards two dogs. education Leadership from NAU. throughout the community. Kase Johnstun BA ’99 lives program for Southern New She currently serves on and writes in Ogden, Utah. Hampshire University, Barton BFA ’05 teaches digital Jenn Rapp BA ’96 is a WSU’s Arts & Humanities He was named the 2021 Community College and photography and art musical theatre director Advisory Council, Roy City Ogden Mayor’s Awards in the Weber State University. foundations at Fremont High and choreographer living Arts Council and the Ogden Arts recipient for the literary and working out of New Musical Theatre Board. Jolene arts. He earned a Master of York City. Jenn has worked has served on the RAMP Arts in Creative Writing and on Broadway, London’s committee for Weber County Literature from Kansas State Stuart Carver BS ’02 was West End and the Sydney the past six years. She and University and a Master of born and raised in Ogden. He Opera House of Australia. her husband, Chad Zito, Fine Arts in Creative Writing served the community as an She was recently a creative are lifelong residents of from Pacific University. His adult probation and parole producer on America’s Got Roy, Utah. work has been published officer with the Department her master’s degree in widely by literary journals of Corrections for 20 years. secondary education from Talent Las Vegas Live at We want to feature you. accounting teams as their finance director. Tamara and creative writing graduate ’00s MaryKay DeCaria Hall She is the yearbook advisor LET US KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN UP TO SINCE GRADUATION. Share information on your professional and volunteer work, any credentials or awards you have received, or other accomplishments and interests. It’s our opportunity to share a bit of your alumni story with the WSU community. and teaches WSU concurrent enrollment course Art 1010. She has been an educator with Weber School District for 17 years. MaryKay completed Patrick Feeney BA ’98 is and trade magazines. He was Utah State University in the current creative director the Southeastern United Before retiring from law literary chair for the Ogden enforcement in 2016, his 2011. During the summers, alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2022 Starting January 2023, all Wildcat email accounts belonging to students who have not attended WSU in two or more years will be decommissioned due to new policies from Google. Stay connected to Weber by contacting the Alumni Association today to update your email address. School in Plain City, Utah. Luxor Hotel & Casino. She is 40 Still using your Weber State student email? To learn more about Google’s new policy concerning lifetime accounts and storage, please use the QR code provided, or visit weber.edu/help/StudentEmailFAQ.html. she has volunteered with member of the San Antonio leadership skills in students. with clients to plan, develop lessons, chamber music and Marathon and the Skyline after graduating from Weber Weber School District Chamber of Commerce and Her husband, Steffen Voet BS and construct multifamily a Yoga for Musicians course. Mountain 50K in Eden, Utah. State in 2020. While playing summer extended learning an adjunct professor at Park ’16, is an electrical engineer apartment units, which has She has recently returned camps, which teach art University. After leaving his at Hill Air Force Base. They become his specialty. He from Poland where she Caitlyn Johnston BS ’18 is the 2019–20 Weber State and photography skills for home in Brooklyn, New York, live in Ogden Valley and have has worked with clients on performed and recorded her a radio talk producer for Male Athlete of the Year elementary, junior high and as a young man, Weber State young twin children. projects with as few as 100 first concerto album with the KSL NewsRadio where she and a Big Sky Conference Lublin Philharmonic. regularly produces content Scholar-Athlete. He also to share with listeners. She earned Big Sky Academic high school students. She served as a foundation of also chaperones students at his success where personal an annual yearbook camp led accountability helped him by Jostens. She and her two develop both academically Teresa Martinez BS ’10, and personally to become an MHA ’14, played for the WSU added value asset in society. women’s soccer team as sons live in North Ogden. Julie Dexter Hernandez BS The Stromberg Complex offers special alumni pricing on gym memberships for all WSU graduates. Enjoy the gym, swimming pool, rock climbing wall, racquetball courts and more! weber.edu/ strombergcomplex/ memberships.html at a project he is currently working on in the Boise, Chris Livingston BS ’13 is the producer of the Dave All-Conference honors four Idaho, area. began working as a senior & Dujanovic morning show. times and was named to the network engineer at the She is also a social media Hampshire Honor Society Fanya Lin BA ’13 is a University of Utah after manager for the VidSummit by the National Football an undergraduate student. top prizewinner of the graduating from WSU. In this company. VidSummit is Foundation as a senior. Jonah ’06 is an application support Shannon Musgrave Upon graduation, she began Hastings International Piano position, he manages the an event that takes place won his first Super Bowl ring analyst with Haemonetics BA ’08 has joined the working for the university Concerto Competition, Tonaquint and Enterprise each year in Los Angeles when the Rams defeated Corporation, which develops Carnegie Mellon University in the Multicultural Student Concours International de data centers located in Salt that brings content creators the Cincinnati Bengals in medical technology products School of Drama as the Center. She went on to Piano France-Amériques, Lake City and St. George, together to share strategy. Super Bowl LVI. He recently and services that improve director of marketing and complete a master’s degree New York International Utah, which provide She has met many influential volunteered for the D1 Valley the quality and effectiveness communications. Prior to while working for Diversity Piano Competition, and centralized data for the people through VidSummit summer youth football camp of healthcare. In her role, her role at Carnegie Mellon, and Inclusive Programs Seattle International Piano university and the university and KSL, opportunities in Idaho. Jonah is married she supports many hospitals she spent three years as at Weber. She is currently Competition. Fanya earned hospitals. Prior to returning that were built upon her to Kennedy Williams, who and labs throughout the communications director for the student engagement her doctorate degree at the to Weber State in 2010 to experience at Weber played three seasons with United States and Canada the Allegheny Regional Asset coordinator in the Center University of Minnesota, pursue his bachelor’s degree, State University. the WSU volleyball team. with technical support for District in Allegheny County, for Community Engaged a master’s degree at The Chris worked as a technical Pennsylvania. Shannon has Learning. In her role with Juilliard School and a support representative for ’20s They reside with their son software applications. Prior to her role at Haemonetics, she worked as the associate CCEL, she co-coordinates bachelor’s degree at Weber AOL and later managed worked as a traveling clinical artistic director for the Salt the Engaged Learning State University. In fall 2019, email marketing campaigns Jonah Williams BS ’20 is an laboratory scientist for 10 Lake Acting Company in Series, where she has Fanya joined the University for Second City Enterprises American football defensive years. She lived primarily in Salt Lake City. She earned brought notable speakers to of Arizona as assistant in Chicago. Chris is an avid end for the Los Angeles east coast locations, such as her Master of Arts in Arts campus, including Bill Nye. professor of piano practice. runner and has completed Rams. He signed with the New York City, Boston and Management from American Additionally, she supports She teaches applied piano both the Skyline Mountain National Football League Rhode Island. She currently University in Washington, students as a First Year lives in San Antonio, Texas, D.C. Shannon currently Experience and Wildcat with her husband and their serves on the advisory boards Scholars instructor. Teresa two daughters. of WQED educational public is currently working on a media and the National New Khalil Gatlin AS ’08 served Doctorate of Philosophy Play Network. She lives in 24 years of active military in Education, Culture, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Society at the University duty before retiring as a NEW THIS YEAR! ’10s units, and up to 2,000 units for WSU, he was named of Utah. master sergeant with the Morgan Voet AA ’08, BA United States Air Force. He ’09, MA ’13 is an assistant Kevin Taylor BS ’12 earned both his bachelor’s director for the First Year currently works for Layton and master’s degrees in Experience Program at Construction Company in business administration from Weber State University, preconstruction estimating the University of Phoenix. where she helps incoming and development. Since He earned his doctorate in students make a successful graduating, he has business administration transition into the university worked for many notable from California Southern community. She also teaches construction companies University in 2020, graduating the Peer Mentor section such as Kier Construction Magna Cum Laude. He is a of FYE, which develops and Ivory Homes. He works in Vineyard, Utah, and Los Angeles, California. Great, Great PLATE! SUPPORT WSU STUDENTS AND SHOW WILDCAT PRIDE WHEREVER YOU DRIVE! ALUMNI.WEBER.EDU/LICENSEPLATE Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 43 Named in memory of the former Weber president, the H. Aldous Dixon Awards have been presented annually since 1970 to honor faculty and staff who have demonstrated careers of excellence and have gone above As public relations director, Hess advised interns in the Office of Marketing & Communications who have used their internships to build solid foundations for satisfying careers. Hess’ teaching has been honored with a George and Beth Lowe Innovative Teaching Award, a Hemingway Vitality and beyond the call of duty to support students. Dixon Award and a Crystal Crest Master Teacher nomination. She served as president of Weber College from 1919 to 1920 also received a Weber State University Presidential Staff and again from 1937 to 1953. Award for exemplary service. Prior to her retirement on April 29, 2022, Hess supported Weber State students once more by announcing their names Allison Barlow Hess Former Public Relations Director Allison Barlow Hess dedicated 30 years of her life to helping Weber State students achieve more than they first thought 52 Annual nd H. Aldous DIXON AWARDS as they were honored at the Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities’ spring 2022 commencement ceremony. Susan Matt possible. She began her career at WSU in 1992 as an adjunct Professor of History professor, having worked previously as a reporter for KSL-TV Susan Matt began her career teaching history at Weber State in Salt Lake City. in 1999. She has taught subjects ranging from U.S. history In 1997, the Department of Communication offered Hess to the history of emotions to interdisciplinary courses co- a full-time faculty position. In addition to teaching print taught with colleagues. She has also mentored hundreds of and electronic media, public relations, editing and visual students through the history program and supervised their communication, she advised students working at KWCR, the senior capstone projects. Matt believes students have the university’s radio station and the student newspaper, The power to change the world and endeavors to make history Signpost. Under her watch, The Signpost earned top accolades relevant to each one by extending the study of the past to as from the National Society of Professional Journalists and the many people as possible. Utah Press Association. As a social historian, Matt focuses on the history of ordinary Hess was a longtime board member of the Utah Chapter of Americans — how they lived and experienced large- the Society of Professional Journalists, serving two years as scale historical events, like revolution, war and economic vice chair and two years as chair. For six years, she penned depression. Her students examine the past through the eyes a monthly newspaper column for the Standard-Examiner of immigrants, enslaved people, farmers, factory workers, and used the stipend she received to create an editorial soldiers, families and children. scholarship for student writers at The Signpost. “When students understand that history is not merely about In 2010, Hess switched gears to become the university’s the actions of presidents and generals, but also about people public relations director. In this role, she was heavily like themselves, they come to see themselves as historical involved in planning and securing media coverage for major actors, with the ability to make changes in their lives and the university events, including two Dream 125 campaign larger society,” she said. celebrations, the Crystal Crest Awards and the inauguration In addition to teaching WSU students, Matt has provided a of President Brad Mortensen. Amidst a global pandemic, she range of educational opportunities to the community. She helped organize a successful “socially distanced” graduation was part of the Venture program, which offered free college Matt has held numerous administrative roles at the event in Stewart Stadium. courses to adults with low incomes. After completing the university including history department chair and interim Nearing her retirement, Hess worked with University program, many participants went on to become full-time associate dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences. Archives to identify and honor 12 “Women of Weber,” students at Weber State. In July 2021, she was selected as director of the Office of alumni or friends of the university who made an indelible In 2020, Matt harnessed the global pandemic as a Interdisciplinary Collaborations. impression on campus and the community and whose springboard to a successful series of free, interdisciplinary Since arriving at Weber State, she has written two books, Allison Barlow Hess Susan Matt stories motivate current and future Wildcats. She also classes on hot topics. More than 100 people signed up for co-authored a third, edited another two, and published Visit weber.edu/wsumagazine helped shape the university’s Ever Upward campaign, which the first course titled, Pandemics and People. Subsequent dozens of scholarly articles, many of which appeared in for videos featuring the winners. spotlights inspiring stories of students and alumni through courses included The Ongoing Struggle for Civil Rights and highly respected media outlets, including the New York Times, news releases, videos and social media. How Did We Get So Polarized? the Washington Post, Salon, Slate, and the Wall Street Journal. 44 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2022 Fall 2022 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 45 Mount Ogden Hike 100 This year, we celebrated 100 years since students and faculty joined then Weber president Aaron Tracy to plant a school flag on top of Mount Ogden (read the hike’s history on page 14). Since then, the hike has become a memory-making tradition for the WSU community. Staying in Touch with Alumni & Friends We asked readers for their hike stories in print and on social media. Jack Magdiel AS ’62 wrote to us about his experience on the 2022 hike. Read his letter at weber.edu/wsumagazine. Reaching New Heights Weber State’s influence extends across the world. Recently, professor Michael Wutz wrote to us about sharing his purple pride in Tanzania and Italy. Alum Ted Woolley BS ’74 shared photos of his father, Edwin Woolley ’23, having fun on the first Mount Ogden Hike, along with a history of Ed’s experience written by his niece, Laurel Cunningham For the Weber State community, “Making the Climb” is synonymous with hiking Mount Ogden, where then-president Aaron Tracy planted a flag in October 1922. While WSU is celebrating the 100th anniversary of this tradition, I recently had the privilege of participating in two strenuous ascents, so to (s)peak, reminding me that the age-old image of climbing a mountain as a metaphor for hard work, while being almost clichéd, is no less truthful for all that. A view of the Mediterranean Sea from the hills of Bogliasco, Italy Sitting amongst the clouds on Mount Kilimanjaro The Bogliasco community, located southeast of Genoa, Italy Michael Wutz and his son Christian representing Weber State at Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit Photos courtesy of Michael Wutz In December 2021, I hiked Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania together with our son Christian, a small group of fellow backpackers, and a team of porters and guides. Measuring 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and highest single free-standing mountain in the world. While not Mount Qomolangma/Everest, which is for extreme alpinists only, Kilimanjaro is a popular destination for hikers looking for a dash of adventure and test of their physical limits. The hike, from lush rainforests to the climate zones of the Alpine Desert and the Arctic Summit, is not technical requiring specialized gear and expertise, but rather a, well, hike, albeit a strenuous one. In truth, the climb is doable by most everybody in good condition and attitude. (That being said, nearly 1,000 rescues and 10 deaths on the mountain occur each year.) “Pole Pole,” the Swahili phrase for “slowly, slowly,” was the refrain of our guides as we trudged upward, and our bodies registered the effects of the altitude. After six days along the so-called Lemosho route and a seven-hour midnight climb to the top — darkness has its blessings when you are huffing and puffing on what feels like infinite steepness — we finally reached Uhuru Peak, named for the Swahili word for “freedom.” (Trekkie fans may remember the word from the name of communications officer, Lieutenant Uhura). It was a sweet feeling mixed with tears of relief. We didn’t plant a flag, but Weber State was with us all the way. My second climb took place a short 10 days later, when I assumed a residency at the Bogliasco Foundation outside Genoa, Italy, there to work on a research project during my sabbatical. Nestled on the Ligurian Sea, with the southwestern flank of the Alps in the background, the hills of Bogliasco ascend right from the coastline and invite vigorous hiking as well. Cinque Terre, the legendary coastal strip connecting villages through a maze of trails, is a short train ride away as well and gives even the best conditioned trekkers a workout. My more strenuous day job, however, was working among a group of accomplished writers, composers, dancers and performance artists, who spurred me on to reach my peak, and represent WSU in the best possible way. Following the rules of the house, we had a scheduled cocktail hour — yes, you read that right! — most every evening and shared our work over dinner prepared by in-house chefs. The setting of the foundation’s home, the Villa dei Pini, on the edge of the Riviera, provided a front-seat window onto the Mediterranean, from where my nebulous thoughts crystallized, slowly, into some of the best writing I had ever done. — Michael Wutz, Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor of English; Editor of Weber - The Contemporary West Where have you traveled while representing Weber State? Write to Wildcat Inbox with your story at magazine@weber.edu. “While Ed attended Weber Academy, he participated in the school’s first trek to the top of Mt. Ogden Peak. Ed and 365 other Weber Academy students hauled a 300-pound steel flagpole a vertical mile from the city below and planted it into the peak on October 4, 1922… Ed was the editor of Weber Academy’s school newspaper — Weber Herald.” “One of the first things I ever did at Weber State, it was also the longest hike I had done at the time. On the hike I met friends and created opportunities to become a part of the WSU Outdoor Program. Now instead of being a participant, I am a trip leader!” — @nesrac09 via Instagram Former hike leader and WSU professor Gary Willden sent us his photos taken at the saddle point just below the summit with hikers in 2009, and with Ruth Orton, a regular hike participant, in 2004. Want to share your thoughts on something you read? Email us at magazine@weber.edu. Fa ll 2 0 2 2 *Please note that letters may be edited for length or clarity. @weberstate @weberstate @WeberStateU @WeberStateU Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1265 Village Dr. Dept. 4025 Ogden, UT 84408-4025 Permit No. 151 Salt Lake City, UT HELP US REACH GREATER HEIGHTS What did you like about this issue? What could be better? Do you have suggestions for the future? Give us your feedback for a chance to win Weber State gear. Our survey will be live through Jan. 1, 2023. IT'S ALL ONLINE Visit weber.edu/wsumagazine for links to share all the articles in this magazine and more.