FA L L 2 0 1 2 STUDENT HOUSING for the 21st CENTURY Peek Inside Wildcat Village New ’Cat In Town Regents announce Weber State’s 12th president Backing Bright Ideas A new program supports student entrepreneurship Big Shot Former Wildcat makes his mark on the NBA Weber State University News for Alumni & Friends Weber State University Magazine Editor In Chief Amy Hendricks Art Director Hillary Wallace ’98 Managing Editor Karin Hurst Designer Emily Caraballo Contributing Writers Amy Hendricks Allison Barlow Hess Karin Hurst Kimberly Jensen John Kowalewski Jonathan McBride ’08 Photographers Robert Casey Jonathan McBride ’08 Zac Williams ’01 Contributing Editors Nancy B. Collinwood ’94 Margie Esquibel Comments and questions about Weber State University Magazine may be sent to the editor at the address below or forwarded by phone: 801-626-7359, fax: 801-626-7069 or e-mail: magazine@weber.edu postmaster: Send address changes to Weber State University Magazine, Weber State University, 4025 University Circle, Ogden UT 84408-4025. weber state university web weber.edu Contents Vol. 17, No. 2, Fall 2012 4 9 16 wsu alumni association web alumni.weber.edu weber state university Board of Trustees 2012-2013 Alan E. Hall ’69, chair Jim C. Beardall, vice chair W. Bryan Bowles Andrew Gardiner Mary C. Hall ’85 Kathryn Lindquist Scott Parson Steven E. Starks ’03 Retired Gen. Kevin Sullivan We hope you enjoy the extra content, including videos and slideshows, only available in this digital fomat. Watch for the highlighted links. Proud to be a Wildcat Weber’s new president assumes leadership in January. Living In Style State-of-the-art Wildcat Village offers campus residents a vibrant living and learning experience. Encouraging Entrepreneurship A generous gift from an Ogden couple expands opportunity and rewards ingenuity at WSU. Only Online • Which tennis superstar nicknamed alumnus Clay Sniteman “Miracle Man”? • Did WSU’s iconic Promontory Tower come down in a blaze of glory, or brick by brick? • Why would WSU’s vice provost for Innovation & Economic Development encourage people to participate in a 54-hour marathon of pitching and planning? • What does Portland’s hottest Trail Blazer have to say about his days as a Wildcat? 19 20 26 30 32 A Familiar Face, A Shift in Responsibilities With a 22-year connection to Weber State, a popular student involvement advisor becomes the new executive director of Alumni Relations. WSU Salutes Class Notes Outstanding alumni and friends receive recognition and raves during a Homecoming event. Former classmates keep in touch. Find the answers in the linked videos throughout this magazine. Courtside Therapy Alumnus travels the globe helping top tennis players stay in the game. Game On A Wildcat-turnedpro claws his way to the top, but stays grounded and grateful. WEBER WATCH wsu news & events PROUD TO BE THE NEWEST WILDCAT allison barlow hess, karin hurst and kimberly jensen, university communications wsu magazine | FALL 2012 TOP ‘CAT 4 On Oct. 9, a tall, distinguished-looking man, with a youthful smile and the graceful gait of a long-distance runner, approached the microphone during a meeting of the Utah Board of Regents on campus and enthusiastically accepted the charge to “lead Weber State University in its next phase of development.” Sporting a vibrant purple tie, Charles A. Wight told a large crowd gathered in the Shepherd Union Ballroom that he was delighted to be named WSU’s 12th president. “I’m proud to be the newest Wildcat,” said Wight, who will replace F. Ann Millner on Jan. 1. Currently, Wight, who prefers being called Chuck, is associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of the graduate school at the University of Utah. A highly respected chemist and researcher, Wight is deeply committed to increasing enrollment and graduation rates, and advancing technology in education. He was among 50 candidates who emerged in a national search. Read more about Charles Wight, and his wife, Victoria Rasmussen, in the next issue of Weber State University Magazine. VIDEO Click here to view the presidential announcement. IF MEMORY SERVES Playing memory-enhancing computer games a few minutes each day can significantly improve a child’s ability to learn. WSU alumna Paula Fiet ’10 delivered that message to lawmakers at the prestigious Posters on the Hill event in Washington, D.C., in April. In the past eight years, seven WSU students have been invited to present their research at the annual gathering. Fiet, a mother of five, began her study at WSU, developed it further while completing a master’s degree at Harvard University, and continues her investigation as a doctoral candidate at the University of Utah. INVENTORY Tracking inventory at Pioneer Adult Rehabilitation Center is easier and more accurate thanks to three engineering technology students. Clyde Conley, Zachary Lowder and Chris White turned an antiquated, paper-and-pencil inventory into a state-of-the-art electronic system tailored to the special needs of employees with physical and mental challenges. BRIGHT IDEAS weber.edu/wsumagazine The new director of Weber State University’s Office of Sponsored Projects and Technology Commercialization is in the business of sharing ideas and solving problems. James Taylor hopes alumni and the community will bring their business and technology dilemmas to campus for a fresh perspective from creative students and knowledgeable faculty. By linking community questions with campus ingenuity, he envisions an entrepreneurial relationship where businesses glean valuable information, and students gain resume-building, practical experience. 5 WEBER WATCH wsu news & events GREAT GREAT GREAT STRIDES SEEING IS BELIEVING Race can be a factor in how eyewitnesses identify criminal suspects. That’s according to communication professor Sheree Josephson who examined how individual witnesses visually track photographs used in criminal lineups. Her findings were recently published in wsu magazine | FALL 2012 a national research journal. Josephson 6 hopes her study will impact how law enforcement agents understand and use eyewitness identification. Shortly after celebrating back-to-back Big Sky championships, the Weber State women’s cross country team ran away with its first ever NCAA Mountain Region title as well. Their victory in Fort Collins, Colo., qualified the Wildcats for the NCAA championships in Louisville, Ky., where they posted the highest finish in school history. Twotime Big Sky individual champ Amber Henry, who led her team in every meet this season, earned All-America honors for the first time in her cross country career. Coach Paul Pilkington ’81 was selected the Mountain Region Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. He had previously been named Big Sky Coach of the Year for the second straight season. TALKING POLITICS COOL ‘CATS Utah governors past and present visited campus on Oct. 10 to launch the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service at Weber State University. Governor Gary Herbert and former governors Walker, Mike Leavitt and Norman Bangerter discussed current issues in a panel moderated by radio personality Doug Wright. “Creating the Walker Institute combines two passions of mine, education and politics,” says Walker, a Weber College alumna who hopes the institute will serve as a hub of political engagement for students and the community. Weber State University is officially a “Cool School.” Sierra Magazine lists WSU as 74th in the nation in terms of sustainability efforts at college campuses. The Sierra Club praised WSU for converting university cars to natural gas, insulating its piping network, installing solar panels on multiple buildings, and upgrading to high-efficiency fluorescent lighting. These combined efforts saved an estimated $939,575 in fiscal year 2012. day e m a rg u o y ear g l Get l a tb baske L BAL B ET ASK el r a p p Ua S W l ia ise c d n ffi a O ch r e m and der i v o r p OGDEN BOOKSTORE | DAVIS BOOKSTORE | ART ELEMENTS | CAMPUS SUPPLIES | ART SERVICES Ogden Campus Store & Davis Campus Store • bookstore.weber.edu weber.edu/wsumagazine W E B E R S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y 7 WEBER WATCH wsu news & events SURVEY SAID… Are gift cards the equivalent of cash in the minds of both givers and receivers? That’s something Weber State marketing professors E.K. Valentin and Anthony Allred ’84 hoped to find out in a joint study. The duo surveyed 317 Utahns and found that gift cards for household necessities, like groceries and gas, have no more charm than cold hard cash. The survey also revealed that most respondents would rather receive a gift card to Target than either cash or a gift card to Walmart. Veterans Awards Ceremony, November 2012 wsu magazine | FALL 2012 COMBAT CARE 8 For the next five years, Utah veterans will continue to receive free assistance in preparing for postsecondary education. A $1.6 million grant extends funding for Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) at Weber State. “It means a brighter future for many veterans, some of who are fresh out of combat and need extra support and confidence to achieve their educational goals,” says program director Randy Wilson. ROCK HOUNDS Looking to give children hands-on opportunities to explore science, WSU geosciences honor students spent the summer collecting rocks. Wielding hammers, chisels and picks, members of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, a national earth sciences honor society, collected enough samples to create rock boxes for 100 fourth-grade classrooms in the Weber School District. Each box contains 11 pieces of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock. T here’s something special about living on campus. The sights, sounds and smells of those days are not easily forgotten. It’s a time of learning, growth and discovery for students, and for many it’s their first taste of independence. But they don’t go it alone. They have support from faculty, staff, fellow students and the community. Indeed … It Takes a VILLAGE Jon McBride, University Communications • Photos by Zac Williams weber.edu/wsumagazine TO RAISE A WILDCAT 9 Once completed, Wildcat Village will feature three new buildings totaling 172,150 square feet, new technologies, new living and learning opportunities, and new possibilities for more than 500 students. Today, Weber State University looks, well, a little different. Over the past two years, we’ve bid farewell to the dorms of yesteryear. Promontory Tower, the 11-story structure that soared above campus for 44 years, and wsu magazine | FALL 2012 LaSal, Wasatch and Stansbury 10 halls are gone. In their place stands Wildcat Village. Hall One of Wildcat Village opened in AWAY FROM HOME E M O H the fall of 2011. Students moved into stylish, new rooms in Stewart Wasatch Hall, the complex’s second building and hub, in the fall of 2012. The third building will open in the fall of 2013. weber.edu/wsumagazine 11 “I moved to Utah from Maryland in 1973 and lived in Promontory Hall my first two years at Weber State. I have lots of fond memories of those years. One year during winter, we went outside and rolled three huge snowballs. We sneaked them inside, onto the elevator, and up to our floor where we assembled them into a snowman complete with scarf, gloves, nose, mouth, etc. Then we loaded him back onto the elevator and pushed all the buttons so he would greet every floor. We never got caught for that one.” — Richard Freeman ’77 THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! Here are a few fun recollections about Weber’s early days of campus housing from students who lived there in the ’60s and ’70s. “It was September 1969 when I got off the bus in Ogden, unsure whether I would be accepted at Weber or even whether I wanted to be. I was immediately taken with how lush, green and pristine everything was. When I first walked across campus and saw the new Promontory Tower flanked by Wasatch, LaSal and Stansbury halls, all of them backed up against Mt. Ogden, I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be (and I hadn’t even seen Snowbasin yet!).” wsu magazine | FALL 2012 — Dave Hendry ’71 12 “I attended Weber for one year, stayed in Wasatch Hall on the second floor and graduated in ’72 with an associate’s degree. I brought my own typewriter and we had a desk, bed, dresser and closet. I was the only one who brought a bathroom scale to watch my weight, and all the girls came to our room to use it. The laundry was in the basement, and for a while we had an ice cream parlor down there. There was one TV in the common room, but I never had time to watch it. We would go over to Promontory for dances once in a while. I made some really nice friends on that floor that year, and experienced college life away from home. It was a great experience.” TRIVIA The demolition of Promontory Tower received one of the largest responses on WSU’s Facebook page. — Diane Rockwell Plein ’72 VIDEO S ee a Visit http://tinyurl.com/8j3xfbd to read the comments. t lition a time-lapse v ideo of PT’s demo weber.edu/wsumagazine. WE ARE ALL CONNECTED Although Wildcat Village looks vastly different than the buildings it replaced, the one thing WSU Housing hopes to preserve from the old structures is the sense of community felt within their walls. Wildcat Village features activity lounges, common kitchens, eating areas and other amenities. Even the buildings’ semicircular positioning fosters a community feel by opening onto a courtyard with playing fields, volleyball court, firepit and other facilities. In planning for the new complex, Daniel Kilcrease, WSU’s director of housing, traveled to different university campuses, spoke with consultants, interviewed current WSU students living on campus, and held student focus groups. “A sense of community is something students really wanted,” Kilcrease says. “It was one theme that kept emerging.” Wildcat Village will also be home to Living and Learning Communities (LLCs), which offer opportunities for students, with similar academic, cultural and recreational interests, to live together and share life-enhancing experiences beyond the classroom. AMENITIES WITH WILDCAT ATTITUDE Activity lounges with billiards, shuffleboard and big screen TVs • Laundry rooms with Web-access notification of availability • Motion-sensor lighting • Energy-usage monitors • On-site lectures, tutoring and other student-support services • Food On Demand campus dining • Exercise facility with cardio equipment and resistance machines • Kitchenettes on hall floors, outdoor gas grills weber.edu/wsumagazine • 13 STEPPING BOLDLY INTO THE FUTURE Each building in Wildcat Village is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification candidate. The buildings have a number of green building design features, including solar panels. Visit buildingdashboard.net/weber/wildcatvillage to view Wildcat Village’s real-time electricity consumption. Click here for more photos. PICTURES STUDENTS THESE DAYS Gone are the days of eating Top Ramen and cereal out of the box. There’s a much more innovative and appetizing way to dine at Stewart Wasatch Hall in Wildcat Village. Food on Demand allows residents (and guests) to order freshly prepared meals via a touch screen computer, or from their own electronic devices. In-house chefs, using state-of-the-art kitchen accessories, like an oven that cooks 10-15 times faster than a conventional oven, can customize each dish. “Wildcat Village represents a new era in residential living for students,” says Brett Perozzi, WSU associate vice president of Student Affairs. “We've seen tremendous demand from incoming and returning students in the past two years to live in WSU residential halls. The facilities that were built in the 1960s didn't provide a desirable environment for learning at a modern university. The replacement of these halls will allow WSU to capitalize on new technologies. These facilities will serve students for the next 50 years.” A future worth for Open a UESP account and start saving today. Saving for your loved one’s higher education is one of the best ways to show confidence in their bright future. When you save with the Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) you help make that future possible. • Tax advantages • No minimum contributions • Low fees A nonprofit 529 college savings program 800.418.2551 | uesp.org Read the Program Description for more information and consider all investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Call 800.418.2551 for a copy of the Program Description or visit uesp.org. Investments are not guaranteed by UESP, the Utah State Board of Regents, UHEAA, or any other state or federal agency. However, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance is provided for the FDIC-insured savings account. Please read the Program Description to learn about the FDIC-insured savings account. Your investment could lose value. Non-Utah taxpayers and residents: You should determine whether the state in which you or your beneficiary pay taxes or live offers a 529 plan that provides state tax or other benefits not otherwise available to you by investing in UESP. You should consider such state tax treatment and benefits, if any, before investing in UESP. IGNITING NTREPRENEURIAL Kimberly Jensen, university communications B wsu magazine | FALL 2012 laming vengeful voodoo spirits, heartbroken mothers in a Brazilian jungle bury their dead children, many before their first birthdays. The actual culprit is an open sewer spreading disease throughout the village. 16 Facing this and other devastating dilemmas as Peace Corps volunteers in 1969, Alan and Jeanne Hall, newlyweds and recent graduates of Weber State College, work alongside villagers, sleep on a straw mattress and shower in cold water collected from tropical rain. Amid the tragedy of a killer epidemic, crippling poverty and demoralizing joblessness, Alan Hall discovers a new passion— solving problems. “By wanting to provide meaningful solutions that would make the whole world better off, I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit,” says Alan. More than 40 years after the couple’s stint in Brazil, their commitment to unraveling obstacles through opportunity continues with a pledge of $3.5 million to support WSU’s new Alan and Jeanne Hall Global Entrepreneurship Program, encouraging Northern Utah’s entrepreneurial spirit and enhancing the university’s international influence. PATHWAY TO PEACE The Halls envision the program starting on campus, moving into the community and then growing nationally and globally. “By giving students the chance to create wonderful companies and jobs, they give back by helping others,” says Jeanne. “Entrepreneurs can be the answer to bringing about world peace,” adds Alan. “When individuals are able to find jobs and take care of their families, there is more tranquility and stability and less anarchy and revolt.” Offering a minor in entrepreneurship, the program will begin accepting students in the fall of 2013. One of the most exciting components of the program will be student startup competitions, where budding entrepreneurs, whose projects have progressed from idea to implementation, will compete for substantial cash prizes. The Halls hope the prize money will sustain students as they prepare to approach professional investors. will come in with business ideas, learn how to test them, grow them, finance them, and then hit the ground running.” The entrepreneurship program is designed to appeal to students across all disciplines. “There are so many creative people on campus who would benefit from the skills of an entrepreneur,” says Steagall. “By taking courses in this program, a law student could gain the skills needed to start his own practice, or a photography student could learn about branding and marketing.” The Bill Child Startup Center, located in the Wattis Business building, will serve as the physical hub of the new program. Resident entrepreneurs and potential investors will mingle with students who want to learn the secrets of translating bright ideas into thriving companies. London Pierce, an accounting major and member of the Weber Entrepreneurs Association, hopes to connect with creative and free-thinking people who can help launch her wedding business idea. “My dad owns two businesses in Ogden and has always encouraged me to go into business for myself,” says Pierce. “I went into accounting at WSU because I enjoy numbers. That knowledge, in conjunction with training from mentors and business leaders, will help me run my own successful enterprise one day.” WORKING TOGETHER “Our program is unique in that it will provide students with real-world experience, not just classroom instruction,” says Alex Lawrence, vice provost for Innovation & Economic Development, and self-described serial entrepreneur. “Students Ideas are plentiful in the minds of all entrepreneurs. “What sets the successful ones apart is their willingness to risk time, money and relationships,” says Alan. “It takes a unique, persistent personality that never gives up.” PROVIDING A COMPETITIVE EDGE Alan and Jeanne Hall on a recent trip to China. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALAN AND JEANNE HALL weber.edu/wsumagazine “Having an intense focus on student startups along with a worldwide vision will distinguish WSU’s program from other programs throughout the state,” explains Jeff Steagall, dean of the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics.“We want to have our students launch more new companies than anyone else,” he says. Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell says the community is ripe with talent and promotes student access to leaders and resources. “If you peel back the layers of our history, Ogden has always fostered an entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged independence,” he says. “Ogden is a nonconformist town with so much energy and an eclectic history. Our midsize community, access to resources, low cost of living, and universitytrained workforce make Ogden fertile ground for business.” Peace Corps volunteer Jeanne Hall visits with children in a remote Brazilian village. 17 ZAC WILLIAMS The program at WSU will contribute to Alan’s five-year goal of adding a million new jobs as risk-taking business builders hire new employees. “In the last 30 years, 40 million new jobs have been created by entrepreneurs willing to take risks and build companies,” he claims. “There will be businesses that succeed and businesses that fail, but entrepreneurship is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Students will learn from their failures, figure out how to do it correctly and move forward.” Left to right: Alex Lawrence, Gov. Gary Herbert and Alan Hall at Startup Weekend Ogden 2012. OPPORTUNITIES HERE AND ABROAD Given Alan and Jeanne’s desire to improve economic conditions around the world, helping international students create startups in their own countries is an integral part of WSU’s entrepreneurship program. The Goddard School intends to form global partnerships, beginning with Shanghai Normal University’s startup competition during spring semester of 2013. Click here to watch a video about Startup Weekend Ogden 2012, a 54-hour marathon of business pitching and planning hosted by WSU. 18 ZAC WILLIAMS wsu magazine | FALL 2012 VIDEO “Ideally, this competition will lead to new businesses and new jobs in China,” says Steagall, who sees the long-term benefits of international partnerships. “When we begin to understand the entrepreneurial culture in other countries, we start asking questions about other sociological differences that will help us gain a deeper understanding of each other.” Alan and Jeanne Hall have come a long way since enduring jungle life and making 11 cents an hour, but their dedication to solving problems for people around the globe remains intense. “It takes creative individuals willing to take risks to make change,” Alan says. “It’s not about making money, it’s about improving lives,” says Jeanne. Quick to point out that he, Jeanne, their six children and their spouses are all Weber State Wildcats, Alan says he feels deeply indebted to WSU and holds the institution in the highest regard. “I truly believe the time will come when the eyes of the world will look toward Ogden and recognize WSU’s entrepreneurial program as driving the economy both locally and worldwide.” NEW Meet Our Alumni Relations Executive Director NANCY BARROW COLLINWOOD ’94 steps to the helm of Weber State University Alumni Relations with an impressive Wildcat pedigree. Collinwood graduated from Weber with a degree in technical sales, and earned a master’s degree at Colorado State University. rivia T y c ching n a N nt: “Wat e m o m t dca shot The former WSU student body officer, Homecoming queen and Crystal Crest personality of the year, joined the university’s professional staff in 1998. She was director of Student Involvement & Leadership, and associate director of the Shepherd Union for 12 years. weber.edu/wsumagazine int Wil three-po morable e a e m s.” k t a s o m M nried the Aggie e t ff a a e r b G o e t buzzer Jimmy D urt at the o c dent id m from or of Stu red t c e ir D r : “Forme lly foste tate hero , because she rea S r e b e Judy W dy Hurst hip. Now so I u s r J e s d ie a it le iv Act udent ouncil, tial for st Alumni C i it r e m my poten E e rs with th voluntee with her again.” rk get to wo hey help rt what t o p p u s People quote: “ Favorite st out Judy Hur — .” e t I’ve hung a l. e il r cr G n nt: “Unio restaura l a c lo e ys.” Favorit ollege da c y m ssage e c trong me s there sin a s a h her redibles. It nd working toget c In e h T “ ie: ts a Best mov back to your roo g in o s.” about g reat thing g d of a e v ie h c to a ne. I'm kin o lat e v a h 't olbie Cail don I C “ a : d e v o a iP h tly, I n my What’s o io listener. Curren ion.“ d a r stat Pandora ael Bublé h ic M a nd every station a : ”I cry at t a h t w o ’t kn ople don ark commercial.” Most pe llm s and Ha Olympic 19 wsu magazine | FALL 2012 20 WSU Salutes 2012 honorees: left to right; back row: Curtis Funk ’11, Scott Jenkins ’75, Craige Hall, Nolan Karras ’70. Front row: Kem Gardner ’61, I. Marlene Summers ’74, ’80, ’88, ’91, ’07, Gage Froerer, Deanna Hall, Spencer Stokes ’95, Alvin Cobabe ’57. See next page for biographies On Sept. 20, 2012, the Weber State University Alumni Association celebrated Homecoming by honoring these outstanding alumni and friends. We are proud of their affiliation with WSU and salute their accomplishments. alumni.weber.edu Photo by Robert Casey 21 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA I. Marlene Summers ’74, ’80, ’88, ’91, ’07 holds five degrees from Weber State, including a bachelor’s in police and military science and a master’s in nursing. Summers helped WSU’s chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing gain national status. Her professional and volunteer efforts have won many accolades, including the Clara Barton Award from the American Red Cross. Summers was a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. At 56, she volunteered for active duty in Kuwait. EMERITI ALUMNI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT A “Renaissance man” in every sense, Alvin Cobabe ’57 began his pursuit of a medical degree by enrolling at Weber College when he was 38, having already been a sheep rancher, contractor, and licensed radio and television engineer. A ski enthusiast, Cobabe installed a rope tow on his family’s ranch at the bottom of Wolf Creek Canyon in the 1960s, thus launching Powder Mountain ski resort. He donated more than three acres of his property to WSU for use as an observatory site and science park. WSU SALUTES DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS After law school, Kem Gardner ’61 co-founded The Boyer Company, one of the largest real estate development firms in the Western United States. A philanthropist, Gardner led fundraising efforts for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He established an undergraduate research scholarship fund at WSU and a scholarship for low-income students. Gardner also supports the College of Applied Science & Technology. A past chair of the Utah State Board of Regents, he serves on WSU’s National Advisory Council. OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNUS Curtis Funk ’11 started what would become a profitable business while still a technical sales student at WSU. FuneralRecording.com helps mortuaries record and broadcast tribute videos on the Internet. In 2010, the website was named FoxNews.com’s #1 Tech Trend and was among Inc. magazine’s Cool College Startups. Funk also developed a software application for the funeral industry. In 2011, he cofounded Bragfire, a social video tool for creating and sharing vacation videos. wsu magazine | FALL 2012 LEWIS W. SHURTLIFF AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION 22 Utah Rep. Gage Froerer and Sen. Scott Jenkins ’75 are stalwart supporters of education and WSU at the state Legislature. Both have backed numerous measures that have enabled the university to meet its expansion needs and prepare students to compete in a global economy. Recently, Froerer and Jenkins worked with fellow legislators to approve funding for a second building at WSU Davis. They have championed other key construction projects, including Elizabeth Hall, and have supported enhancements to the university’s engineering program as well as the Utah Science, Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative. EMERITI ALUMNI HOMECOMING ROYALTY Between them, Craige and Deanna Hall were members of Weber State’s faculty and professional staff for a total of 71 years, working in a variety of academic and administrative capacities. The couple watched the school evolve from a small junior college to a nationally recognized university. Before retiring to St. George, Utah, the Halls regularly attended athletic events and mentored student-athletes. They organized numerous Wildcat Club fundraisers and supported the Stewart Library. PRESIDENT’S AWARD Nolan Karras ’70 served five terms in the Utah House of Representatives, including stints as speaker and majority leader. He was appointed to the Utah State Board of Regents in 2001 and elected chair in 2002. Karras co-chairs the steering committee for Education First, a group dedicated to improved accountability, innovation and increased funding for education. Karras has also chaired the advisory board of the Richard Richards Institute for Politics, Decency & Ethical Conduct at WSU. Hailed as a “bright mind in Utah politics,” Spencer Stokes ’95 worked as a campaign consultant and legislative lobbyist prior to becoming U.S. Sen. Mike Lee’s chief of staff in 2011. The former executive director of the Utah Republican Party serves on WSU’s National Advisory Council and provides community feedback and guidance on strategic issues. Stokes, a former Weber County commissioner, has guided critical WSU projects and funding measures through the legislative process. VIDEO Click here to view biographical videos. Mary Carver Hall ’85 Isaac Thomas ’14 President, WSU Alumni Association President, WSU Student Alumni Association Ou r n i n Win d n a gH WSU Alumni Association Leaders 2012 – 2013 Justin Berube ’07 Donna Sparks Burdett ’60 President, WSU Young Alumni Council President, WSU Emeriti Alumni Council Isaac Thomas ’14 Mary Carver Hall ’85 President, WSU Student Alumni Association President, WSU Alumni Association No stranger to WSUSAA, Isaac Thomas served previously as the organization’s athletics vice president. He has also chaired the housing committee of WSU’s Residence Hall Association and was WSU Student Association events chair. Thomas was an on-air personality at KWCR-FM, the university’s nonprofit radio station. He will graduate in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in business/marketing education. Attending Weber State as a non-traditional student, Mary Carver Hall was named botany student of the year in 1985. The former executive vice president of Bonneville Travel LLC served on the Ogden City Council from 2000 to 2003, including one year as chair. Hall is a member of WSU’s National Advisory Council. Most memorable Wildcat moment: “Watching a football game in 2010 when all the lights at Stewart Stadium went out. Weber State ended up beating Northern Colorado in quadruple overtime!” Weber State hero: “Damian Lillard. He’s living proof that Weber State is as good as any other school out there.” Favorite quote: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” Favorite local restaurant: “Golden Dynasty.” Last book read: “Dracula by Bram Stoker.” What’s on my iPod: “The Beatles and Foo Fighters. That’s all I need.” Favorite quote: “There’s nothing you can slice so thin there aren’t two sides to it.” Favorite local restaurant: “MacCool’s Public House.” What’s on my iPod: “A mix of music to run to and downloads of This American Life.” Best movie: “30 Minutes or Less because my daughter is in it!” Most people don’t know that: “I love spiders.” Donna Sparks Burdett ’60 Justin Berube ’07 President, WSU Emeriti Alumni Council President, WSU Young Alumni Council Donna Sparks Burdett was elected student body secretary during Weber College’s push to achieve four-year status. The former schoolteacher served nine years on the Ogden City Planning Commission and two years on the Ogden City Council. Currently, she is on the board of the Elizabeth Stewart Treehouse Museum. Before graduating magna cum laude, Justin Berube was invited to join Phi Kappa Phi national honor society at Weber State University, and was named to the dean’s list five consecutive semesters. Currently, Berube is a civil litigator with the law firm of Smith & Glauser in Sandy, Utah. Favorite local restaurant: “The Timbermine and the Greenery Restaurant at Rainbow Gardens.” Best movie: “Ben-Hur.” Last book read: “The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.” wsu magazine | FALL 2012 Weber State hero: “President Ann Millner because she always puts Weber State University first.” Most people don’t know that: “I originally came to WSU to pursue a career in stand-up comedy.” Most memorable Wildcat moment: “I have many fond memories of friendships made while competing in Songfest, ice sculpture contests during Winter Carnival, and talent assemblies in the Moench Building.” 24 Most memorable Wildcat moment: ”My favorite Wildcat experience was studying the flora and fauna of Puerto Peñasco and the Sonoran Desert with Dr. Gene Bozniak.” What’s on my iPod: “Beethoven’s nine symphonies.” Favorite travel destination: “Walt Disney World.” Most people don’t know that: “I love to play video games.” Most memorable Wildcat moment: “Standing in Stewart Bell Tower Plaza after the Homecoming dance with my soon-to-be wife, reflecting on the beauty of the campus and realizing the blessing of having such a great institution in our community.” Weber State hero: “My dad who grew up in humble circumstances but worked hard so he could obtain a college education at Weber State. He went on to have a successful career which inspired me to get an education and set an example for my kids.” Favorite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Sir Winston Churchill Favorite local restaurant: “Sonora Grill.” Best movie: “Dumb and Dumber and Zoolander. Sometimes you just have to relax and have a good laugh.” What’s on my iPod: “Too much 1980s classic rock.” Most people don’t know that: “I have an intense fear of snakes.” The New Apple iPad mini is available at WSU Campus Stores! OGDEN BOOKSTORE | DAVIS BOOKSTORE | ART ELEMENTS | CAMPUS SUPPLIES | ART SERVICES Shop our convenient locations: Ogden Campus Store & Davis Campus Store Visit bookstore.weber.edu for store hours and locations. Get your parking validated with any purchase. weber.edu/wsumagazine W E B E R S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y 25 CLASS NOTES 50s LM Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, as a professor, department chair, dean of arts and sciences, and associate vice president. During the last few years of his career in higher education, he was a psychology professor, dean and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. Rick and his wife, Merilyn, live in Spring, Texas. Ralph P. Vander Heide ’57 taught German and Spanish at the high school and university levels and is also fluent in Dutch. He received an outstanding alumni award from the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities and was appointed to serve on the college’s advisory committee. Ralph spent 10 years accrediting schools in the U.S. and several foreign countries. He and his wife, Judith Howell, who attended Weber State from 1969 to 1970, live in Ogden. They jointly published a novel titled Chris and Louisa. Judith was a teacher and high school guidance counselor in New York. 70s Patrick W. Fife ’71 has worked as an electrical lineman for Rocky Mountain Power, formerly known as Utah Power & Light, and various other electrical contractors for the past 35 years. He plans to retire this year. A sports enthusiast, Patrick has run in the Boston Marathon. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Ogden. 60s Frank Bohman ’67 was the first graduate from Weber State College’s then-College of Business to be recruited and hired by Price Waterhouse, now known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC. Frank has worked many years in public and private accounting and is currently practicing part time. He lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife, Linda. A L U M N I U P D AT E S AM D. 26 years, Richard G. “Rick” Marriott ’68 worked at wsu magazine | FALL 2012 AM For 26 LM David W. Hendry ’71 has worked for the past six year as the CEO and chief underwriting officer of JIBNA Personal Jewelry Insurance based in Louisville, Ky. He lives in Piedmont, Calif. Bob Thomas ’72 served in the U.S. Army Special Forces for 24 years and is currently employed as the chief marketing officer for Summit Lecterns in Salt Lake City. He and his wife, Denise, have three sons and one daughter and live in Taylorsville, Utah. For 20 years, Clark R. Baron ’74 taught math, physics, electronics and computer science at Provo High School, where he served as an administrator for 10 additional years. He helped establish the Utah County Academy of Sciences, an Early College charter high school at Utah Valley University, and served as principal for eight years. Clark has been Provo District Teacher of the Year, Utah School Boards Association Outstanding Teacher of the Year, and he received recognition as part of the Utah Charter School of the Year. He is on the Utah Education Network board of directors and has served as board chairman of the Utah Charter Network. He and his wife, Joyce Payne ’72, live in Provo, Utah. Joyce, owner of Baron’s Best Promotional Products, is a professional artist and past-president of the Utah Watercolor Society. The Barons have six children and 10 grandchildren. Forrest C. Crawford ’75 is an education professor and assistant to the president for diversity at Weber State, where he has worked since 1977. He is board chair of Northern Utah Coalition HIV/AIDS, an organization that provides HIV/AIDS education to communities; chair of Children’s Heaven, a teen girls’ orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and secretary general for the International Society for Teacher Education. Forrest has received the Cesar Chavez Peace and Justice Award from the Utah Coalition of La Raza, the Utah Mahatma Gandhi Alliance for Peace Award, the national Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Award and the University of Utah College of Social Work’s Pete Suazo Social Justice Award. LM Ernest F. Murdock ’75 retired from Hill Air Force Base in 2002. He then worked for defense contractor EG & G until 2005. Ernest currently works as a service missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Family History Center at Temple Square. He resides in Layton, Utah. AM Joseph B. Michels ’76 retired from the U.S. Air Force after a 30-year career. He served as dean of the College of Business at Montana State ALUMNI GOLF CLASSIC Let’s play. Next tee time: June 14, 2013 alumni.weber.edu PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD Young Alumni 5K Run | Sept. 28, 2013 alumni.weber.edu/5k their products. As an ROTC graduate from Weber State, Mark received the commission of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1985. He served with the Medical Service Corps in the Utah and California national guards until 1996. Mark lives in Layton, Utah. University Billings and is now managing principal of Solomon Bruce Consulting in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a registered engineer in Texas and Montana. 80s AM AM For more than 12 years, Mark L. Balboni ’87 has worked for PAREXEL International, currently serving as director of strategic compliance services. Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., the company helps clients in the worldwide pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, develop and launch Lifetime WSUAA member AM lands s I s o g a p á l Ga Linda Murray Stoddard ’88 is a registered nurse and board certified case manager at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City. A member of the nursing profession for 30 years, she previously worked for Intermountain Healthcare at Alta View Hospital in medical-surgical nursing and the Women’s Center. Upon leaving the hospital setting, she took a position in the workers’ compensation arena with insurance and utilization/case management. Linda lives in West Jordan, Utah. She has three children and five grandchildren. 90s H. Laine Berghout ’91, ’92 is a chemistry professor at Weber State, where he has worked for 12 years. He belongs to the American Chemical Society Annual WSUAA member VEL W ILDCAT TRA nder s of Wish you were here! er y: Wo Voya ge of Discov nd s la Is os ag láp Ga the 2013 Ja n. 25 – Feb. 2, 5 plus ai r 79 $3 at g tin ar St venture fe atures This nine -d ay ad lápagos Isla nd s, Ga e a cr uise to th or y of evolution a liv in g laborat e. rld Heritage sit Wo and UN ESCO 801-626-7535 alumni.weber.edu Shawn D. Gernand ’92 taught for 15 years in California’s San Bernardino City Unified School District. He also worked for six years as a buyer and property coordinator for TRW Ballistic Missile Division, where he was honored as an employee of the year. He and his wife, Sheila, live in New Albany, Ind. Peter A. Bugnet ’95 retired from St. Joseph Academy AM Suzanne L. Capener ’97 has been a senior software engineer for Allaire Corporation, Macromedia, Henry Schein, Goldman Sachs and Overland West. She was a speaker at the 2000 Macromedia Developers Conference, an invitation-only event. She was chosen to be employee of the month from more than 200 employees at Henry Schein. Suzanne specializes in architecture and alumni.weber.edu LM For 11 years, Tamara Reed Dahlkemper ’81 has been the assistant program director for Weber State’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. She has also served as a program administrator for WSU’s Office of Continuing Education and a project team leader for the original WSU Online program. She has a nursing education certification through the National League for Nursing. Tamara is a founding member of the Nu Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, an organization that has honored her as an administrator of the year. She is also a member of the American Nurses Association and the Utah Nurses Association. Tamara has twin sons and lives in Ogden. She is married to Richard Dahlkemper, assistant professor of health administrative services at Weber State. Catholic High School in St. Augustine, Fla., after 13 years as a science teacher and department chair. He currently performs public and private magic shows and lives in Palm Coast, Fla., with his wife, Sherry. and resides in Ogden with his wife, Tamara P. Berghout ’86, ’07, ’11. Tamara currently works at McKay-Dee Hospital Center as a nurse educator and has worked for Intermountain Healthcare in various nursing roles since 2007. 27 CLASS NOTES performance-tuning Web applications. She lives in Ogden. R. James McDougal ’97, ’04 is the co-founder of Light Touch Group. Formerly known as Light Touch Laser Skin Care in Salt Lake City, the A L U M N I U P D AT E S business was purchased and rebranded as Light Touch Medical Aesthetics. James and his business partner also launched lighttouchmedical. com and formed Light Touch Education to instruct master estheticians in medical aesthetics. They also created Diversified Factory Outlet and launched shopaesthetic.com, an e-commerce site that retails physician-grade skin care, cosmeceuticals, and health and wellness products. James and his wife, Christiana Gallacher ’95, live in Syracuse, Utah, with their four children. Christiana works as a registered nurse at the Davis Surgical Center. Elements. Previously, she spent six years as director of sales and customer service with Axeon. She has more than 14 years of experience in sales, marketing and management, and has worked in the financial, major retail and private business sectors. Stacie lives in Clinton, Utah, with her three teenagers, Jaden, Kallie Jo and Alex. Melinda J. Brimhall ’99 is the city administrator for Pleasant View, Utah. Previously, she worked as a council administrator for Utah’s Grand County, a management analyst in Casa Grande, Ariz., and a management assistant in Chandler, Ariz. Amelia Mitchell Powers ’03, ’04 works for Caterpillar as the western region parts manager for on-highway trucks. She has worked at the company in various capacities since 2004 and has lived in Illinois, North Carolina and Canada. She and her husband, Nathan, have two sons and currently reside in West Mountain, Utah. Amelia serves on the board of directors for the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute Business Solutions. 00s wsu magazine | FALL 2012 | class notes Gregory E. Hamilton ’00 has worked two years at Cimarex Energy as an independent contractor in software development. He was previously employed as a software engineering director at Rovi Corporation, formerly known as TV Guide, for 10 years. He and his wife, Kimberly, live in Sapulpa, Okla. 28 Lisa A. Howell ’02 is a doctoral candidate in cultural anthropology and archaeology at the University of Florida, where she is also a teaching associate in the anthropology department. Lisa, who makes her home in Portland, Ore., has been appointed as a 2013-14 Fulbright Scholar to Brazil. Stacie M. Harris ’03 is a trainer and mentor for 3 Key AM LM Christina Mitchell Bachman ’04 has worked for Physician Advisory Group for seven years as a staff accountant. She serves on the WSUAA Young Alumni Council and is married to Paul K. Bachman ’02, who is an attorney for Van Cott, Bagley, Cornwall & McCarthy. The couple lives in South Ogden, Utah, with their three sons, Kort, Cohen and Case. After graduating from WSU, Kyle L. Poll ’04 worked for Morgan Stanley for two years and later obtained his Master of Business Administration degree from Brigham Young University. He is currently a relationship manager for Enterprise Clients at LinkedIn, where he helps clients attract Shock Your Doc! Prove you still bleed purple. Join the WSU Alumni Association today. alumni.weber.edu/membership and retain top talent. Kyle has also worked for American Express in finance and client management. He, his wife, Emily, and son, Hudson, live in New York City. Ryan D. Thornock ’04 is a district manager for the Small Business Services Division of ADP. He and his wife, Natalie, have two children, Ella and Luke. AM AM Adam D. Stonehocker ’07 works for Beauty Industry Group (BIG) as a “BIG Wig.” He previously worked on MarketStar’s Google team in Ogden and was a national sales manager for Hammaka Hammocks. He and his wife, Jodi Ann Hollopeter ’10, a real estate agent, live in South Ogden, Utah. Both triathletes, the couple owns and operates a small e-commerce business called swimbikerunpro.com. McKell L. Barnett ’08 works as a configuration manager for Systems Implementers, where she previously worked as a senior analyst. McKell resides in Sunset, Utah, and serves on the WSU Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council. Jonathan D. McBride ’08 is a media relations manager at Brigham Young University. Prior to this position, Jonathan worked as a writer and editor in Weber State’s Office of University Communications. Jon, his wife, Rachel, and their children live in Springville, Utah. A character animator, Scott K. Wiser ’09 helped create the final music number on the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks 3: Chipwrecked. He is currently working on his next project, a picture book. 10s Nicklaus R. Despain ’11 has worked at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network as a financial representative for two years. He and his wife, Tara, live in Ogden. Nick, who is also an Eagle Scout, serves as chairman of the WSU Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council. AM For the past seven years, Lee W. Naylor ’12 has worked in facilities maintenance and as a certified pool operator for Clearfield City. He is also the owner/operator of Prints Charming Photo Booths. Lee was a recipient of WSU’s Lisa Ellis Award for Excellence. Lee serves on the WSU Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council. LM Lifetime WSUAA member AM Annual WSUAA member alumni.weber.edu For more information, visit: alumni.weber.edu/membership ROW XX SEAT 28 AM David H. Broadbent ’05, ’08 has worked for Management & Training Corporation (MTC) for more than eight years and is currently the director of administration. Prior to this appointment, David was an accountant, manager of corporate finance and director of medical finance. He is married to Jodi Ann Dalpias ’03, and they live in Pleasant View, Utah. Karen G. Hussey ’07 is a nursing shift supervisor for a 34-bed medical oncology unit in rural Missouri. She also works for the University of Missouri teaching National Disaster Life Support classes throughout the state. She and her husband, Shon Jacoby Sr., have four children and live in Devils Elbow, Missouri. 29 CLASS NOTES A L U M N I U P D AT E S PICK YOUR PLATE Photo by Matthew Stockman - Getty Images ‘SERVING’ THE TENNIS ELITE Alumnus is one of seven athletic trainers for the Association of Tennis Professionals For most of us, a cell phone ring means we can expect one of the usual callers: mom, dad, son, daughter, spouse, boss. But when Clay Sniteman’s phone rings, the person on the other end could very well be John McEnroe. Yes, that John McEnroe … the formerly topranked tennis pro best known for his intense athleticism and fiery temper. wsu magazine | FALL 2012 | class notes A physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Tour, Sniteman travels the globe covering world-class competitions. Along the way, the self-proclaimed professional nomad has made friends in high places—Swiss tennis great Roger Federer called on Sniteman during the 2012 Wimbledon tournament. 30 “Being an athletic trainer and a physical therapist is rewarding, but also challenging,” says Sniteman, who has degrees from Montana State University, the University of Montana and Weber State University. “With huge financial rewards on the line, there’s a lot of pressure to get professional athletes back in the game quickly,” he says. “But I need to consider what’s best for their long-term health.” Sniteman’s recent claim to fame was at the London Summer Olympics where he treated gold medalist Mike Bryan, one-half of the U.S. men’s doubles team. “Just being there was surreal,” says Sniteman, who wore his Weber State jersey to the opening ceremony. While he admits it’s exciting to treat celebrities, like the cast of High School Musical and the 2011 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover model, Sniteman says he’s just as passionate about treating his patients in northern Utah. He sees everyone from Weber State athletes to members of the community in his Sundance Physical Therapy office at WSU’s Stewart Stadium. “An elderly patient with a knee problem who wants to be able to play with his grandkids, is every bit as important to me as a professional athlete,” says Sniteman. “Everyone is special.” VIDEO Click here for a video of Sniteman treating Roger Federer during the 2012 Wimbledon Championship. Drive with Wildcat pride wherever you live. A scholarship donation of $25 or more allows Utah drivers to obtain a WSU license plate from the state. Wildcats in any state can purchase our GRRREAT new front plate. alumni.weber.edu/lp • 801-626-7535 You don't have to make a large donation to have a big impact. Whether you give $25 or $5,000, your gift to the WSU Annual Fund directly supports students. Make your gift online today. annual fund WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY weber.edu/give ATHLETICS alumni.weber.edu 31 Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 151 SLC, UT Department of University Communications 4025 University Circle Ogden, UT 84408-4025 ‘Blazing’ into the NBA Following a spectacular NBA Summer League dunk in Las Vegas that made ESPN’s SportsCenter highlights, former Weber State point guard Damian Lillard was confronted by a group of young fans as he walked into a gym the next day. “First it was about 10 kids saying ‘that’s Damian Lillard,’ and I was signing stuff and taking pictures,” Lillard says. “Then I looked up and it was 30 people – even adults – and it was like the line just kept growing. It was crazy.” That was the moment Lillard first realized his life had changed. It’s been a whirlwind year for Lillard who went from rehabbing a serious foot injury, to setting the Wildcats’ single-season scoring record, to realizing a lifelong goal of playing in the NBA. Lillard led the nation in scoring for much of his final college season, averaging 24.5 points a game. Ogden City declared June 28 as Damian Lillard Day and hosted a draft party. An enthusiastic crowd gathered downtown to hear the Portland Trail Blazers choose Lillard with the sixth pick in the 2012 draft. Photo courtesy of the Portland Trail Blazers In honor of his hometown of Oakland, Calif., his college days in Ogden, and his new home state of Oregon, Lillard chose a zero for his Portland Trail Blazers jersey. And it appears his legendary work ethic remains intact. Named co-MVP of the 2012 NBA Summer League, the 6-foot-3 Lillard has emerged as the Blazers’ starting point guard. “I always told myself that if I don’t make the NBA, it’s not going to be because I didn’t work hard enough,” Lillard says. “Now I think I’m going to be an all-star. If somebody tells me I’m not, that’s fine. My mind is telling me otherwise. We’ll see what happens.” VIDEO Click here to watch a video of Damian Lillard talking about getting his start at Weber State and preparing for an NBA career.