WILDCAT WSU Alumni Magazine | FALL 2014 AHEAD OF THE GAME THE SPORTS EDITION Racing toward SUCCESS Taylor Ward ’13, ’14, ’16 Department of Radiologic Sciences Balancing schoolwork, a job as a computed tomography (CT) specialist, and commitments to the track and field team was never easy, but Taylor Ward managed it, and she managed it well. “When you’re passionate about something, you find a way to do it. I wouldn’t change anything about my Weber State experience.” Two moments stand out, in particular: passing her national certification exam (the AART) with flying colors and winning the 10,000-meter Big Sky title during her senior year. “It’s been wonderful to see my hard work pay off — in the classroom and on the track.” Today, Taylor’s racing toward another goal: getting her master’s degree in radiologic sciences from WSU. She dreams of becoming a professor. “The professors in the radiologic sciences department really care about their students. I want to do that. I think seeing the light bulbs come on in students’ heads will be very rewarding.” For more information on WSU’s radiologic sciences program, visit weber.edu/radsci. Worthy of Your Dreams “The radiologic sciences field is always on the forefront of technology,” Taylor said. “It’s amazing what it can do to help with patient diagnosis.” WSU’s Department of Radiologic Sciences is on the forefront of education, bringing exciting, new 3-D technology to students in the fall of 2014, thanks to the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation. WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY News for Alumni & Friends WE ARE THE WILDCAT WILDCATS. Vol. 19, No.2, Fall 2014 T here’s something to be said for college fight songs. When EDITOR IN CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amy Hendricks Hillary Wallace ’98 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNERS Matt Gerrish ’10 Amy Hendricks Allison Barlow Hess Karin Hurst Marcus Jensen ’15 Jennifer Philion Emily Caraballo Amy Hajdas Becky Jorgensen Hillary Wallace ’98 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Nancy B. Collinwood ’94 Amy Crosbie ’14 Ivonne Dabb ’15 Margie Esquibel Paul Grua ’02, ’13 John Kowalewski Brad Mortensen Amber Robson ’05 CONTRIBUTING RESEARCHERS Big Sky Conference Amy Crosbie ’14 Paul Grua ’02, ’13 Kandice Newren Jamie Weeks ’03 PHOTOGRAPHERS D’Arcy Benincosa Chris Bojanower ’90 Sara Lleverino ’01 Joe Salmond SPECIAL THANKS Department of Performing Arts Jeff Hurst Shawn Maynard ’90 and the historic North Ogden Cannery Center Carl Porter ’86 Val A. Browning Center Staff my 5-year-old daughter hears anyone say Weber State, she immediately launches into a rambunctious version of “great, great, great,” stands tall and says, “I’m a Wildcat!” I understand her passion. I’m an alumna of the University of Tennessee, where we lull our babies to sleep with quiet choruses of Rocky Top — UT’s “unofficial” fight song, a catchy little bluegrass tune about the Tennessee hills, that, come Saturdays in the fall, is boisterously sung by Vol fans (that’s short for Volunteers) across the country. It’s just not a game without Rocky Top, and for as much as I adore it, Tennessee’s “official” fight song, Here’s to Old Tennessee, speaks more to me now as an alum. It touches on qualities that I strive for and stand for in my own life, miles and miles from Tennessee’s sporting venues — loyalty, a fighting spirit and perseverance. It ends with a resounding, “Cheer and fight with all of your might for Tennessee.” Fourteen years after graduation, I still do — for our athletes and the thousands of alumni who have gone on to success. And yes, while Rocky Top will always be “home, sweet home to me,” I’m proud to say Weber State University is my home away from home. I’m proud to sing Weber State’s Fight Song. Comments and questions about Wildcat may be sent to the editor at the address below or forwarded by phone: 801-626-7359, fax: 801-626-7069 or email: magazine@weber.edu. I’m proud to bring you amazing stories from WSU, stories of Send address changes to Advancement Services, Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4018, Ogden UT 844084018, call 801-626-6138 or email giving@weber.edu to update your records. students, faculty and staff bringing the qualities of that fight life-changing acts of service, mind-blowing successes, and incredibly touching examples of dreams come true, of alumni, song — determination, honor and endurance — to life. So today, I’m asking you to join me as we usher in Wildcat, the newly renamed Weber State University magazine. This issue POSTMASTER : Send address changes to Wildcat, Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4025, Ogden UT 84408-4025. is all about athletics, with a sprinkling of Weber State history as we continue to celebrate the university’s 125th anniversary. In the future, we’ll bring you more stories of traditions, faculty WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Alan Hall ’69, chair Retired Gen. Kevin Sullivan, vice chair Louenda Downs ’78 Karen Fairbanks Joe Favero ’15 2014-15 Nolan Karras ’70 Andre Lortz ’91 Scott Parson Steven E. Starks ’03 Jeff M. Stephens ’84, ’87 weber.edu/wsumagazine | alumni.weber.edu research, alumni innovations and student successes. We hope it will remind you of your experiences at Weber State. We hope it will get you excited about the great things happening at your alma mater. We hope it will rally you and make you proud. To quote our fight song, “Upward and onward, fighting Wildcats!” Amy Hendricks, EDITOR P.S. Help us make the magazine great, great, great. Tell us what you think. We hope you enjoy the extra content, including videos and slideshows, only available in this digital fomat. Watch for the highlighted links. Send an email or write a letter. CONTENTS 14 Sweat, Determination and Hard Work A former basketball MVP, injured football player and a walk-on track athlete give their take on college sports and detail their experiences at Weber State. 20 Where Are They Now? The Big Sky Conference recently honored its top male and female athletes. Which Wildcats made the list and what are they up to these days? 36 Meet Jay Hill WSU’s new head coach discusses his plans for Wildcat football. 40 44 Saving Weber Using an unusual revenue source, state Sen. Ira C. Huggins helped prevent the abolition of Utah’s two-year colleges in the early 1930s. 48 Class Notes Wildcats share their latest successes and updates. The Long Run Jim Blaisdell, WSU’s beloved women’s track and field coach, retires after 33 years. 28 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Who’s Waldo? Waldo, like every other athlete at Weber State, is a student first and foremost. And he’s a scholarship student at that. While we’d never reveal his true identity — it’s strictly confidential in the mascot world — we did catch up with our beloved Wildcat and got a glimpse into his “hair”-ied life. WEBER WATCH Allison Barlow Hess and Marcus Jensen ’15 MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Read All About It Want to research a past campus event? Look at an old picture? Search for stories about a former professor? If so, check out 97 years of school history through the newly digitized archives of the student newspaper. Stewart Library Digital Collections associate curator Jamie Weeks ’03, working in conjunction with University Archives, digitally scanned every archived edition of The Signpost and its predecessor, The Herald, since the 1917 inaugural edition. “Not a day passes that we don’t use the student newspaper to find information,” Weeks said. “Even in a digital age, it’s the student newspaper that continues to record the history of the institution.” Heading Overseas Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor Sam Zeveloff feels fortunate to live on a continent that has enjoyed many successes in wildlife conservation. Now he plans to share the story of North American conservation practices with students in Austria. Zeveloff, a zoology professor, was selected as the Fulbright-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna-Visiting Professor. He’s Weber State’s 10th Fulbright recipient since 1999. In addition to teaching, Zeveloff will conduct research at the Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management and will consult about raccoons, an invasive species that has just arrived in Austria. One of Zeveloff’s many publications is his book, Raccoons: A Natural History. Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 5 GREAT, GREAT, GREAT INVESTMENT Tracynium Radium Carbon Yttrium S C I E N C E Hydrogen Aluminium Aluminium Legacynium It’s official. Weber State is No. 1 in Utah for students’ return on investment. PayScale, a salary data collection and comparison website, found that in a 20-year career, WSU graduates will enjoy a return of $381,300 minus their cost to attend the university. C E N T E R Green With Sustainability Don’t worry. Weber State’s color of choice will always be purple, but everywhere you look something “green” is going on, and for that, the university is being recognized. In 2014, for the third consecutive year, WSU was included in The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges. “WSU is regularly recognized as a sustainability leader because we have figured out that being green saves a lot of green,” said Jennifer Bodine, WSU sustainability specialist. “WSU’s strong commitment to sustainability has yielded a carbon footprint reduction equivalent to taking 1,877 vehicles off the Blast Off A new era in science education at Weber State began with quite the explosion. President Charles A. Wight invited dignitaries to join him in detonating a canister of fireworks and confetti to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Tracy Hall Science Center. road, while saving $3,130,960 in utility costs over the past four years.” For that savings, Rocky Mountain In fall 2016, WSU will open a facility that will provide an outstanding learning environment in science, technology, engineering and math. Power named “With this new building, some really amazing things are going to happen,” said Craig Oberg ’79, a WSU microbiology professor who spent time in the current Science Laboratory as an undergraduate student. “Our students will be cross-pollinated by other disciplines. Weber State students are unbelievably creative and capable, and we’ll just see their creativity and ideas explode.” wattsmart Business The naming is a result of a generous gift to honor two local families. recognition — also for the third year in a row. 6 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 WSU the 2014 Partner of the Year. The results of other green initiatives are easy to see around campus. The Arbor Day Foundation honored the university for earning the 2013 Tree Campus USA WEBER WATCH Winning Software A team of nine WSU computer science students won Best Engineering Design and placed second overall in the national AbilityOne Design Challenge presented by SourceAmerica. The annual contest encourages students to develop assistive technologies that empower people with disabilities to break through barriers in the workplace. Fifty colleges entered the competition, with Ohio University winning first place and Oregon State University winning third. The WSU team created a new system to help employees of a local restaurant, Runway Ruby’s, fill orders more smoothly. Located on Hill Air Force Base, the restaurant primarily employs adults with special needs “Walking into the restaurant, you wouldn’t know that the employees have any disabilities,” said Richard The team developed a Web-based queuing system to address those Fry, WSU associate computer science professor. problems. Designed with the needs of the employees in mind, the “But when the employees get flustered, you system enables the lunch rush to flow more efficiently, increases really see the stress and the problems.” customer satisfaction and lowers employee stress levels. Flight of the Avocet WSU zoology professor John Cavitt is the first person to track the migration of the American avocet, a bird native to the Western U.S., using satellite technology. Small, solar-powered satellite transmitters, that Cavitt and his team of three students personally attached to the birds, will collect data with valuable information on the avocet’s breeding and migration habits. “The American avocet is an important bird at the Great Salt Lake,” Cavitt said. “We host up to 50 percent of the total avocet population here each year, either during migration or breeding. Unfortunately, we don’t have detailed information on their use of the lake or their migration path.” The data will be used in a number of ways that are important for the conservation of the species. Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 7 WEBER WATCH Teaching in 3-D What once sounded like science fiction is now classroom education for students in the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions. In fall 2014, WSU will become the only university in the U.S. to educate dental hygiene students in head and neck 3-D imaging. Working together, the radiologic sciences and dental hygiene departments will create three-dimensional models of head and neck joints, providing greater detail for dental-implant planning and facial reconstruction. The idea for collaboration originated with Robert Walker ’82, chair of radiologic sciences, whose innovation, dedication and interdisciplinary approach to teaching led to him being selected as the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Inaugural University Endowed Chair. Walker donated the accompanying $30,000 annual endowment gift back to the program, which will provide educational opportunities to at least 60 dental hygiene students and more than 400 radiologic sciences students every year, in all levels, from associate’s to master’s degrees. Lights, Sirens, Action If you hear sirens and see flashing lights coming from the fourth floor of WSU’s Marriott Allied Health building, don’t panic. It’s the Department of Emergency Care and Rescue’s new ambulance simulator. The simulator is the first in the nation to contain a sound system that replicates sirens and other outside noises, and the first ambulance simulator of any kind built in the Intermountain West. “We hope this fills the gap for our students who don’t have reallife experience,” said Jeff Grunow, emergency care and rescue chair. “Graduates of our program will not be unnerved when they respond to an emergency and jump in the back of an ambulance, and the door shuts.” WEBER WATCH Rwanda Remembered Many college students are too young to remember the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago, but Stephanie Wolfe, WSU assistant political science professor, Making a Difference WSU volunteers grabbed shovels, brushes and gloves for the second annual WSU Makes a Difference in Ogden Day. wants them to know what happened. In March, Fourteen students and 54 faculty and staff donated she organized a three-day conference to mark 158 hours of service repainting Ogden’s Pioneer the anniversary of the tragedy. “I want students Stadium and cleaning up the Ogden River Parkway. to understand the price of inaction,” she said, One of the volunteers, WSU President Charles A. “and how even one individual can truly make a Wight, said Ogden and Weber State are intertwined. difference by standing up and saying, ‘No more.’” “This day of service is one important way the university The conference attracted participants and speakers contributes to a city that has been a huge supporter from around the world, including Jacqueline of our institution over its 125-year history.” Murekatete, a genocide survivor who vividly The day also kicked off 100 days of service in Ogden to remembers the slaughter, and Carl Wilkens, an prepare for the more than 700,000 visitors expected for the American who remained in Rwanda during the Ogden LDS temple rededication in August and September. crisis, whose heroism saved hundreds of lives. Latinos in Action Attend college and reap lifetime rewards. That was the message to more than 1,200 students who participated in the Latinos in Action (LIA) conference at Weber State. Students came from 35 high schools and middle schools in Utah and Idaho. America Ferrera, best known for her role as Betty Suarez on the television series Ugly Betty, was a guest speaker. LIA is a year-round leadership course where students initiate and carry out youth activities and service projects. The program also encourages junior and senior high students to tutor elementary school children in literacy and math. Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 9 SIDELINES Matt Gerrish ’10 MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do After an exhausting three-day NCA/NDA College Camp in Las Vegas in July, the Weber State Spirit Squad, including the cheer team, dance team and Waldo, came home with multiple first-place finishes and gold (full-paid) bids to the 2015 NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship. Competing against more than 900 participants from across the West, the cheer team earned first place in rally routine and was named most collegiate and best all around coed team, while the dance team won first place in team dance and was selected as overall game day routine winners. Waldo was selected as best all around mascot. The spirit squad also performed well in the 2014 NCA/NDA national championship, where almost 7,000 studentathletes from across the country compete in 28 different divisions. The cheer team scored the only perfect 10 in the pyramid category and took second place in the Cheer Division I finals. No stranger to success, the spirit squad also has the following national titles in its trophy case: 2009 NCA Large Coed Division 1 Cheer, and the 2012 and 2013 USA Large Coed Cheer. “We have an amazing group of talented athletes, and I am so proud of them,” said program director and cheer coach Summer Willis. “These young women and men are students who work hard in the classroom. They are dedicated athletes who rally fans and support Wildcat teams. And they are Weber State ambassadors, participating at events throughout the community. It’s a year-round commitment — one they take very seriously.” Back on Top The men’s basketball team returned to the top of the Big Sky Conference standings in March, earning its 21st conference championship. The Wildcats were led by senior Davion Berry, who was named Big Sky MVP and was selected to the AP AllAmerica honorable mention team. Berry’s 19.2 points per game, partnered with senior Kyle Tresnak’s 55 blocks and sophomore phenom Joel Bolomboy’s 329 rebounds on the season, helped WSU finish with a 14-6 mark in Big Sky play. With the regular-season crown in the bag, the Wildcats hosted and won the 2014 Big Sky tournament, capped with an 88-67 victory over North Dakota in the championship game. With that win, WSU punched a ticket to the NCAA tournament for the 15th time in school history, where the Wildcats almost pulled off an upset special, but lost 68-59 to No. 1 seed Arizona. The successful 2013-14 campaign helped Coach Randy Rahe pick up his fourth Big Sky Coach of the Year award. Also, Tresnak was named to the Big Sky All-Conference second team; Bolomboy was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year; and Jeremy Senglin was honored as the Big Sky Freshman of the Year. Walla Walla Whooping The women’s basketball team didn’t waste any time before showing what they were made of last season. In the November 2013 season opener, the Wildcats walloped Walla Walla 107-25, and set a new record for the largest margin of victory in school history. The 82-point victory broke the previous record of a 57-point win against Southern Utah in 1982. Five players scored in double digits, including Zakiyyah Shahid-Martin, Deeshyra Thomas, Jalen Carpenter, Beth Mounier and Brianna Averette. The 107-point output by the Wildcats was the third highest in school history and was the most points scored since 1979. It was also the first time since 1983 that Weber State has scored more than 100 points. The 107 points is the second highest in Big Sky Conference history. Photos courtesy of the Weber State Athletics Department Bucking the Trend Until 2014, the Weber State men’s tennis squad hadn’t reached the Big Sky championship in more than 20 years. This year, not only did the Wildcats advance to the finals of the postseason tournament, they also recorded a perfect 10-0 record to capture the regular-season crown. The Wildcats have set themselves up for even more success with a talented young roster led by sophomores Jakub Gewert and Todd Fought, who each earned All-Big Sky Conference first team selections. Fought led the Wildcats in singles wins with a 15-6 record, playing in the No. 1 and 2 lineup spots, and was 6-3 in Big Sky play. Gewert posted a 9-7 singles mark, playing exclusively in the No. 1 spot, and was 5-3 during the conference season. Together, the pair went 10-9 in doubles play, with a 5-2 conference record. Senior Oliver Good and sophomore Sanjay Goswami also netted All-Conference honors, getting selected to the second team and honorable mention team, respectively. “There are only 12 players selected to the All-Conference teams,” said WSU head coach Brad Ferreira, “and to have three of our players picked by the other coaches in the league shows the respect that our players and our program has built. It is a testament to the hard work and effort of our players.” Three-Peat There were plenty of fresh faces but a familiar result for the women’s cross country team, which produced its third straight Big Sky championship in November 2013. Spearheaded by an individual conference title from freshman Summer Harper, the Wildcats added a sixth-place finish from Jamie Stokes, an eighth-place finish from Hailey Ricks and a 10th-place finish from Amber Henry-Schultz putting another piece of hardware in the WSU trophy case. The Wildcats also finished fourth overall at the NCAA Mountain Region championship. Coach Paul Pilkington ’81 snagged his third-consecutive Big Sky Coach of the Year award, complementing WSU’s team title, and Harper qualified for the NCAA national championships in Terre Haute, Ind. Road Warriors Tim Crompton ’94 celebrated his 10th season at the helm of the women’s soccer team last fall in style. Venturing into hostile territory, Crompton’s Wildcats traveled to Hillsboro, Ore., where they topped tournament host Portland State in a thrilling penalty kick shootout to claim the 2013 Big Sky Conference championship. players represent the university, and they should take pride in their accomplishments this season.” Sophomore forward Mackenzie Harrison was named the Big Sky’s Most Valuable Offensive Player, joining teammates Chansi Crompton and Brecken Holbrook as first team All-Big Sky selections. The title was Crompton’s fourth at WSU, sending the squad to the NCAA Women’s College Cup, where the Wildcats fell to in-state rival BYU. “Winning the conference championship on the road is difficult; however, the girls stepped up and played with heart and determination and came out with the trophy, as well as a trip to the NCAA tournament,” Crompton said. “I am extremely proud of how the Weber’s Steel Toe Switching positions is never ideal, but for Weber State punter Tony Epperson, it worked out for the best. After being moved into the starting job less than a week before his junior season, Epperson developed into one of the top punters in the nation his senior year, setting the NCAA record for most punts in a season with 101. Epperson ended his career as WSU’s all-time leader in career punting average with 43.6 yards per punt, single-season punting average and single-game punting average. In the final game of his career, he recorded the two longest punts in Wildcat history, an 86-yarder and 84-yarder in a 32-7 victory over Idaho State. The monstrous performance netted the 6-foot-4-inch, 220-pound senior ROOT SPORTS Big Sky Co-Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 13 I t was a little odd to see Davion Berry ’14 in the Dee delightful warning to a stranger sitting nearby, a toddler Events Center wearing something other than a Weber on his knee. “My Davion is about to graduate,” she said, State uniform — it is, after all, where he spent three years beaming, “so I just want you to know we might scare that practicing, playing and progressing to become the 2014 Big sweet baby.” In other words, they were going to scream, Sky Conference Most Valuable Player. But on this particular and it was going to be loud. Understanding, the stranger Friday in April, there he was — in khakis, cap and gown. On his feet, however, were basketball sneakers. That’s not surprising — basketball has been a part of his life since he was 8, when he played his first game at an Oakland, Calif., smiled and chuckled. My Davion is about to graduate, so I just want you to know we might scare that sweet baby. Davion Berry’s aunt, Patricia Johnson Afterward, as Nicole watched her son pose for pictures, she wiped tears from her eyes. “I’m overjoyed. This accomplishment — this is a dream come true,” she said, pausing for a moment to collect herself. “College was all I wanted for YMCA. That memory makes him. Everything else was second.” him happy, but today, the smile Davion’s 10-year-old sister, Kamara, on his face has everything to do broke down as she listened to her with the diploma he’s getting, mother speak so emotionally about and his mom, Nicole Nelson. her goals for her children. With her Today is about making her big brother as a role model, Kamara proud by becoming a college dreams of attending Spelman graduate, the first in his family. College in Atlanta. As Davion made his way Davion’s journey to through the commencement commencement was long, and line with his fellow professional sales students, PATRICIA JOHNSON PHOTO: SARA LLEVERINO sometimes bumpy. He didn’t start his collegiate career at Weber State (his grades out of high his eyes scanned the crowd. When they met his mom’s, school weren’t high enough to play at a Division I school, he blew her a kiss. She was standing tall, surrounded by so he first landed at Cal State Monterey Bay), but it’s more than two dozen family members who had traveled where he matured athletically and academically, because from California to cheer Davion on, including his aunt at WSU, sports are … Patricia Johnson who, moments earlier, had issued a MORE THAN JUST A GAME Amy Hendricks MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS In today’s sports world, many are questioning the worked extremely hard to build a culture that integrates term “student-athlete.” Is it accurate? Is it realistic academics, athletics and leadership, a culture that aligns for college athletes to first be focused on academics? with the university’s mission, and that’s to meet the Some say no. Jerry Bovee ’10, Weber State’s director of educational needs of students,” he said. “Many of our intercollegiate athletics, emphatically says yes. “We have athletes are doing wonderful things academically, many DAVION BERRY, HIS MOM NICOLE AND HIS SISTER KAMARA PHOTO: SARA LLEVERINO are Academic All-Americans. I think that’s something and wrestling, and hockey, and basketball — “a little bit great about Weber State.” of everything.” Davion, who played for the Portland Trail Blazers Summer Cash got back on the gridiron in the eighth grade and was League and then signed with professional Italian club noticed during his Park City High School days by former PMS Torino, also responds positively to questions Weber State coach Ron McBride. He became a Wildcat regarding student-athletes. “I’d 100 percent call myself a in 2010, and from day one, he became involved in WSU’s student-athlete. If you didn’t have the grades, you didn’t Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC). “My dad play. We had to bust our butts in the classroom. We were never talked about football, except for some stories of his told that we were here to study, to give our teachers our adventures with teammates. What he did talk about was full attention, and that if we’d go as hard in the classroom his service projects. I wanted the same thing — to be part as we did in basketball that only good things would of something good in our community. SAAC allowed me come,” he said. As he graduated, Davion shook hands to do that.” with and hugged his professors. “They were all good,” SAAC is comprised of student representatives from each he said of his instructors. “Everybody was close in the intercollegiate athletics team at Weber State. Members meet professional sales department. It was like a family.” twice a month to discuss events, procedures and current Davion isn’t the only Weber State student-athlete who issues, and to coordinate fundraisers, community service had a positive experience that reached beyond athletics. and social events. Even beyond SAAC, many student- Cash Knight ’14, a former football player, and Natalie athletes choose to get involved in service. In 2013-14, they Clark ’14, a former walk-on track and cross country combined for more than 1,786 community involvement athlete, did too. hours. Weber State even brought home the 2014 Big Sky Part of Something Good VIDEO Conference SAAC Cup for its service to the community. From reading to children on Dr. Suess Day to talking to a Cash, who was an offensive lineman for the Wildcats group of kids before a game — “They were impressed I knew until a hip injury ended his career in 2013, didn’t enjoy who Justin Bieber and One Republic was.” — Cash enjoyed football at all when he was a kid. He loved playing making an impact in the community, even going so far backyard football with his dad — Shawn Knight, a BYU as to grow his beard out, dye it white — “It went horribly star and former NFLer — but organized football, he hated. wrong. I wound up getting bleach burns!” — and dress up like “Your weight determined which team you played for, and Santa to deliver gifts to the Toys for Tots program. “I’ve I was big,” he said, with a booming laugh that, despite his lived a truly blessed life. I’ve had great opportunities here stature, would surprise you, given his quiet, even-keeled to help others. It’s an amazing thing to serve.” voice. Instead of playing with his fellow 9-year-olds, After Cash’s hip injury, he remained involved in the he was placed with the 12-year-olds. “I got absolutely athletics program, becoming a tutor for athletes. “That demolished!” So he quit and picked up track and field, was actually very fulfilling,” he said. “If I hadn’t been injured, I never would have had that opportunity. So while life doesn’t always work out like you’d expect it to, life does work out.” As far as the student-athlete question, Cash also believes they can, and do, exist. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in the spring of 2014. He is currently taking classes in WSU’s Master of Professional Communication program. But, he says, being a studentathlete isn’t as easy as some might think. “The struggle is real. We had to be up as early as 6 a.m. to lift weights, then we had to review film and practice — all of this on top of our classes. After class, we had to eat dinner, study, do homework. At the end of the day, you fall into bed completely exhausted, only to get up early the next day and start all over,” he explained. So why do it? “It’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about getting CASH KNIGHT 16 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 your education, it’s about becoming a leader, it’s about getting involved in your community. It’s about goofing off with the guys on the team. It’s about the discipline you learn. All of that will help me in the real world.” Cash admits it was difficult, but says he would do it all over again, no hesitation. The Heart of a Walk-On So would Natalie. Unlike Davion and Cash, she didn’t have an athletic scholarship. She started out playing soccer in the sixth grade, but it wasn’t exactly what she was looking for in a sport. “I was never that coordinated,” she said, laughing. “I usually would just run up and down the field, never scoring. One day, my soccer coach pulled me aside and said we needed to find something else for me, something I enjoyed. I told her I loved to run. That took off,” she said. No pun intended. She joined the track team in seventh grade and made the track and cross country teams at Utah’s Fremont High. DID YOU KNOW … That Four Weber State teams — volleyball, women’s basketball, and the men’s and women’s tennis teams — posted perfect single-year scores on the latest NCAA Academic Progress Report, and all 16 intercollegiate programs reached the NCAA’s required score of 930 or better for the 2012-13 academic year? And During Natalie’s high school career, her mother was diagnosed with that the Wildcat football program leukemia, which, of course, weighed on her mind. “I didn’t compete at achieved its second-highest score the level I wanted to in high school, but running in college had always in program history? been a dream.” After her mother passed away, she decided she needed to pursue it. “My mom would’ve been the one at all of my meets, decked out in purple, and crying. She always cried when she was happy,” Natalie said, smiling. So she called women’s track and field coach Jim Blaisdell, who in turn called cross country coach Paul Pilkington ’81. “Coach Pilkington called me back one morning. I was barely awake. I answered the phone kind of groggy, like ‘helloooooo.’ I couldn’t believe who it was. I was a little embarrassed. We talked for a while, and at the end of the conversation he said, ‘Practice starts next week. Be there at 8 a.m.’ I was so excited.” Natalie never received an athletic scholarship. “I wasn’t really looking to get one. I always did my best, but my main focus was my classes. They were hard (she was a microbiology major). I also worked at Subway, sometimes 30 hours a week, and I served as the athletics senator (on the WSU Student Association). I had a lot on my plate,” she explained. “Coach Blaisdell and Coach Pilkington worked with me to adjust workouts and to make sure I was balancing everything. My teammates and my coaches provided a good support system. They were like a second family. The stadium was like my home. If they noticed me 4.0 That in 2012, thenWeber State cross country star Sarah Callister ’12 was named the recipient of the NCAA’s Elite 89 award for the NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country Championship? The prestigious award is presented to student-athletes with the highest cumulative grade point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s championships. At the time, Sarah was carrying a 4.0 in nursing. Only one other athlete from the Big Sky Conference has earned the Elite 89. struggling, they gave me more time, let me work out on my own. They That Weber State has an always, always said to put being a student before being an athlete, and NCAA faculty athletics they meant it. If your grades weren’t up to par, you could bet you weren’t representative? Because going to compete.” student-athletes are Natalie’s dream is to become an oncologist. Academically, she got the to be students first, as preparation she needed at Weber State. “The professors were always the title implies, faculty voices there for me. I think one of my favorite classes was Dr. (Spencer) advocate for the appropriate Seager’s freshman chemistry class. The students were so focused balance between academics and because he was just that good. We were all actually excited about athletics. Microbiology professor chemistry!” Athletics gave her leadership skills, focus and discipline. Craig Oberg ’79 is WSU’s NCAA “I’m known for being a little late. That’s improved. I had to learn the faculty athletics representative. Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 17 laughing. DISCUSSING THE VALUE OF COLLEGE ATHLETICS Natalie bleeds purple, and In March, Weber State hosted its sixth annual Deliberative always will. “I was proud Democracy Day, an event that gives students opportunities hard way that being late led to push-ups, and I hate them. I’m a runner! I don’t have great arm strength,” she said, NATALIE CLARK to wear the Weber State to engage in healthy, constructive debates. This year, the pro- uniform. I was proud to gram focused on college athletics. Students first met in small wear the student-athlete focus groups to discuss specific issues, and then brought stole at graduation. I’m questions to a panel featuring Mike Caldwell ’01, Ogden City proud to wear my alumni mayor; Amy Crosbie ’14, WSU’s associate athletic director and gear now. And my mom, senior woman administrator; and Molly Smith, a WSU health she’d definitely be proud.” promotion and human performance professor and former Athletics do bring a level NCAA faculty athletics representative. of pride to a university. One group questioned the athletics budget. Crosbie ex- “They allow us to celebrate plained that the Athletics Department balances its budget the talents of our student-athletes, to celebrate annually. “We are fiscally responsible,” she said. “If we need school spirit, to bring the community into the to, we’ll turn off our purchasing cards — we will go to that mix,” Bovee said. “They also allow us to educate extent to balance our budget.” hundreds of students each year, many of whom would not have otherwise been able to get a college education.” A Final Philosophy and Rallying Cry Now in his fifth year as athletic The panelists also addressed the subject of Title IX, a clause in the Education Amendments of 1972 that mandates equal opportunity in education, including athletics programs. One student group asked if Title IX had a negative effect on college athletics, particularly in regards to cuts in men’s programs. Smith politely said that those who think of director, Bovee takes a front-porch Title IX negatively never had to live without philosophy to athletics. “It’s a little it. She did. “Since Title IX was passed, think cliché,” he said, shrugging his shoulders, of how many women became doctors, law- “but it’s a good way to explain it. If you think yers, professional athletes. It let girls realize of a house, the athletics program is like the front they can be all they want to be — on the field and in porch. Is it the most important part of the house? life,” she said. No, and it shouldn’t be. But when people drive by Crosbie, a former volleyball player for Utah State your house, they see the porch. It has to look good. It has to be built properly. And that’s what we’re striving for in athletics. We want to sink our roots into all facets of campus, and into the community. We want to know ‘what we can do for you,’ not ‘what you can do for us.’” University, agreed. “My education and my time spent as a student-athlete led to every door that’s been opened for me,” she said. “I wouldn’t be sitting here today if not for Title IX.” The discussion then turned to the economic impact of college sports on the community. “It is significant,” When asked what the biggest benefit of Caldwell said. “It’s difficult to pinpoint a figure, but, athletics is, Bovee didn’t hesitate. “Educational for example, the local economy benefits when teams opportunities,” he said. But he couldn’t stop come to Weber State to play. More hotel rooms are there. “And leadership development for our booked, local restaurants see an uptick in customers, student-athletes. We also provide amazing etc.” The mayor said he meets monthly with WSU’s stu- venues for our alumni, community members, dent body president to hear fresh ideas on how the com- students, faculty and staff. There are also munity can become even more involved. “Weber State has a tremendous positive stories that come from our rich history, and we are always looking for ways to bring the athletes, and that’s something to be proud of.” community on campus and the campus to the community.” 18 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 GOURMET DRINKS & PASTRIES NAME-BRAND TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES WEBER WEAR WSU MERCHANDISE APPLE AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER Located in the new WSU building in the heart of downtown. 2314 WASHINGTON BLVD., OGDEN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DOWNTOWN STORE HOURS: MON - SAT 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. The Big Sky Conference, in celebrating two anniversaries — 50 years of men’s athletics and 25 years of women’s athletics — embarked on a yearlong journey starting July 1, 2013, to recognize its top male and female athletes, as well as its top moments. Weber State, a charter member of the Big Sky, was honored as numerous athletes and achievements made the lists. Here, we’ll fill you in on where those athletes are now and what made them … LEGENDARY Matt Gerrish ’10 MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MEN’S TOP 50 ATHLETES The Big Sky Conference celebrated its 50th anniversary of men’s athletics in 2014 by honoring its top 50 athletes. These Wildcats made the list. no. 6 Damian Lillard, Basketball (2008-2012) passing touchdowns (seven) and four of the top 10 passing performances in school history. Martin also had a long career A three-time first-team All-Big Sky selection, in the NFL, last playing in 2007. Lillard may be the most recognizable athlete to attend WSU. Also winning Freshman of the Year and two conference MVP NOW: Martin coaches high school football in Ballwin, Mo., and awards, he is the only men’s basketball player from the Big plays the drums as part of a fundraising venture. Sky to earn AP All-America status. Lillard ranks No. 2 in Weber State history with 1,934 points, finishing second in the nation with an average of 24.5 points per game during his junior year before declaring for the NBA draft. NOW: Lillard is the starting point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, having earned Rookie of the Year honors and an All-Star selection in his first two seasons in the NBA. He led Portland to an appearance in the Western Conference semifinals in 2014, after which he was named to the All-NBA Third Team. no. 9 no. 21 Farley Gerber, Track and Field (1983-1986) Gerber was a four- time Big Sky champion and won the NCAA indoor track and field championship in the 3,000 meters in 1983 and 1984. He was also the 1983 and 1984 national champion in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Gerber still owns Big Sky records in the 3,000 meters and the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Jamie Martin, Football (1989-1992) NOW: Gerber lives in Iowa, where he works in the computer industry. He Martin is a two-time All-American is married with four children. FARLEY GERBER and the only Walter Payton Award recipient in Weber State history. He captained an offense that led the Wildcats to an at-large berth in the I-AA playoffs in 1991, throwing for 4,125 yards and no. 25 Harold “The Show” Arceneaux, Basketball (1998-2000) Arceneaux was twice named the Big Sky MVP and scored 1,357 points in just two seasons at Weber State. He averaged 22.6 points per game in 60 career games, leading WSU to a Big 35 touchdowns. Sky championship and an upset of North Carolina in the 1999 Martin owns NCAA tournament. Arceneaux scored 40 points twice during many Weber his senior season, before playing professionally for teams on State passing five different continents. records, including the NOW: Arceneaux still plays professional basketball and spent single-game the 2012-13 season as a player/coach for the Lechugueros De mark for León in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine DAMIAN LILLARD 21 finish. Gove was a Walker Cup team member in 1979 and also competed in The Masters in 1980. NOW: Gove is the head pro at Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore, Wash., a position he’s held since 2002. no. Willie Sojourner, Basketball (1967-1971) 36 Sojourner led Weber State to three Big Sky championships and three NCAA tournament appearances, including a victory over Seattle in 1969 for WSU’s first-ever NCAA tournament win. He ranks first in Big Sky history in rebounds per game and was also a track and field athlete, winning three Big Sky crowns in the high jump. Sojourner played in the American Basketball Association for the Virginia Squires and New York Nets. He also IEL DS played for a team in Rieti, Italy, where he became very OT T SH popular, even appearing in movies and commercials. SC After finishing his pro career, Sojourner returned to Utah, but traveled back to Italy twice to coach. In no. 27 2005, Sojourner was killed in an automobile accident in Italy. Scott Shields, A memorial marks the site where he died. It reads, “To Willie Football (1995-1998) Sojourner — Unforgettable champion of sport, humanity and Playing a dual role for the Wildcats, Shields snagged a Big Sky-record 23 career interceptions as a safety, and, as a kicker, he also holds the school record with 67 field goals, including a 55-yarder against Eastern Washington that was tipped at the line of scrimmage. He was a three-time Academic All-American and is one of only three football players to earn first-team All-Big Sky honors in four straight seasons. Shields was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1999 NFL draft. Clinger won three Big Sky indoor championships and three Big Sky outdoor championships in the high jump while at WSU, and was named Outstanding Field Athlete in all three outdoor meets. He also won the NCAA indoor championship in the high jump in 2001, and still holds the Big Sky indoor and outdoor high-jump records (7 feet 7 inches, indoor; 7 feet 8.5 inches, outdoor). Valley, Wyo. works in finance. no. 43 Mike Gove, Golf (1976-1979) Wiley King, Track and Field (2002-2006) During his career at Weber State, Gove was an NCAA All- King was named Big Sky Indoor Field American at Weber State from 1976-78, Athlete of the Meet three times and winning the 1977 Big Sky championship. Indoor Track Athlete of the Meet once. He was the Big Sky runner-up in 1978 He was also twice named Outstanding and 1979. Gove placed fourth at the 1978 Track Athlete at the Big Sky outdoor NCAA championship in Eugene, Ore., championship. During his career, he earning first team All-America honors and totaled 115 career points in indoor helping the Wildcats to a 15th-place team 22 40 Charles Clinger, Track and Field (1999-2001) & Voyles LLC in his hometown of Star hometown of San Diego and 32 no. NOW: Clinger is an attorney at Luthi NOW: Shields lives in his no. sympathy. Rieti Forever.” weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 MIKE GOVE championships and 108 in outdoor championships, the only athlete in the history of the Big Sky ever to score 100 career points in both championships. King holds the Big Sky 60-meter hurdles record (7.30 seconds). In addition to his no. 44 Bruce Collins, Basketball (1976-1980) Collins started all 120 games of his career at Weber State. He is WSU’s all-time leading scorer track feats, he also played football for the Wildcats and, for a and earned Big Sky MVP honors three times. Collins led the time, led the Big Sky in career kick returns (98) and career kick Wildcats to two Big Sky titles and three NCAA tournament return yards (2,031). appearances before the Portland Trail Blazers selected him in the second round of the 1980 NBA draft. NOW: King recently received his MBA. He is a business NOW: Collins works in his hometown of Rock Springs, Wyo., consultant for American Express OPEN. at a family recreation center. He regularly hosts basketball camps for boys and girls. WOMEN’S TOP 25 ATHLETES The Big Sky Conference celebrated its 25th anniversary of women’s athletics in 2014 by honoring its top 25 athletes. These Wildcats made the list. PAULA JOHN no. no. 8 Paula 9 John, Lindsey Anderson, Track and Track and Field Field (1984-1989) John was the Big Sky’s first female NCAA track and field champion, capturing the highjump title at the 1989 NCAA indoor championship in Indianapolis, after finishing second at the Big Sky championship. (2004-2007) Anderson won six individual Big Sky championships, three relay titles and set the NCAA record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase during her time at Also a gifted choir performer, John claims she chose WSU. She was a triple winner at the 2007 Big Sky outdoor WSU because of its choir and the color purple. championship, winning the 5K, 10K and steeplechase races. Anderson also earned two All-America honors and was NOW: John is a school psychologist in Idaho Falls, a U.S. Olympian at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. Idaho. She has five children and two grandchildren. Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 23 NOW: Anderson is an assistant cross country and track NOW: McCoy is an optometry student. She recently coach at Weber State. She and her husband, Mark, have one finished a three-month clinical rotation in St. George, Utah, daughter, Peyton. and is now on rotation at a naval base in San Diego. no. 13 no. 22 Julie Gjersten, Basketball (2001-2005) Gjersten was a two-time Big Amber Henry-Schultz, Track and Field (2009-2014) Sky MVP in 2002-03 and 2004-05, leading The only active member of the Big Sky Top 25 at the the Wildcats to two conference titles and time of its release, Henry-Schultz earned All-America a pair of NCAA tournament appearances. honors three times and captured 11 Big Sky titles She ranks eighth in Big Sky history in in cross country and indoor and outdoor track. She scoring with 1,752 points and is fourth finished her career holding three WSU school records in 3-point field goals made (233). (1,500-meters, mile and 3,000-meters) and ranked in Gjersten is also a three-time Big the top 10 in several other events. She also earned Sky first team All-Conference Academic All-America honors in 2013, Academic member and was a All-District honors twice, and Academic All- 2005 scholar athlete Conference honors 11 award winner. times in her career. NOW: Gjersten NOW: Henry-Schultz has spent the graduated with last eight years in a degree in Golden, Colo., where she nursing in is a manager at Panorama spring 2014. Orthopedics & Spine Center. no. 17 Hayley McCoy, Soccer (2005-2009) McCoy is one of only two players in Big Sky history to be named to the AllConference team four times. She led the Wildcats to a pair of regular season Big Sky titles and one postseason crown, advancing to the second Y CO round of the NCAA EY YL HA tournament in 2005. She also won Big Sky HU LT Z Offensive MVP and the AM BE RH EN RY -SC Golden Boot Award in 2008. 24 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 MC GREATEST MOMENTS The Big Sky Conference shared its top moments. These Weber State highlights made the list. MEN’S no. 3 however, the game still holds the record stuns No. 3 seed North for most points scored in a Division I Carolina in the 1999 NCAA college football game. 6 Big Sky Conference tops nation in number of Walter Payton Award winners, one of whom is Weber State’s Jamie Martin, who, in 1991, became the first underclassman to be honored as the most outstanding offensive football player in the FCS. no. 7 14th seed Weber State shocks No. 3 seed Michigan State in the 1995 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. no. 12 no. 15 no. 17 Damian Lillard is named the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year. High-jump star Charles no. 20 no. 4 the high jump. no. 17 The 1968-69 Wildcats earn the Big Sky Conference’s first victory in the NCAA men’s 40 44 King scores a combined 77 no. 21 points in the 2004 indoor points against Portland State on Feb. 2, 2012, and Montana against Idaho State the same night. It high jump) in 2001. was the first time a male and female Big Sky Conference athlete scored at least 40 points on the same evening. the 2007 Weber State vs. In the first seven years that the Big Sky Conference sponsored women’s tennis, Weber State won six championships. Damian Lillard scores 40 titles (indoor and outdoor teams won a first-round match in the NCAA tournament. Each against BYU in 2005. Track and field star Wiley State’s Katie Bussey has 41 points Big Sky women’s soccer with Weber State winning in a shootout and outdoor championships. no. In a five-year span, three year featured a different Big Sky team, basketball tournament. no. indoor and outdoor track and John went home the 1989 champion in steeplechase in a time of 8 by an American-born NCAA athlete. 21 landmark moments in 1988, 1989 and 1996. Weber State’s Paula Gerber wins the 3,000-meter minutes, 19.27 seconds, the fastest ever no. The Big Sky enjoys three field, producing NCAA champions in Track and field star Farley Clinger claims two national Records are broken in WOMEN’S The record was broken two weeks later; Weber State, a 14th seed, men’s basketball tournament. no. Wildcats defeated the Vikings 73-68. no. 25 Two records dating back to 1997, the year the Big Sky Conference began sponsoring soccer, still stand, including a 1998 record held by Weber State for matches won in a season (17 total, with 13 consecutive wins). Portland State football game. The two teams combined for 141 points, setting an NCAA all-division record for most points scored in a game. The Sources: Weber State Athletics Department and the Big Sky Conference Photos courtesy of the Weber State Athletics Department Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 25 WILDCAT … AND SUPER BOWL CHAMPION Former Weber State football All-American Paul McQuistan had a memorable year in 2013-14. The eight-year NFL veteran — who was selected in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft — started 14 games on the Seattle Seahawks offensive line, helping his squad earn a dominating 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII in February. McQuistan is now a member of the Cleveland Browns after signing a two-year deal in the spring. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES GET YOUR FAN GEAR! OPENING FALL 2014 Right outside portal #8 @ the Dee Events Center! MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Weber State University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) curriculum offers two concentrations, Nursing Education and Nursing Administration.Both programs are designed to promote national guidelines and competencies that enable graduates to make a significant contribution to education and healthcare environments. A Post-Master’s Certification is also available for those looking to expand existing nursing knowledge and advance employment opportunities. For more info: 801-626-6753 or weber.edu/MSN An education that speaks for itself. WHO’S WALDO? Amy Hendricks PHOTO: D’ARCY BENINCOSA MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ell, that’s a closely guarded secret that we just W and ask, ‘Is that really me?’” he said, laughing. “I would can’t tell. In fact, very few people know the never do those things in public out of costume.” But, he answer. The beloved Weber State Wildcat is a mystery says, that’s what makes being Waldo so exhilarating, kind to most, with the exception of a handful of people in of like Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent. athletics — and his mom, of course. And yes, he is a guy. Actually, there are three students who currently suit up as This particular Waldo has been a gymnast since he was Waldo. All three are male, and all are scholarship athletes. 6. “I’ve always had a lot of energy. When I was little, I was For this story, we caught up with one of them just as he was returning from the NCA/NDA College Camp in Las Vegas, where he earned the “Best Mascot” title and a trip to the 2015 NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship. “The ‘is he a girl or is he a guy’ question is something I’ve heard people debating,” he said, smiling. “I was sitting in the Union Building studying one afternoon, and some football players were talking about it. One of them said, ‘I don’t think it’s a guy. I don’t think a guy could do splits like that.’ I just sat there laughing inside.” always on the rings at the jungle gym and just bouncing all over the place. My mom figured it was in my best interest to learn how to do it safely, so she put me in a gymnastics class.” He’s been tumbling pretty much ever since. When it came to college, he needed a scholarship, so he tried out for the spirit squad. “There were just too many good tumblers that year, so I didn’t make it. Summer For the cover photo, he met the magazine crew secretly Willis (the spirit squad in the Val A. Browning Center Eccles Theater Black Box. coach) approached me He showed up on time, and out of costume. He was polite after tryouts and asked and — this might shock you — shy. The transformation if I would like to be the from quiet, reserved student to boisterous, outgoing mascot. She said it offered Waldo was something to see — in like a lamb, out like a, a scholarship, so I, of well, back-flipping, super-confident, Weber State-loving, course, said yes.” This fall crowd-pumping Wildcat. “Sometimes I surprise myself will mark his third year as Waldo. 30 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 A Balancing Act WSU athletic director Jerry Bovee is proud of how far the mascot program has come. “He was the crowd favorite A first-generation college student, this Waldo is an at the NCAA tournament,” he said. “He, by far, beat the engineering major — an engineering major, who, in junior Arizona Wildcat.” high school, learned a valuable lesson when it came to his studies. “I got the worst grades up until about eighth Waldo smiled at that comment. “Each mascot has his grade, when I decided I was going to try for a 4.0. I did it, own strengths. We’ve been fortunate to work with the and that’s when I realized it was much easier to try to get Jazz Bear. He’s invited us to NBA mascot meetings, where good grades than it was to constantly play catch up in my we’ve gotten new ideas and learned what has worked classes.” He says balancing his mascot responsibilities, well for them.” which includes both athletic and community events, and his schoolwork is tough, but he prides himself on getting good grades. “This may sound boring, but I spend almost all of my free time studying.” When he can, he also squeezes in some piano time. He was excited to see a piano in the Eccles Theater, and in between photos, he yanked off his Waldo paws, placed his giant Waldo foot on the pedal and let loose on a popular Imagine Dragons song. “I’m minoring in music,” he said, This year, he hopes to further develop Waldo. “I want to do more with the crowd because, in the end, the best part of being Waldo is knowing you’ve made somebody smile, that you’ve given somebody a great memory.” Whether he’s given you a hug or a high-five, stolen and eaten your popcorn, or even scared you to death with a spider on a fishing pole, he’s done a pretty good job at making fans happy. smiling at our surprised faces. PHOTOS: JOE SALMOND OGDEN ORIGINAL AN Jim Stavrakakis is remembered for his generosity, kindness and public service Amy Hendricks O MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS n the phone from her California home, Gina Stavrakakis laughs — a big, genuine laugh — when asked to share her favorite memory of her dad, Jim Stavrakakis ’65. “There Jim also left another legacy. In 1995, he created the Gina Stavrakakis Aerospace Scholarship at Weber Sate, combining his love for family, aircraft and education. are so many!” There was the story of his four Cadillacs — “I mean late ’90s Eldorados. He loved them, and they each had Weber State plates.” And his Saturday trips to Hill Aerospace Mu- “To say Weber State was special to him is an understatement,” Gina says. “He always spoke highly of Dr. Jennings Olson, his seum — “He went religiously. Everyone knew his name, even philosophy professor. He and his friends would go to Weber the four-star generals!” And his bartending days — “He bar- State football games, then go to dinner and talk philosophy. tended for Ogden social events for 50 years. He’d load up his That was spawned in Dr. Olson’s class. It was a very formative car — yes, he insisted on bringing the drinks — and head out. time for him and challenged his traditional ways of thinking. It’s not like it is today, where companies cater parties. He knew That’s what education is about, and that is what he valued everybody’s name. It’s how he got to know the people of Ogden.” about Weber.” “Stavie,” as he was known amongst family and friends, served Jim passed away in 2013. In addition to the scholarship he cre- in the Air Force and was a photographer for the 17th Bomb ated, he made provisions through his life insurance policy to Wing in Korea. He was eventually stationed at Hill Air Force give back to Weber State, even taking the time to scribble some Base, where he fell in love with Ogden. He decided to make advice on the paperwork: “When you give when you live, you Utah his home and later graduated from Weber State College know where it goes.” Although Gina was on the phone when with a degree in social work. she heard that tidbit about her father, you could hear the He was a larger-than-life personality this Jim Stavrakakis, a man with an extraordinary sense of curiosity and zeal for life. Gina didn’t realize it until recently, but looking back on her trips to Turkey and India, she now knows: “I am dad! I got my curiosi- smile in her voice: “That’s so dad.” Speaking for both her and her sister, Andrea Stavrakakis ’93, she says, “We’re very proud of him. We believe those who can give should give. That’s how a community should work, so it can renew and support itself.” ty and sense of adventure from him. That’s part of his legacy.” Do you have questions about legacy giving? Visit weber.edu/giving or call 801-626-7383. 32 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 With a gift of $125 JOIN THE ANNIVERSARY CLUB Make your gift online today: weber.edu/give Elevate your support and join the PRESIDENT’S SOCIETY with a gift of $ 1,000 As a President’s Society member, you will receive invitations to private events, where you can engage with alumni, WSU President Charles A. Wight and others who support Weber State’s mission. You will also receive exclusive communications from the President’s Office that will keep you up to date on the university’s goals and activities. For 125 years, students have been coming to Weber State with big dreams. Help make their dreams a reality. Weber State University is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization Federal Tax ID#87-6000535. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for details on deductibility. WILDCATS ATHLETES BY THE NUMBERS 2 1 3 33 Total NCAA Academic All-Americans since Weber State became a four-year school in 1962 148 Total NCAA All-Americans since Weber State became a four-year institution NATIONAL Championships 5 NCAA Individual Championships Heidi Wallin, 1982, women’s golf Division II national title Farley Gerber, 1984, steeplechase, NCAA outdoor championship Paula John, 1989, high jump, NCAA outdoor championship Charles Clinger, 2001, high jump, NCAA indoor championship 1,000 Perfect NCAA Academic Progress Rate score posted by the volleyball, women’s basketball and men’s and women’s tennis teams in the latest report Charles Clinger, 2001, high jump, NCAA outdoor championship 1 National Championship Weber College men’s basketball, 1959 National Junior College Athletic Association Championship Student-Athletes by College (Spring 2014) 341 Number of 2013-14 student athletes 19 27 17 11 Social & Behavioral Sciences Science Health Professions General Studies Engaged Learning & Interdisciplinary (BIS) Education Business & Economics Arts & Humanities Big Sky Conference Championships WILDCATS 22 Applied Science & Technology WSU student-athletes who were named to the 2013-14 Big Sky Conference Academic All-Conference teams 55 49 43 142 98 Men’s basketball: 21 regular season, 9 postseason Women’s indoor track and field: 9 Women’s soccer: 5 regular season, 4 postseason Men’s golf:* 17 team, 14 individual Men’s cross country: 7 team, 5 individual Football: 3 Men’s tennis: 11 Women’s cross country: 7 team, 5 individual Women’s basketball: 2 regular season, 2 postseason Men’s outdoor track and field: 10 Men’s indoor track and field: 5 Women’s golf: 1 Women’s tennis: 10 Women’s outdoor track and field: 5 Women’s volleyball: 1 Wrestling: 2 Baseball: 3 (Discontinued in Big Sky) *Includes two America Sky Conference titles (Discontinued in Big Sky) BUILDING Confidence, Strength, Excitement Jennifer Philion MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Jay Hill became Weber State University’s 11th head football coach in December 2013. The 39-year-old father of four brings years of experience as a University of Utah assistant coach and a reputation as an excellent recruiter. We caught up with Hill soon after the spring practice season to talk about his first few months at Weber, moving into a head coaching role, what fans can expect and more. VIDEO PHOTO: D’ARCY BENINCOSA Q A Before we get into talking all about football … who else is Jay Hill? What do you do for fun? Hobbies? Well, as far as “life outside football” … coaching is a year-round job. The season goes from the first part of August into December. And then, hopefully, you’re in the playoffs. Also, December and January are big recruiting months. February, we have national signing day, and then we go right into our winter training — lifting, running and getting ready for spring ball. March and April are spring football, where we have 15 practices. And in May, we’re out recruiting again, finding next year’s class. June is for summer camps: youth camps, high school camps. So July is the month where we get a couple weeks to be with our families and catch our breath a little bit. In that time, we always try to do one good vacation with the kids where we take them out of state. And we have a cabin up in Island Park, Idaho, that we absolutely love, so we spend a week or two there. I used to ski a lot when I was a kid, but skiing season is right during recruiting season, so I don’t get up as much as I used to. I also used to hunt, but all the hunting seasons are in the fall, so … Some of the things I like to do the most, unfortunately, I don’t get to do much anymore. But football … as a kid, I always wanted to play football. I always aspired to have sports in my life, and I have that. Really, every day when I come to work, I get to do what I love. Q A As a coach, how do you know when you’re ready to step up into that head role? You have to have an honest selfreflection. A lot of times people aspire to a job or, in coaching, people aspire to be a head coach — then they get that opportunity, and they weren’t ready. I wanted to make sure I felt like I was ready with my knowledge, and not just X’s-and-O’s knowledge. You have to have that, but it’s also knowing how to deal with players, how to motivate players. You don’t just get that overnight. Experience is huge. I credit Coach (Kyle) Whittingham for giving me a lot of opportunities at Utah to sit in on disciplinary meetings, X’s- and-O’s planning meetings, schedule meetings — Coach Whit let me be very heavily involved in a lot of those meetings where we were making key decisions. Quite frankly, three or four years ago I wasn’t ready to be a head coach. As I self-reflected this year, though, I absolutely felt like I was ready. Q A What is it like now to be “the man” yourself? All things stop at the head coach. Now, I have the whole team that I’m responsible for rather than just my position group. But as a position coach, you get to see a lot of the things that come across the head coach’s desk, so — knock on wood — not a lot has caught me off guard at this point, and hopefully not a lot does. It’s fun running things the way you want. You get to put your own personality and flair to it. Q A Are there any parts of the job that have been a surprise to you? When you go from the PAC-12 level to the FCS level, the budget differences are real. Dealing with that has been a little eye-opening. But it’s been fun and a challenge to tackle. And here at Weber State, we have more than a lot of our competitors. It’s just changing your mindset to, “Here’s what you have, go do the best job you can with it,” rather than at some schools or some conferences where there’s zero budget restraint. Q We know the reasons Weber was interested in you: You’ve coached a lot of different positions; you’re known as an excellent recruiter. What, from your side, made Weber the right fit? A When Coach (Ron) McBride first stepped down here a couple years ago, a bunch of people contacted me to see if I’d have any interest in pursuing the job. At the time, I didn’t have much interest, nor did I feel like it was the right move. But then something about this past November started pushing me that way, like, “Hey, it’s time to be a head coach.” And I knew if I made that move, it had to be the right program. It had to be a place I knew I could win; it had to be a place where the administration was backing the program; and it had to be a place where I felt I could recruit great players. Weber State, in my mind, has always been that program: you can recruit to it, they’ve got great facilities, great administration. This time, it was right. That didn’t mean I was going to get offered the job, but it was right to at least pursue it. I had the goal to be head coach prepared and ready by the time I was 40. This opportunity presented itself, and it was something I knew I needed to do. Q A And as far as fit, and the years you’ve spent as a recruiter: What do you look for in a student-athlete? First and foremost, do they have the athletic ability to help you on the field? If they have that, then you start digging deep into the player himself. Does he perform academically? Does he have good character you want on your team? Does he possess the leadership abilities you’re looking for? The last thing is, does he love football? This sounds crazy, but we’re starting to see a declining number of players who truly do. So that’s very important, to make sure we’re Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 37 recruiting kids who love the game, and love to play it and love to study it. But you could come up with a great kid, who has great grades, and he does everything right off the field, and he’s a wonderful person — and if he just doesn’t have the ability to get on the field and contribute? More than likely, two or three years down the road, he’s going to quit because he’s never going to play. What have you seen so far that has you excited about this team and these players? There are good enough players here to win with. We don’t have a lot of depth at each position, but there are good enough starters here that we can win with them if we can stay healthy. So that has me excited. There’s toughness in this group. Even last year, with the way the season went and going 2-10, I never saw that they quit. There’s mental toughness. Q A What have been your highest priorities during your first several months here? The next priority was skill development. Among the current players, you have to find a way to continue to develop their skill and ability. That’s not just physical ability; that’s mental ability, that’s confidence, that’s motivation, all those things. We found a culture here that we felt we had to change a little bit. That’s an As far as X’s and O’s, we will be a tough, hardnosed, physical defense that’s going to be dedicated to stopping the run. And we will be an offense that’s not scared to just let it rip. If that means we’re going to throw the ball down the field 30 times one game, great. If that means we need to run the ball 50 times one game, that’s what we’ll do. If that means we need to throw five or six trick plays to keep the defense on its heels, we’ll do what we have to do to be exciting, but at the same time be productive. Q A That’s why I say, first and foremost: Do they have the athletic ability? Some people might say those criteria are backwards, but that’s why we set it that way. Number one priority was filling the holes in our roster. We had to go out and establish that we were going to recruit the state of Utah and the surrounding states. Some holes in the roster couldn’t be filled in state, so we had to go out of state to get those players. Look forward to players who are going to go out and compete and give it their all. ongoing process. Digging yourself out of a hole doesn’t happen overnight, so we’re continuing that process as we speak. We saw huge strength gains from January to April that were almost unheard of, how much stronger the players got. And the confidence is building. They’re competing harder now. All of those things become encouraging that you’re heading in the right direction. Q A Q A team that’s coming off a 2-10 season has some rebuilding work to do not only on the field, but also getting its fans excited and re-engaged. What can Wildcat fans look forward to from this team in 2014? A These players will be more disciplined. That’s something we’re going to demand. What can the fans do to help? I think it’s part of the fan’s responsibility to stick with the team through thick and thin. If you’re a Wildcat fan, you won two games last year, I get that — but still, they’re your team. It’s not the easiest thing to gut through losses and bad performances. But they’re your team. I’m still a Jazz fan right now. And these players deserve to play in front of a packed house and in a great atmosphere. This is a great place. If you look at the setting of our stadium and the caliber of players we can recruit, these fans will get something exciting to watch. Will it be this year? I don’t know. I think the fans need to buy into what we’re doing as much as the players do. 2014 Wildcat Football Schedule Thursday, Aug. 28 at Arizona State, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Southern Utah, 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 Northern Arizona, 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 North Dakota State, 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 Cal Poly, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at North Dakota, 11 a.m. * HOMECOMING Saturday, Sept. 13 at Sacramento State, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at Stephen F. Austin, 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Montana State, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 Portland State, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 Northern Colorado, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22: at Idaho State, 2:30 p.m. All times are Mountain Time inspire. SAVE FOR COLLEGE. INSPIRE THEIR FUTURE. Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) makes saving for college a little easier. UESP accounts: • Are free to open • Require no minimum or ongoing contributions • Offer federal and Utah state tax advantages UESP Rated a Gold 529 Plan by Morningstar “The plan’s flexible suite of investments and low costs continue to earn it a gold rating.” Morningstar, Inc., October 2013 We help you save. You inspire their future. Open a UESP account today. 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, Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, or any other state or federal agency. However, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance is provided for the FDIC-insured accounts. Please read the Program Description to learn about the FDIC-insured accounts. Your investment could lose value. Non-Utah taxpayers and residents: You should determine whether the state in which you or your beneficiary pays taxes or lives 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. 2006 The End of a Good, Long Run Matt Gerrish ’10 MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS By 2011, Jim Blaisdell didn’t have much left to accomplish. His professional résumé was already bursting at the seams with accolades, including 17 conference championships, 17 Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year awards and four District VII Coach of the Year honors. With all that hardware already “We ate dinner somewhere along the in tow, the longtime Weber State way, and it just didn’t agree with me,” women’s track and field coach said former WSU All-American Amber still had an important mission — Henry-Schultz. “I had the worst ache one he took very seriously — the in my side, and I couldn’t breathe, so care of his student-athletes. Coach Blaisdell stopped the bus, and That spring, while road-tripping to an invitational in Bozeman, Mont., we switched seats with people that were traveling with us in a Suburban. one of his athletes came down with “He told the bus to keep going, and an illness during the long bus ride. he took me to the hospital, where we stayed overnight. We drove to the 1984 VIDEO meet together the next day, and I said. “We were predicted to take ended up having a personal-best time, fourth or fifth, but we claimed second. but he was there every step of the Every athlete we took performed way. I don’t think very many coaches very well, and I couldn’t have asked would do something like that.” more from a team, even though we Blaisdell added one more Big Sky title and Coach of the Year honor before he announced his retirement in 2014, but after 33 years at Weber State, individual didn’t win. You don’t have to win to call it a success. We’ve taken second a bunch, sometimes losing by only a few points. We were always there battling near the top, and other teams knew they’d have to interactions — such as looking after sick athletes — are the memories he’s going to cherish most. “Ever since I Blaisdell’s commitment to education is also a family tradition, and it isn’t hyperbole to say his entire family bleeds purple. announced my retirement, I’ve been getting phone calls, emails and Not only was Blaisdell a champion in the athletics arena, but he was also a champion for women and Title IX, placing education above all. Facebook messages from athletes In 1981, the Army veteran and who ran for me over the years,” BYU graduate had just completed Blaisdell said. “People you haven’t a year volunteering for the Weber talked to in 20 or 30 years. It brings State men’s track and field team back that flood of memories and all before he was offered the women’s those good times that happened.” head coaching job by then-athletic Of course, Blaisdell is proud of his teams’ successes on the track too. His 18 conference championships in cross country (which he also coached for 26 years) and indoor and outdoor track and field are complemented by 31 second-place finishes. During a span of 17 years, from 1990-2007, Blaisdell’s teams finished first or second 42 times out Blaisdell’s squad initially competed in the former Mountain West Conference, an AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) league that existed from 1982-1988. It wasn’t until the Big Sky Conference 1988 that the Wildcats were able to field all-female teams in the NCAA. “Title IX is all about providing education for women,” said Amy season was the most memorable. 2006 merged with the Mountain West in across the three sports. Blaisdell thinks his final indoor 1984 director Gary Crompton. of 50 conference championships Despite his reputation of dominance, 2014 contend with us.” Crosbie ’14, WSU’s associate athletic director and senior woman administrator. “The equality they have now, compared to 33 years “This year’s indoor championship in ago, is night and day. That includes February was pretty special,” Blaisdell everything from the equipment they 2008 Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 41 have, to travel, to the availability of Blaisdell’s commitment to years of school at BYU — where scholarships. In Jim’s time, things education is also a family tradition, she met Jim — all those years ago. have tipped in the right direction and it isn’t hyperbole to say his for female athletes at WSU.” entire family bleeds purple. Blaisdell has always asserted that he only recruits studentathletes who are dedicated in the It’s a standard I’ve tried to set ... come to Weber State to get a top-notch education first, and along the way, we’ve had some pretty darn good athletes too. classroom, With his family so invested in Weber State and the Ogden Five of his six community, Blaisdell’s decision to children are retire wasn’t easy, and he struggled Weber State with the prospect for a few years. graduates, and two of them (Michelle from 1989-1992 and Danielle from 1998-2004) competed on his teams, “We all set goals in life, and one I set was to eventually retire,” he said. “I want to be involved in service and spend more time with my family and grandchildren (17 of them). I’m not one to sit around the house, and my wife would kick me out if I did anyway. I don’t so he wouldn’t have to worry about graduating with nursing and a lack of academic progress. His communication degrees, strategy paid off, as his athletes respectively. Even his wife, Cathy, have produced countless Academic finished up her degree at WSU Even though Blaisdell is no longer All-America honors, even though after completing her first three at WSU on an official basis, don’t he admits it was difficult at first. “Maybe 30 years ago, there were women who wouldn’t finish their degrees, because they would get know what’s going to happen, but I plan to just get away a little bit.” be surprised if you see him around Stewart Stadium, sporting that same old purple jacket, keeping a close eye on his life’s work. married when they were still “He’s going to be hugely missed, but in school,” Blaisdell said. “You I know we’ll still see him a lot when don’t see that too much now, so he retires,” Crosbie said. “That’s just the education part is even more the kind of relationship he has with important today. It’s a standard this community. That’s something I’ve tried to set, so they could WSU does that’s unique. Most of come to Weber State to get a the coaches that have retired top-notch education first, and here seem to stick around.” along the way, we’ve had some pretty darn good athletes too.” 42 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 Blaisdell said he couldn’t think of a better place lot of building changes too. The campus looked to have spent 33 years. “A lot’s changed at Weber nothing like this before. It truly is a great place.” State in the last few decades. I’ve seen a lot of athletic directors, university presidents and a Share your memories of Coach Blaisdell Familiar Faces, New Titles In Blaisdell’s retirement, Dan Walker ’75 and Paul Pilkington ’81 will continue the legacy of excellence surrounding Weber State’s track and field and cross country programs. Dan Walker: New director of track and field, and head coach for the WSU men’s and women’s track and field teams Walker, an Ogden native and former Weber State distance runner, is in his 30th year with the WSU track and field program. He is in his eighth season as the head men’s track coach, during which he led the Wildcats to the 2010 Big Sky outdoor championship. Prior to becoming head coach, Walker spent 22 years as an assistant with the men’s and women’s programs, and in 2004, was elevated to associate head coach for track and field. He has coached three athletes who have won NCAA championships and several athletes who have won All-America honors. Paul Pilkington: Named associate head coach for track and field and will continue as the head men’s and women’s cross country coach Pilkington has served as the head men’s and women’s cross country coach for the past seven years. He led the women’s cross country team to three consecutive Big Sky titles in 2011, 2012 and 2013, earning Coach of the Year each season. Pilkington also guided the Wildcats to the NCAA championships in 2011 and 2012. In 2012, WSU’s cross country team won the Mountain Region title and was ranked as high as 13th in the nation during the season. In track and cross country, he has coached eight NCAA All-Americans, who earned a combined 13 All-America honors, and one Olympian. Photos courtesy of the Weber State Athletics Department Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 43 The Best Weber State History Story Hardly Anyone Knows Amy Hendricks MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS During the height of the Great Depression, the dapper Utah senator pictured above, Ira A. Huggins, came up with an ingenious plan — one that included a particular beverage made from barley and hops, and a little good-natured fudging — to save Utah’s junior colleges when neither the LDS church (that had original ownership of the colleges) nor the Utah Legislature (which had tried three times, unsuccessfully, to assume that responsibility) could afford to operate them. Here’s how he did it, in his own words (thanks to an with Judge James A. Howell in Ogden and asked if oral history interview provided by WSU Archives, I could get a bill through the Legislature to permit edited for length): the breweries to manufacture beer in Utah, for sale “We had two breweries in the state — Becker’s and outside the state, and impose a manufacturer’s tax Fisher’s. We had prohibition in Utah, but prohibition had been repealed nationally. Those two breweries were manufacturing and trying to sell ‘Becco’ and on each barrel? I think it was a dollar a barrel. So he consulted his client — he represented Becker’s — and reported back that they would be very glad to ‘Near Beer,’ but not ‘near’ enough for people to buy go along with that. it! The two breweries were going broke. I got in touch “At that time, I was bishop of the Ogden LDS 10th 44 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2014 “This was the last day of the session, and we had to get the unanimous consent of the Senate to introduce the bill. So I prepared a bill, and we had a night session. It was almost impossible to get any bill introduced or passed without the dean of the Senate’s approval. He was a farmer, and when I asked permission to introduce my bill, he said, ‘What’s the nature of your bill?’ I said, ‘It’s agricultural,’ because Ward, and I felt a little inhibited about sponsoring they made beer out of barley and hops. He gave his a beer bill while I served in that capacity. So I told consent. He never forgave me after that night, but Judge Howell that I would consult with the First the bill passed. All the tax from the manufacture of Presidency and get their permission. I talked with beer then was allocated to the operation of Weber, David O. McKay, who was President [Heber J.] Grant’s Snow and Dixie colleges.” counselor at the time. [After speaking to members And Weber got its ‘hop’py ending, becoming a state of the Presidency], he called back and said he saw institution on July 1, 1933. no reason why I could not sponsor such legislation. There had been a plant manufacturing alcohol in Midvale, and he thought that that was certainly a higher degree of intoxicating beverage than beer. “I don’t know whether I should be proud of it, but I’m proud of the results,” Huggins said in the 1973 interview. Read the full transcript EDUCATING THE 21ST-CENTURY communication professional The Master of Professional Communication program at Weber State University “I could not have applied for the job I have now without being in the master's program. Having this degree has propelled me forward and given me the credentials I need to be successful in my career.” Monica Schwenk Master of Professional Communication ’13 Development Director, Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College To hear more from Monica and others about the MPC program, visit weber.edu/mpc. SID OTTON’S ‘Winning’ Ways Karin Hurst MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Sid Otton ’67 didn’t set out to be a high school football coach, let alone the “winningest” high school football coach in Washington state history. But destiny has a mind of its own. In 1964, just two years after Weber State became a four-year college, Sid was a Wildcat offensive tackle. He weathered the young team’s losing season that year to help the Wildcats clinch the Big Sky Conference championship the next. He also became Weber’s first football All-American. Sid thought his dreams of playing pro ball were about to come true when a slick-talking NFL recruiter arranged a meeting at a Salt Lake City restaurant. “He said, ‘We didn’t draft you, but we want to sign you. Here’s $1,000 if you sign right now,’” Sid recalls. When Sid hesitated, the recruiter tossed in an additional $500. “He was like a high-pressure used-car salesman, so I signed.” What Sid didn’t realize was that accepting the offer meant losing his scholarship. “I ended up using that tiny bonus to pay for college expenses I already had covered,” he laments. Things went from bad to worse when Sid was cut from the squad in the preseason, and a subsequent deal with the San Francisco 49ers fell through. Sid returned to Weber State to complete a bachelor’s degree and coach as a student assistant. He also married Marjean (Anderson) Otton ’67. The couple will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary in September. A New Game Plan Inspired by his college mentor, former Weber State line coach Tom Ramage, Sid started applying for coaching positions. In 1967, Coupeville High School on Whidbey Island, 60 miles north of Seattle, hired him over the phone. “Not because I was so amazing,” says Sid, “but because they were so desperate.” Returning to Utah in 1969 to pick up a master’s degree at Utah State, Sid was back in Washington the following year, coaching at Colfax High School. In 1974, he landed his current job as head coach of the Tumwater High School Thunderbirds. recognition of his profound influence on players, school and community. He was inducted into the Weber State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993. It’s a Family Thing Sid is in the rare position of having coached most of his current players’ dads. He also coached two sons who eventually played for Weber and are still listed in the university’s record books for passing and fumble recoveries. Tim Otton ’93 was an Academic All-American defensive end from 1989 to 1992. He’s now a business executive and volunteer assistant coach on his dad’s staff. Brad Otton quarterbacked seven games in 1993 before transferring to the University of Southern California. He led the Trojans to a 1996 Rose Bowl victory. Wherever he’s gone, Sid has cranked out winning teams. Part of his secret is his longtime staff. “There’s four of us on Medicare,” he quips, “but we still These days, it’s all about Sid’s grandmanage to find a way to conThe first thing listed on sons. Recent Tumwater graduate nect with these kids.” Taking our T-bird Creed is having Jayden Croft was the T-bird’s starting a tip from Pro Football Hall of quarterback in two state championrespect for women. Famer Bill Parcells, Sid tries to ship games. Tim’s son Cade is a sophkeep up with technology. He omore and likely heir to his family’s even sends text messages to football dynasty. Sid figures he’s got enough energy his players. “It’s like Parcells said, ‘If you’re coaching to stay put through Cade’s senior year. with a paper pad and the coach on the other side Closing in on nearly a half-century of coaching, has a laptop — you’re in trouble.’” Sid, 70, says he’s too busy mapping plays with Sid’s distinct brand of coaching stems from his X’s and O’s to consider how he’d like to be definition of winning. “When I first came to Tumwaremembered at Tumwater High School once ter, we added ‘winning’ to our name, so we became he finally hangs up his whistle. (“Probably as a Tumwater Winning Football,” he explains. “Early on, guy that’s a legend in his own mind,” he jokes.) it was all about the scoreboard, but then it became But after giving it some thought, Sid describes all about teaching the players things that would a different legacy. “Historically, this town of help them be winners in life. The first thing listed Tumwater was all about Olympia Brewery,” he on our T-bird Creed is having respect for women.” says. “If you told people you were from Tumwater, Obviously, Sid’s unique concoction of life skills and Wash., they would say, ‘Oh, that’s where they make football drills is working. His teams have racked up beer!’ Well, the brewery’s been out of business for six state championships and 23 league titles. quite a while, so I’d like the town to be known for something else — Tumwater Winning Football.” In 2006, the American Football Coaches Association gave Sid its prestigious Power of Influence Award in Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 47 PHOTOS: D’ARCY BENINCOSA Andre Lortz ’91 Marc Purser ’11 PRESIDENT, WSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, WSU YOUNG ALUMNI COUNCIL After earning a bachelor’s degree As a student at Weber State, Marc studied in accounting, Andre completed communication and electronic media. a master’s program and became Today, he works in the procurement a certified public accountant. division of Hill Air Force Base. Currently, he’s the chief financial officer for Maverik Inc. IF I WERE A CAR, I’D BE A: Transformer! A Chevy Silverado during the day because I’m dependable and hardworking, and an Audi RS 5 Cabriolet at night because when I’m not working, I’m a thrill-seeker. SOMETHING I COULD EAT EVERY DAY: Salmon MOST INTERESTING CLASS I TOOK AT WEBER: Statistics. In school, I thought it would be a waste of time, but I had to eat my words when I actually used what I learned to make Flying J a better company. GUILTY PLEASURE: Roller coasters. I’ll travel thousands of miles for a good thrill. MOST ANNOYING HABIT: You probably should ask my wife. MOST FAMOUS PERSON I’VE MET: Dick Cheney IF I WERE A CAR, I’D BE A: Golf cart! Who wouldn’t want to spend the whole day on a golf course? MY CELEBRITY DOPPELGÄNGER: George Clooney, not because I look like him, but because I sound like him IF THEY MADE A MOVIE OF MY LIFE, THE TITLE SHOULD BE: The Most Semi-Interesting Man in the World. SOMETHING I COULD EAT EVERY DAY: Ice cream, Oreo cookies, ribs, Cap’n Crunch, eggnog, sushi, Crown Burgers — basically everything unhealthy MOST INTERESTING CLASS I TOOK AT WEBER: Family studies, because the girl to guy ratio was, like, 35 to 1 FAMOUS PEOPLE I’VE MET: Damian Lillard, Karl Malone and Waldo BEST REASON TO JOIN WSUAA: To become part of the alumni family and rub shoulders with other “purple-bleeders” BEST REASON TO JOIN WSUAA: To pay it forward J. Preston Shumway ’15 Geraldine O. Christensen PRESIDENT, WSU STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Preston, a senior majoring in PRESIDENT, WSU EMERITI ALUMNI COUNCIL professional sales and Spanish, hails Salt Lake City native Geraldine and from Pleasant View, Utah. He recently her husband, Evan, retired from Weber returned from a study abroad program State University with a collective 64 in Guatemala. While there, he helped years of service. Geraldine was the director local women start their own businesses with microloans of the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health provided through the university. Professions Learning Resource Center for 23 years. If I WERE A CAR, I’D BE A: Mercedes G 63 because it’s built for DREAM CAR: Jaguar performance and dependability. MY CELEBRITY DOPPELGÄNGER: Natalie Wood MY CELEBRITY DOPPELGÄNGER: Steve Carell when I SOMETHING I COULD EAT EVERY DAY: Chinese food MOST INTERESTING CLASS I TOOK AT WEBER: Self-defense FAVORITE TV SHOW: The BBC’s Father Brown GUILTY PLEASURE: Popcorn BEST REASON TO JOIN WSUAA: To maintain ties with the friends you made at college have a beard SOMETHING I COULD EAT EVERY DAY: Crawfish BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Ain’t nothin’ to it, but to do it. MOST ANNOYING HABIT: Obsessing! It’s the best, or nothing. MOST FAMOUS PERSON I’VE MET: Willie Nelson — we hit a bucket of balls together — and Jessica Simpson — she kissed me. BEST REASON TO JOIN WSUAA: To rub elbows with the community’s best and brightest, and to work together to make a difference Fall 2014 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 49 CLASS NOTES A L U M N I U P D AT E S 60s A L Marian Stanger Smout ’62, ’64 retired from Intermountain Healthcare as the coordinator for the newborn hearing screening program at McKayDee Hospital. She previously worked as a parent advisor for the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden. Marian has four children and nine grandchildren, and lives in Pleasant View, Utah. She is a member of the WSU Alumni Association’s Emeriti Alumni Council. Joan Spackman Heap ’68 began her career with the Weber School District as a language arts teacher. She left the professional field for 28 years to raise seven children. She returned to Rocky Mountain Junior High to teach, and she finished her career at North Ogden Junior High. She was named Weber School District Teacher of the Year in 2005 and Utah Teacher of the Year in 2006. A member of the National Council of Teachers of English, Joan is also listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She and her husband, Brent A. Heap ’58, live in North Ogden, Utah. Brent is an insurance executive. The couple recently returned from an 18-month mission to Madagascar. They have eight grandchildren. Joan serves on the WSU Alumni Association’s Emeriti Alumni Council. A broadcast educator, professional broadcaster and historian, Donald G. Godfrey ’69 is professor emeritus of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. A prolific author, his works include Philo T. Farnsworth: The Father of Television, the Historical Dictionary of American Radio, and SHOW SOME PRIDE on your ride! his most recent biography, C. Francis Jenkins: Pioneer of Film and Television. Don is a past president of the national Broadcast Education Association, a former editor of the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and past president of the national Council of Communication Associations. 70s Darlene W. Anderson ’78 retired as a teacher for the visually impaired in Omaha, Neb., where she lives. She recently published her autobiography, The Blue Sky in the Heart, which tells about the fire that caused her disfigurement and vision loss while living in Taiwan, where she grew up. Darlene volunteers in her church and for various organizations, including the Foundation for the Blind. 80s Two WSU plate options: • A state plate for Utah residents • A commemorative plate for out-of-towners Proceeds fund WSU Alumni Association scholarships. Visit: alumni.weber.edu/lp or call 801-626-7535 50 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2014 Paul B. Baker ’82 is the minerals program manager for the Utah Department of Natural Resources. He is married to Etta Michelson ’73, a veterinarian at Valley Veterinary Clinic in Huntsville, Utah, where the couple lives. They have four sons and two grandsons. Paul is a volunteer for the LDS church. Andrew C. Burton ’82 is chief of the Saratoga Springs Police Department in Utah. The department has 31 officers and serves Saratoga Springs and Bluffdale cities. Andrew is a 32-year veteran of law enforcement in the Salt Lake area. He also spent 33 years as a special forces officer in the U.S. Army National Guard and Army Reserve. He retired with the rank of colonel in April 2013 after completing his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan. Burton’s military awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Legion of Merit (two awards) and the Bronze Star Medal (three awards). During his military career, Burton traveled to more than two dozen countries on combat and contingency operations. As part of DynCorp International, Dennis M. Whaley ’82 is a medical advisor for the National Military Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. Previously, he worked as a radiation therapist in various hospitals around the United States. Dennis has served in the military for 35 years, including 13 years of active duty. He has received the Army’s Bronze Star Medal for service with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Joint Achievement Medal. He lives in Dallas. Daniel T. Musgrave ’83 is the president of Downtown Ogden Inc. For more than 20 years, he has helped revitalize the downtown Ogden area. He serves on the boards of Historic 25th Street, the Junction Association, Ogden Pioneer Days, Mt. Ogden Rotary Club, Ogden/ Weber Convention & Visitors Bureau, Christmas Village and the Utah Certified Development Corporation. He has also been L A involved in WSU’s Wildcat Club, the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce and the WSU Alumni Association. Dan manages the Ogden Farmers Market, Ogden City Arts and the Ogden Amphitheater, and serves on the Goldenwest Credit Union Board of Directors. Clayton N. Anderson ’86, ’88, ’11 is the director of Budget and Institutional Research at Weber State University, where he has worked for more than 23 years. He and his wife, Sheri Stevens ’86, live in Ogden. They have four children and six grandchildren. A Camille Loffredo ’86 retired from Hill Air Force Base after 34 years of civil service. She held many positions, including manager and supervisor in the F-4/F-16 Division, the Simulators and Training Devices Division, and the Space Division. Daniel L. DeFinis ’87 retired after a successful career with NASA and Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, serving his country in defense and scientific exploration. He lives in Washington, Utah. Kevin R. Andreasen ’88 is a WSU adjunct professor for the electronics engineering technology department, teaching an industrial electronics class. In 2011, he retired from Hill Air Force Base, where he worked in the software engineering group for 23 years. After retirement from Hill, he worked as a process improvement consultant for an organization in San Diego. He spent four years on active duty as a Navy construction electrician and 16 years as a Navy reservist, earning two Navy Achievement Medals and the Air Force Civilian Achieve- Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association Annual Member of the Alumni Association Member of the Alumni Association’s 125 Club HOMECOMING 2014: A Wildcat Tradition October 3-11 Events include: Oct.7 Oct.9 Retired Faculty & Staff Reunion WSU Salutes in concert @ the Dee Events Center Oct.11 Run for the Fund of It (5K) Pregame Tailgate Wildcat Football: WSU vs. Cal Poly For a complete list of events, visit: weber.edu/homecoming Fall 2014 | alumni.weber.edu 51 CLASS NOTES ment Medal. He is also an Eagle Scout. Kevin and his wife, Donnette, live in Brigham City, Utah. They have three sons and five grandchildren. A Allison Parker Riddle ’89 is Utah’s 2014 Teacher of the Year. She is in her 25th year of teaching fifth grade at Foxboro Elementary School in North Salt Lake, Utah, and for the past nine years she has also worked as a math consultant for Box Cars and One-Eyed Jacks. She belongs to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, the National Education Association (NEA), the Utah Education Association and the Davis Education Association. Her many awards include: 2014 A L U M N I U P D AT E S Davis District Teacher of the Year, the Davis CARE Award, ING Unsung Heroes Award and the NEA Excellence in Teaching Award. Allison lives in Centerville, Utah, and has two children. 90s A Treg A. Julander ’90 has been general counsel for Advent Companies Inc. since 2008. Prior to this, he was a partner at Rutan & Tucker LLP and worked as an associate at Wiley, Rein & Fielding. Treg is also an author. His legal thriller, To Die, To Sleep, is due out in the summer of 2014. He also contributes to a rock music podcast. Treg currently resides in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. Earl S. Bryner ’91 works for NXP Semiconductors as a senior systems engineer. He has also worked as a director of engineering, principal engineer and senior software engineer. Earl is an Eagle Scout and has been listed in Who’s Who in American Universities. He lives in Vancouver, Wash., and has three children and three grandchildren. Justin C. Scott ’93 is a realtor for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and received the International President’s Circle award for high-level sales performance. He was also named the Number One Sales Associate for Customer Service at the Ogden brokerage. Justin is also consistently ranked on the Top 50 list of Coldwell Banker real estate agents in Utah. Victor L. Jensen ’92 is a senior application developer for Big West Oil LLC, where he has been employed for the past 14 years. Victor and his wife, Lynda Jensen ’94, live in Layton, Utah, and have three children and three grandchildren. Lynda is a vocation evaluator for the Utah State Division of Rehabilitation Services. David A. Evertsen ’95 lives in Florence, Italy, with his wife and six children. For the past 10 years, he has had an international consulting company with projects in 38 different countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. David has two master’s degrees, one in public administration and one in urban planning. After a brief career in city planning and city management, he founded Municipal Solutions, a consultancy that works with municipalities and government agencies worldwide in the areas of economic development, efficiency, technology and security. Dave has recently worked on projects focused on rebuilding local, provincial and national governments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. VISIT OUR GR-R-REAT NEW WEBSITE! • Easier to navigate • More informative, with up-to-date events • Smartphone compatible alumni.weber.edu 52 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2014 A Lark Rogers Woodbury ’95, ’99 is a social studies teacher and department chair at Layton High School. She is a member of the Davis Education Association, Utah Education Association, National Education Association, National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Psychological Association’s Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools Division. Lark has been listed in Who’s Who in American Teachers, Who’s Who in American Women and Who’s Who in America. She CELEBRATE WEBER S TATE ’ S 125th A N N I V E R S A RY BY JOINING THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S 125 CLUB RECEIVE YOUR CHOICE OF: WSU Landscape Watercolor Print signed by Ogden artist Cara Koolmees limited edition of 100 L OR WSU Commemorative Bronze Coin the first in a three-piece collection limited edition of 125 Visit: alumni.weber.edu/125club or call 801-626-7535 lives in Layton, Utah, with her husband, A Douglas A. Woodbury ’76, who recently retired from the Utah Transit Authority. In Doug’s nearly 40year career with the organization, he served as director of maintenance, manager of fleet engineering, and at the time of his retirement was procurement manager. Since his graduation from Weber State, Doug has written the specifications and made arrangements for the purchase of buses for the UTA bus fleet. The Woodburys have five children. L A A David B. Miner ’97 is a family physician for Intermountain Healthcare’s Physicians’ Group in Taylorsville, Utah. He and his wife, Kerry Carrigan Miner ’95, live in Salt Lake City and are the parents of four daughters and a son. Nikki M. (Austin) Lindgren ’99 works for Community Center Shanghai as a marketing director. Located in Jinqiao, Pudong, Shanghai, the nonprofit organization serves the expatriate community working and living in Shanghai, provid- Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association Annual Member of the Alumni Association Member of the Alumni Association’s 125 Club ing programs and services for more than 10,000 international families. Nikki is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, American Women’s Club of Shanghai, Shanghai Mamas and Professional Coaching Circle Shanghai. She is married to Claes A. Lindgren ’01, who has worked for IKEA as regional distribution director for the Asia Pacific division since 2006. Alicia (Ali) Choate Miller ’99 is the corporate communication and customer service manager for In A Pikle. She previously worked as a scribe consultant for Ellucian Degree Works. For 11 years, Ali was an academic advisor at Weber State University. She took a break after two years of advising to help develop a child care program for the staff at Circle of Life Women’s Center in South Ogden, Utah. Ali is married to Aaron J. Miller ’12, who teaches Spanish in the Davis School District. Ali and Aaron have four children and live in Roy, Utah. Ali is active within her church. Fall 2014 | alumni.weber.edu 53 CLASS NOTES L Chase J. Robson ’99, ’02, ’03 is a project engineer for Barnes Aerospace, Ogden Division. He completed his master’s degree in engineering and technology management at Oklahoma State University. Prior to working at Barnes, Chase worked at Leanwerks as vice president of operations. He lives in Ogden with his wife, L Amber Hunsaker Robson ’05, who is the director of membership and marketing for WSU Alumni Relations. She was previously the marketing manager for the WSU Campus Store. Amber was awarded the Utah Campus Compact Award. Both she and Chase are guardian angel members of Best Friends Animal Society. A L U M N I U P D AT E S Jessica Jones Tilley ’99 is a senior associate producer for Travelzoo. She previously worked for Travelocity. She lives in Henderson, Nev., with her husband, Christopher. She has a teenage daughter. 00s L Sandee Drake ’00 worked as a high school French and Spanish teacher in Utah while completing a master’s degree in education. Now retired, she lives in Parks, Ariz., where she recently finished her first novel Greenebriar’s Garbage. Sandee’s first short story, A New Life?, was published in Northern Arizona Authors Association Collected Works, Volume 2. She has had four different short stories published in four different books, the latest being Heavenly Company and Entertaining Angels Unaware by Cecil Murphy and Twila Beck. Chad V. Francom ’01 is an extract, transform and load developer for Overstock.com. He has also worked in database professions for Ingenix, the Utah State Tax Commission, the Sundance Catalog, and was a federal contractor for the Veterans Administration. Chad and his wife of 18 years, Shelley, are the parents of four children. They live in West Valley City, Utah. An Army ROTC cadet at Weber State, David C. Moses ’02 was commissioned into the U.S. Army following his graduation. He is currently a U.S. Army major. David served three combat tours of duty in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He and his wife, Melanie, live in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where David is attending the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Ryan D. Thornock ’04 is regional sales manager for Rockwell Inc. in Ogden. He and his wife, Natalie, have four children. Ryan is a member of the WSU Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. DON’T BECOME the E. CLASS NOT Y M IN D N SE S! I FORGOT TO YIKE Send an update TODAY... BEFORE YOU DISAPPEAR FOREVER! WSU Alumni Association 1235 Village Dr Dept 3701 Ogden, UT 84408-3701 801-626-7535 ALUMNI.WEBER.EDU/CLASSNOTE 54 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2014 Cody J. Cardon ’09, ’10 has worked as an auditor and tax accountant for Wood Richards & Associates P.C. in Ogden since 2008. He completed his certified public accountant certification in March 2013. He has been an auditor of governmental, nonprofit, Housing and Urban Development, and for-profit entities, as well as a tax accountant preparing personal, business and nonprofit tax returns. Nicole A. Fronk ’09, ’11 works for Turner Construction as a virtual design and construction/ building information modeling preconstruction engineer. Prior to this, she worked in computer-aided design (CAD) for UNICAD and as a CAD technician/ designer for Mountain Alarm/ Fire Protection Services. Nicole is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the National Association of Women, for which she served one year as a board member and is currently serving as chair of the Block Kids Committee. Nicole lives in Portland, Ore. 10s Tobin Austin Garrett ’10, ’12 designs water process equipment for WesTech Engineering in South Salt Lake, Utah. His most recent project is headed to northwestern Australia. He and his wife, MaryLee Jasperson ’09, have three children and live in Layton, Utah. MaryLee cares for her family and enjoys intermittent employment as a flooring salesperson. Jeromy Ivie ’11 is pursuing his master’s degree in business administration at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., where he and his L A wife, Karly, live with their two children. Jeromy volunteers for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Boy Scouts of America. Sarah Tribe MacKay ’12 is a volunteer coordinator for the American Red Cross of Northern Utah. She was previously an assistant to the coordinator for open student computer labs at Weber State. Sarah is currently serving as the chair for the Edward A. Burton Community of Hope ALS Association research fund. She is married to Alex M. MacKay ’12, who is a subcontract administrator for L-3 Communications. He and Sarah live in Washington Terrace, Utah. Kenta Miyoshi ’12 is a graphic designer at Orbit Inc. in North Salt Lake City, Utah. He is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Kenta lives in Salt Lake City. Nicholas (Nick) C. Pantuso ’12 is a manufacturing engineer for Parker Hannifin Engineered Polymer Systems Division in Salt Lake City. Previously, he was the operations manager and quality manager for Alternative Vehicle Solutions in Salt Lake City. Nick lives in Riverton, Utah, and has a son. Jason B. Purcell ’12 is a tooling engineer for Lifetime Products Inc., where he also worked as a tool and die machinist. In addition, he is a subcontractor for Specialty Marines and Machine, engineering designs for the company’s vendors. Jason lives in Clinton, Utah, with his wife and daughter. Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association Annual Member of the Alumni Association Member of the Alumni Association’s 125 Club Young Alumni 5K Save the date: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 The 2013 event raised the most to date — $2,000 in scholarships. Let’s break that record in 2014! Campus & Community invited alumni.weber.edu/yac5k Fall 2014 | alumni.weber.edu 55 CLASS NOTES A L U M N I U P D AT E S Brent W. Taft ’12 has been a design engineer for Autoliv ASP, and has also worked for several years at Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse in scenery and effects design and construction. In addition, he worked for, and received employee of the month awards at, DreamMaker Bath and Allied Electric Sign and Awning. Brent and his wife, JennyLyn, live in Ogden and have three children. Let’s Party… like we used to! Were you involved in a Greek organization and/or social club at Weber State? Ninnet Phurininnat ’13 is a manager for her family’s business, Tila Construction, in Thailand. She currently lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Taylor J. Nelson ’14 attends medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., where he lives with his wife, Whitney Bielik ’10, and their son. Having studied botany as an undergraduate, he hopes to continue research on medicinal plants throughout his career as a physician. Taylor belongs to the Botanical Society of America and received the organization’s Young Botanist Award. Receive two free tickets to four different sports, including football, men’s & women’s basketball and volleyball For details, visit alumni.weber.edu/ tickets 56 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2014 Coming in the FALL of 2015 — a WSU Greek Reunion To get an invitation or help plan the event, visit: alumni.weber.edu/greekreunion NORM TARBOX Vice President for Administrative Services Today, if you happen to see something at Weber State University that looks new or improved, chances are Norm Tarbox had something to do with it. FORREST C. CRAWFORD Professor of Teaching Education and former Assistant to the President for Diversity Some men are born to be scholars; others are natural athletes. Some are meant to motivate students in the classroom; others are destined to be influential humanitarians. Forrest Crawford ’75 is all that — and more. The Oklahoma native came to Weber State College to play football in 1972, and graduated three years later with a degree in sociology. He returned to Weber State in 1977 as a professor of education. It wasn’t long before Crawford used his passion for teaching and his commitment to social equality to launch a campus-wide effort to raise the university’s level of social consciousness. Crawford was named assistant to the president for diversity in 1992. In this capacity, he encouraged the university to require that every undergraduate take at least one diversity course. Thanks to Crawford, WSU students now graduate with a better appreciation of different cultures. During his lengthy career at Weber State University, Crawford has influenced hundreds, if not thousands, of students. Spanish major Nick Berg ’13 says, “Dr. Crawford is a professor with a pay-it-forward approach to education. He goes above and beyond the call of duty in his words and actions.” As an enthusiastic advisor to Black Scholars United since 1977, Crawford developed lasting relationships with many of the students served by that campus organization. When selected by colleagues to deliver the prestigious Last Lecture in 2012, Crawford chose the topic of teaching for humanity. “Learning should take place for the purpose of making better global citizens, not making ‘A’ students,” Crawford said at the time. “Diverse learners and ideals are part of the rich dynamics of classroom instruction and discussion.” For more than three decades, Crawford’s academic insight, extraordinary teaching and personal integrity have compelled students, faculty and members of the community to first acknowledge difficult social issues — and then take action. As vice president for Administrative Services, Tarbox has supervised $300 million in capital projects, including the construction of three residence halls in Wildcat Village, the expansion of the Wildcat Center, the renovation of Shepherd Union, the acquisition of an indoor playing field, and the installation of an iconic 65,000-pound commemorative boulder in Tracy Plaza. Under Tarbox’s careful watch, the Arbor Day Foundation named WSU a Tree Campus USA for its dedication to trees and its commitment to getting students involved in green service-learning projects. “I believe very strongly that ‘place’ matters,” says Tarbox, “and the place of Weber State is something to be cherished. The beauty of our campus affects how students, faculty, alumni and visitors feel about Weber State, and encourages them to stay connected.” Tarbox is also a tireless champion of WSU Athletics. He takes great pride in helping provide the resources that will prepare scholar-athletes for competition, and for life. “My hope is that our student-athletes have such positive, life-changing experiences at Weber State, that when they become parents, they’ll want nothing more than to send their children back here.” Despite his administrative dexterity, Tarbox candidly admits that his most enjoyable activity at Weber State University is teaching an introductory business course. “I’ve taught Accounting 2010 every fall semester for the last 11 years,” says Tarbox. “It means so much when students tell me that my class is as fun and entertaining — as accounting can be,” he adds with a chuckle. Tarbox feels privileged to call Weber Sate University home. “The highlight of my professional life has been to contribute to this university’s growth and development.” Named in memory of the former Weber College 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 and beyond the call of duty to support students. Dixon served as president of Weber College from 1919 to 1920 and again from 1937 to 1953. Fall 2014 | alumni.weber.edu 57 Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 101 1265 Village Dr. Dept. 4025 Ogden, UT 84408-4025 Liberty, MO