OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University will remember World War II veterans through a series of events October 18-25, that coincide with WSU's homecoming week.

"Weber College became a four-year institution in 1962, so we had smaller graduating classes in '62 and '63," said Lynell Gardner, director of Alumni Relations. "The Emeriti Alumni Council combined those class reunions last year and decided to plan a special homecoming honoring veterans in 2003, especially those from WWII."

"We owe a debt of gratitude to those of that era who served so unselfishly, often in harm's way, to preserve the precious freedoms we enjoy today," said Jim Hurst, chairman of the committee that planned the series of events.

Planners of the event hope the community will use the activities as a chance to interact with veterans and better understand the WWII era.

"We may not have many more opportunities to learn about the war directly from those who served in the military," said Hurst.

The council spent months reconnecting with hundreds of Weber's WWII veterans. Last spring WSU's Alumni Association asked veterans to contact the school and share their stories and experiences from the war. A collection of those stories is being compiled. The book, which will be published in spring 2004, can be ordered through the alumni center.

The week kicks off with a WWII film festival featuring various depictions of the impact of the war both on the home front and overseas. Other activities include a discussion with U.S. veterans interacting with Japanese and German soldiers from WWII, a lecture by decorated Vietnam veteran, author and U.S. Senator (1996-2000) Max Cleland, and a tribute to outstanding WSU alumni. The week concludes with a special, pre-game tribute honoring all veterans at the Wildcats football game on Oct. 25. During the week, campus exhibits and displays will feature memorabilia from the war.

Most events are free to the public. A pass to the film festival costs $6 or tickets to individual movies can be purchased for $2 per screening. Tickets for the football game are available through the WSU ticket office at 1-800-WSU-TIKS.
Information about all the events planned is available at alumni.weber.org.
 
WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY REMEMBERS
THOSE WHO SERVED

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

OCTOBER 18 (Saturday)

• WWII Film Festival – Peery Egyptian Theater. ($2 per movie or $6 for a pass to all four movies) Movie passes available at Peery's Egyptian Theater, Lindquist Alumni Center and Shepherd Union Building Information Desk. Also available at Jimmy's Floral Shops in Ogden and Layton and Lomond View Nursery in North Ogden. Individual tickets available one-half hour before presentations at film venues.
• Session 1:        2:00 p.m.- film history by Van Summerill
2:30 p.m. Movie – The Clock (WWII film)
• Session 2:        6:30 p.m. - film history by Dr. Richard Ulibarri
7:00 p.m. Movie – The Bridge on the River Kwai (WWII film)

OCTOBER 20 (Monday)

• WWII Film Festival (continued) – Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater, WSU Campus.
Session 3:  5:30 p.m. – film history by Van Summerill
6:00 p.m. Movie:  Buck Privates (WWII film)

OCTOBER 21 (Tuesday)

• Soldiers Panel 1:00 p.m. –Shepherd Union Ballroom, WSU Campus. Featuring a panel of WWII veterans from the American, German, and Japanese Armies.  Richard Sadler, moderator.  (Free)

• WWII Film Festival (Continued) –Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater, WSU Campus.
Session 4:  5:30 p.m. – film history by Dr. Kathryn MacKay
6:00 p.m. Movie:  Anchors Aweigh (WWII film)

OCTOBER 22 (Wednesday) 

• WSU Salutes – 7:00 p.m. – Val A. Browning Center, WSU Campus.  WSU Alumni Association presents the 34th Annual Homecoming Awards. The Emeriti Lifetime Achievement Award and Emeriti Homecoming Royalty will be presented. (free) 

OCTOBER 23 (Thursday)

• Convocation – 10:00 a.m. - Shepherd Union Ballroom.  Speaker: The Honorable Max Cleland, war hero, author and United States Senator (1996-2000).  Title:  "Strong at the Broken Places"  (free)

• Nye Lecture – 11:30 a.m. - Smith Auditorium, Wattis Business Building, WSU Campus.  The John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics presents Spencer P. Felt, WWII veteran and distinguished business leader, as part of the Nye Lecture series.  (free)

OCTOBER 24 (Friday)

• HAFB Aerospace Museum Open House, Program and Reception – 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. (Open House) – 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Panel Presentation) Public invited.  Moderated panel of WWII veterans representing all branches of the service and all WWII theaters of operation will present and discuss their experiences during the war. (free)

OCTOBER 25 (Saturday)

• WSU Homecoming Football Game WSU vs. Idaho State – 1:05 p.m.  Stewart Stadium and pre-game recognition of all veterans. First 500 veterans, of any era, will receive complimentary admission to football game (Additional game tickets available for WWII veterans at $2.00 each.)

• Concert –"War and Peace" 7:30 p.m. - Val A. Browning Center, Allred Theater, WSU campus.  College of Arts and Humanities presents a violin-piano recital featuring the Formosan duo of Shi-Hwa Wang (violin) and Yu-Jane Yang (piano).  (free)

ACTVITIES AND EVENTS PRIOR TO AND DURING HOMECOMING

• Weber's WWII Veterans' Memories.  This book will contain memories of campus life, home front and war memories, and is being compiled for publication and sale. (Cost - $15.00 - includes shipping and handling.)  Finished product will be available spring 2004.

WWII era memorabilia displays will be placed in the Lindquist Alumni Center, Shepherd Union Building and other designated locations on campus.