2011 Archives

A Look Back at the Year 2011 at WSU

As 2011 comes to a close, we revisit some of the people and developments that made news at Weber State University this year.

WSU Charrette to Address Housing Issues in Haiti

Groups of Weber State University students will learn about applying their skills, working in teams and helping Haiti earthquake victims during a special event in early January.

UTA Service unavailable first day of Spring Semester 2012

UTA will observe the New Year’s holiday on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. As a result, there will be no bus, TRAX or FrontRunner service that day, which is also the first day of school for spring semester at Weber State University.

WSU Captures Holiday Spirit Through Charitable Efforts

With the fall semester finished, the weeks leading up to the holidays have been hectic for many Weber State University student groups, offices and departments involved in volunteer and charitable efforts.

First Degree Recipient in New WSU Program Graduates

Among the more than 1,370 graduates at the Dec. 9 Weber State University commencement exercises was one with a unique distinction: Heather Wokurka is the first-ever graduate of the new electronics engineering bachelor’s degree program.

Commencement Ceremony Planned for Dec. 9

Weber State University officials are expecting more than 1,370 candidates for graduation this December. WSU will award degrees and institutional certificates on Dec. 9 during its 138th commencement ceremony at the Dee Events Center. The commencement exercises will begin at 1 p.m.

Medicinal Researcher Paul Cox to Receive Honorary Degree from WSU

Weber State University will award an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree to Paul Alan Cox at the university’s 138th commencement on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. in the Dee Events Center.

WSU Davis Campus in Layton to Reopen Dec. 3

Weber State University Davis campus will reopen Dec. 3 with Saturday classes, services and activities being held as scheduled.

WSU Cleaning Up After Wind Storm

WSU has canceled all daytime classes for Dec. 1 due to high winds. All evening classes are expected to be held as scheduled, except at WSU’s Kaysville Center at Davis High School.

WSU Welcomes John L. Smith Back to Campus

John L. Smith is coming home to his alma mater. WSU Athletics announced the hiring of Smith as the new head football coach Tuesday.

Bookstore Teams with Santa to Benefit Catholic Community Services

Santa Claus and his reindeer are teaming up with the Weber State University Bookstore (Campus Stores) for the third annual “Fill the Sleigh” donation drive event on Dec. 7 from 1 to 7 p.m.

WSU Student Researches Pygmy Rabbits and Their Habitat

A Weber State University senior has garnered big research experience studying the world’s smallest rabbit.

Communication Department to Hold Information Session about Master’s Program

The Department of Communication will hold an information session about its Master of Professional Communication (MPC) degree Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in Elizabeth Hall Room 407.

Men’s Soccer Club Wins Sixth National Championship

The Weber State University men’s soccer club defeated the University of Missouri Saturday night in Phoenix to win the 2011 National Campus Championship Series soccer title.

WSU Ethics Bowl Team Wins Regional, Advances to National Competition

A Weber State University Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team once again is headed to the national finals.

WSU Ramps Up Mobile Effort

As the demand for mobile technology increases, WSU is making a concerted effort to meet the mobile needs of those on campus — whether on an iPhone, Android or tablet.

WSU Professors Research Reasons Behind Risky Adolescent Behavior

Research conducted by two WSU psychology professors may provide hope for parents and others who believe that teenagers are merely acting on impulses when they engage in risky behavior about which there is nothing they can do.

Wildcats Rally to Close Out Season with 48-33 Win

The Wildcats' C.J. Tuckett turned in another huge performance, rushing for five touchdowns and 211 yards, to lead WSU to a 48-33 win over Portland State in coach Ron McBride's final game.

Hunger Banquet at WSU to Focus On Poverty’s Impacts

The Community Involvement Center’s upcoming Hunger Banquet will provide food donors not only a meal, but also some insight into Ogden-area poverty.

Students Create Ad for CBS

Pair to Discuss New Book on Utah Radicalism

John McCormick, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Salt Lake Community College, and John Sillito, WSU professor emeritus, will discuss their new book, “A History of Utah Radicalism: Startling, Socialist and Decidedly Revolutionary,” on Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the Stewart Library Hetzel-Hoellein Room.

Zoology Department Promotes Rhino Awareness

Weber State University’s Department of Zoology will sponsor the Respect and Protect: Rhino Art Auction Nov. 14-16 to help raise awareness and support for the world’s endangered rhinoceros species.

History Professor to Discuss New Book on Homesickness

Susan J. Matt, a Weber State University history professor and department chair, will discuss her new book, “Homesickness: An American History,” on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Lindquist Alumni Center Garden Room.

Coach Mac Announces Plans to Retire at End of Season

Legendary football head coach Ron McBride announced today he will retire at the end of the 2011 season, following seven years at WSU and nearly 50 years of Division I coaching.

Multicultural Youth Conference Offers Students Guidance for College

WSU will host the 17th Annual Multicultural Youth Conference Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Building. This year’s theme is “Success is Our Culture.”

WSU Building Earns EPA Honor

A Weber State University building has earned a top honor in a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency competition focused on energy savings.

New Dean Trades NSF for College of Science

David Matty, the new dean of WSU’s College of Science, comes to Ogden fresh off a two-year assignment with the National Science Foundation.

Economics Professor’s Paper Wins Burkhead Award

A paper written by a WSU assistant economics professor has been recognized as the best article of the year by the academic journal Public Budgeting & Finance.

WSU Women Win Big Sky Cross Country Title

The Weber State women's cross country team captured the Big Sky Championships Saturday in Pocatello, Idaho. The Wildcat women won their fifth conference title and first since 2006.

Former Football Great To Discuss Athletes’ Mental Health at WSU Presentation

Former college and professional football standout Herschel Walker will speak about “Mental Health and Wellness of the Athlete in 2011” on Nov. 8 at noon at Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater.

Groundbreaking set for Nov. 8 at WSU Davis Campus

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the expansion of Weber State University’s Davis campus will take place Nov. 8 at 10:30 a.m. at 2750 N. University Park Blvd., Layton.

Goddard School Named a Top Business Program

For the fifth consecutive year, WSU’s John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics is included in the Princeton Review’s list of best business schools.

New York Times Correspondent to Discuss Economy

Floyd Norris, chief financial correspondent for The New York Times, will present “What’s Wrong With the American Economy?” Oct. 27 at noon at WSU’s Wattis Business Building Smith Lecture Hall Room 206/207.

Weber State University to Host Graduate School Fair

Weber State University will host a Graduate School Fair on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Civil War Historian to Deliver Lampros Lecture at WSU

The 2011 WSU Lampros Lecture will feature Civil War historian William W. Freehling, who will present “Excruciating Labor: How the Secessionist Minority of Southerners Broke Up the Union,” on Oct. 25.

WSU Earns Toyota T-TEN Validation

WSU’s Department of Automotive Technology and the Technician Training and Education Network (T-TEN) program recently aced the T-TEN Validation.

‘Last Lecture’ to Highlight WSU Faculty Forum

WSU's English professor Diane Krantz will deliver her “last lecture” on Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. in the Stewart Library Hetzel-Hoellein Room.

WSU’s Fall Enrollment Sets Another Milestone

For the fourth year in a row, WSU’s enrollment has set a new milestone, topping 25,000 students for the first time.

Distinguished History Professor to Discuss the Early West

As part of the Fall 2011 Critchlow Lecture Series, American history professor Elliott West will present “The West Before Lewis And Clark: Three Lives.”

Stewart Library Special Collections Celebrates 40th Anniversary

WSU's Stewart Library Special Collections is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a new exhibit, “Treasures Brought to Light.” The exhibit will feature photographs, rare books and historic artifacts from more than 200 collections.

WSU to Present Families Alive Conference

Jim Fay, an acclaimed innovator of practical teaching and parenting techniques, will headline a conference focused on improving families Oct. 13–15.

WSU to Host Ogden Mayoral Debate

Students and the public can learn more about Ogden’s mayoral candidates during an hour-long debate Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater.

Invisible Disabilities Revealed at Diversity Conference

“Unpacking the Knapsack of Invisible (And Not So Invisible) Disabilities is the theme of WSU’s 13th Annual Diversity Conference Oct. 6 & 7, 2011.

Physics Department to Host Open House for All Ages

What do glowing pickles, floating soap, cats and game shows have in common? Come find out Oct. 14. from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Lind Lecture Hall.

150 Fingers • 88 Keys • An All-Steinway Celebration

The Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities will celebrate the designation of WSU as an All-Steinway School with a free concert Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Austad Auditorium.

History Professor’s Book Explores Homesickness

In these jet-set times, it’s hard to imagine that homesickness could prove fatal. Yet Civil War army doctors often discharged soldiers who exhibited symptoms of missing home for fear they might otherwise expire from the malady.

Jewish-Reggae Sensation Matisyahu to Visit WSU

Matisyahu, a Hasidic musician who blends reggae, rock and hip-hop with traditional Jewish themes, will speak at WSU on Sept. 22 at noon, in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms.

Mormon Scholars to Discuss Recent FLDS History

The Weber Historical Society hosts scholars Newell Bringhurst and Craig Foster, who will present “The FLDS and the Outside World,” at 7 p.m., Sept. 19. in the Lindquist Alumni Center.

Family Studies Research Receives National Honor

Two family studies students have received national recognition for their undergraduate research examining how religion affects stepfamily interactions.

Constitution Week to Recognize U.S. Military

In recognition of the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Weber State University’s Constitution Week will focus on the importance of the military and its role in defending the U.S. Constitution.

WSU Sustainability Projects Soak Up the Sun

In an ongoing effort to be more energy efficient, Weber State University has kept busy this summer installing solar panels on both of its campuses.

Communication Department to Hold Information Session about Master’s Program

The Department of Communication will hold an information session about its Master of Professional Communication degree Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. in Elizabeth Hall Room 406.

Block Party Blasts Back to the ’60s

Students, faculty, staff and the community are invited to put on their tie-dye t-shirts, crank up the vintage Volkswagen Beetle, and go totally retro when WSU hosts the seventh annual Wildcat Block Party on Aug. 26 at the university’s Ogden campus.

Ferro Named Dean of College of Applied Science & Technology

Computer science professor David Ferro has been selected as the dean of Weber State University’s College of Applied Science & Technology.

WSU Prepares for Grand Opening of Wildcat Village

On Aug. 15, WSU will celebrate the grand opening of Wildcat Village, a new residence hall complex, with a ribbon cutting at 2:30 p.m. and an open house immediately after, from 3-5 p.m.

News Advisory: WSU and Local Agencies to Conduct Emergency Response Exercise

WSU and local agencies will conduct a training exercise to test response to a simulated hazardous material/chemical spill on August 11 at University Village.

Businesses Invited to Take Part in Wildcat Block Party

Area businesses are invited to be a part of Weber State University’s Seventh Annual Wildcat Block Party, scheduled for Friday, August 26.

Visual Arts Collaboration Earns International Award

Sticks + Stones, a collaborative design project led in part by visual arts professor Mark Biddle, was recently named winner of the international Core77 Design Education Initiatives Award.

Harrold to Lead Social & Behavioral Sciences

Francis Harrold, the new dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, brings nearly four decades of experience as a graduate student, professor and administrator to his new role.

Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Donation Supports Venture Course at WSU

WSU has received a $4,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation to support the Ogden Venture Course in the Humanities.

WSU Students Receive National Recognition at PBL Event

Weber State University students Samantha Casey and Tylor Turnblom took first in the nation in business ethics at the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., on June 27.

Big Sky Commissioner to Address Future of Conference

Doug Fullerton, the Big Sky Conference Commissioner, will address recent changes in the conference and and their impact on WSU athletics during a special presentation at 7 p.m. July 14 in the Lindquist Alumni Center.

Brine Fly Research Sends Student to International Conference

New findings about the DNA of Great Salt Lake brine flies are taking a Weber State University student to one of the most important molecular genetics research conferences in the world.

Annual Lindquist Pops Concert Set for July 17

Thousands of people are expected to flock to WSU to enjoy the Lindquist Family Symphony Pops and Fireworks, scheduled for July 17.

The Signpost Recognized for Outstanding Journalism

When it comes to sports coverage, The Signpost plays ball. Weber State University’s student-run newspaper won first place.

Science in the Parks Program to Return for Fifth Summer

The fifth annual Science in the Parks program will take place throughout the parks of Ogden City.

WSU Welcomes the Utah Boys' State Class of 2011

High school students from across Utah will be on the Ogden campus June 6-10 to learn about civic engagement and government processes from local and state leaders.

Goddard School of Business Welcomes New Dean

Jeff Steagall is the new dean for the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics. He brings more than two decades of experience as an economist and professor to his new role.

Campus Gallery Seeking Art of Shepherd Union

The Shepherd Union Gallery is asking the public for assistance with an upcoming exhibit.

WSU Plans 27th Reading and Writing Conference

Weber State University’s Jerry and Vickie Moyes College of Education will present the 27th Annual Reading & Writing Conference June 10-11 in the Stewart Stadium Sky Suites.

WSU Recognized Nationally for Community Service

For the fifth consecutive year, the Corporation for National and Community Service has named WSU to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service.

WSU Hosts Music and Medicine Conference

The Interdisciplinary Society for Quantitative Research in Music and Medicine holds its inaugural conference June 3 in the Shepherd Union.

Student’s Research Seeks Prescription for Pharmacy Fatigue

What toll does fatigue take on pharmacists who work 12-hour shifts? That was the question psychology student Amy Friend set out to address back in 2009 when she took part in a research experience.

WSU and Ogden School District Sponsor Family Empowerment Expo

Weber State University and the Ogden School District will sponsor the “Northern Utah Family Empowerment Expo” at Ben Lomond High School on May 12 at 5 p.m.

Wildcats Rally to Win America Sky Golf Championship

The Weber State men's golf team rallied coming home to overtake Sacramento State for a three-shot victory at the America Sky Golf Conference Championships on Wednesday at Troon North Golf Club.

Encouraging Creative Expression Leads to National Recognition for WSU Student

Amir Jackson, a WSU student who started a nonprofit organization to help at-risk youth, is one of the first individuals nationwide to be recognized as a Newman Civic Fellow by the Boston-based Campus Compact.

National Construction Organization Recognizes WSU Professor

The Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) recently honored WSU construction management professor Steven Peterson with its Outstanding Educator Award for 2010-2011.

Criminal Justice Students Get Ready to Riot

This May, 33 Weber State University students are going to prison, thanks to their professor Bruce Bayley. Once they arrive, a riot is expected to break out.

WSU Commencement Ceremonies Celebrate Class of 2011

Weber State University officials are expecting the Class of 2011 to total more than 3,633 graduates.

WSU Names 2011 Honorary Degree Recipients

During its 137th commencement, Weber State University will award honorary degrees to a former Utah governor; a renowned Utah clothier; president of a prominent construction company; and a former Weber State educator and administrator.

WSU Honors 2011 Distinguished Professors

WSU Family Literacy Program Honors Utah’s First Lady

For her emphasis and hard work in promoting family literacy, the Weber State Literacy Program will honor Utah first lady Jeanette Herbert with its first ever “Friend of Family Literacy” award on April 21.

President of Historic Wendover Airfield Foundation to Present at WSU

James S. Petersen will present “Restoring Historic Wendover Airfield” on April 18 at 7 p.m. at Weber State University’s Lindquist Alumni Center.

WSU MBA Program Raises Money for Central Asia Institute

Weber State University’s Master of Business Administration program has raised $9,000 for the nonprofit, Central Asia Institute (CAI).

English Professor Heading to Mt. Everest Hoping to Solve Mystery

Professor Mikel Vause may be part of history this spring as he embarks on an expedition to Mt. Everest this April, with the goal of solving a decades-long historical mystery: Who was the first man to scale the world’s tallest peak?

Cost Named 2011 Recipient of the Lindquist Award

Ord Named Women's Basketball Head Coach

WSU Athletics announced Wednesday the hiring of Bethann Shapiro Ord as the new women’s basketball head coach.

Serial Entrepreneur to Head WSU Innovation Center

Alex Lawrence, a serial entrepreneur, has been named vice provost for Innovation & Economic Development at Weber State University.

Ogden Gang Injunction Proponent to Speak

Branden Miles, a Deputy Weber County Attorney, will discuss the Ogden gang injunction April 7 at 12:30 p.m. in Weber State University’s Elizabeth Hall, Room 229.

Hip-Hop Preacher Brings Motivational Message to Weber State

Drawing on his own experience as a young man living on the streets of Michigan, motivational speaker Eric Thomas will share his message, “Secrets to Success” at Weber State University on April 7.

Ogden Gang Injunction Proponent to Speak

Branden Miles, a Deputy Weber County Attorney, will discuss the Ogden gang injunction April 7 at 12:30 p.m. in Weber State University’s Elizabeth Hall, Room 229.

Health Professions Students to Hone Medical Skills During Simulation Exercise

The Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber State University plans to hold an interdisciplinary medical skills exercise on April 1.

Campaign Focused on Stopping Sex Trafficking

According to the U.S. State Department 300,000 children in the United States are at risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking.

Governor to Sign Bill Funding New Building at WSU Davis Campus

Community members, faculty, staff and students joined state legislators and Gov. Herbert on March 30, as he signed legislation to fund a new building at Weber State University Davis.

Students Design ‘Tiny Houses’ With Big Benefits

With a record number of homeowners nationwide facing foreclosure and worldwide unrest driving up the cost of energy, a group of WSU students have an answer: “tiny houses.”

Recent Math Graduate Composes With Numbers

Shawn Fowers isn’t looking to replace Mozart or Beethoven with a mathematical formula, but he hopes that his recently completed math project might be a source of inspiration for future composers.

Curator Presents Utah’s Role in Movie-Making

James V. D’Arc, curator of the BYU Motion Picture Archive, will present “Movie Making in Utah” on March 28 at 7 p.m. in the Lindquist Alumni Center.