2014 Archives

A Look Back at 2014 at WSU

A review of the top stories from 2014 at Weber State University.

20th Annual Multicultural Youth Conference Attracts Hundreds to WSU for College Prep

WSU’s 20th annual Multicultural Youth Conference will draw hundreds of underrepresented students, from grades nine to 12, to the Shepherd Union Building on Jan. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WSU Hosts Gospel Music Fest ‘Food for the Soul’

WSU will present the 15th Annual Gospel Music Festival Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Val A. Browning Center Austad Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

Weber State Campus Picture Perfect For Eric Dowdle

Utah folk artist Eric Dowdle, famous for his paintings and puzzles, has depicted WSU and its history in his most recent work of art. He unveiled the new piece at a private reception on Dec. 10 at the Lindquist Alumni Center.

Utahans Celebrate 50 Years of the Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts with Free Public Concert Featuring World-Renowned Performers

During the past 50 years, the Browning Center has become a highly regarded community venue. On January 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m., the venue will celebrate its rich history with a free, public concert featuring acclaimed performers.

Faraday Lectures to Bring Chemistry Cheer

WSU will host the Faraday Lectures Dec. 15 and 16 with scientific demonstrations aimed at creating curiosity in children of all ages. The free lectures will take place on both dates at 7 p.m. in Lind Lecture Hall Rooms 125-126.

WSU’s 144th Commencement Ceremony Planned for Dec. 12

2,305 candidates for graduation are expected to take part in WSU's 144th commencement ceremony on Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. in the Dee Events Center.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning History Author to Inspire Weber State Graduates

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and professor emeritus Daniel Walker Howe will share his wisdom with graduates during WSU’s 144th commencement ceremony.

WSU Students Design State-of-the-Art Fire Training Maze

Students in the design engineering technology program have created a state-of-the-art fire training maze for the South Davis Metro Fire Agency, which will soon be put to use.

WSU Responds to NCAA Decision

Weber State University officials today received notice of an NCAA decision regarding a self-reported case of academic dishonesty in the university’s football program dating back to spring 2013.

WSU Student Interns for ‘The Daily Show’

Communication student Dylan Allred may have roots in radio broadcasting, but he has taken his talents to television for an internship at Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in New York City.

Social Work Club Collects Food for Families in Need

The Social Work Club at Weber State University is collecting food items to provide Thanksgiving dinner for northern Utah families in need.

Psychotherapy Myths and Science Realities Discussed at WSU Lecture

Psychologist and author Steven Szykula will discuss the myths surrounding psychotherapy and self-help books, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall.

WSU Celebrates Cultures During Int’l Education Week

WSU will celebrate international students during International Education Week, Nov. 17-21. Events will highlight different cultures from around the globe.

WSU adds 24-Hour TV Programing to Campus

The digital media program has launched WildcatONE-TV, to showcase students’ video projects and provide 24-7 TV programing to the campus community.

Legacy of Bear River Massacre Discussed at WSU

Darren B. Parry, a historian of the Northwest Shoshone Nation, will discuss the Bear River Massacre on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Lindquist Alumni Center Garden Room.

WSU to Hold Ninth Annual Native American Symposium

WSU will host the Ninth Annual Native American Symposium Nov. 12 at 10:30 a.m. in the Wildcat Theater. The keynote speaker is Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Lakota Sioux Nation.

Historian at WSU Examines Environmental Disaster of Civil War

Lisa M. Brady, the 2014 Lampros lecturer, will examine the Civil War’s environmental origins and legacies during a free lecture at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 in the Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall.

CANCELLED: Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Discuss Challenges of Managing White House at WSU

The youngest deputy chief of staff to serve in the White House will speak at Weber State University’s Convocations, Nov. 6 at noon in the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater.

WSU’s Stewart Library Offers Used Books at Annual Book Sale

The Friends of the Stewart Library Annual Book Sale will be held Nov. 13-16 at the Stewart Library on Weber State University's Ogden campus.

WSU Receives Glowing Preliminary Review From Accreditation Team

Weber State University is celebrating five commendations from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accreditation evaluation committee following the committee’s Oct. 27-29 visit to campus.

WSU Speaker Warns of Utah Ski Seasons with No Snow

As part of its commitment to sustainability, WSU will host environmental activist Porter Fox on Nov. 4 at noon in the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater.

Free Software Activist to Speak at WSU

Richard Stallman, a computer programmer and activist, will present "Free Software and Your Freedom," at Weber State University on Oct. 30 at 12:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Hall George S. Eccles Lecture Hall Room 229.

Theater Professor Selected for Playwrights’ Week in NYC

WSU professor Jennifer A. Kokai named one of seven playwrights to participate in 21st annual playwrights’ week in New York City. "Girl of Glass" recognized for revealing "unheard and vital perspectives."

WSU Volunteers Serve Community, Garner National Recognition

WSU volunteers will participate in two service projects for National Make a Difference Day on Oct. 25 — the kind of service that has brought national recognition to the university.

WSU Hosts Ninth Annual Nursing Research Conference

WSU will host the Ninth Annual Nursing Research Conference on Oct. 24 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms.

Undersecretary of State to Discuss Nuclear Weapons Policy at WSU

The Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, will discuss “The Future of U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy” on Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m. Elizabeth Hall Room 229.

Local Author Shares Memories of Howard Hughes

The Weber Historical Society will host local author and Howard Hughes expert Jim Whetton on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Lindquist Alumni Center Garden Room.

‘Arrested Development’s’ Jeffrey Tambor to Motivate WSU Audience

Film, television and Broadway stage actor Jeffrey Tambor will share his talents and life experiences when he speaks on Oct. 28 at noon in the WSU Shepherd Union Ballrooms. The event is free and open to the public.

Count My Vote Initiative to Be Discussed at WSU

WSU will host a panel discussion of the Count My Vote Compromise on Oct. 13 at noon in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms.

Interior Design Students Compete in Fashion Fundraiser

Four Weber State University interior design students are competing at the 2014 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Fashion Remix in Salt Lake City on Oct. 16 to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Community Invited to Celebrate Humanitarian Success

Students will detail their experiences helping build a women’s center in Mozambique on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater.

International Food Policy Researcher to Speak at WSU

Andrew Bell, senior researcher for the International Food Policy Research Institute, will speak at noon Oct. 7 in Elizabeth Hall room 229 as part of the Food Matters Lecture Series.

Weber State University Theatre Presents "She Loves Me"

It is love at first "fight" in this charming Tony Award-winning musical set in 1930's-era Budapest. Coworkers Georg and Amalia cannot seem to get along. Little do they realize that each other is the other's secret pen pal met through lonely-hearts ads.

WSU Computer Science Student Honored for Innovative Medical-Device Testing

Thanks to the work of a WSU computer science student, medical-design tests can now be done on a computer, reducing the need for human or animal testing.

Terrorism Expert from India to Share Insights at WSU

On Sept. 29 at WSU, K. Arkesh, the former inspector general of India’s Central Reserve Police Force, will discuss his work combating terrorism during multiple presentations.

WSU’s 16th Annual Diversity Conference Focuses on Education

WSU's 16th Annual Diversity Conference will explore the importance of diversity in education, Sept. 25-26. All events are free and open to the public.

WSU Combines History and Microbiology in First Massive Open Online Course

Two professors have combined history and microbiology in the university’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), “Microbes Rule the World: Effects of Disease on History.”

WSU Hosts Conference to Strengthen Families

WSU's Department of Child and Family Studies will host the Families Alive Conference 2014 on Sept.18-20, which offers help to strengthen and maintain relationships.

WSU Celebrates Constitution Week with Debate on Same-Sex Marriage

A debate on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, and a panel exploring the First Amendment are key events scheduled for Constitution Week at Sept. 15-18.

WSU Students to Design Native American Cultural Center

Interior design and design engineering technology students will have 48 hours to come up with plans for a cultural center for the Timbisha Shoshone Native American tribe during their annual design competition, beginning Sept. 11.

Cold War Expert Launches WSU Visiting Professorship

A Cold War expert from Germany will be the first visiting international professor in Weber State University’s Department of History.

Gay Former NFL Player to Speak at WSU Diversity Symposium

The second annual Allen Holmes Diversity Symposium on Sept. 9, will host Wade Davis II, a former WSU football star who spent a brief stint in the NFL and announced he was gay in 2012.

Department of Visual Art & Design Hosts Faculty Exhibition

The Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities announced the opening of the Department of Visual Art & Design Biennial Faculty Exhibition, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m.

Ticket Office Site is Down

The Weber State University Ticket Office website is experiencing technical difficulties. As a result, we are unable to process ticket sales online.

WSU Hosts 17th Annual Greek Festival

WSU presents the 17th annual Greek Festival, Sept. 15-17. The Euripedes’ play "Hecuba," produced by The Classical Greek Theater Festival will be presented Sept. 17.

Citizens Academy to Promote Understanding of Local Government

Community members and students are invited to learn from city officials about how city government works and ways to become involved.

WSU Students Improving Conservation Agriculture Practices in Africa

WSU economics students and faculty traveled to Malawi, Africa, this summer to record data on the willingness of farmers to engage in programs that promote conservation.

10th Annual Wildcat Block Party to Kick Off Year

The 10th annual Wildcat Block Party on Aug. 29 will draw thousands to an outdoor festival that celebrates WSU and highlights many campus departments, programs and clubs.

WSU Informing Campus of Computer Breach

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University is notifying 1,200 students, faculty and staff about a potential breach of information obtained from computers in the student computer lab in the Science Lab Building and Building 4.

Grand Opening Planned for WSU’s New Public Safety Building

The public is invited to the grand opening of Weber State University’s new Public Safety Building, located on the northwest corner of campus (3734 Dixon Parkway) on Aug. 14 from 1-4 p.m.

WSU’s Stewart Library Seeking Help to Tell Early Immigrants’ Stories

A new oral-history project, will document Chinese, Japanese, Greek and Italian populations in Ogden, but Special Collections needs help to find photographs and interviews.

WSU Professor Receives Fulbright to Teach Wildlife Conservation in Austria

Zoology professor Sam Zeveloff was selected as a Fulbright Scholar and will teach as a visiting professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna in Austria.

WSU Alumni Golf Tournament Funds Student Scholarships

The Alumni Association (WSUAA) Golf Classic raised over $40,000 in scholarship money and one golfer won a new car. The tournament is held annually at The Barn Golf Club in Pleasant View.

WSU Student Receives International Award for Thesis on Gratitude in the Workplace

Crystalee Beck, recent professional communications master's graduate, won award for best paper at a Corporate Communication International Conference on Corporate Communication in Hong Kong.

WSU Students Place in Top Spots at Future Business Leaders Competition

A WSU student earned first place in the nation in the category of Future Business Educator at the recent Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) conference.

Former WSU Senate President Named Student Regent on Utah Board of Regents

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has appointed student Brady Harris as the student regent on the Utah State Board of Regents for the 2014-15 academic year.

World Traveling WSU Nurse Bikes Canada to Mexico for Charity

After returning from a month-long research trip to Southeast Africa, one Weber State University faculty member has jumped on her bike and is riding for charity from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific.

Former WSU Archivist Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

The Conference of Inter-Mountain Archivists awarded former WSU Archivist and Curator of Special Collections John Sillito with the 2014 CIMA Life-Time Achievement Award.

An Indoor Ambulance Lets WSU Students Simulate Emergencies

Weber State University’s Department of Emergency Care and Rescue (ECR) is set to unveil its new, state-of-the-art ambulance simulator. The simulator is the first of its kind in the Intermountain West.

WSU Students, Professor First to Track Bird Species

Zoology professor John Cavitt, alongside three students, is the first person to track the migration of the American Avocet, a bird native to the Western United States, using satellite technology.

Summer Video Game Camp Emphasizes Shift to Female Gamers

WSU’s Summer Game Development Camp will engage high school students in the challenges and rewards of video game design and development from June 16-20.

WSU Turns Parks Into Educational Hubs for Arts, Science

WSU will partner with Ogden School District for the eighth annual Science in the Parks and the fifth annual Arts in the Parks programs. The programs will run for six weeks in June and July.

WSU’s Inaugural Endowed Chair Using 3-D Medical Imaging to Advance Health Care Education

Dr. Robert Walker, WSU's chair of radiologic sciences, has been selected as the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Inaugural University Endowed Chair.

Computer Science Grads Reach Finals in National Design Competition

A group of WSU computer science graduates who designed software for a local restaurant that employs adults with special needs has placed in the finals of a national design competition.

WSU Sponsors Both Boys State and Girls State for the First Time

During the first two weeks of June, Weber State University will trade purple for red, white and blue. WSU has been home to Boys State for 28 years, and for the first time in its 66-year history, Utah Girls State also will convene at the university.

CANCELED - WSU Leads Effort to Designate ‘Dark-Sky’ Park

Weber State University, along with the Ogden Valley Starry Nights organization, hopes to preserve a view of the stars from North Fork Park in Weber County by applying for accreditation as an International Dark-Sky Park.

WSU Researchers Compare Rocky Mountains to Andes

OGDEN, Utah – A $325,000 NSF grant will allow WSU geosciences faculty and students to compare forming mountain ranges in Argentina to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming.

WSU to ‘Make a Difference’ in Ogden

Weber State University students, faculty and staff are invited to spruce up their surroundings May 8 during WSU Makes a Difference in Ogden.

Groundbreaking for New WSU Science Building Set for May 16

Utah Gov. Herbert will join Weber State University President Wight and other dignitaries for the new Tracy Hall Science Center groundbreaking on May 16 at noon at the Stewart Bell Tower Plaza.

97 Years of WSU Student Newspaper Now Online

Stewart Library's Digital and Archival Collections has digitized 97 years of WSU's student newspaper, and it's now all online.

Impact of World War I Discussed at WSU History Series

The Weber Historical Society will present “Taking Stock of World War I, 1914 – 2014,” April 28 at 7 p.m. in Weber State University’s Lindquist Alumni Center.

Princeton Review Recognizes WSU in ‘Green Guide’

The university bleeds purple, but lives green. “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges: 2014 Edition,” made that designation official with WSU’s inclusion in the annual guide.

WSU Students Plan ‘WeberTown,’ Music Festival with Ogden City

Due to weather, the WeberTown music festival, scheduled for April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Ogden Amphitheater, has been canceled.

Presidential Distinguished Professors Recognized

Commencement Celebrates Class of 2014

Weber State University officials expect the class of 2013-14 to total more than 4,938 graduates, 2,804 have applied for spring graduation and will be honored April 25 during WSU’s 143rd commencement.

Odd Tilts Could Make More Worlds Habitable

Planets that lean one way and then change orientation in a short time might be habitable, according to new modeling by NASA and university scientists including WSU's John Armstrong.

WSU Weather Balloon Will Take Flight April 19

WSU’s High Altitude Reconnaissance Balloon will take flight April 19 from Duchesne Municipal Airport. The team will leave WSU at 6 a.m. and launch the flight at 9:30 a.m.

Crystal Crest Highlights WSU's 'Best of Best'

The 32nd annual Crystal Crest Awards will honor outstanding Weber State University students, faculty and staff on April 19 at 7 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms.

Community Invited to Annual Club Carnival

WSU’s Clubs and Organizations invites the community to the Annual Club Carnival, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shepherd Union Building and west side of Stewart Bell Tower Plaza.

Panelists Discuss Police Use of Military Tools and Tactics

WSU’s American Democracy Project will sponsor a panel discussion, “Military Tools & Tactics — Now In YOUR Community!” April 9 at 10:45 a.m. in the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater.

WSU Screens Matthew Shepard Documentary

The Center for Diversity & Unity presents “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine,” a film exploring the life and death of gay student Matthew Shepard, April 7 in the Wildcat Theater at 12:30, 4 and 6:30 p.m.

WSU Students Celebrate Year of Community Service

The Sixth Annual Community Engagement Symposium will showcase a year of student service, April 16 in the Shepherd Union. Author and activist Rye Barcott, will speak at 11:30 a.m.

WSU Walker Institute Invites Public to Meet Political Candidates

The Walker Institute invites candidates, delegates and voters in Weber, Davis and Morgan counties to a Meet the 2014 Candidates Night, April 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hurst Center Dumke Hall.

WSU’s Stewart Library Spotlights Ogden’s Historic 25th Street

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s Stewart Library Special Collections will present “25th: The Street that Never Slept,” an exhibit about Ogden’s notorious street at Union Station’s Gallery 51.

WSU Recognized For Highest ROI Among Utah Public Institutions

Weber State University has been recognized as the No. 1 public institution in Utah for return on investment (ROI). PayScale released the first-place ranking March 26.

Longtime Political Analyst Tackles State of American Politics

Norman J. Ornstein, political analyst, presents “The Sorry State of American Politics: A Searching Look at Our Dysfunction and What Lies Ahead,” April 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hurst Center.

WSU Honored for Reducing Energy Use by 1/3

Rocky Mountain Power announced WSU as the 2014 wattsmart Business Partner of the Year for its commitment to energy efficiency.

Undergraduate Research Presented at Conference

Students developed a device that could help scientists understand inversions and climate change. They will present their project at WSU’s 10th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium March 31.

20 Years Later: Rwanda Genocide Remembered During International Conference at WSU

International scholars will join WSU for a three-day conference, “Rwanda 20 Years After: Memory, Justice and Recovery in the Shadow of Genocide,” March 28-30.

WSU’s Wounded Warrior 8K Run to Assist Veterans

The WSU community is invited to support injured veterans by participating in the second annual Wounded Warrior 8K run, March 29 at 9 a.m. starting at Stewart Stadium.

Department of Performing Arts presents "Mockingbird"

The Department of Performing Arts presents "Mockingbird," a play that explores critical issues involving autism and gun violence in schools from March 28 to April 5 at the Browning Center.

International Service Leads to 2014 Lindquist Award at WSU

Lisa Trujillo, respiratory therapy assistant professor, will receive the John A. Lindquist Award to be given at a luncheon, March 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms.

Legislature Approves WSU’s Tracy Hall Science Center

WSU plans to break ground on the new Tracy Hall Science Center following the Legislature’s $57 million funding approval. Tracy Hall, a WSU alumnus, invented synthetic industrial diamonds.

Solar Power Entrepreneur at WSU to Share Insights on Ethics

Robert Workman, a local entrepreneur, will speak about business ethics on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Weber State University’s Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall.