2020 Archives

2020 at Weber State University

Amid the many challenges of 2020 Weber State University worked to provide a high-quality student-centered educational experience. Here is a look back at WSUs many highlights of the year.

Weber State Senior Proposes Location for Wildlife Overpass in Northern Utah

Weber State senior Timber Erickson has identified an ideal location in northern Utah for a wildlife overpass which if built would eliminate a death trap for animals along a stretch of Interstate 84 making the road safer for motorists.

WSU Honors Hinckley Collaboration Winners for Service to Education Locally and Internationally

The Office of the Provost presented the 2020 John S. Hinckley Fellow and the Exemplary Collaboration Award to faculty and staff who have shared the gift of education locally and around the world.

WSU Nursing Student Recognized Nationally for Adaptive Yoga Course for Multiple Sclerosis

Robert is one of 10 individuals to receive the 2020 International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses Nightingale Award. The award honors significant achievements in MS nursing and provides a grant of $5000.

Weber State Dance Connects with Community Through Virtual Performance

As a result of pandemic-related safety precautions WSU Dance faculty members Erik Stern and Joseph Blake have designed an event for this season titled Dancing in the Stream which will be live-streamed on Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

WSU Honors Faculty with Research and Innovation Awards

Weber State University has honored four outstanding faculty members with the annual Research Commercialization and Entrepreneurial Awards.

WSU Plans Utah’s Largest Red Cross Community Blood Drive in a Decade

Utahns can give blood during a drive sponsored by WSU and the Red Cross in collaboration with local organizations. The blood drive will be held Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Dee Events Center on the Ogden campus.

State Department Ranks WSU Among Top 20 Master’s Universities in U.S. for Study Abroad Participation

For the second year running Weber State University has placed in the top 20 masters level universities in the nation for the number of students who study abroad in short-term programs.

WSU Food Pantry in Need of Donations

The Weber Cares Program that provides free food and resources to students in need of food donations. The COVID-19 virus has put an unusual strain on the pantry and use is much higher than normal.

WSU Helps Families in Need for the Holidays

Weber State University is helping ease holiday uncertainties for families in need by partnering with the Community Christmas program organized by the Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership

Weber State Music Professor Receives National Award for Teaching

After evaluating finalists from all states the Music Teachers National Association selected WSU director of keyboard studies and Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor Yu-Jane Yang as the organizations Teacher of the Year.

Student Leaders Change Name of African American Senate Position at WSU

Anna Robbins helped change the name of her senate position at Weber State University from African American Student Senator to African Diaspora Student Senator.

Weber State Launches New Master of Social Work Degree to Address National and Local Shortages of Professionals

The program housed in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences is currently accepting applications which are due Dec. 1 for students aiming to start the program in fall 2021.

WSU Ritchey Science Fair Finalist Heads to Nationals

Angela Zhan was chosen as one of the 300 participants after she won the Ritchey Junior Engineering & Science Fair hosted by Weber State. Her project was titled Discovery of Novel Soil Microbes for Efficient Plastic Degradation.

WSU Theatre Area Announces Digital Season

The WSU Department of Performing Arts will present an original six-part digital series for the autumn 2020 performing arts season.

WSU’s Outdoor Program Hosts Sunday Service Days

WSUs Outdoor Program is cleaning up local areas in Ogden. The cleanups started on Sept. 20 at the Ogden River Parkway and will continue Oct. 25 at the 9th Street Crag and Nov 8 at the WSU campus.

WSU Fall 2020 Enrollment Remains Steady

Total enrollment for Weber State University remains steady for fall 2020. According to the annual third-week fall headcount the total number of students at Weber State stands at 29596 compared to 29644 in fall 2019.

WSU Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Net- Zero Home in Central Ogden

Weber State University will host the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a home constructed in Ogden a project that was a finalist in the Solar Decathlon. The short program will be streamed live on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.

WSU’s Annual Outdoor Gear Sale And Swap to be held Oct. 14 and 15

Weber State Universitys 15th Annual Outdoor Gear Sale and Swap will be held Oct. 14 and 15 at the Weber State Outdoor Program located at 4022 Taylor Ave. The sale will be by appointment only.

WSU Supply Chain Students Place First in National Competition

Weber State University bested 18 other national and international teams to win this years national supply chain management competition.

WSU Celebrates Homecoming at Home

Weber State University will hold its homecoming celebrations Oct. 2-10. The campus community is invited to celebrate Stay-at-Homecoming with a variety of virtual and socially distanced events.

WSU Celebrates Grand Opening of New Building at WSU Davis in Layton

Weber State University will host a ribbon cutting for the Computer & Automotive Engineering Building at WSU Davis which opened to classes beginning fall semester 2020. The program will be streamed live Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.

WSU Women’s Center to Hold Virtual Events to Recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October Weber State Universitys Womens Center will hold virtual events to educate the community about domestic violence an issue of increasing concern.

WSU Hosts Computer Science Program for Utah Mothers

Weber State University is offering a new community course to help working mothers get involved in the technology industry and advance their careers. Called MotherCoders the course will run for eight weeks.

WSU’s 22nd Annual Diversity Conference to Examine Systems of Racial Hierarchy

Weber State Universitys 22nd Annual Diversity Conference will explore issues surrounding systemic racism and human connections on Oct 1-2.

Weber State Graduate Wins National Environmental Data Challenge

Andrew Whetten was named winner of the ENVR Data Challenge sponsored by the American Statistical Association for his research using weather data to identify the impact of climate change on water levels.

WSU Marks International Translation Day with Second Annual Translation Week Event

Students and community members will have the chance to learn more about Weber State Universitys new programs in localization and translation at a series of virtual events next week Sept. 28-Oct. 2.

Weber State Adds Fifth TRIO Program After Winning $1.3 Million in Competitive Federal Grant Competition

With the support of a highly selective federal grant WSU will launch a new program this fall to support disadvantaged students as they pursue degrees in science technology engineering and math.

Weber State Announces Plans for Spring Semester Classes

Weber State University has announced its academic plan for Spring 2021 which is to continue with the same course delivery methods developed for Fall 2020 with an emphasis on increased face-to-face instruction.

WSU Neuroscience Lecture Series Promotes Mindfulness

This fall the Neuroscience Lecture Series will dive into the topic of mindfulness and its effects on addiction and overall mental and physical health.

CARES Funding Supports Students in WSU’s New Geospatial Technology Certificate Programs

Twenty Utah residents aiming to expand their employment opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic will gain a new skill set in geospatial technology at Weber State University this year free of charge.

COVID-19 Impacts WSU Student, Faculty Scientific Research

WSU science students and faculty have had to stay proactive get inventive and adjust their research methods and communication as they continue to work during the outbreak of COVID-19.

Classes to Resume at WSU Sept. 10

Weber State University classes will resume Thursday Sept. 10 at all campuses and online.

Weber State Cancels Classes Sept. 9

Weber State University is canceling all classes at all campuses and locations all day Wednesday Sept. 9.

WSU Offers Discount on Smart Thermostats, Free LED Light Bulbs

Weber State Universitys Empower Northern Utah program is helping area residents to be more energy efficient by offering discounts on the Nest Thermostat E while also providing free LED light bulbs in exchange for old bulbs.

Update: Classes Canceled Sept. 8 Due to Windstorm

Classes on WSU campuses and online are canceled Sept. 8 due to high winds.

WSU Offers Low-Cost, Flexible Learn and Work Courses

Weber State University is offering flexible short-term training courses and certificate programs to help prepare and enhance career opportunities in high-demand fields.

Legally Blind Brothers Set Example of Perseverance as School Begins at Weber State

Legally blind twin brothers will continue to inspire others this year as they successfully pursue multiple degrees and challenging opportunities.

New Solar Covered Parking Array Opens at WSU

Weber State University installed a solar covered array over the W10 parking lot on the northwest side of the Ogden campus. The parking array opened to the campus community just in time for the start of the new semester.

Women’s Suffrage Monument Co-created by WSU Art Professor Unveiled at Utah State Capitol

The monument which is a permanent installation is featured in Utahs 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration a two-day outdoor open house on the Utah State Capitol grounds Aug. 21 and 22.

WSU Bleeds Purple to Support Annual Blood Battle

The Weber State University Student Association Service Team will host the annual American Red Cross Blood Battle Aug. 24-28 in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WSU and Union Station Collaborate to Open ‘Beyond Suffrage’

Weber State University Stewart Library in partnership with the Museums at Union Station will open their new exhibit Beyond Suffrage: a Century of Northern Utah Women Making History on Aug. 22 at Ogden Union Station.

WSU Named 2019 Tree Campus USA by Arbor Day Foundation

Weber State University has been named a 2019 Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. This is the ninth straight year Weber State has been recognized for its commitment to conservation and promoting healthy trees.

WSU Community Education Courses Highlight Voting and Civil Rights

Weber State University is offering two free courses this fall that will explore the election system of the United States and civil rights throughout history.

WSU Appoints New Dean of Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities

Weber State University announced the selection of Deborah Uman as new dean of the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities where she will oversee nearly 2700 students and faculty and staff in five departments.

WSU Hosts 2020 Commencement, Aug. 29

Weber State University will host its spring 2020 commencement ceremony Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. in Stewart Stadium.

Ogden Business Leader to Speak at WSU Commencement

Crystal Call Maggelet CEO of FJ Management Inc. will speak at Weber State Universitys 155th commencement on Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. in Stewart Stadium. Maggelet will also receive an honorary degree.

WSU Student Finds Joy in the Midst of Change

When Weber State transitioned spring semester 2020 to a virtual format many students also faced changes to their home life. Sophie Beck was no exception to this as she made the decision to move back with her family.

Weber State University joins 180 colleges and universities in litigation opposing ‘international student ban’

Weber State University joined 180 colleges and universities in an amicus brief filed in support of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys legal complaint against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Weber State is ALL IN to Get Students to Vote

Weber State University President Brad Mortensen is joining 160 higher education presidents and chancellors for the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

WSU Science in the Parks Offers Grab and Go Kits

Weber State Universitys Science in the Parks program has teamed up with WSUs Ott Planetarium to offer grab-and-go science kits to the community.

Lindquist Pops Concert Canceled at WSU for 2020

In consideration of the health and well-being of the community the Lindquist Family Symphony Pops and Fireworks at Weber State University has been canceled for 2020.

Share Your COVID-19 Pandemic Stories with WSU

Weber State University Archives and Special Collections are gathering stories photos and other mementos from the WSU community to document events surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and its overall impact.

Weber State Summer STEM Program Goes Virtual

Weber State is going virtual this year to host a rigorous summer course in science technology engineering and math for students in seventh to ninth grades. The program will be held June 29 through Aug. 6.

‘Our Planet, Your Future’- WSU’s New Environmental Science Degree Launches this Fall

Students interested in tackling the tough issues facing our planet can now major in environmental science at Weber State University with the new bachelor degree available for the fall 2020 semester.

WSU Begins Construction on Solar Covered Parking Lot

Weber State University is taking another step in its goal of becoming a sustainable carbon-neutral campus by installing a solar covered array over the W10 parking lot on the northwest side of the Ogden campus.

Statement: Transforming to a Better Place

Weber State University president Brad Mortensen asks the campus community to join him in pursuing a calm and respectful yet urgent path.

WSU Sponsors Juneteenth Events: United in Hope

WSU is once again sponsoring the Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival which marks the end of slavery in the U.S. The events are free and open to the public.

Death of Sister Compels WSU Student to Complete Education

Raul Torres has faced tough challenges on his educational journey including the death of his sister and the pandemic but he maintains his positive attitude and determination to graduate.

Professor Tenders Resignation

Weber State University criminal justice professor Scott Senjo has tendered his resignation effective immediately.

Statement Regarding Professor's Tweets

WSU Awards CARES Act Funds to Students in Need

WSU has begun awarding federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act Funding. A total of of 2633 students have already been awarded funding.

Entire Group of WSU Cybersecurity Applicants Accepted to Elite Graduate Program

A perfect 100 percent of WSU applicants have been accepted to the Carnegie Mellon University graduate program for information security and information management.

WSU Joins Statewide ‘Sew Your True Colors’ Campaign to Benefit Frontline Health Care Workers

WSU will join all of Utahs institutions of higher education to support ProjectProtect a grass-roots initiative to produce 5 million medical-grade masks.

WSU Set to Transition to ‘Moderate-Risk’ Stage; Facilities Management Staff Steps up during COVID-19 Response

Beginning May 11, Weber State University will begin transitioning from its high risk stage of COVID-19 response to a moderate-risk stage that will allow some employees to return to campus as necessary.

WSU Offers Community Education Course on Pandemics

Weber State University Community Education and the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences is offering a free online summer course titled Pandemics and People beginning May 18.

WSU Invites Community to Virtual Star Party

WSUs Ott Planetarium is hosting a virtual star party to help people learn about the night sky. The event will be held via Facebook Live from 6-8 p.m. on May 6.

WSU Names 2020 Brady Distinguished Professors

Two Weber State University professors acclaimed for contributions to their disciplines of history and zoology and who share a passion for conservation have been named the 2020 Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors.

WSU Summer Semester Offers Incentives for Students

All courses will be offered online or in a virtual format, which allows students flexibility to attend, no matter where they are living during the COVID pandemic.

WSU Celebrates 50 Years of Earth Day and Sustainability Efforts

The importance of sustainability is still a priority at Weber State University. April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and WSU is celebrating its continued sustainability efforts.

38th Crystal Crest Awards Celebrate Achievement of WSU Student, Faculty, Staff

Weber State University is finding a way to celebrate the contributions of outstanding students, faculty and staff with the Crystal Crest Awards. Recipients are listed on the website weber.edu/crystalcrest.

WSU Sets Date for Spring 2020 Commencement

Weber State University has selected Aug. 29, 2020 to host its 155th Commencement, originally scheduled for April 24. More than 3,000 students have applied for spring semester graduation.

WSU Student Researchers Investigate Utah’s Bird Population

WSU students are gaining hands-on experience in avian research through a study of bird populations near the university’s Ogden campus, they will present the research at WSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium April 13.

WSU Reveals Ceremony of Excellence Honorees

The recognition of this year’s 10 awardees occurred on the center’s website, and includes a video tribute and bio highlighting each student’s academic accomplishments.

12 WSU faculty members honored with Presidential Teaching Excellence Awards

12 Weber State faculty members were selected as a recipient of this year’s Presidential Teaching Excellence Award. Each faculty member received a $5,000 award.

WSU Moyes College of Education Earns National Accreditation of Educator Preparation Program

The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full seven-year accreditation to Weber State University’s educator preparation program.

Two WSU Faculty Honored with Lindquist Award

Two professors received the John A. Lindquist Award for 2020. Teacher education professor Forrest Crawford and physics professor Adam Johnston have worked to enhance community connections.

WSU Faculty and Students Navigate New Normal

While the world battles with the COVID-19 pandemic, students and faculty at Weber State University have been adjusting to rapid changes and trying to find a new sense of normal amid a global crisis.

WSU Zoology Student Earns National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

Chyanne Smith was awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program to conduct her research on the degu in Santiago, Chile.

WSU’s School of Business Spearheads 3D Printing of Face Shields for Local Healthcare Providers

With the help of two student volunteers, Jeff Clements put six 3D printers to work and created 85 face shields to donate to the Weber-Morgan Department of Health.

What does it take to respond to a pandemic? WSU public safety director says years and years of planning

Having that plan, as well as the support from university officials to execute annual emergency exercises, prepares those who need to be communicating when a crisis actually hits.

WSU’s College of Health Professions Provides Medical Facilities with Ventilators and Protective Supplies

Dumke College of Health Professions has helped fill a need by providing ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) to local hospitals and clinics.

WSU Adjusts to Online Learning to Continue Educational Mission During Pandemic

Weber State University announced on March 26 that summer semester will be held online and in a virtual format.

WSU Part of National Climate Change Webinar

SPARC, along with WSU’s Environmental Initiatives Committee, will host a statewide live-webcast on climate solutions, April 7 from 5-7 p.m. President Mortensen will join the panel.

New Book by WSU Professor Addresses Utah’s Air Quality Problems and Solutions

A collection of essays titled “Utah’s Air Quality Issues: Problems and Solutions,” provides an overview of pollution-related challenges. The volume is edited by Hal Crimmel.

Work to Promote Census Continues at WSU

While COVID-19 has changed many things, it has not altered WSU’s effort to make sure #WildcatsCount in the 2020 Census.

WSU Commencement Postponed, Events Canceled through May 10

The Utah System of Higher Education announced the postponement of Spring 2020 commencement ceremonies at all institutions, including WSU.

Weber State University Moving to Online Education Effective March 18

Weber State University, at the request of Gov. Herbert, is joining public institutions of higher education in Utah to take steps to help slow the spread of the coronavirus and help protect the health and safety of our community.

Postponed: Former WSU President Honored as Part of ‘Women of Weber’ to Mark 100th Anniversary of Suffrage

Ann Millner's pioneering story is one in the project which highlights the stories of 300 women. An exhibit, opening to the public March 14 at Union Station, examines the transformative impact of women in every arena.

Moved Online: Weber State Hosts 11th Annual Intermountain Sustainability Summit

Canceled: WSU will host the 11th annual Intermountain Sustainability Summit, March 19-20, bringing hundreds of sustainability professionals and emerging leaders together from across Utah.

Canceled: WSU and Ogden City Invite the Public to ‘InterMountain Events’

Canceled: WSU and Ogden City are collaborating to host “InterMountain Events,” a combination of adventure, education, sustainability and recreation activities open to the public, March 19-21.

Ogden City Supports WSU Students Building Sustainable Home for National Competition

A collaboration between Weber State University and Ogden City means students are constructing a home on Quincy Avenue with plans for additional homes in the future. The home will be available for tours May 22-24 and 29-31.

Women’s Center Celebrates 40 Years at WSU

The WSU Women’s Center celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, honoring a legacy of education, empowerment and advocacy for women and students.

WSU Geography Major Grateful For Opportunities University Provided

Nathan Hole might just be Weber State University’s biggest fan. He knew early on that he wanted to go to college. Weber State gave him that opportunity, one that he now calls “one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”

Postponed: Utah’s Only Female Governor Olene Walker Honored as Part of ‘Women of Weber’ to Mark 100th Anniversary of Suffrage

Utah’s only female governor Olene Walker was honored as part of ‘Women of Weber’ to mark the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage.

Canceled: Former ‘60 Minutes’ Producer to Discuss Journalism Ethics at WSU

Canceled: Journalist Mary Mapes, former producer for CBS’ “60 Minutes,” will speak at Weber State University, March 30 at 7 p.m. in the Val A. Browning Center Austad Auditorium. Tickets are $12.50-$25 for the public, $5 for students.

WSU Students Spend Spring Break Serving Community

Sixty-four Weber State University students are choosing to spend Spring Break, the first week of March, volunteering in communities around the country and the world.

WSU Theatre Students Honored At Kennedy Center Regional Festival

Three Weber State University students took top honors at the Region VIII Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival held Feb. 11-15, 2020, at California State University, Fullerton.

WSU Partners with U of U Dental Program to Help Underserved Communities

Weber State University’s Department of Dental Hygiene is partnering with the University of Utah School of Dentistry to elevate learning opportunities and provide care to underserved populations in northern Utah.

WSU Theatre Presents ‘The 39 Steps’

WSU's theatre program will present a production of “The 39 Steps,” a two-time Tony Award winning play based on the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, beginning Feb. 21.

Research at WSU Finds Vaping is Addictive and Potentially Dangerous

Undergraduate students at Weber State University have conducted studies on mice and humans for three years, which have confirmed the addictive properties and health consequences of vaping.

Academy Award Winning Costume Designer to Speak at WSU

Ruth Carter, the 2019 Academy Award winner for Best Achievement in Costume Design for her work on “Black Panther,” will speak at Weber State University Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Val A. Browning Center Allred Theater.

WSU Hosts Youth Robotics Competitions

The College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology will host two robotics events for K-12 students Feb. 1 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms, and Feb. 22 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Swenson Gymnasium.

Dining for Dollars Provides Financial Support for Vulnerable WSU Students

Sonora Grill in downtown Ogden will host its unique and tasty fundraiser, Dining for Dollars, Feb. 5 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. to benefit Weber State University’s Oportunidad Scholarship Fund.

Weber State Hosts 24th Annual Storytelling Festival

Storytellers will gather to share tales with audiences of all ages at Weber State University’s 24th annual Storytelling Festival, Feb. 24-26. All events are free and open to the public.

Postponed: Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Headlines Women of Weber Project to Mark 100th Anniversary of Suffrage

“Women of Weber,” will focus on women who have impacted and enhanced the Weber State educational experience. Each month their photos and stories will be on display outside Archives in the Stewart Library.

WSU Food Pantry Receives Donation to Help Feed Students in Need

The Weber Cares Program, which provides free food and resources to students in need, recently received a $3,225 donation from Weber Dining to aid in its efforts to combat food insecurity at Weber State University.

WSU’s 20th Gospel Music Festival to ‘Make a Joyful Noise’

Choirs will gather to celebrate and share the joy of music during Weber State University’s 20th Annual Gospel Music Festival in the Val A. Browning Center Austad Auditorium, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

WSU Hosts MLK Week of Service

Weber State University will host a week of service activities, Jan. 20-25. Students and community members will continue the legacy of King’s work through service projects and events that benefit Ogden and the surrounding area.

WSU Invites Community to Star Party

The Ott Planetarium is hosting a series of star parties to help people learn about the night sky. The first will be held Jan. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at the fourth floor observatory in Tracy Hall Science Center.

The Inauguration of Brad L. Mortensen

WSU President Announces Scholarship Initiative and Outlines Vision During Inauguration

During his inauguration, Jan. 7, Weber State University President Brad Mortensen announced ’CATapult, a scholarship fundraising initiative to raise $10 million by July 1, 2021.

WSU Update COVID-19 (Coronavirus)