2023 Archives

Weber State recaps top achievements of 2023

As 2023 comes to an end, Weber State University looks back at another year of growth and achievements, including breakthroughs in technology, sustainability and community engagement.

Thousands to bring home degrees from Weber State University

More than 2,200 graduates will receive certificates and degrees from Weber State University during fall 2023 commencement ceremonies here Dec. 15.

WSU to host inaugural white coat ceremony for future physician assistants

Marking a significant step toward becoming physician assistants, 20 students at Weber State University will receive traditional white coats during a ceremony here Dec. 14.

Weber State, Living Planet Aquarium partner to monitor river otter population

Zoology students at Weber State University are surveying local waterways to learn more about North American river otters.

Opportunities at WSU ignite small-town student’s desire to make big changes

Akir Rowe originally came to Weber State University to study microbiology, but after life-changing experiences here, he's decided to take his skills to the courtroom instead.

Weber State nursing grad reflects on 40+ years in healthcare

Alan Holt provided compassionate care to thousands of patients during his decades-long career in healthcare.

Respiratory therapy student inspired by mission experiences during pandemic

Trent Beutler, sophomore at Weber State University, was far from home when he decided to pursue a career in healthcare.

Weber State holds drive to increase community access to books

Weber State University and the United Way of Northern Utah are partnering for a book drive to improve literacy and access to books in the Ogden community.

From Army medic to pageant winner, Weber State freshman takes chances

Loryn Merrill plans on a career serving patients as a paramedic, much as she served her nation in the U.S. Army and now serves her city as Miss Roy.

Weber State joins Student Success Equity Intensive to close equity gaps

Weber State University has been selected as one of 18 institutions in the nation to participate in the third cohort of the Student Success Equity Intensive.

New leader at Weber State shares ‘big vision’ for defense, aerospace

A new leader in Utah's defense and aerospace industry took the reins this week as Weber State University named Benjamin Garcia the executive director of the Miller Advanced Research & Solutions Center.

WSU alum inspires others to make business, community connections

Weber State University alum and businessman Brody Barnes has learned from years of experience that to be part of a business, you have to be part of the community.

WSU recognizes faculty making strides in health, technology

This week, Weber State University honored top faculty with the John S. Hinckley Fellow Award and the Exemplary Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award.

Weber State student recognized as next-generation civic leader

A political science major at Weber State University has been appointed to the Newman Civic Fellowship, a national program that provides learning and networking opportunities for emerging community leaders.

Shoshone author Darren Parry to headline 17th Annual Native Symposium

The 17th Annual Native Symposium returns to Weber State University this November as one of several events being held in honor of Native American Heritage Month. This years symposium theme is Honoring Native Sovereignty.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nguyen to visit Weber State

Award-winning and bestselling author Viet Thanh Nguyen will deliver a public reading Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater. A reception in his honor will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Perseverance pays off for Weber State accounting student

It took some time for Neftali Castaneda to get into Weber State University, but once he did, he hasn't slowed down.

WSU awarded $1.2M from National Science Foundation for postdoc research

Weber State University has been awarded $1.24 million from the National Science Foundation, the largest NSF grant received by the university to date.

After ‘messy’ break from college, mom finds growth at Weber State

When she thinks about the future, Cari DeCoursey sees a mountain of possibilities, from researching soil health to teaching middle school choir.

Weber State surpasses 30,000 students, sets record for Hispanic and Latino enrollment

Defying the national trend that has seen a decline in college enrollment, Weber State University boasts its largest-ever student body and welcomes a record number of Hispanic and Latino students.

Weber State to welcome Marvel author, podcaster Gabby Rivera

Weber State University will host acclaimed author Gabby Rivera on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Val. A. Browning Center Allred Theater. Rivera will speak about prioritizing joy, as well as her experience as an LGBTQ+ woman of color.

Aspiring nurse pursues dream in Weber State’s nursing program

At 19 years old, Jasmine Lagunas knew moving away from her hometown in Logan, Utah, to attend Weber State University was a big sacrifice for her family, but following her dream is inspiring others to do the same.

Weber State to ‘salute’ top alumni, Utah community leaders

This week, Weber State University will host WSU Salutes, an annual ceremony that recognizes alumni from various eras throughout the school's history, along with community leaders who have made a difference in Utah and beyond.

Weber State’s homecoming celebrations connect students, community

Students and community members are ready to show off their school spirit at Weber State University's homecoming celebrations from Oct. 6-14. Classic events include a pep rally, Light the W and a football game.

Weber State to award two $2,000 scholarships at premiere screening in Ogden

One week ahead of its streaming debut on Amazon Prime, Weber State University will host a premiere screening of The College Tour episode centered around 10 current and former WSU students.

WSU cheerleaders take school spirit to Japan to train youth, college athletes

Weber State's cheer team won its seventh national title and its second Grand National Championship competition at the 2023 NCA/NDA Collegiate Nationals last spring, adding to the team's global reputation as a cheerleading powerhouse.

WSU’s top automotive program inspires student to move across country

When Tyler Brown graduated high school in Louisville, Kentucky, he was on a quest to enroll in a premier automotive program. His search led him to WSU, whose automotive technology program is recognized as one of the top 10 in the nation.

Weber State’s 2023–24 theater season offers something for everyone

Weber State University's theater season kicks off next week with a musical adaptation of the classic novel Jane Eyre.

US goalkeeper Tim Howard to speak at WSU Diversity Conference

A U.S. Soccer and English Premier League goalkeeper is headlining Weber State University's 25th Annual Diversity Conference to be held Sept. 28-29. This year's theme is Celebrate Neurodiversity.

Yudi Lewis honored with Utah’s 40 Over 40 award

Weber State University's executive director of Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives Yudi Lewis has been named one of Utah's 40 over 40 successful women for her work in higher education.

Weber State’s Shaw Gallery to bring new art exhibition to Dumke Arts Plaza

Weber State University's Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery is bringing a new collaborative exhibition to the Dumke Arts Plaza on Oct. 6 that features dance, film and photography.

WSU, TheDream.US partnership awards $1.2M in scholarships

Weber State University's partnership with TheDream.US, the nation's largest college and career success program for undocumented students, is providing nearly $1.2 million in scholarships to WSU Dreamers for the 2023-24 academic year.

WSU out for blood during 20th annual Blood Battle

Weber State University will mark 20 years of donating blood with the annual American Red Cross Blood Battle Sept. 11-15 on the Ogden campus.

Utah’s first Latino federal judge to speak during WSU’s Hispanic Heritage Month

Weber State University will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month throughout September and October, and will welcome Samuel Alba, Utah's first Latino federal judge, as a keynote speaker to honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

McKay Education Building to be transformed into renovated learning space

Construction is progressing on Weber State University's McKay Education Building, which is undergoing a complete renovation to modernize and upgrade its teaching and learning spaces.

WSU’s Walker Institute to host George Will for Constitution Day

To celebrate Constitution Day, Weber State University's Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service welcomes guest speaker George F. Will and interviewer Boyd Matheson.

Weber State professor headed to Poland on second Fulbright Scholar Award

When Marek Matyjasik taught in Poland as part of his first Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award, the COVID-19 pandemic cut his time short. In his eyes, there was much more to accomplish.

Weber State police practice coordinated emergency response

Weber State University police hosted a multiagency active shooter response training at the Ogden campus on Aug. 23.

Wildcards now available on mobile for Weber State community

Weber State University students, faculty and staff can now add their Wildcard to Apple Wallet or Google Pay and use their mobile devices to access campus buildings, purchase meals and more.

Third-generation Weber State grad receives same degree as mom, grandma

Teaching runs in the family of Jericho Robbins, who graduated this spring with a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education at Weber State University.

WSU recognizes first round of faculty certified in Effective College Instruction

Twenty-seven faculty at Weber State University recently became certified in Effective College Instruction through the Association of College and University Educators.

WSU Board of Trustees appoints new chair, 4 new members

Ogden native and former corporate executive and legal counsel for Citigroup Karla Bergeson was elected as chair of the Weber State University's Board of Trustees at its annual orientation meeting today.

Weber State student survives cancer, completes degree

Tess Wunderlich provides patients with the same excellent care she received while combating cancer at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, even if she never meets them in person.

Weber State innovates nursing with virtual reality mass triage exercises

Students in the Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing are honing their skill set by participating in virtual reality triage exercises to respond to mass casualty incidents or emergency events.

Weber State recognized as national leader in sustainability

Weber State University is being recognized for its success in proactive efforts to become carbon neutral by 2040, a decade ahead of its original goal.

WSU launches educational lifestyle camp for youth with Type 1 diabetes

Weber State University's free REACH Weber program is providing youth with Type 1 diabetes guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through its recreational events.

WSU’s respiratory therapy program honored for credentialing success rate

The Department of Respiratory Therapy at Weber State University was awarded the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award on July 14 by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Computer science grad finds support, confidence at Weber State

Three years ago, Shelby Watchman sat quietly during her first class at Weber State University, too anxious to engage with her professor or classmates.

WSU selected by Amazon as an Education Partner for Career Choice Program

WSU has been selected as an education partner for Amazon's Career Choice program, providing Amazon's hourly employees access to over 200 certificate and degree programs.

U.S. Space Command gets taste of Weber State’s role in aerospace innovation

Weber State University engineering students demonstrated the progress of their senior capstone project to U.S. Space Command official Thomas A. Lockhart as he toured WSU's Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center on June 26.

Lindquist Pops to dazzle audiences for 44th year at Weber State

The annual Lindquist Family Symphony Pops Concert and Fireworks will light up the skies above Weber State University on July 16 from 9-11 p.m.

Weber State launches Talent Ready Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure apprenticeship

WSU is launching the Talent Ready Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure Apprenticeship. The new program helps students pursuing cybersecurity and IT degrees gain technical training.

Weber State helps young father provide better future for his family

When Trini Gonzales became a father at age 17, his dream to become a Marine and attend college was eclipsed by a duty to care for his son.

WSU alum creates business centered on accessible literature, inclusivity

Patrick Ramsay is taking the skills he learned at Weber State University and turning them into a creative, inclusive space in Ogden.

Weber State brings arts, science to Ogden parks this summer

Weber State University's free summer Arts in the Parks and Science in the Parks programs for children begin in June throughout Ogden.

WSU students win national theater design awards, international recognition

Weber State University students Marley Keith and Porter Lance took home top prizes at the national Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C. for their lighting and scenic designs.

WSU announces vice president of new Student Access & Success division

Weber State University's Board of Trustees Executive Committee has approved the selection of Jessica Oyler as the inaugural vice president of Student Access & Success.

Master’s grad in social work focused on community, opportunities

Although Christina Zamora is among the first graduating class of Weber State University's new Master of Social Work program, which launched in 2021, she's the first to admit that getting a master's degree was never her plan.

Ballet Folclórico Guadalajara returns to WSU for free performance June 7

Ballet Folclórico Guadalajara and Mariachi Femenil Estrella de México are bringing Mexican tradition and celebration back to Ogden.

Ballet folclórico Guadalajara regresa a Weber State, el 7 de junio, para una presentación gratuita

Exhibiendo las tradiciones y celebraciones mexicanas, Ballet Folclórico Guadalajara y Mariachi Femenil Estrella de México regresan a Ogden.

Weber State to honor 4 inspiring Utahns with honorary degrees

For their achievements in education, business, government and community leadership, WSU will recognize four outstanding Utahns with honorary degrees during its 160th commencement ceremony April 28.

Weber State building design program inspires redesign of grad’s future

When Abigail Trejo began looking into Weber State University's Building Design & Construction program, she didn't realize she already had a special connection to it.

Weber State LGBTQ+ graduates to be honored at formal Lavender Graduation

Weber State University's LGBT Resource Center will honor LGBTQ+ graduates with its first formal Lavender Graduation celebration April 19.

Thousands to walk at Weber State’s 160th commencement

Weber State University is honoring the class of 2023 during its 160th commencement ceremony April 28 beginning at 8:30 a.m., followed by ceremonies for each college throughout the day.

WSU student filmmaker gaining skills to share family’s part in Utah history

WSU senior, Andrew Kyed, dreams of using the skills he's learning to create a documentary about his grandmother and other Japanese Americans detained during World War II.

Weber State announces 2023 Brady Distinguished Professors

Three faculty members have been named WSU's 2023 Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors, representing the fields of radiological sciences, psychology and electrical computer engineering.

Weber State brings 2 new exhibits to Dumke Arts Plaza

WSU and Ogden City are making contemporary art exciting and accessible to the local community with new, video game-inspired sculptures and a video exhibition at the Dumke Arts Plaza.

WSU professor bolsters life-saving efforts in community via PulsePoint app

A WSU professor of emergency healthcare teamed up with the Ogden City Fire Department to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in Weber and Morgan counties via the mobile app, PulsePoint.

Singer’s life ‘enriched’ by education at Weber State

One of eight siblings, Rebecca Schull thought she would never go to college. Through a vocal scholarship at Weber State and a thriving music community, her life has been enriched.

April gatherings at WSU to bring awareness to sexual assault

WSU is doing its part to bring awareness to sexual assault issues with various events including the Take Back the Night rally and march and Start by Believing Day.

Weber State student challenges ‘college material’ myth

Looking back, its hard to believe Brodee Kendrick ever considered himself not college material. He's active in WSU student leadership, works on campus, and is about to earn his associate's degree.

Weber State professor honored for enriching lives of children with disabilities

A physical education professor at WSU is being recognized for his commitment to the community via his landmark work on behalf of children with disabilities. James Zagrodnik will receive the 2023 John A. Lindquist Award.

Four decades of service common thread among 2023 Dixon Award winners

With more than 120 years of combined service to Weber State University, one staff and two faculty members will receive the WSU Alumni Associations H. Aldous Dixon Award.

79-year-old Weber State student becomes TikTok sensation with 2.3 million followers

Among the thousands of seniors finishing their last semester at Weber State University this spring, another kind of senior is relaunching her educational journey and gaining millions of followers in the process.

Spring break in Kenya: WSU interior design student brings vision to life

Sadie Wood spent her spring break in Taru, Kenya, building a community center that she helped design.

Weber State brings together experts, students for annual sustainability event

Weber State University will host its 14th annual Intermountain Sustainability Summit at the Ogden campus March 23-24.

WSU, Sonora Grill continue 10-year effort to provide scholarships for students

Sonora Grill in downtown Ogden will host its 10th annual Dining for Dollars event March 23 to support Weber State Universitys Oportunidad Scholarship Fund.

Weber State faculty receive prestigious award for teaching excellence

Following a five-year tradition, Weber State University awarded the 2023 Presidential Teaching Excellence Award to 12 of its top teachers.

Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones to visit Weber State University

Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, will visit Weber State University on March 31.

Wildcat MicroFund expands with $1.2 million gift from America First Credit Union

Weber State University's Wildcat MicroFund has received a $1.2 million gift from America First Credit Union to expand its services throughout Utah.

Weber State’s female deans hope to inspire women in leadership

At Weber State, seven out of eight college deans are women. For International Womens Day, three of those deans shared their thoughts on the importance of women in leadership.

Athletic training program leads to Olympic, NFL jobs for WSU grad student

Two months from earning a masters degree at WSU, Tyler Rupe has already worked with the U.S. Olympic Speed Skating team and lined up a summer job in the NFL.

Weber State mourns the passing of legendary coach Chick Hislop

WSU professor curates exhibit featuring Latina artists

An art history professor at Weber State University is amplifying voices that are often forgotten within the art world.

Weber State to premiere ‘Matchstick Girl: A New Musical’

A new musical created by Weber State University alum and faculty will have its world premiere at WSU on Feb. 24.

WSU, Hill Air Force Base partner to train military spouses for IT careers

WSU is partnering with Hill Air Force Base and Catalyst Campus to offer the Rosie Project, a tuition-free information technology program aimed at getting military spouses plugged into jobs within the Department of Defense.

WSU radiologic sciences program attracts student with goal to treat cancer

When she was just 17, Reece Richardson moved across the Pacific Ocean to attend Weber State University with the hope of one day treating cancer patients.

Storytelling Festival celebrates 27 years at Weber State

Local and internationally acclaimed storytellers will express their art through performances and activities during Weber State Universitys 27th annual Storytelling Festival Feb. 27 to March 1.

WSU to host 38th National Undergraduate Literature Conference

Literature students across the nation will have the opportunity to present their work at the National Undergraduate Literature Conference hosted by Weber State University from March 30 to April 1.

Chief data officer to innovate WSU’s approach to student success, retention

Weber State University is taking a unique approach to student success and retention with the creation of a new position: chief data officer.

First-generation immigrant finds greater voice, vision at Weber State

For Yuritzi Jamileth Rosas Hernandez, the path to college was not easy. Growing up a girl of color in predominantly white schools, she often felt like the odd one out.

Weber State professor finds positive uses for ChatGPT in education

Weber State associate professor Alex Lawrence isnt afraid of artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Weber State uses 3D printing for aerospace support, research

Weber State University is using 3D printing to advance its research on composite materials that support northern Utahs aerospace and defense ecosystem.

Q&A with Tammy Nguyen, new addition to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

With a passion for working with diverse student populations, Tammy Nguyen has stepped into a new role as executive director of access and inclusion at Weber State University.

Award-winning WSU student discovered her passion through hardship

Madeleine Sorbonne was five years old when her parents lost their home and moved into an ambulance. Today she's an award-winning zoology student at Weber State.

New WSU Veteran Services director prioritizes military, families

Robert Wolfley served in the Air Force for 22 years. Now hes serving fellow veterans at Weber State University as the new director of Veteran Services.