Light the W
Exciting changes are coming to the hill behind campus!
History of the Lit W
For 45 years, Weber State has been lighting an electric W on a slope of Mt. Ogden during Homecoming week.
In the Beginning
The mountainside W has come and gone throughout Weber State history, since the first Flaming W was lit in 1937 with 100 cans of kerosene and burlap sacks for wick. In the decades after, different versions were made with planted bushes and painted white rocks — and a wide variety of burning objects, until flares started a brush fire in 1957.
The electric lighted W became an annual Homecoming tradition thanks to J. Farrell Shepherd and university electrician Lynn Kraaima, who figured out a way to make it work in 1979. The design has been updated and installation simplified, but putting it together is a challenging process each year.
The temporary lighted W, year after year, has ignited Wildcat spirit and community pride, and also inspired dreams of having a permanent W on the mountain. After years of researching options, we’re excited to announce we’ve found a way to make it happen.
A Permanent Presence
The permanent Flaming W on the mountain will be built in the same area above the Ogden campus on Weber State property. We believe it will be the first hillside letter built with solar panels — reflecting WSU’s strong commitment to sustainability and also contributing electricity back to the grid.
The W will be lit with purple and white bulbs to celebrate special WSU occasions:
- Homecoming
- Commencement
- Founder’s Day
- Wildcat home wins
Be Part of This Historic Project
If you’d like to know more about the history of the W on the hill, there is a flaming W exhibit at the WSU Stewart Library through 10/25/24.
Construction Process
Construction on the lit W has begun and is expected to take eight months to complete. Work will occur in two phases -- fall 2024 and spring 2025.
Phase 1
Crews are preparing the hillside for installation. Some trails around the construction site are closed for safety. Please see the maps below for details and detours. If you are using the trails, please use caution as construction machinery is also in the area and be respectful of crew members.
Important Dates
Sept. 24, 2024: Construction materials moved to the site via helicopter
Questions or concerns? Call the Facilities Management Front Desk 801-626-6331
Construction Photos
Leaving the Area Better Than We Found It
Having minimal environmental and community impact has been a huge consideration and goal for this project. We determined that any construction process would upset the area temporarily and force the closure of trails and routes used by the community. We apologize for the inconvenience and disruption, but please know that we did plan for the least negative impact possible and your safety is our priority.
We assure you that the hill and surrounding area will be repaired and even improved when construction finishes. The site will be reseeded to bring back the natural vegetation and restore the habitat. All trails will be reopened.
Once installed, the new solar powered feature will only be lit in conjunction with a handful of special events at WSU (e.g., commencement, homecoming, Founders Day, etc.). The new solar array will give off a little over 100KW when operational.
Questions or concerns? Call the Facilities Management Front Desk 801-626-6331
This project is designed by VCBO Architects and being built by Jacobsen Construction.