The Roaring ’20s
WSU Alumni Association leaders kicked off 100 years of the Mount Ogden Hike by paying homage to the 1920s, a decade of silent film, newsies, flappers and fedoras.
Board of Directors President
Rob Higginson BS ’80
Speaking of the ’20s, what has been your favorite moment of the 2020s?
The 2020s started out as a wild ride to say the least. I have enjoyed the closeness of family relationships that the pandemic has provided. I feel my family is more united than any time I can remember.
If you could bring an object back 100 years to show your ancestors, what would it be?
A flat-screen TV.
If you could take a time machine to any decade, when would it be?
I would love to revisit the 1970s and attend a few more rock concerts at the Salt Palace.
Tell us about an annual tradition you take part in.
My family loves Lake Powell; we have had an annual trip for many years.
Coolest thing about the WSU Alumni Association?
I have very much enjoyed serving on the Alumni board and making new friends and reacquainting with old classmates. It is great to be back on campus and be involved with great alumni.
Emeriti Alumni Council President
Joe Barrett BA ’73
Speaking of the ’20s, what has been your favorite moment of the 2020s so far?
Probably my favorite moment was being able to take off the face mask and return to somewhat normal. We’ve been able to travel by air and visit our family in New York and Connecticut.
If you could take a time machine to any decade, when would it be and why?
I would like to have been present to hear the debates and discussion around the founding of our nation. I would like to meet those men and women who risked their lives and fortunes for this cause.
Share a memory of the Great Salt Lake.
As a little boy, my parents would take me to Saltair. We would change in changing tents that were set up on the beach, and then go out into the water and just lay back and float.
Which Weber State sports team is your favorite to watch?
I’ve always enjoyed Weber State Basketball, but, having played soccer at Weber, I enjoy watching the soccer team play as well. I especially remember the years that Phil Johnson was the coach and Willie Sojourner was the star for the men’s basketball team.
Coolest thing about the WSU Alumni Association?
The coolest thing is the excitement of people, young and old, who are working toward a goal in their lives and the excitement when they finish. Reconnecting with old friends also ranks really high.
New Alumni Council President
Charles Bowker BA ’18
Speaking of the ’20s, what has been your favorite moment of the 2020s?
It would have to be getting married to my wife… or was it the pandemic? No, my wife has been the highlight of the ’20s for me.
If you could bring an object back 100 years to show your ancestors, what would it be?
A smart phone. Their minds would be blown.
What is the biggest hike you’ve taken?
With a 70-pound backpack? Twelve miles up Granite Canyon in the Tetons in a thunderstorm. Non-backpacking related? Twenty miles round trip to Union Falls in Yellowstone.
Which WSU sports team is your favorite to watch?
Jay Hill has brought a lot of positive energy to the football program, making it exciting to be a Wildcat. That being said, the women’s soccer team is by and far the most enjoyable team to watch. Each woman on that team is giving 110% each and every second they are on the field, and the passion shows.
Coolest thing about the WSU Alumni Association?
Sometimes, in college, I would find myself mentally pigeonholed in associating with people within my program, but, being a member of the alumni association, I have been able to connect with Wildcats from all walks of life and that has been amazing.
Student Alumni Association President
Hannah Olsen BS ’22
Speaking of the ’20s, what has been your favorite moment of the 2020s?
I got engaged and graduated from Weber State with my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.
If you could take a time machine to any decade, when would it be?
The 1970s, because it was a crucial time in the legal world.
In the year 2120, what tradition do you hope Wildcats still participate in?
Rubbing Louis Moench’s boot for good luck before an exam.
Which Weber State sports team is your favorite to watch?
Football and hockey.
Coolest thing about the WSU Alumni Association?
Staying connected!
On Location at the Eccles Art Center
We couldn’t think of a better location for our alumni leader photo shoot than the Eccles Art Center in Ogden, a Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion where David and Bertha Eccles raised their 12 children in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Before her death, Bertha made it known she wanted the home to benefit the community and local arts and education.
Through the years, it has done so, becoming a Weber State College women’s dormitory in 1948 and community art center in 1959. Today, Eccles Art Center hosts performing and visual arts classes, exhibits and more.