The Tradition Keepers: 2023–24 WSU Alumni Association leaders

Karin Hurst AS ’79, Marketing & Communications

Claudia Eliason

Emeriti Alumni Council President

My favorite family tradition is... gathering for family dinners — especially holidays. There are 39 of us now that our six children have married and multiplied, so the gatherings aren’t as frequent as they used to be.

My guilty pleasure is... most definitely chocolate.

I’m involved in WSUAA because... I love WSU and giving back to the university that gave so much to me and five of our children.

Most people don’t know that I... dipped chocolates with my husband and gave them to family and neighbors at Christmas for many years.

My favorite season is... spring, because it is so invigorating after Utah’s long, cold winters. I love listening to birds sing, watching the mountains turn green, seeing plants and flowers come to life and getting outside.

My favorite spot at WSU is... the McKay Education Building. After earning my doctorate, I was hired by the education department and spent the next 16 years with inspiring colleagues who collaborated with me on different projects. I also felt fortunate to interact with remarkable students.

Charles Bowker BA ’18

New Alumni Council President

My favorite family tradition is... I have several: Christmas pajamas and breakfasts, the Ogden Greek Festival and annual trips to the mountains the first week in October.

My guilty pleasure is... baking and writing when I can.

I’m involved in WSUAA because... I love what WSU gave to me as a student and alum, and I hope to help others get the most out of their educational experiences.

Most people don’t know that I... have a weird animal magnetism; most animals seem to find me strangely approachable.

My favorite season is... fall. Temps are perfect, colors are breathtaking and activities are exciting.

My favorite spot at WSU is... the Swenson Pool. I started taking swim classes there to unwind during my heavier semesters, so being there is calming and centering.

Caden DeYoung

Student Alumni Council President

My favorite family tradition is... celebrating the Fourth of July in Huntsville, Utah, with kickball, sand volleyball and fireworks!

My guilty pleasure is... watching the cartoon Bluey with my nephews.

I’m involved in WSUAA because... I love being a student at Weber State and want other students to enjoy it as much as I do. It’s a great opportunity to be able to give back to the university that is helping me achieve my academic goals.

Most people don’t know that I... am a pretty big nerd! I’m extroverted and love playing sports, but I’m also majoring in microbiology and love learning about bacteria, viruses and diseases.

My favorite season is... fall. You’ll find me attending football games, hiking or anywhere outside enjoying the nice weather and the changing leaves.

My favorite spot at WSU is... Stewart Stadium. I love watching football while enjoying the view of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains and Ogden.

Rob Higginson BS ’80

Board of Directors President

My favorite family tradition is... Lake Powell and Sunday afternoon dinners.

My guilty pleasure is... spaghetti noodles covered with butter and salt.

I’m involved in WSUAA because... I love being involved with alumni and university leaders.

Most people don’t know that I... am afraid of singing in public.

My favorite season is... summer.

My favorite spot at WSU is... the steps of the Miller Administration Building; that is where I first met my wife.

What’s Rob holding? Cracking a 56-year-old case

WSU Alumni Association President Rob Higginson is holding what is believed to be the oxidized steel finial from the 20-foot-tall flagpole Weber students, faculty, alumni and administrators erected on Mount Ogden Peak during the inaugural Mount Ogden Hike in 1922.

Forty-five years after the first hike, the U.S. Forest Service dismantled the pole and hurled sections of it over the cliffs. Until the fall of 2023, few knew of any other remnant of the original structure than a 24-inch chunk of base recovered by Weber State staff in 1970.

Now, an exciting new chapter of the story has been added by Ogden native and WSU alum James Crookston AS ’94. Around 1970, Crookston’s father, Ogden dentist Lynn Crookston, hiked below the peak with several of James’ older siblings when they discovered a weathered steel sphere about six inches in diameter. Recognizing its historic value, the family decided to carry it home. The arduous task fell to James’ sister, Miriam, who accidentally dropped it and stood by helplessly as the heavy ball rolled a long way down a rugged western slope.

Years later, Dr. Crookston returned to find the relic with youth from his church. The hikers employed a systematic grid pattern method of searching and rediscovered the sphere.

For nearly 50 years, Dr. Crookston and his wife, Melva, displayed the Weber College flagpole finial, with other antiques, in their living room.

Since 2019, James Crookston has curated the heirloom, and he graciously lent it to WSU for this year’s alumni leaders’ photo shoot.

Are you a Traditions Keeper?

Visit weber.edu/traditionskeeper to learn more.