weber state university News for Alumni & Friends

Thankful weber.edu/wsumagazine | alumni.weber.edu MARIA wildcat HERNANDEZ Vol. 22, No. 2, Fall 2017 PADILLA editor in chief Creative director Amy Renner Hendricks Hillary Wallace BFA ’98 Radiologic Sciences Student Contributing writers designers Matt Gerrish BS ’10, MPC ’15 Emily Caraballo and Role Model Amy Renner Hendricks Amy Hajdas Allison Barlow Hess Hillary Wallace BFA ’98 Karin Hurst photographers Loreen Nariari BS ’14 Ordinarily soft spoken, Maria can’t help but talk a little Ryan Belnap Jaime Winston D’arcy Benincosa louder, and faster, when discussing radiologic sciences. contributing editors Ryan Bethke “I’ll earn my associate’s degree next year,” she says, “but Nancy B. Collinwood BS ’94 Emily Caraballo Rebecca Gibson AS ’09 Robert Casey I also want to get my bachelor’s degree, concentrating on John Kowalewski Dariya Dolgacheva Brad Mortensen Matt Gerrish BS ’10, MPC ’15 CT, and eventually go into nuclear medicine.” Amber Robson BS ’05, MPC ’17 Matt Herp, Standard-Examiner Joe Salmond Always one to focus on her studies — “My mom never Kris Snibbe Zac Williams BS ’01, MPC ’13 had to tell me to do my homework; I just loved doing it!” — Maria was excited to be the only student chosen from her class to participate in the radiologic sciences Gear for Wildcats clinical internship at Intermountain Primary Children’s Comments and questions may be sent to Wildcat, Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4025, Ogden UT 84408-4025. Hospital, where she still works on an as-needed basis. The editor may also be contacted by phone: 801-626-7359 or email: “I’ve grown so much already and am grateful to be at [email protected]. of All Ages Weber State.” Send address changes to Advancement Services, Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4018, Ogden UT 84408-4018, Maria is the first person in her family to attend college. call 801-626-6138 or email [email protected] to update your records. Her parents emigrated from Colima, Comala, Mexico, postmaster: when she was an infant and moved to Utah when she Send address changes to Advancement Services, Weber State Get was in elementary school. University, 1265 Village Drive Dept 4018, Ogden UT 84408-4018.

Today, she takes being a role model seriously. 25% off

weber state university board of trustees 2017-18 one apparel item - with this coupon “I want to be an inspiration to my two younger brothers Nolan Karras BS ’70, Chair Aulola P. Moli PR5000000004801 and to the millions of students like me who are trying to Kearston A. Cutrubus, Vice Chair Scott W. Parson Karla K. Bergeson Donald J. Salazar succeed in a tough, tough world. It doesn’t always come Danielle Croyle BS ’96 Jeff M. Stephens BS ’84, MS ’88 easy, but I’m here, and I’m thankful for the opportunity. Karen White Fairbanks I know I’ve chosen a great pathway.”

For more information about WSU’s Department of Cover art provided by Emily Hart Radiologic Sciences, visit Wood BFA ’08. Jump to page 20 to read more about Emily. See more weber.edu/radsci of her art at emilyhartwood.com, or follow her on Instagram Maria is holding a hand anatomy model that was created on a 3-D printer. Radiologic sciences @the_papermoon_studios. Three locations to serve you: students now have access to seven 3-D printers and software, courtesy of the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation. Ogden, Davis and WSU Downtown wildcatstores.com WEBER WATCH CONTENTS

WEBER WATCH Matt Gerrish BS ’10, MPC ’15, Amy Renner Hendricks, Allison Barlow Hess and Loreen Nariari BS ’14

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Each year, the Center for Community Engaged Learning offers the Engaged Learning Series, a university-wide series of events to engage students, 9 faculty, staff and community members in discussions of Living the Dream issues of public concern. In 2017-18, the series will focus Get “Goosebumps” as you read how 10 alumni made their dreams come true. on civility. Participants will discuss the definition of civility, how civility ties into ethical behavior, who decides what is civil, why civility breaks down Dreamin’ With the Cats Dixon Awards 30 39 and more. For a list of events, Alumni Association leaders share Named in memory of former Weber visit weber.edu/wsumagazine. what they dreamed they’d be, and College President H. Aldous Dixon, what they became. the awards go to …

1.3 Million Hours and Counting 32 Class Notes A decade ago, Weber State established the Center for Community Engaged ENGAGED Wildcats share their successes and Learning (CCEL) to enrich lives in local communities. In those 10 years, LEARNING updates. WSU students have amassed 1,333,821 service hours, working within SERIES: the three pillars of community engagement — service, democratic engagement and community research. CCEL participants have served the Civility greater Ogden community, the state, the region, the country and the world.

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 5 A lone map remains in WSU’s Social Science building.

WEBER WATCH WEBER WATCH

What the World Needs Now is Literature, Sweet Literature Thanks to two WSU professors, we can now add empathy to the University. It has been published as a chapter in Routledge ever-growing list of benefits associated with reading literature. Press’ book Rethinking Empathy Through Literature.

English professor Sally Shigley and psychology professor Today, the research continues to progress. Fowler’s student, Lauren Fowler, who also heads up WSU’s Neuroscience Chase Brower, for example, looked into the relationship Program, joined forces to study a possible between oxytocin, a neuro-hormone widely connection between literature and empathy. referred to as the “love hormone,” and literature. The study measured the physiological signs His study involved testing individuals for of empathy (facial muscle activity, heart rate, oxytocin receptor genetics, then testing them to WSU broke ground in May for the Dumke Center for skin temperature) in its subjects as they read measure their physiological levels of empathy. Construction Zone Interprofessional Education in Health Care. the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Wit, which “Chase found that, with literature, instead of Over the summer, construction crews gutted an chronicles a woman battling stage 4 cancer. saying, ‘Here is your empathy level based on your iconic Weber State building in preparation for a The results of the study showed that reading genetics,’ you can say, ‘Here is your empathy massive remodel. The Social Science building will be literature elicited empathy because readers range, and literature actually can bring that level reconstructed from the inside out. When complete, assumed the role of the main character. up,’” Fowler said. “It’s been really fun to involve the busy building that sits grandly at the front of The study has been presented at several students and watch this research evolve.” campus will be renamed Lindquist Hall. conferences, including one at Oxford On the east side of Weber State, construction on the new Ezekiel R. Dumke Jr. and Katherine W. Dumke Center for Interprofessional Education in Health Care is underway. The building will provide collaborative space for students and faculty in various health care President Serves Abroad disciplines to study and learn together. During spring 2017, a team of 20 volunteers, including WSU President Charles A. Wight and his wife, Victoria Rasmussen, traveled to Ghana as part of a study abroad trip.

Trip director Lisa Trujillo, WSU associate professor of respiratory therapy, has extensive knowledge and New Library Dean and a Newly Renovated Library experience with service work in Ghana. In 2016, she When she was just 4 years old, Wendy Holliday, the new Stewart Library dean, learned to write her name in helped the University of Ghana implement the country’s order to obtain a library card. first and only respiratory therapy degree program. “My dad got to check out books because he had a library card, and I could check out The trip was Wight’s first international service trip only two on his card,” Holliday said. “I can still remember when I successfully wrote with WSU. While in Ghana, he taught short courses on that name on a library card and could check out a big stack of books just like him.” malaria prevention and represented the Rotary Club of Ogden, a trip sponsor. He also met with leaders at the Holliday’s love of reading and learning led to a Ph.D. in history and a master’s degree University of Ghana to discuss their respiratory therapy in library science. program, which continues to receive development Holliday arrived at WSU just in time for the grand reopening of the Stewart Library support from Weber State. in August.

After a 16-month renovation, the building now includes expansive windows to allow for more natural light, additional research and study spaces, a new heating and air National Champs x 2 conditioning system, and remodeled restrooms. Weber State claimed two national championships at the 2017 “I feel grateful to be arriving here at this time,” Holliday said. “I am really appreciative NCA and NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships of the thoughtfulness that went into the new library design. It’s going to provide a in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Wildcat cheer squad won the wonderful space for students, staff and faculty to come together to learn.” Division I Coed crown (its third in six years), while the Wildcat Staff hope the campus community will come and check out all the resources dance team won the Hip Hop Division I title. Wendy Holliday available in the library — including a book, of course.

6 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2017 Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 7 WEBER WATCH

Track Star Returns to Coach emember R.L. Stine’s Give Yourself Goosebumps “All of us have a story,” Shonduras said, “and we’re in books that were popular with kids in the 1990s? charge of what it looks like.” Corbin Talley BS ’03 loves to compete, no matter what he’s higher GPA — but, of course, who keeps track of those kind of R You know, the ones that turned young readers into How true. doing. He met his future wife, Stefanie Hansen AS ’98, in numbers?” he said, laughing. main characters, the ones that allowed kids to choose the mid ’90s when they both ran for Weber State. They also Take Jessica Schreifels Miller BS ’09, MPC ’13, for It’s hard to overlook the numbers Talley has tallied. At WSU, he their own adventures? Some of the stories had over 20 happened to be in the same psychology class. example. She moved straight through her story: was part of seven Big Sky Championship track and field teams possible endings, good and bad. bachelor’s degree, journalist, master’s degree, Pulitzer “We got competitive with our grades,” Talley remembered. and twice competed at the NCAA Championship in cross “The great thing about the books was, if you didn’t Prize. Joe McGill BS ’03, however, skipped back and “The professor would announce country. He also earned Big Sky Academic honors 10 times. like the ending, you went back and started over, you forth: football, NFL dream, foot injury, derailed dream, the top test score. Half the time Following graduation, Talley began coaching at Davis High jumped to page 23 instead of 32,” said professional sales accounting major, manager to the stars in L.A. Amanda it was me, and half the time it School in Kaysville, Utah. He led the boys’ and girls’ teams to alumnus Shaun McBride BA ’12. “My life has kind of King’s ’17 story sent her around the globe: Ogden, West was my wife. a combined 23 state championships and 45 region titles. Talley been like one big choose-your-own-adventure story.” Point, Afghanistan, Ogden. “In fact, the year she graduated, was named the 2016 Nike Nationals Coach of the Year. Shaun, aka Shonduras, went from skateboard shop Over the next few pages, we’ll share the stories of 10 she had the highest GPA for a He’s excited to return to the home of the Wildcats as the head owner, to online jewelry seller, to sales representative, alumni. Each took a different path, at a different stage student-athlete. A few years coach of the men’s cross country and track and field programs. to social media guru, to a marketing and advertising in life, but they all have two things in common: Their later, I received the same “The No. 1 priority is to create experiences and an atmosphere honoree in Forbes’ list of 30 Under 30 (in other words, journeys started right here at Weber State University honor — with just a slightly for these athletes that are positive and help them work hard he skipped from page 23 to 32, went back to page 14, and today, they are … and work together,” Talley said. “I think that combination will hopped to 35, then turned to page 60). result, down the road, in winning.”

Solar Gazing Living the When the sun went behind the moon during the solar WSU is working with Salt Lake County’s Clark eclipse on Aug. 21, physics professor John Sohl and his Planetarium to produce the video for global High Altitude Reconnaissance Balloon for Outreach distribution to planetariums.

and Research (HARBOR) team were hard at work. “I’ve never witnessed a total solar eclipse before; Situated near Rexburg, Idaho, where the eclipse was the spectacle was jaw-dropping,” Sohl said. “We had Amy Renner Hendricks, Allison Barlow Hess, Karin Hurst and Jaime Winston 100 percent, the team launched balloons, loaded with arranged to have all science hardware automated MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS cameras and equipment, to the edge of space. during the time of totality, so we could just enjoy

They were part of a NASA-funded study to capture the the eclipse. That was a good thing because it was event on video and measure the atmosphere, with a so amazing that we wouldn’t have been able to tear Dream special focus on ozone. ourselves away from the view.”

8 weber.edu/wsumagazine | Fall 2017 TheShaun McBride Social “Shonduras” Media BA ’12 Guru Professional Sales

haun McBride’s parents: “Hey, there’s this college up the description of it. I sold it and doubled my revenue. I did the Sroad called Weber State. You should probably go.” same process over and over. Shaun: “That’s probably a good idea. Let’s do it.” “At the end of the semester, I was smiling and walking over to

Two days after Shaun returned from a life-changing mission Tim to hand him my paper, and he was like, ‘Fun project?’ I in Honduras, he walked into class. “Guys, I literally fell in was like, ‘Yeah, I hope I get a good grade, but if not, I just made love with Weber. A lot of my friends were paying tons of $600 and have a new Game Cube!’” money to go to other universities, but Weber was a blast,” he Turns out the project went really well. Turning to Border, told a crowd of WSU students during a spring 2017 speech Shaun laughed and said, “I’m just gonna say you gave me on campus. “I met that guy, right there,” he said, pointing to an ‘A’ because that’s the story I want to remember. I can’t associate professor of professional sales Tim Border. remember my exact grade, but I learned a lot about life.”

A natural storyteller, Shaun told the audience about his senior Today, Shaun, aka Shonduras, has created a social media negotiations project. “I thought, what if I took something — a empire in the Clearfield, Utah, building he refers to as his pair of headphones I won at a skateboarding contest — took “Spacestation.” He has amassed millions of followers on social great pictures of them, wrote a good description for them media, where he is most popular on YouTube and Snapchat. and used them to trade up for something else. I did that on He works with brands such as Nickelodeon, MTV, Taco Bell, KSL. I got a used video gaming system that didn’t have a Red Bull, Doritos, Xfinity and Axe to tell their stories. photo, made really nice photos of it and wrote an awesome

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 11 Photo by Zac Williams BS ’01, MPC ’13 TheJessica Castleton Geologist BS ’05 Applied Environmental Geosciences

essica Castleton used her Weber State University education to she said. “Being able to do fieldwork in Moab was fun, and Jbecome one of the best at helping Utah communities prepare communicating the geologic hazards to the community has for the worst. been rewarding.”

“Weber prepared me the most by providing me with hands- Castleton earned her master’s degree in geology from the on field education,” Castleton said. “We learned how to apply University of Utah in 2015. She has volunteered with local what we were learning in the classroom in the field as a chapters of the Association of Women Geoscientists and the professional geologist would.” Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists

Now, Castleton creates maps of possible geologic hazards for (AEG), and she currently serves as regional director for AEG, communities as a hazards geologist with the Utah Geological supporting chapters in Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Survey. “I also get called out for hazards response when there In addition, she serves on WSU’s Geosciences Advisory is an event such as a debris flow, flood, rock fall or other Committee.

geologic hazard,” she said. “I like helping people be prepared “I have had the opportunity to work with professionals from for disasters and understand the environment they live in.” universities all over the world, and I can honestly say that One of her most exciting projects involved creating a map for Weber State is the best,” she said. “The geologic education I Moab. “The project stemmed from a disaster response visit received at Weber was world class.” to determine why a sinkhole had formed under a home,”

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 13 Photo by Zac Williams BS ’01, MPC ’13 TheAmanda ParamedicKing ’17 Paramedic Program

manda King followed her dream when her friend could “My first day at Weber State, I was greeted by a whole lot of Ano longer live hers. very smiling faces and donuts and people helping me find my King graduated from the United States Military Academy, aka classes,” said King, who recalls upperclassmen yelling at new West Point, in 2006 and served eight years in the Army. While students on her first day at West Point. on one of her three tours of duty in Afghanistan, her close However, King didn’t pick WSU for its friendly atmosphere.

friend and fellow soldier, Jennifer Moreno, an Army nurse, was WSU offered the quickest path for King to fulfill her dream. killed during a rescue mission. Now, she works for a private ambulance service as she awaits “That was really a game changer for me in determining that training to become a fire department paramedic.

medicine was a true passion in my life,” King said. “I wanted “Weber State was definitely what I needed to make my dreams to go on and follow in her steps with medicine since she was come true,” she said. “Weber State embraces people like me unfortunately not able to,” King said. who, at a later age, decide they want to switch career paths.” King, who was handed her diploma at West Point by former President George W. Bush, decided on Weber State to pursue her dream.

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 15 Photo by Zac Williams BS ’01, MPC ’13 Photo by Ryan Bethke

TheGinny Shepler Teacher BIS ’80, BS ’86 Social Work, Psychology, Child Development and Elementary Education

heir school mascot may be a tiger, but every Wednesday, “I want my students to know they are talented, capable and Tstudents in Ginny Shepler’s classroom at Juan Bautista smart,” Shepler said. “One time a student wrote, ‘Mrs. Shepler De Anza Elementary in San Jacinto, California, turn into knew we could do it even if we didn’t know we could.’ I also Weber State Wildcats. Most wear purple and white, although received a note once that said, ‘Mrs. Shepler is the best teacher there is a smattering of Damian Lillard Portland Trail Blazers because she cherishes us.’ If I can make all my students feel T’s among them. that way, I know I’ve done my job.”

Shepler is an intervention teacher. Her students, kindergarteners Originally from Michigan, Shepler turned down a partial through fifth-graders, need extra support to be successful in scholarship at Michigan State University to attend Weber State English and language arts. She uses the shirts as incentives in with her best friend.

her classroom. “All students end up having a chance to wear “I loved Weber,” she said. “I really enjoyed the personal them multiple times throughout the year,” she said. relationships we had with our professors. By the end of my In addition to Weber Wear, her classroom features several freshman year, I was placed in work study jobs completely pieces of Weber State paraphernalia: a pompom, banner aligned with my school focus, so my work experience and bumper sticker hang from the wall. Approximately enhanced my learning experience. And, since my family was 85 percent of students at De Anza Elementary come from so far away, the people at Weber became my family.” socioeconomically disadvantaged homes. Part of the school’s mission is to prepare students for college.

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 17 TheDaniel Cox Surgeon BS ’08 Zoology, Pre-medicine Program

hen then-cabinet builder Daniel Cox enrolled at Weber away from finishing his ENT residency at the University of WState in 2004, he wasn’t sure he’d enjoy science, so he Utah Hospital. He was weeks away from moving his family decided to take his required science classes first, just to get to Atlanta, where he would be participating in an endoscopic them out of the way. skull base surgery fellowship at the prestigious Emory

It was a good decision. University.

He recalled, “I wasn’t a good student in high school, but Endoscopic skull base surgery is a minimally invasive during my freshman year at Weber, I took Glenn Harrington’s procedure that allows surgeons to remove tumors and lesions microbiology course, and it opened my eyes. through the nose versus a large opening in the skull.

“I remember going home and reading my textbook, not “Weber State offered so many opportunities that I wouldn’t because I had to, but because I wanted to. The next day I was have gotten at other, larger schools,” Cox said. “During my first sanding cabinets — I loved to work with my hands — and all anatomy class at medical school (at Washington University of of a sudden I just stopped, looked at a coworker and said, ‘I’m St. Louis), the professor asked how many of us had performed going to go to medical school.’” dissections on human cadavers. I’m surrounded by students who had attended Harvard and Yale, and only three people Fast forward to June 20, 2017. raised their hands. Cox and his wife, Tori Edwards Cox BS ’08, had just welcomed “I was one of them, thanks to Weber State.” their fourth child into the world at 2 a.m. Daniel was days

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 19 Photo by Zac Williams BS ’01, MPC ’13 TheEmily Hart Artist Wood BFA ’08 Visual Art & Design, 2-D Emphasis

mily Hart Wood’s artistic voice came from an unlikely understanding and a perspective — more so than skill — that I Esource — Bill Murray, the iconic star of Ghostbusters, couldn’t have gotten anywhere else.” Zombieland and Groundhog Day. At the heart of WSU’s visual art and design program is It happened in 2010, when a Los Angeles art gallery invited individualized teaching. “Those professors are so involved Wood to participate in its group show Mr. Bill Murray, A Tribute with each student,” Wood said. “They were so passionate to the Legend. Before producing a whimsical, whiskered, pipe- about what they were doing it was just contagious.”

smoking Murray clutching a goldfish bowl and straddling Wood paints at home in a light-flooded space she calls The the bow of a sailboat, Wood had separated her abstract work Paper Moon Studio. She accepts commissions and exhibits her from her illustrative work (see the Bill Murray painting at work extensively in galleries throughout Utah and California. weber.edu/wsumagazine). Wood was especially touched recently when she learned that “Now those two styles have come together,” Wood said. “Bill Wonder Rising, a small painting purchased at a gallery in Park was my first painting where I feel like I found my style. Oh, Bill City, Utah, now “resides” in California with the Palm Springs Murray ... you sneaky little devil!” Police Department, where it symbolizes fighting Internet Wood’s “style” is abstract art and collage meet illustration. And crimes against children.

while a Hollywood heavyweight may have inspired her style, “I didn’t have crimes against children in mind when I Wood got her scholarly appreciation of art from Weber State. painted it,” Wood said. “But now when I look at it, I see a “I would not be doing what I’m doing if I hadn’t gone child being rescued.” Photo by Zac Williams BS ’01, MPC ’13 to school,” she said. “At Weber State, I developed an

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 21 The Journalist Jessica Schreifels Miller BS ’09, MPC ’13 Communication

essica Schreifels Miller arrived at Weber State with a clear code violations following a report of sexual assault. That story Jidea of what she wanted to study: journalism. She’d found led to a yearlong, statewide investigation and to The Tribune’s her passion in high school, writing for TX, the teen section of 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting.

the Standard-Examiner. “Other people in Utah did this story,” Miller said, “but we “I didn’t really know how to write articles, so I would look at kept pushing. I wonder if we hadn’t done that, if we hadn’t the stories from the ‘grownup reporters,’ and I just copied kept writing story after story, it would have just been their style, and I called sources,” she said, laughing. “Like I dismissed as a bad week in public relations, and nothing actually called real people for my stories, which apparently I would ever have changed.”

didn’t have to do, but I did.” In June 2017, BYU announced it had formally adopted an At age 20, Miller was selected as editor-in-chief of The Signpost. amnesty policy for victims or witnesses of sexual assault.

Driven, she graduated from Weber State in just three years “Journalism makes you curious,” Miller said. “You look at and earned her Master of Professional Communication degree things, and don’t just take them at face value. You think, four years later. ‘What’s the real story? What’s really going on?’ Journalism has After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Miller reported first for become part of my identity: I am a woman, living in Ogden. I the Standard-Examiner and then as the cops reporter at The Salt am a wife, and I am journalist. It really has become the core of Lake Tribune. There, she received a call that a Brigham Young who I am.” University (BYU) student claimed she was punished for honor

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 23 Photo by Zac Williams BS ’01, MPC ’13 The Business Manager Joe McGill BS ’03 Accounting

n 1998, Joe McGill was voted Most Athletic at Bellflower High campus in January 2001. During his first semester, during spring ISchool in Los Angeles County, California. He was so set on practice, he injured his left knee. It derailed his football career. getting to the NFL that it surprised him when a teacher asked But, thanks to his high school teacher, McGill had a backup plan. what he was going to do if football didn’t work out. “I became involved in Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting and finance “What do you mean if football doesn’t work out?” McGill fraternity,” McGill said. “It was great. Professionals would come recalled asking. “I was 17. I was going to the NFL,” he said, speak. We’d hear about interesting careers. During my senior laughing at the memory. year, I was elected vice president of special projects.”

“She said, ‘But you have to have a plan B,’ and I told her I’d like McGill graduated from WSU in 2003. A CPA and business to run my own business. She knew math came easy to me, manager, he owns Topline Business Management, LLC in Los so she asked if I had ever considered accounting. My family Angeles. His clients work in entertainment and include actors, was all blue collar. I didn’t even know what a certified public actresses, writers, producers and athletes. When asked who, accountant was, or anything about the accounting world really. specifically, he laughed and said, “People you’d recognize.”

“I had been putting marketing/advertising as my major on Today, McGill thinks of Weber State as a “blessing in disguise.” college applications, but from then on, I switched to accounting.” “Weber took me outside my comfort zone,” he said. “I was McGill committed to play football at the University of San Diego away from home, not around my family, so I had to do a lot but eventually decided to play for a community college, where on my own. It allowed me to interact with professionals at an Weber State noticed him. He was recruited and arrived on earlier age and understand the concept of networking, which was key to my success.”

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 25 Photo by Dariya Dolgacheva Photo by Kris Snibbe, Harvard

The Harvard Professor Todd Rose BS ’00 Psychology

odd Rose came to Weber State in the late 1990s a high- for Individual Opportunity, a nonprofit organization that Tschool dropout with a 0.9 GPA. He had been labeled a promotes individuality in work, school and society. class clown, a troublemaker, and, as he explained in his new Rose believes that “the average” is a mythical yardstick that book The End of Average, “More than one school official told my hurts everyone. His mission is to dispel the myth of “the parents that they would have to temper their expectations average” and help the public understand that there is a about what I would be able to achieve in life.” “powerful alternative”: individuality.

Rose, however, felt that “something wasn’t right with [that] Rose explains in his book that there are three principles of analysis.” “I felt sure I had something to offer; it just seemed individuality: the jaggedness principle (talent is never one- like there was a profound mismatch between who I really was dimensional), the context principle (traits are a myth) and the and the way the world saw me,” he wrote. pathways principle (we all walk the road less traveled).

At WSU, Rose forged his own path based on his strengths and “We no longer need to be limited by the constraints imposed weaknesses, and found success. Today, he is the director of the on us by the Age of Average,” Rose wrote in his book. “We Mind, Brain, and Education program at the Harvard Graduate can break free of the averagarianism by choosing to value School of Education, where he leads the Laboratory for the individuality over conformity to the system. We have a bright Science of the Individual. He is also a co-founder of The Center future before us, and it begins where the average ends.”

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 27 The NFL Coach John Fassel BIS ’99 Exercise Science, Athletic Coaching, Communication Teaching

t 43 years old, John Fassel has quite the résumé. “John actually started out as a quarterback, and he certainly AUnder work experience, he adds: special teams added to our depth at that position, but we already had our coordinator for the Oakland Raiders, special teams quarterback lineup, so we moved him to wide receiver,” coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, interim head coach for the Arslanian said. “He was one of those athletes you just wanted L.A. Rams, and special teams coordinator for the L.A. Rams. to play. He was a prototype quarterback, but he quickly Under achievements, he adds: family man — he and his wife, became a prototype wide receiver.” Elizabeth, have two daughters, Lilah and Avery — triathlete, Today, as the special teams coordinator for the L.A. Rams, and even lifesaver — he and a surfer rescued a drowning man Fassel enjoys “helping young guys make the transition at Manhattan Beach in 2016. from being a college student-athlete to being a responsible

Fassel was a wide receiver at Weber State in the late 1990s. professional,” and says his three years at WSU were “three of He transferred to WSU from the University of the Pacific in the most memorable years of my life.” Stockton, California, where the football program was dropped “I had GREAT teachers and GREAT coaches and GREAT friends. in 1996, during Fassel’s sophomore year. Dave Arslanian, who I am forever grateful to them, and to the cafeteria workers (I spent nine seasons as Weber State’s head coach, from 1989- ate every meal in Promontory Tower!),” Fassel said, laughing. 1997, recruited Fassel. “I’ve been back a few times. It still feels a little bit like home.”

Fall 2017 | weber.edu/wsumagazine 29 Photo by Matt Herp, Standard-Examiner Today I am ... DANIELLE CROYLE BS ’96 GERRIT WOLTHUIS BS ’71 I A Police Captain & A Banker & President, WSU Alumni Association President, Emeriti Alumni Council DREAMED As a child, I dreamed I’d become ... As a child, I dreamed I’d become ... a flight attendant. I had never flown, a race car driver because I loved fast I’d become ... and wanted to travel. cars! My first car was a 1950 Chevy with a 1953 Oldsmobile Rocket V8 I actually became ... a police officer. engine. My childhood hero was ... Wonder I actually became ... a banker because Woman. She had killer boots and of my Weber State education. awesome bulletproof bracelets. My favorite coming-of-age movie is ... The Sandlot because those My favorite coming-of-age movie is ... Three O’Clock High because characters did what I would have done at that age. A RACE CAR it was filmed at Ogden High School when I attended there. In a junior high school game of Truth or Dare, I would ... never The celebrity I wish would have come to my sixth-grade slumber reveal a secret, but I would accept a challenge. DRIVER party is ... Princess Leia. I tried to replicate her cinnamon-bun hairstyle, but my hair was too blonde and fine. The celebrity I wish would have come to my sixth-grade slumber party is ... Roy Rogers. My dream for WSUAA in 2017-18 is ... that we raise so much scholarship money, every student (who wants to) can attend My dream for WSUAA in 2017-18 is ... to see more Weber State Weber State. alumni become WSUAA members and support their school! A ROCKSTAR A FLIGHT ATTENDANT INDIA NIELSEN BS ’14 KENDRICK GARRETT A Civic Advocate & A Microbiology Major & President, Young Alumni Council President, Student Alumni Association As a child, I dreamed I’d become As a child, I dreamed I’d become ... a ... an opera singer because I hadn’t rock star because I loved jamming out AN OPERA yet realized my debilitating fear of on my bass! singing in front of other people. SINGER I’m actually becoming ... an I actually became ... a public servant optometrist because eyes are so because the Olene S. Walker Institute interesting, and there are so many of Politics & Public Service allowed me beautiful things in the world to be seen. to serve five fantastic internships that My favorite coming-of-age movie is ... Big Fat Liar. All those pranks gave me work experience before I graduated. were just too good. (Also, I kinda had a crush on Amanda Bynes.) My favorite coming-of-age movie is ... Big Fish. It’s about finding In a junior high school game of Truth or Dare, I would ... always your place in the world by surrounding yourself with people who choose truth because I knew what kind of dares my friends make a meaningful impact on your life and community. were capable of coming up with. I once watched my best friend Something I got away with as a kid that I now wish I hadn’t was drink an entire 32-ounce bottle of Heinz ketchup. (I also had the ... wearing a white Nike one-piece sweat suit in a Gap Kids ad. The privilege of hearing it all come back up a half hour later.) picture still haunts me. Something I got away with as a kid that I now wish I hadn’t was The celebrity I wish would have come to my sixth-grade slumber ... eating cold cereal night and day. My addiction is pretty real. A party is ... Avril Lavigne because she was my musical obsession world without cereal? Unimaginable! and idol when I was in sixth grade. My dreams for WSUAA in 2017-18 are ... to see us create new ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LEADERS My dream for WSUAA in 2017-18 is ... to inspire all Wildcats — friendships and opportunities with and for fellow Wildcats, and to past, present, and future — to stay connected and engaged with help others see the importance of giving back. 2017-18 each other and the Weber State community!

Fall 2017 | alumni.weber.edu 31 Photo by Zac Williams BS ’01, MPC ’13 CLASS NOTES ALUMNI UPDATES

Upon retirement, he founded a paralegal for MetLife Law wrote a satirical book, ’50s a computer forensics-based Department in Manhattan. Helpful Household Hints for company. Upon his second He now lives in Marriott- the Domestically Challenged. Warren Buss AS ’57 retired retirement, Michael became Slaterville, Utah. Carma currently publishes from the University of a fine arts photographer. a blog and lives in Folsom, Northern Colorado after His Yellowstone Winter Julee Smith BS ’73 is the California. 38 years of teaching Reflections image received executive director for Ogden’s plant physiology, botany, an International Award of YCC (Your Community environmental studies, Merit from the Professional Connection) Family Crisis ’80s biology, photography and Center. For 26 years, she has Photographers of America. He A statistician, Donna scientific writing. He received taught in WSU’s Department is co-owner of Artistic Photo Greenman Ruiz BS ’85 UNC’s Outstanding Service of Child & Family Studies Expression LLC in West Linn, worked for various Award and also the Favorite as an adjunct instructor, a Oregon, where he lives with contractors at Hill Air Force Teacher Award. He is the position she started while his wife, Lorraine. Base and retired in 2016 from webmaster of the Colorado working as a probation officer Lockheed Martin. She has Biology Teachers Association James Elmer BS ’73 retired in the juvenile courts. Julee been an adjunct instructor and previously served as after 18 years from ION has taught classes on human in WSU’s mathematics president and vice president Media TV Network as development and parenting department for 30 years. of the organization. Warren the master controller. He and is currently teaching a Chat with a ’Cat; Three of her four children lives in Greeley, Colorado, previously owned/operated marriage class. She and her attended Weber State, and with his wife, Beverly. Zazzoo Designs Co., where he husband, Mont, live in Ogden. make dreams come true. three of her grandsons are They have five children, 17 produced custom embroidery enrolled at the university. grandchildren and three for designers such as After almost 20 years as Each year, our student call center raises thousands of dollars for Donna lives in Layton, Utah. great-grandchildren. Geoffrey Beene and Calvin a technical writer and crucial scholarships and programs including Dream Weber, Klein. James was the head of editor at Hill Air Force Base, A Scott Sessions ’85 is a which provides free tuition and fees to Utah students whose annual Carma Allen AS ’77 moved the embroidery department regional manager for household income is $40,000 or less. ’70s to the Bay Area, where at Eaves-Brooks Costume Self-Reliance Services she produced manuals In 2016-17, Dream Weber sponsored 2,800 students. Michael Anderson BS ’70 had Company in New York, of The Church of Jesus and training materials for a 25-year career as a special where he produced custom- Christ of Latter-day Saints. the defense industry. She THE WILDCAT CHAT PHONATHON STARTS SOON. agent with the IRS criminal embroidered costumes He previously served as later worked on product investigation division. In this for various entertainment associate manager for the development teams and role, he created the training industries. He performed LDS church’s Employment wrote user manuals for and standards for computer on Broadway, off-Broadway, Resource Services. Scott is a a health care laboratory Pick up your phone! evidence processing that are on TV and in film, and is a board member for the WSU equipment manufacturer. now recognized worldwide. member of the Screen Actors Alumni Association’s Arizona WILDCAT CHAT Staffed by Students. SUPPORTED BY YOU! Guild. James also worked as She retired in 2005 and

L Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association 32 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2017 A Annual Member of the Alumni Association Fall 2017 | alumni.weber.edu 33 Regional Alumni Network trips to Mexico. Matthew and Finding the right job is a and a mentor for Year Up. Zalinda have four sons, all of He and his wife, Julie, live in whom are students at WSU. HANDSHAKE Mesa, Arizona. Shane Rasband AS ’95, AS away. James “Jim” Hull BS ’88 is a ’12, BS ’15 is a software principal product engineer engineer and records for Micron Technology. He manager for Jacobs previously worked for Iomega Technology. He served in as a product validation the U.S. Navy and Air Force engineer. Jim and his wife, reserves for more than Jody Hull AS ’90, BS ’92, live 24 years. Shane and his in Boise, Idaho, where Jody wife, Stephanie, have three works for Idaho Wildlife Fish children. He is a volunteer Weber State has a new way to help students and alumni build meaningful careers. and Game. for the Lakeside Elementary Handshake is a personalized career platform that unites 350+ universities, Community Council and Boy 180,000 companies and 6 million job seekers. 2017 sponsors ’90s Scouts of America. and participants! Jake Shannon BS ’95 is a If you want a job, or have a job to offer, Larry Riggs BS ’92 is the human resources leader with visit: weber.joinhandshake.com global director of airbag Amazon Web Services in manufacturing for Autoliv, Seattle, where he lives with where he previously served This year’s WSU Alumni his wife, Ruth Ann Shannon as a technical support AA ’95, and their six children. Golf Classic raised manager. Larry received Prior to joining Amazon, he his MBA from Utah State worked in human resources University. He is a mentor $29,882 and global marketing for for the WSU Alumni for student scholarships. 17 years at Merck & Co., Association’s Leadership to including leading human Legacy mentorship program. (alumni & friends) resources efforts at the Annual company’s site in Munich, Single $35 / Couple $55 See you next year! June 8, 2018 Matthew Weeks BA ’92 is the lead family physician at the Germany. Intermountain Healthcare alumni.weber.edu/golfclassic A Jenny Brown Scothern BS ’96 North Ogden Clinic. He is the executive director for previously served as a major the GOAL (Get Out and Live) in the U.S. Army Medical Foundation. She also serves Corps. Matthew currently on the Board of Governors serves on WSU’s Student for Visit Ogden and the Affairs Committee and as Ogden/Weber Chamber New Grad Lifetime a mentor in the Alumni of Commerce, and is a One year $20 / Lifetime $295 Single $550 / Couple $1,000 Association’s Leadership to member of the Ogden Rotary Legacy mentorship program. A Club. Her husband, Greg His wife, Zalinda Lanette Scothern BS ’03, is a project Toone Weeks AS ’88, BS ’90, manager for Boman & Kemp was recently named South Manufacturing Inc. They have Ogden City Volunteer of the two children. Which WSUAA membership is right for you? Year. She volunteers with Rotary International and alumni.weber.edu/member organizes humanitarian

34 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2017 Fall 2017 | alumni.weber.edu 35 Tamara Davies BS ’04 works for WSU’s Office of Alumni in communications at Relations. Over the past Pluralsight in Farmington, 10 years, she has also Utah. She received her worked for Weber State in Master of Professional the Stewart Library and as Communication degree from a Foundations of College Westminster College. Her Success instructor. Her husband, Derek Davies BS husband, Shane Walker AAS ’04, MAcc ’05, is a controller ’10, BS ’13, is a software Stay connected to Weber State; for Petzl America. Tamara engineer for Hill Air Force help a student build a career. and Derek have one child and Base. They have two live in Centerville, Utah. daughters. WSUAA’s Leadership to Legacy mentorship program matches alumni and friends Joe Jatip BS ’04 is a Jeffrey Bailey BS ’07 from various professions with students interested in similar careers. consultant and talent is the director of acquisition specialist for Dell business development To learn more, visit Technologies. He previously for AlphaGraphics alumni.weber.edu/leadershiptolegacy worked as a human resources in Bountiful, Utah, manager for The Church of where he has worked Jesus Christ of Latter-day for 13 years. He is a Saints and for MarketStar scoutmaster and 11-year Angie Adams Bond AS ’98, BS and the intensive care unit at husband, Matthew, live in Corporation. He and his wife, volunteer for Boy Scouts ’01 was an organic chemistry Ogden Clinic. She also serves Larchmont, New York. They ’00s Tami, have four children and of America. Jeffrey and lecturer at Stanford on the board for Ogden Clinic have one daughter. live in West Haven, Utah. his wife, Ruth, have four University, where she Shauna Pitt AS ’00, BS ’05 and is the assistant professor is an advisor for WSU’s Dr. Michael Giles BS ’03 is a tax children. received her Master of Arts of surgery at the University of Raeanna Johnson AS ’05, BS Ezekiel R. Dumke College and estate planning attorney degree in organic chemistry. Utah, where she earned her ’08 is the employee wellness Daniel Peterson ’08 is of Health Professions. She at Bennett, Tueller, Johnson She also was a chemistry lab medical degree. Megan is also coordinator for WSU. Her a deputy prosecuting serves on Weber State’s Staff & Deere in Salt Lake City. He instructor for undergraduate a member of the University husband, Trevor Johnson attorney for the Ada County Advisory Committee and the received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) students. Angie now works as of Utah School of Medicine BS ’14, is a process engineer Prosecutor’s Office in Boise, Marriott Staff Development and LL.M. (tax) degrees from an independent consultant Admissions Committee. Her at Hill Air Force Base. Idaho. He handles felony Great, Great Committee. Shauna, who Boston University. Michael for Rodan + Fields. She and husband, Todd Grunander Raeanna and Trevor live in trial litigation for the county. recently celebrated her serves on the WSU Planned her husband, Matthew, live BS ’02, is an orthopedic Hooper, Utah, with their two His wife, Valerie Peterson 10-year anniversary at the Giving Committee and is in Portland, Oregon. surgeon and chief of surgery daughters. AS ’06, is a registered nurse. PLATE! university, also teaches an a mentor for the Alumni at McKay-Dee Hospital. They They live with their family in Angelina Feichko BS ’98 is introduction to health care Association’s Leadership to have three children. Austin Green BS ’06, M.Ed. Boise, Idaho. CEO and principal broker of careers course. Legacy mentorship program. ’11 is an elementary school Support WSU students and show Sold By An Angel Real Estate. Lucien Hardy III BS ’01 is a teacher for Utah’s Davis Erik Oberg BS ’09 works Blynn Simmons BA ’00 is Cory Weeks AA ’03, BA ’06, Wildcat pride wherever you drive! She has received numerous senior account executive for School District. He previously in Twin Falls, Idaho, as an attorney who focuses on IC ’07, MA ’14 is a finance awards in her 19-year career Enterprise Rental Agency, taught in the Canyons School an innovation scientist estate planning, business accountant for Utah’s in real estate, including where he has worked for District. For the past seven for Chobani, where he planning and transactions, Division of Finance and is the Lifetime Sales Master more than 11 years. He and years, Austin has served as designs and develops To learn more, call 801-626-7535 elder law, and mediation at the Payment Card Industry Award from the Board of his daughter, Brookelyn, live an adjunct faculty member at new drinks from idea to or visit alumni.weber.edu/lp Sage Law Partners LLC in (PCI) compliance coordinator Realtors, Rookie of the Year, in Los Angeles. Weber State, teaching in the commercialization. He Farmington, Utah. She lives for the state. He lives in Outstanding Achievement English as a Second Language received a master’s degree in South Weber, Utah, with Julia Cherashore B.Mus. ’02, Centerville, Utah, and is a Award, and she was an program. He and his wife, from Utah State University her husband, Scott. BS ’03 works in risk Young Alumni mentor for the inductee of the Hill Air Force Amanda, live in Layton, Utah. in food microbiology, quality management for Morgan WSU Alumni Association’s Base Honorary Commander and safety. Erik lives in Megan Wolthuis Grunander Stanley. She received her Leadership to Legacy Program. Angelina lives with L Jill Walker BS ’06, MA ’12 is BS ’01, a surgeon, is the Kimberly, Idaho. her husband in North Salt MBA in finance from New mentorship program. the new alumni coordinator assistant director of trauma Lake, Utah. York University. Julia and her

L Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association 36 alumni.weber.edu | Fall 2017 A Annual Member of the Alumni Association Fall 2017 | alumni.weber.edu 37 Martha Camarillo Freston India is president of the WSU community groups. In 2014, Dr. T. Ramakrishna Dr. Eric Amsel ’10s BA ’12 is a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Alumni Association’s Young he completed Spinal Ride, candidate at the University of Alumni Council. breaking the quadriplegic (T.R.) Reddy Associate Provost for Academic Programs Shayden Bertagnolli BA and Assessment California, Berkeley School of handcycle distance world Professor of Political Science & Philosophy ’10 is a licensed marriage Chad Illum BS ’15 works Law. She previously worked record, pedaling 1,040 miles Eric Amsel’s lengthy résumé reveals and family therapist. He in the track program in The Weber State from which T. for the Utah law firm, Parr from Idaho Falls, Idaho, to much about his innovative teaching, founded Shayden Therapy outbound logistics network Ramakrishna (T.R.) Reddy will retire at Brown Gee & Loveless, and Huntington Beach, California. renowned scholarship, prolific of Ogden and is currently monitoring for General the end of fall semester 2017 is a far cry the San Francisco District During Kris’ ride, he raised research, numerous publications and establishing a company that Motors, where he has held from the one he first encountered as a Attorney’s Office. She and her $25,000 for therapy for spinal prestigious awards. And yet, in a single will empower teenagers to roles in stamping support, newly hired assistant professor in 1965. husband, Joel Freston BS ’11, cord injury patients who line, written by the former student who college-aged individuals to indirect purchasing and the During a teaching career that will span live in San Francisco. can’t afford treatment. He nominated Amsel for the Dixon Award, conquer anxiety and thrive command center. He was 51 years, Reddy witnessed Weber State volunteers at Utah Special we learn everything we need to know in relationships. Shayden India Nielsen AS ’12, BS formerly a pricing analyst for evolve from a small senior college into Olympics and the Utah Boys about Amsel’s selfless character: “No has a master’s degree in ’14 is a financial disclosure Pro Star Logistics. He lives in a nationally respected university. & Girls Clubs. matter when you [reach out to] him, marriage and family therapy specialist for Utah’s Warren, Michigan, with his By the time his desk is cleared, the he is always to the rescue!” That’s a from Auburn University. He lieutenant governor. She wife, Sadie Martineau BA ’13, Mitch L. McBride AS ’16, India-born Reddy will have shared powerful, honest assessment of a man considers his career calling is a Big Sister with Big who is a stay-at-home mom BS ’17 is the director of his unique perspective on American who knows a lot about assessment. to be a relationship/anxiety Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, to their two children, with marketing and development democracy and international politics As associate provost for academic therapist. He and his wife, a volunteer at the Humane one on the way. for United Way of Northern with an estimated 30,000 students. programs and assessment, Amsel Shelly, live in Farr West, Utah, Society of Utah, and she Utah. He and his wife, Jenny, Many of his previous students have 2017 Kris Sanford BS ’15 is a oversees all academic degree programs with their two sons and donates time to The Road live in Ogden with their three forged illustrious careers; one became a professional speaker for at WSU. He also assumes primary daughter. Home’s literacy program. children. Utah Supreme Court justice, and later, H. Aldous student, church and responsibility for the university’s a federal judge. regional accreditation, program review, Reddy, named Outstanding Social general education oversight, and Sciences Faculty Member of 1980- DIXON assessment of learning outcomes. 81, infuses his classes with relevant Amsel joined WSU’s psychology faculty assignments and topical guest in 1996 as a champion of undergraduate presenters. In the wake of deadly AWARDS research. During his long teaching attacks in the U.S. and abroad, Reddy tenure, he collaborated with scores of invited India’s inspector general students on research into human of police to speak to his students cognition. He and his “apprentices” about combating terrorism. explored fascinating topics such Reddy, who chaired the as counterfactual thinking and its Department of Political Science impact on job satisfaction, fantasy- & Philosophy for more than a reality confusion, and imaginary decade, encourages his students thinking in autistic children. to expand their worldviews. He His outstanding chairmanship of was a longtime faculty advisor the psychology department and for WSU’s Model United Nations leadership of the WSU Faculty program and was the university’s Senate earned Amsel the respect Peace Corps liaison officer. of his Weber State colleagues. In 2007, Amsel was named a His distinguished service to Weber State students and faculty Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor, and in 2016, he will not end with his retirement. Reddy plans to create an was selected as one, of two, WSU associate provosts following endowment to support a student research and writing award a nationwide search. established in his name.

Named in memory of the former Weber College president, the H. Aldous Dixon Awards have been presented annually since 1970 to honor faculty and staff who have demonstrated careers of excellence and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support students. Dixon served as president of Weber College from 1919 to 1920 and again from 1937 to 1953.

Fall 2017 | alumni.weber.edu 39 ™ and © 2017 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 151 1265 Village Dr. Dept. 4025 Salt Lake City, UT Ogden, UT 84408-4025

‘A Special Moment’ It took more than 50 years for Weber State men’s basketball to retire its first number in 2015. It took only five years for WSU to giveDamian Lillard BS ’15 the same honor after his departure for the NBA draft in 2012.

After five NBA seasons, a Rookie of the Year award, two All-Star Game appearances, a music label and countless endorsement deals, it’s easy to see why Lillard has earned the right to have his No. 1 jersey immortalized in the Dee Events Center rafters.

Weber State made it official in August, as the Wildcats hosted their second annual Alumni Classic. Lillard — who helped organize the event — was honored during halftime in front of several thousand fans and more than two dozen WSU hoops greats. He spoke fondly of his memories at Weber State, a time in which he led the Wildcats to two Big Sky titles, earned two conference MVP awards and was named to the 2012 All-America team.

Lillard returned to WSU in 2015 to fulfill his dream of graduating, collected his degree in professional sales and gave a surprise speech during commencement exercises.

Lillard is the third Wildcat to have his jersey retired in the Dee Events Center. He joins men’s basketball legends Willie Sojourner and Bruce Collins.

Photo by Robert Casey