Let’s jump over to Gracie, a sophomore majoring in social work and a member of Weber’s Spirit squad. This spring, the team won its sixth straight national championship. Unbelievable. Gracie took the mat with her team. She later found out her ankle was fractured, but tenacity and perseverance in the face of adversity are themes in Gracie’s life and have helped her become a champion. Take it away, Gracie.
– Thank you, Alex. I am a proud Weber state student athlete. Growing up, I watched the cheer team perform and compete and I dreamed of someday being able to wear this uniform but making the team wasn’t easy. In my sophomore year of high school I got really, really sick. I was eventually diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disease. I was told that if my symptoms didn’t get better I was probably going to have to quit cheer. I lost a lot of weight. My joints were swollen. I would go to practice and then go home, cry and sleep all day. After years of treatment, including low dose chemo, we finally figured out what worked but my little inner Gracie wasn’t ready to give up her dreams and I enrolled at Weber State. As cheer tryouts got closer, I worked so hard but got cut my first year. I didn’t give up. I told myself that if I could be a Weber State cheerleader then I could show how much I’ve overcome and that’s what happened. This year, I made the team. Now I am a cheerleader on a division one eight time national championship team. Every time I step on the mats, I pretend like it’s the last because it really could be. Whenever I put on this uniform, it’s a reminder that pain is temporary and I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. The spirit squad emphasizes being more than just a team. We are a family. We train about 10 hours a week, but the work does not stop there. We have weekly bonding activities and study halls. As a team, the phrase we live by is we over me. Our coaches not only focus on making us great athletes but also great students and people. I’ll flip it back to you, Alex
– Gracie, that close family bond you and your teammates have with each other is what makes the spirit squad so special. Weber State Athletics also includes 16 NCAA Division one teams that compete in the Big Sky Conference. Gracie, we are all cheering you and the rest of the squad on to win another championship next year.
Now we’re taking a trip off campus to meet Hayden, an accounting major grad. He’s now the CEO of this multimillion dollar family business. Hayden started Hydro Jug in his parents’ garage while attending Weber. He credits faculty in the Goddard School of Business and Economics for giving him a solid foundation to build his business on and the courage to try. Tell us all about it, Hayden.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. Welcome to Hydro Jug headquarters. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurship. My mother owned Subway franchises and my father owned a landscaping company. I always hoped that one day I would own my own business. My brother and co-founder Jake is also a Weber State graduate. Together, we’re working hard to manage this growing company. Hydro Jug helps people prioritize wellness through hydration. We’re all about compassionate leadership and we’re focused on making an eco-friendly impact on the world. As a college student, I never imagined that I’d be where I’m at today. I was unsure about my future and I didn’t have a clear career path in mind but my focus was always on gaining an education that prepared me for whatever opportunities came my way. A lot of people associate entrepreneurship with college dropouts as if that’s a requirement, but I strongly disagree with this mentality. For me, Weber State was instrumental in keeping doors open and setting me on my business journey. Learning accounting was at the foundation. During my time at Weber State, I was leading a busy life, juggling a full-time job and school. Thankfully, Weber state’s night and summer classes made it possible for me to provide for my family while receiving an education from exceptional professors. It was a great feeling knowing that I could work towards my dreams without sacrificing my responsibilities, and that’s thanks to the flexibility offered by Weber State. I’m excited for the future and I’ll always be grateful for my foundational education at Weber State. Thanks for listening to my story. Cheers to you, Alex.
– Cheers to you, Hayden. It’s easy to see why Hydro Jug is making headlines in Forbes and was ranked number 33 on the Inc. 5,000, a list of the most successful companies in America. We’re so excited to see where you go from here. Take care.
Artem is a computer science senior whose drive for excellence has been nurtured in Weber’s honors program. Weber is a recognized leader in cyber defense education and interactive game development. Most programs in the College of Engineering, applied science, and technology have a job placement rate around 95%. Artem, I know you’re happy to be in that group. Please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. My childhood dream was to become a scientist and I’m about to make the dream a reality. I just accepted a job offer as a computer scientist working in the defense industry and I will start right after graduation. When I moved to Utah from Ukrainian High School, I wasn’t sure if my lifelong goal to attend college was possible but Weber’s Gear Up program helped me apply for scholarships in financial aid. I started earning college credits through concurrent enrollment while still in high school, which saved time and money. Weber State’s honor program offers opportunities to expand my knowledge both within and outside my major. I’ve taken courses on subjects I might not have had the chance to explore like ancient philosophy and climate change. These have sparked powerful discussions and I’ve connected with students from diverse majors and made a lot of friends. Being a computer science honor student has also enriched my experience. I’ve had unique opportunities to work one-on-one with my professors on special projects like implementing machine learning algorithms that address real life problems. One of my favorite experiences as a student is working as a campus tutor for computer science and math. I’ve gained valuable career and leadership skills and even discovered an interest in teaching. Helping support and connect with the diverse student body here has been incredibly rewarding. Weber provides so many ways to engage. As a presidential leadership fellow, I work closely with our university president and made meaningful connections on campus and in the community. The computer science department emphasizes reaching out to employers to get internships. WSU hosts events where students meet those employers to find out how their degree will look after graduation and for me right now, it looks awesome. Thanks Alex. And as we say in Ukraine,
– Artem, your love of learning and passion for helping others is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations on the job offer. We can’t wait to see where your career takes you. Thanks again.
I can’t wait to introduce you to Cameron, a Utah native and outdoor enthusiast. Cameron’s living his best life as a trip guide and rock climbing instructor all while working on a degree in emergency medicine. Whether you like shredding the slopes, hiking in the back country or kayaking, there’s something to explore here in every season. Take it away, Cameron.
– Well said Alex, and welcome to beautiful Ogden, Utah. I’d like to introduce you to my girl Sage. Sage, go get it. We’re here by the Ogden River Parkway, one of our favorite places to hang out. It’s about 10 minutes from campus. Sage and I enjoy walking the trails and playing fetch here. During the summer, I kayak and tube down the river. I’ve always loved being outdoors. When I was little, I was strapped to a pair of skis and it was kind of all downhill from there. Weber allowed me to combine my passion for the outdoors and my interest in medicine into a career all while sharing what I love with fellow students. And let’s be honest, there’s no better place for it than in Ogden. Our campus’ close proximity to hiking, world-class skiing, climbing and river rafting means there’s something for everyone. I work for Weber State’s outdoor program which offers professionally guided single and multi-day trips year-round. There’s a fully stocked rental shop and I teach climbing on this amazing four story rock wall. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the connections and friendships that people make on our trips, in our gym or paddle boarding at nearby Pineview Reservoir. Introducing others to these opportunities is what’s really special about Weber State and the outdoor program and the best part is this experience is not unique to me. We have a bunch of amazing staff that truly love educating and amplifying the college experience. Mentors who have helped me discover a career that’s perfect for me. I plan to continue teaching my interests to others and using my emergency medicine training to work with search and rescue teams all over the country. If I hadn’t found my spot here at Weber, I doubt any of this would’ve been possible. Cheers, Alex and happy trails. Go get it Sage.
– Cameron, your enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious. It looks like there are so many awesome outdoor activities in Ogden and the outdoor program. I love that you’ve been able to combine two of your passions into a rewarding career, one that allows you to keep helping others for years to come.
Let’s talk to Clarissa, a senior in Medical Laboratory Sciences. WSU is nationally recognized for its innovative high quality approaches in healthcare education. In person and online classes are enhanced by significant clinical experience and more health professionals graduate from Weber than any other university in Utah. Take it away, Clarissa.
– What’s up Alex? I’m in a lab here in the Marriott health Science building which has become a second home. Majoring in medical laboratory science with an associate’s in chemistry, I have spent a lot of time here. Experienced faculty have taught me about immunology and analyzing cultures that prepared me for my job in the ICU where I help healthcare teams make vital decisions for patients. My mother is Filipino and my father is an American. Neither had the opportunity to graduate from college so when I get my degree, I’ll be the first in my family to do so and I don’t plan on stopping there. I’m already working on my application to Weber’s new physician’s assistant program. One of my favorite professors and mentors inspired me to pursue advanced degrees. Weber has shown me it’s possible to earn a PhD and have a family. My husband and I are excited to welcome a baby in a few months. I know for a fact I will finish my degrees even if that means walking with a baby in my arms during graduation. I take pride knowing that my parents never paid a dime for my schooling. Because Weber has low tuition and access to so many scholarships, I’m graduating without student loans. My husband and I are both in our twenties and being debt free has allowed us to buy our first home. I’ve had unforgettable experiences serving as the Dumke College of Health profession Senator, helping with the Student Alumni Council, and running a woman in STEM club, the scientistas. The leadership skills that I’ve learned will always stay with me and I’ve made lifelong friends. Alright, I gotta get back to work. Thanks for stopping by Alex!
– Clarissa, your interest in medical laboratory science and the physician’s assistant program are just two of the many degrees offered. Dumke College has everything from associates to a doctoral degree in specialties, including nursing and dental hygiene, radiology and respiratory therapy. Thanks for contributing to the tremendous healthcare community.
Isaac is a sophomore double majoring in political science and communication. He’s discovered a university rich with tradition that is embedded in student life. What started as the Weber State Academy has blossomed into a university serving nearly 30,000 students across two main campuses and six learning centers. Right now there are more students and alumni than ever who bleed Purple. Isaac, over to you.
– Thanks, Alex, and welcome to Weber State University, friends. WSU was founded 134 years ago and has a history of school spirit. Here at Weber State, we have over 50 traditions you can participate in, everything from eating purple pancakes at block party to cheering on our student athletes. in the student section, the destruction zone. One of my favorite traditions is the annual hike to Mount Ogden. Last fall, a bunch of my friends and I joined Weber State leaders on the hike’s 100th anniversary. These traditions have helped me to appreciate those who came before me and it’s exciting to be putting my own stamp on Weber State history. When deciding what school to attend, WSU definitely checked all of the boxes. New student orientation set me up for success. They introduced me to academic advisors, mental health services, as well as leadership opportunities. I’ve served as a student senator as well as the executive vice president. In these roles, I’ve been proud to represent our student body and to work on issues such as equity, diversity and inclusion. While at Weber State, I’ve learned that you truly belong and are accepted for who you are. WSU has given me the opportunities to explore issues that matter to me, like the need for younger and more diverse voices in government. To learn more, I interned at the State Capitol last year and this summer I’ll intern for a senator in Washington DC. My internship at the Capitol has given me the opportunity to become a presidential leadership fellow. The meaningful conversations I’ve had with University President Brad Mortenson has actually influenced what I want to do with my life. Now I’m planning to get a master’s degree in public administration and work in higher education. I’ve never been so excited for my future. It’s always a great day to be a wildcat. Alex.
– Isaac, while your experience as a Presidential leadership fellow really has been life changing, this program is a great way to learn from some of the best leaders in the state. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see you in the President’s office someday soon. Thanks, Isaac.