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USU Alumni Spotlight - Scott Watterson and Gary Stevenson, Founders of ICON Health and Fitness In 1977 two USU business majors started a small import business called Weslo to earn enough money to pay for college. Today, after celebrating their 25 th anniversary in business together, Scott Watterson (1979 graduate), serving as chairman and CEO, and Gary Stevenson (1979 graduate), serving as president and COO, find themselves at the helm of the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of fitness products—ICON Health and Fitness, Inc. With offices around the world, ICON has grown into a global force that earned more than $1 billion in revenue in 2003. “I’m proud to say I’m a USU graduate, but the greatest contribution that USU has given to ICON is a constant source of dedicated and innovative people who have helped us become who we are today,” said Watterson. “This year has been a huge milestone for ICON, made possible only by our employees’ hard work.” Today ICON’s more than 5,000 employees produce over 90,000 treadmills per month along with thousands of other fitness products marketed through its multiple brands around the globe. “We are very proud of our USU roots and our history of producing the world’s most innovative fitness equipment right here in Utah ,” said Stevenson. “ICON and its employees are devoted to being first in fitness and giving everyone the tools, the knowledge, and the ability to achieve a lifestyle of sound health.”

Alumni Scholarships Available
Alumni Chapter Scholarships for the academic year 2004-05 are currently available to incoming students at Utah State University.  Applications are available by calling the Alumni Relations office at (800) 291-2586 or download from the Alumni website.  These applications are due by February 16, 2004.  The value of this one year scholarship ranges from $500 to Full Tuition, depending upon the funds raised in each chapter.  If you have questions regarding this scholarship, please contact the Alumni Relations office.

$10 Million Facility Bond Approved
Much needed change is on its way for some USU facilities, including Romney Stadium.  On January 7, the USU Board of Trustees approved nearly $10 million for various building renovations around campus.  A portion of the money will go to upgrade Romney Stadium, including renovation of the press box and upgrading the west side of the stadium.  Also planned are improvements to the Nelson Field House and debt pay-off for the Western Surgery Center.  Funds will come from student fees over the next 20 years. 

Presidential Lecture and Reception

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, USU President Kermit Hall and the Utah State University Aggie Alumni Chapter of Salt Lake County will host a Presidential Lecture and Reception at the State Capitol Building on Tuesday, January 27 at 5:30 p.m.  President Hall will share what lessons are to be learned about public access to information when government is under great stress.  Dr. Hall was one of five Americans appointed by the White House and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the JFK Assassination Records Review Board.  For more information on the event, call the Alumni Relations office at (800) 291-2586.

Alumni Job Board
USU Alumni Relations is excited to present a free Alumni Job Board coming in early February.  This complimentary Job Board will provide alumni and students the opportunity to post resumes and search job listings.  Businesses are also encouraged to post openings.  In addition, a message board will also be available.  Watch for more information in next month’s newsletter.

New Vice President Ron Godfrey has been appointed as the new Vice President of Finance and Business.  He takes the spot vacated by the retirement of Fred Hunsaker last month.  Godfrey earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Utah State in 1974 and a master’s degree two years later.  Of his new position, Godfrey says, "I'm excited to help the university and I will do all I can to make Utah State successful."

A Day in the Life of an Aggie
by Contributing Student Editor Mitch Davis
Another blast of icy wind slices its way through me as I crest the top of Old Main Hill.  I pause for just a moment, gasping for breath and resting weary legs.  “The things I do for an education,” I mutter to myself.  On the other hand, no cold equals no snow.  The thoughts of cutting a path through unbroken powder suddenly make the cold seem not so bad.

Perhaps it’ll snow again today, I silently consider, trudging across the frozen, but still green, Quad.

I first notice the stinging as feeling returns to my ears as I bluster through the door of the Ray B. West Building.  Digging out of my coat, I slump down into a desk.  The other students who are brave, or perhaps foolish, enough to sign up for a 7:30 a.m. class huddle in their chairs, lost in their thoughts.

It isn’t long before weary brains are brought back to life as the professor strolls through the door.  Another day to invest in the future, I say to myself.   I glance out the window at the white flakes beginning to tumble and cover the ground.  It’s good to be an Aggie.

New Partnership with UHEAA
Utah State University is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA). UHEAA helps provide financial and informational assistance to both Utah residents and students attending school in Utah through the Alumni Loan Consolidation Program.

The partnership enables Alumni and their parents to reduce monthly student loan repayments by consolidating their Federal student loans. Alumni with eligible outstanding Federal student loans can take advantage of the lowest interest rates in recent history. More info »

A Visit with Thai Alumni

Recently Thailand alumni welcomed USU representatives with a grand gala.  A reception and dinner at the Royal Sports Club in Bangkok, held December 20, was hosted by Choopong Kiangsiri.  Vice President Randy Talbot and his wife, Susan, and the Jan Benson family were among the guests from Utah State.  Nearly 70 people attended the event, which included presentations of gifts and a musical program.

Back to the Buzzer

EVENT LISTINGS

Utah State University Alumni Relations sponsors many exciting events throughout the year. To keep informed about the most current ones, visit www.usu.edu/alumni/events.html often.

CONNECTIONS

Chapter News:

Salt Lake County Aggie Chapter
Presidential Lecture and Reception at the State Capitol Building Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. For more information or early RSVP, call (800) 291-2586.

Athletics

Aggie Game-Day T-Shirts
ASUSU Athletics V.P. Tyler Olsen and his Athletics student organization, The Crew, have introduced a concept this year called Game-Day.  They are offering very inexpensive t-shirts for only $7 or crewneck sweatshirts for $15 in an effort to draw students, alumni, and fans together to show Aggie pride and celebrate game-day everywhere.  Game-day t-shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased at Mr. Mac's (1300 North 200 East, Logan) or Tanaka's (55 West 1000 North #4, Logan).  Both retail stores are selling them without commission to support the Aggies.  Other businesses are invited to participate.  If you would like to pick up one of these game-day shirts or stock some in your location but are currently not in the surrounding area, please e-mail thecrew@cc.usu.edu or call 435-797-2912 for more information on how to get involved.

Men's Basketball
Utah State Men’s Basketball is off to an amazing start with a 74-67 road win over UC Santa Barbara Thursday night.  This is the seventh straight win for the team as they remain undefeated in the Big West (2-0) and improve to 10-1 overall this season.  Next up for the Aggies is a trip to Cal Poly on Saturday, January 10.

Football
Six new junior college players have signed to play with the Aggies next fall. Among the new Aggies are two offensive linemen, a wide receiver, a tight end, an outside linebacker, and a cornerback.   Here is a rundown of the new players:
D.J. Brookter - 6’2”, 220 lbs. linebacker from Fresno (CA) Community College.
Brad DeLadurantey - 6’3”, 320 lbs. offensive center from Cerritos (CA) Junior College.
Lawrence Lovelace - 5’11”, 185 lbs. wide receiver from Chaffey (CA) Junior College.
Leslie Mongo - 6’0”, 185 lbs. cornerback from Santa Rosa (CA) Junior College.
Justin Schlimgen - 6’3”, 295 lbs. offensive guard from Moorpark (CA) Junior College.
Ryan Wilson - 6’3”, 240 lbs. tight end from American River (CA) Junior College.

“Overall,” says head coach Mick Dennehy, “we feel really good about this group.”

Check out utahstateaggies.com for the latest news and information about Aggie Athletics.  If you would like to receive electronic updates from Athletics, e-mail Joli Hatch at joli.hatch@usu.edu.

Travel Opportunities - New Mediterranean Cruise Offered! China May 12-21, 2004 - (rescheduled from September 2003) To find more information, visit www.usu.edu/alumni/china.html or contact Scott Olson at (435) 797-2055. Peru: Empire of the Incas March 17-24, 2004 This exciting tour includes visits to Lima, Cozco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Manu National Reserve and the Amazon.  Prices begin at $2299.00 per person, double occupancy.  To find more information visit www.usu.edu/alumni/peru.html or contact Scott Olson at (435) 797-2055.  New!! Western Mediterranean Cruise July 10-18, 2004 Enjoy nine days aboard the Splendor of the Seas and explore the exiting ports at Barcelona, Spain; Monte Carlo/Cannes, France; Florence/Pisa, Italy; Rome, Italy; Naples, Italy; and Valletta, Malta. Inside cabin prices begin at $2299.00 per person, departing from Salt Lake City. England and Scotland October 21-29, 2004 Thrill to the sights and sounds of London and the surrounding area with this exciting package. Planned tours include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Stratford Upon Avon, a night at the theatre and much more.  You may also extend your vacation with an optional tour in Scotland at the end  of our London adventure! The details, including price and itinerary, will be available on our website beginning Monday, January 19, 2004.