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| Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Aggies |
| Utah State University conferred 7,471 degrees to 6,897 students during the 137th commencement ceremony. Gail Miller, renowned philanthropist and owner of the Larry H. Miller Company, served as this year’s commencement speaker. Miller received an honorary degree during the ceremony, along with Darren B. Parry, author and former chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, and Bruce Carlson, retired general in the U.S. Air Force and chair of the Space Dynamics Lab Board of Directors. |
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| Logan Poet Laureate Overcame Medical Crisis to Continue Her Passion to Write Poetry |
| Shanan Ballam ’97, ’00 MS, has persevered despite suffering a debilitating medical situation and continues her mission to promote literacy in Logan and the Cache Valley. At the beginning of 2022, Ballam — who is also a senior lecturer of English at Utah State University and teaches poetry — was getting ready for bed one January evening when her legs buckled beneath her. She managed to call her husband, Brock Dethier, for help when she collapsed. That was the last time she spoke for three days. |
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| Emerson Fellow Receives Grant to Further Promote The Dignity Index |
| In the latest round of fellows announced by Laurene Powell Jobs’ philanthropic venture, the Emerson Collective, USU alum Tami Pyfer ’90, ’97, has been recognized as a beacon of change. For Pyfer, the fellowship marks an opportunity to advance her work with UNITE, a nonprofit dedicated to healing political divisions. Her project, The Dignity Index, seeks to quantify the levels of respect and contempt in speech, aiming to combat the toxicity that dissuades women from assuming leadership roles. |
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| From Panic to Peace: Chari Hawkins’ Olympic Dream Nears Reality |
| Chari Hawkins ’15, clearly remembers the day in February 2019 when she realized she could no longer just “live” with her panic attacks and anxiety. By that point, it was something the former Utah State All-American heptathlete had battled with during every competition for nearly a decade. |
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| The Man Behind the Miami Heat’s Iconic Branding |
| Michael McCullough ’84, doesn’t like to brag. It’s not that he’s shy — he’s just humble. But after the man deemed the “brand architect” of the Miami Heat recently crafted a presentation centered on a crucial part of American history, it’s worth giving credit where credit is due. |
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| USU Alum led NASA’s Sounding Rockets Mission During Solar Eclipse |
| The Sounding Rockets mission was led by Aroh Barjatya ’04 MS, ’07 PhD, currently a professor of engineering physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, where he directs the Space and Atmospheric Instrumentation Lab. |
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| USU Alumni Board Member Named one of Utah Business Magazine’s “2024 Forty Under 40” Honorees |
| Zachary Ames ’08, founder of XYZ Leadership, believes no great accomplishment has ever occurred without leadership and, for him, being part of that in some way is deeply gratifying. |
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| Nominate an Aggie |
| Do you know an outstanding alum or friend of Utah State? Help us recognize and honor their achievements by nominating them for a 2024-25 Utah State University award. |
| Awardees will be recognized during Alumni events throughout the year and the Homecoming (Fall 2024) and Founders Day and Old Main Society Celebration (March 2025). |
| Nominate an Aggie today at https://www.usu.edu/alumni/awardinfo. |
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| USU Student on Track for Success Thanks to Scholarships |
| Alyssa McNutt’s college experience has been marked by determination, passion for track and field, and a deep gratitude for the scholarships that made her dreams possible. |
| As part of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, she received the Peter L. Kranz Scholarship, among others, to fund her time at USU. The financial help she received greatly alleviated the stress of paying for out-of-state tuition and living expenses, allowing her to focus on academics and athletics. |
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| Planting Ideas: Pursuing a Healthcare Career in Navajo Nation |
| Selecting a college major is a pivotal choice with far-reaching implications for one’s future. For Utah State student LaQuinlynn Francis, the commitment to pursue a degree in health education and promotion with an emphasis in health science within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services carries a deeply personal significance. Hailing from the Navajo Nation, LaQuinlynn’s decision is fueled by a profound aspiration to comprehend and address prevalent health issues in the community where she grew up. |
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| USU Grad Dedicates Career to Health and Safety of Military |
| Isabella Muffoletto ’18, driven by a lifelong love for science, aimed to explore the intricacies of the medical field. Engaging in STEM programs at Utah State, such as “Discover Biological Engineering,” “Engineering State,” and “Science Unwrapped,” she broadened her knowledge. |
| Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after graduating, she now serves as a Captain at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, consulting for the Occupational & Environmental Health Department in the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. |
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| A Global Perspective Shapes Journey of Self-Discovery |
| Mayu Mecham's academic journey at Utah State is driven by her passion for self-discovery through exploring diverse cultures and global systems. Majoring in international studies and sociology, with minors in French and anticipatory intelligence, she immerses herself in understanding the complexities of nations and histories. |
| A CHaSS Experiential Learning Scholarship enabled her to study abroad in France at the Institute of Political Studies of Rennes in spring 2023, turning her distant dream into reality. |
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| A Decade Deferred Leads to Degrees Completed Thanks to Scholarships |
| The Ivory Foundation Completion Scholarship helped Emily Burrett ’23, Nebojsa Knezevik ’23, and Dylan Atkin ’23 reignite their educational aspirations and complete their bachelor’s degrees in integrated studies after years away from USU. From facing financial obstacles to discovering a platform for personal growth and transformation, each graduate found a sense of closure and accomplishment upon graduation from USU. |
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| BUILDing the Future of Dairy: Partnership Between USU and Dairy West Creates New Generation of Leaders |
| Since its inception in 1888, Utah State has pioneered in the dairy sector, fostering significant advancements in production and educational practices. USU's early integration of a creamery in Old Main's northeast basement and inclusion of dairy manufacturing in its curriculum underscore its leading role in dairy innovation and research. |
| USU alumnus Eric Bastian '84, '87 M.S., '89 Ph.D., now vice president of innovation partnerships for Dairy West in Idaho, emphasizes the importance of innovation and product development to adapt to changing consumer preferences, market trends, and technology. The BUILD Dairy initiative, supported by dairy farmers and companies across Idaho, Utah, and the northwest, provides essential funding for research projects led by students, promoting industry growth and nurturing the next generation of dairy leaders. |
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| For more stories about Creating Aggie Impact, visit: https://www.usu.edu/advancement/stories. |
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| Jaden ’21 and Madison ’21 Taylor |
| Software company founded by the Taylors helps local businesses get started. |
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| Sam Merrill ’20 |
| Merrill’s presence is creating more opportunities for his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates. |
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| Jordan Love ’19 |
| Love had a breakout year in his first season as the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback. Expectations are already much higher for next year. |
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| Riley Crosbie ’15 |
| Crosbie, president at Adams Wealth Advisors, was named one of Utah Business Magazine’s “2024 Forty Under 40” honorees. |
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| Chari Hawkins ’15 |
| Hawkins finished 7th at world indoor championships in Glasglow, Scotland. |
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| Chuckie Keeton ’15 |
| Montana State hired former Utah State star Keeton as QBs coach. |
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| Debra Alcox ’14 MMA |
| Alcox, a Park City High School teacher, was honored with the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award. |
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| Curtis Anderson ’14 |
| Anderson, Founder and CEO of Nursa, was named one of Utah Business Magazine’s “2024 CEO of the Year” honorees. |
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| Kenny Hamlett ’14 |
| Portland filmmaker’s latest work opens the outdoors to Black communities. |
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| Zachery Nelson ’13 |
| Renowned for his YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, Nelson built an underground bunker in his backyard for less than $100,000. |
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| Bobby Wagner ’12 |
| Seahawks linebacker Wagner earned historic Second-Team All-Pro selection. |
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| Bobby Wagner ’12 |
| Former USU LB Wagner, signed one-year deal with Washington Commanders. |
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| Paul Rossiter ’11 |
| Rossiter, president at Energy Management Corporation, was named one of Utah Business Magazine’s “2024 Forty Under 40” honorees. |
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| Ben Crabb ’10 |
| Crabb has been hired as the new chief economist for the Utah Department of Workforce Services. |
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| Palmer Hawkins ’10 |
| Hawkins, vice president of operations at Curecrete Distribution, Inc., was named one of Utah Business Magazine’s “2024 Forty Under 40” honorees. |
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| Kat Kennedy ’08 |
| Kennedy, a co-founder of Utah Tech Week and general founder of Kickstart Fund, was honored as a “2023 Utah Business Leader of the Year” by Utah Business Magazine. |
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| Michael Sparks ’06 |
| Sparks has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of SSR Mining. |
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| Theresa Foxley ’04 |
| Gardner Policy Institute Named Foxley, Chief of Staff at rPlus Energies, one of “Utah’s Informed Decision Makers” of 2024. |
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| Jed Hancock ’04 |
| Hancock, President of USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, has been elected as vice chair of the Universities Space Research Association Leadership Team. |
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| Aaron Tapp ’04 |
| Tapp has been named special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio field office. |
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| Debbie Hansen ’03 |
| Hansen, a violinist, started an orchestra program at Soda Springs Middle School in Idaho. |
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| Courtney White ’95 |
| White was named interim president of Utah Tech University. |
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| Dave Adams ’84 MBA |
| Adams, CUSG CEO, was one of 16 credit union champions inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders. |
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| Al Lewis ’75 |
| Lewis, Cache Valley news announcer, retired from KVNU radio after a 52-year-career. |
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| June 7: Pickle Ball Palooza and Sagebrush Spectacular Tournament |
| Don't miss out on the chance to learn and enjoy the fast-growing sport of Pickleball! Join us at USU Brigham City for the Pickle Ball Palooza and Sagebrush Spectacular Tournament on Friday, June 9, from 6-9 p.m. at Rees Pioneer Park Pickleball Complex – 221 N 600 W. This event promises a BBQ dinner featuring Aggie Ice Cream, park games, a pickleball clinic, a paddle tossing challenge, and, of course, plenty of pickleball action for the whole family! Palooza and BBQ are only $5! |
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| July 6: Aggie Day with the SL Bees |
| Join Aggies and friends for the game at a discounted Aggie rate. |
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| August 9: Aggie Day at Lagoon |
| Join USU at the happiest place in Utah at a discounted Aggie rate. |
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| September 5: Aggie Night at Museum of Idaho |
| Enjoy an evening at the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls, hosted by alum Greg Carr. More details to come. |
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| September 15-21: Aggie Travel: Kansas City – History, Hits & BBQ Pits |
| USU Alumni will lead Aggies on a trip through Kansas City. |
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| Goldenwest Insurance |
| As an Aggie, you are eligible to receive exclusive discounts on all your insurance needs, including home and auto, from Goldenwest Insurance Services. Get your free rate quote today. |
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| President Elizabeth Cantwell’s Investiture |
| A historic tradition, an investiture is a formal academic ceremony conferring the authority and symbols of high office. With roots tracing back to the Middle Ages, the ceremony symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and is an opportunity for universities and their communities to welcome and celebrate a new era. |
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| Peace, Freedom, and Friendship: A Conversation with USU Alum Mehdi Heravi ’63, ’64 MS and USU President Elizabeth Cantwell |
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| Aggie Impact in Action |
| Utah State University turned 136-years-old and celebrated by honoring alumni and friends at the Founders Day and Old Main Society event Thursday, March 7. The 2024 Old Main Society award recipients were Philip and Gemma Hwang, who received the Spirit of Old Main Award; Kathy Bayn, who received the Emeriti Old Main Award; and Katie and Spencer K. Bailey, who received the New Generation of Old Main Award. The 2024 Founders Day alumni award recipients were Chris Stewart, who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award; and Jake Anderson, who received the Distinguished Service Award. |
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| Check out all the pics from past alumni events on our flickr page and follow us @utahstatealumni so you don’t miss any of this year’s upcoming news and events! |
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