Cover Photo By: Anna Kuglar | The Signpost
By MEGAN SWANN Editor
FIVE WEBER STATE DANCERS “WISH YOU WERE HERE”
For 60 years now, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company in Salt Lake City has asserted that “dance is for everybody.” This year, five student dancers from Weber State University had their chance to be included.
The company’s fall performance this year opens with a piece from choreographer Monica Bill Barnes and incorporates 35 dances from Weber State, University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University, Southern Utah University and Westminster University.
The piece, called “Wish You Were Here,” focuses on themes of collaboration and connection. Ririe-Woodbury Art Director Daniel Charon said that every time the company commissions a choreographer for a piece, they like to think about how they can turn it into an opportunity for community involve-
ment.
“We’d like to stay really close and connected to our community and provide opportunities as well as just networking and getting to know everybody and being connected,” Charon said.
The company has done collaborations before, but this is the first time they’ve invited multiple schools across the state to work together on a piece.
Joseph “Jo” Blake, the advanced program director for dance at Weber State, has previously worked with Ririe-Woodbury, as a dancer from 2003-2013, as a choreographer and now as a board of trustees member. This opportunity comes full circle as he’s helped five students get their own start with working with company dance members.
Blake said he wanted to give this opportunity to students who are towards the end of their coursework so they could have an experience going out into the professional world
and start meeting those in the industry. He reached out to students who fit this description and asked them to complete an essay if they were interested.
Gabriella Miller, one of the student dancers, said she wrote her essay about how she will be graduating at the end of this semester and how she’d done research on diversity and inclusivity in the industry and wants to see it in a professional dance setting.
The dancers were given a week to learn the choreography between Aug. 26-30, with rehearsals from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This is extremely fast, Miller said, because normally they will receive a few months with 2-3 rehearsals a week for performances like Weber State’s Orchesis shows.
Miller said it was fun watching everyone go through the week, starting as complete strangers and learning a whole high-energy piece together by the end of it. She said that the last rehearsal was emotional because the
dancers wouldn’t see each other again for a few weeks.
“The dance world is so small, especially in Utah,” Kennedy Johnston, another student dancer participating in the piece said. She’s seen some of these other dancers at other events like summer intensives and the American College Dance Association, which was held at Weber State last year. “It’s been really cool to make those connections and see those people again.”
Both Miller and Johnston said it was nice to participate and get their foot in the door into the professional world.
“Wish You Were Here,” is set to “Under Pressure,” by David Bowie and Queen and is about a four-minute piece. Charon said it is joyful and upbeat.
“There’s a lot of heavy things in the news, and a lot of work that you see tends to be heavy. I wanted something a little bit more light-hearted, and that’s why I reached out to
Monica Bill Barnes,” Charon said.
Barnes founded a dance company in 1997 and has worked on projects for Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and even Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women.” Her website describes her choreography as finding interest in “the underlying comedy and work in our lives.”
Johnston said the piece was difficult but fun to learn, focusing on footwork rather than big moves or turns.
“This piece represents that life’s not that serious,” Johnston said. “We’re all here to just have a good time–to do your very best–but to have a good time. And I feel like this dance really shows that, and it shows that we’re all connected.”
The piece wraps up in a finale with all the student dancers and the six Ririe-Woodbury dancers combined, ending in a conga line.
“It’s crazy because it’s a high-energy piece throughout the whole thing. And then we get to the end and it’s like the energy explodes,” Miller said.
This performance will be on stage at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake from Sept. 19-21. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Regular tickets are $35, but students who show their IDs can purchase $15 tickets instead.
“What’s really nice about our performance is it always feels a little bit like going to an art gallery, a very eclectic art gallery, where one room or one painting will be one artist’s and then you wander onto the next, and then there’s something brand new or unexpected and exciting,” Charon said.
BOTTOM: Weber State University dancers throwing up the school’s W sign at rehearsals.
TOP: Dancers from Weber State at rehearsals for the Ririe-Woodbury collaboration.
ESCUELAS EN UTAH COLABORAN CON RIRIE-DANCE COMPANY
POR NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA Traductor
POR MEGAN SWANN
Editor Por los últimos 60 años, el Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company en Salt Lake City ha anunciado que “el baile es para todos”. Este año, cinco estudiantes de baile de Weber State tuvieron la oportunidad de participar.
El concierto de otoño de este año comienza con una coreografía de Monica Bill Barnes e incluye 35 bailes de Weber State, la Universidad de Utah, la Universidad de Utah Valley, la de Brigham Young, la universidad de Southern Utah y de la universidad de Westminster.
La obra, llamada “Wish You Were Here”, se enfoca en los temas de la colaboración y la conexión. El Director Artístico de Ririe-Woodbury, Daniel Charon, dijo que cada vez que la compañía contrata a un coreógrafo para una obra, les gusta buscar la manera de convertirlo en una oportunidad para involucrar a la comunidad.
“Nos gustaría estar muy cerca y conectados con nuestra comunidad y ofrecer oportunidades, así como simplemente formar contactos y llegar a conocer a todos y estar conectados”, dijo Charon.
La compañía ya había colaborado en el pasado, pero ésta es la primera vez que han
invitado a varias escuelas de todo el estado a colaborar en una obra.
Joseph “Jo” Blake, director del programa avanzado de baile en Weber State, ha trabajado antes con la compañía Ririe-Woodbury, como bailarín de 2003 a 2013, como coreógrafo y ahora como miembro del consejo de administración. Esta oportunidad ayudó a cinco estudiantes a empezar a trabajar con los miembros de la compañía de baile.
Blake dijo que quería dar esta oportunidad a los estudiantes que están terminando sus estudios para que puedan tener la experiencia de entrar al mundo profesional y empezar a conocer a los profesionales de la industria. Puso en contacto a los estudiantes que se correspondiera con la descripción y les pidió que completaran un ensayo si estaban interesados.
Gabriella Miller, una de las estudiantes de baile, dijo que preparó su ensayo sobre cómo se graduará al final de este semestre y cómo había investigado sobre la diversidad y la inclusión en la industria y quiere verlo en un mundo profesional de baile.
Los bailarines tuvieron una semana para aprender la coreografía entre el 26 y el 30 de agosto, con ensayos desde las 9 de la mañana hasta las 1 de la tarde Esto es rapidísimo, dijo Miller, porque normalmente reciben algunos meses con 2-3 ensayos por semana para presentaciones como las obras Orchesis de Weber State.
Miller dijo que fue divertido ver cómo todos pasaron la semana, empezando como desconocidos y aprendiendo una obra llena de energía juntos al final de la semana. Dijo que el último ensayo fue emotivo porque los bailarines no volvieron a verse hasta después de unas semanas.
“El mundo del baile es muy pequeño, sobre todo en Utah”, dijo Kennedy Johnston, otra estudiante de baile que bailaba en la obra. Ella ha visto a algunos de estos otros bailarines en otros eventos como los intensivos de verano y el American College Dance Association, que fue celebrado en Weber State el año pasado. “Ha sido genial crear estas conexiones y volver a ver a estas personas”.
Ambos, Miller y Johnston, dijeron que fue un placer participar y entrar en el mundo profesional.
“Wish You Were Here”, está arreglado con “Under Pressure”, de David Bowie y Queen y es una obra de cuatro minutos. Charon dijo que es alegre y optimista.
“Hay muchas cosas intensas en las noticias, y muchas de las obras que se ven son muy intensas. Yo quería algo un poco más alegre, y por eso contacté con Monica Bill Barnes”, dijo Charon.
Barnes fundó una compañía de baile en 1997 y ha trabajado en proyectos para el Carnegie Hall, el Metropolitan Museum of Art e incluso en “Little Women”, de Greta Gerwig. Su página web explica que su coreografía
muestra interés por “la comedia y la esencia de nuestras vidas”.
Johnston dijo que la obra fue difícil de aprender pero divertida para aprender, enfocados en los movimientos de pie en vez de movimientos grandes o vueltas.
“Esta obra representa que la vida no es tan seria”, dijo Johnston. “Todos estamos aquí para tener un buen tiempo-para tratar lo mejor que puedas-pero para tener un buen tiempo. Y yo siento que este baile enseña esto, y demuestra que todos estamos conectados”.
Esta obra termina con un final con todos los bailarines de la escuela y los seis bailarines de la compañía de Ririe-Woodbury en una línea de conga.
“Es raro porque es una obra de bastante energía durante la cosa entera. Y luego llegamos al final y la energía aumenta bastantemente”, dijo Miller.
Esta obra va a estar en escenario en el Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center en Salt Lake durante septiembre 19-21. La obra comienza a las 7:30 de la tarde. Las entradas regulares son $35, pero los estudiantes que muestran su identificación pueden comprarlas por $15.
“Lo bueno de nuestra obra es que siempre se siente como irse a una galería de arte, una galería de arte muy ecléctica, en un cuarto o una pintura es de un artista y luego ir a ver el próximo, y luego hay algo nuevo o inesperado y emocionante”, dijo Charon.
A group photo of the Weber State dancers featured in “Wish You Were Here.”
WEBER STATE FOOTBALL LOSES FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON
By GAVIN NELSON Reporter
As purple smoke rose into the sky, the Weber State University football team ran onto Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium in Seattle to face the University of Washington Huskies in their first game of the 2024 season. The Wildcats were in for a challenge, as Washington was coming off a legendary 14–1 season, falling only in the national championship game to the University of Michigan Wolverines 34–13.
The Huskies’ Damon Bankston, coming off a season-ending leg injury, started the first drive leading the team down to Washington’s 31-yard line. After two incomplete passes from quarterback Richie Munoz, the Wildcats elected to kick a field goal. However, senior kicker Kyle Thompson’s 48-yard attempt sailed slightly to the right, giving the Huskies the ball.
The Huskies gave the ball to their running back, Jonah Coleman, who transferred from the University of Arizona, following his coach Jed Fisch to the Emerald City. Coleman broke away with a 33-yard touchdown run but was called back due to a penalty. The Wildcats stopped the Huskies on fourth down and got the ball back. However, both teams remained scoreless at the end of the first quarter.
On their first drive of the second quarter, Washington finally broke the standstill, with Coleman running in a 5-yard touchdown. After three straight punts by both teams, Washington quarterback Will Rogers found tight end Decker DeGraff for a 33-yard touchdown pass, ending the half with a 14-point lead.
In the third quarter, Washington rattled off two straight touchdown drives scored by Coleman, who ended his day with 127 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. At
the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats were finally able to get on the board when Kyle Thompson hit a 28-yard field goal.
In the fourth quarter, Washington put in their true freshman backup quarterback, Demond Williams Jr., who ended his first drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Denzel Boston. The Wildcats couldn’t get anything else going, and the game ended with a 35–3 Washington victory.
“Our goal is to win football games, and we didn’t do that today, so we have to find ways to get better and come out better on the other end,” head coach Mickey Mental said.
Damon Bankston, in his first game in a year, rushed for 105 yards. Bankston credits the new NCAA rules for allowing tablets to be used on the sidelines for film.
“I was able to get on the same page with the lineman, knowing who they’re going to block and where I need to hit,” Bankston said.
“I could tell the difference.”
The Wildcats look to bounce back this Saturday against Big Sky opponent Portland State in the first home game of the season at 6 pm. Admission is free for all students.
TOP LEFT: Pre-game warmups before the Huskies game. TOP RIGHT: Jacob Bandes (55) penalized for ripping off helmet of Weber State’s Running back, Adrian Cormier (2.) BOTTOM LEFT: Jonah Coleman barrels his way into the endzone for his first touchdown of the game. BOTTOM RIGHT: Washington returns a kickoff from Weber State.
A WIN AND A LOSS AT THE WILDCAT INVITATIONAL
By CORY MATER Reporter
By TRISTIN RAMAGE Reporter
Weber State University’s women’s volleyball team hosted their annual showcase against Utah Tech University and the University of Denver at the Swenson Gym. The Wildcats won the opening match against Utah Tech 3–1 on Aug. 30. However, the Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season against the University of Denver, falling 3–2 later that evening.
In the match against Utah Tech, Weber State took control early with victories in the first two sets, scoring 25–19 and 25–15. The Wildcats maintained pressure throughout, keeping Utah Tech on the defensive. However, the Trailblazers rebounded in the third set, starting strong with a 6–0 run. Utah Tech’s Tessa Treanor played a key role, particularly with
her serving. Despite a service error by Treanor, which allowed Weber State to regroup, the Wildcats struggled to close the gap. Wildcat Kate Payne’s service ace and subsequent kill briefly revived Weber State’s hopes, but Utah Tech won the third set 25–18.
Entering the fourth set, Weber State aimed to finish strong. Baylee Bodily’s early kill gave the Wildcats the initial lead. The set remained competitive until Weber State surged ahead with a four-point streak to lead 19–14. Despite a late four-point run by Utah Tech that closed the gap to 23–20, the Wildcats sealed the match with a service ace from Marly Pratt, winning the set 25–20 and the match 3–1.
Key contributors for Weber State included Ashley Gneiting, who recorded 13 kills, 43 total attacks and 14 points. Payne added 32 assists, while Pratt notched 14 digs. Their performances were critical in securing the victory over Utah Tech.
Following their win, Weber State faced the University of Denver, marking the first time the teams had met since 2000. The match was a challenging one for the Wildcats, who had celebrated their 2023 Big Sky Championship with a banner reveal and ring ceremony before the game. Despite the pre-game festivities, Denver proved to be a formidable opponent.
Weber State won the first set 25–14, displaying strong early play. However, the Pioneers adjusted their strategy and won the second set 25–22. The third set was fiercely contested, with Denver pulling ahead 21–15 after a successful challenge by Pioneers Head Coach Megan Pendergast. Despite a valiant effort from the Wildcats, Denver won the set 25–18.
The Wildcats rallied in the fourth set, starting with an impressive 8–0 lead, which included three attacks and five kills. Weber State
maintained their advantage and won the set 25–15, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, both teams exchanged points, but Denver gained the upper hand and secured the win with a score of 15–11. The loss marked Weber State’s first of the season, but the team remained determined and resilient.
“Everyone is going to watch some film and figure out what they can do better in preparation for our next game,” Pratt said.
Weber State will head to Dallas, Texas for the Southern Methodist University tournament, beginning on Sept. 5. The Wildcats are scheduled to face Loyola Marymount University, Southern Methodist University and the University School of Milwaukee in their upcoming matches. The Wildcats’ next home game will be on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Swenson Gym.
LEFT: Weber State Middle Blocker, Saane Munyer (#13), blocking the volleyball. TOP RIGHT: Weber State Middle Blocker Liana Woodley (#14) and Opposite Baylee Bodily (#7) attempting to block the volleyball making it over the net. BOTTOM RIGHT: Opposite Baylee Bodily (#7) preparing to block the ball from the Denver Volleyball team.
By COOPER HATSIS Asst. Editor
WSUSA HOLDS DONUTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Donuts and Discussion talks campus resources // Recent Donuts and Discussions event outlines getting involved on campus // WSUSA VP discusses getting involved at recent event
The most recent Donuts and Discussions event was held in Ballroom C of Shepherd Union on Aug. 28 from 2-3 p.m. During these discussions, Weber State students, faculty and staff can connect over donuts to talk about the resources that are offered on campus as well as recent policy changes.
Donuts and Discussions first started in fall 2023 to address campus climate issues. There have been a few discussions a semester
ers and faculty in hopes to create ongoing conversations about what is happening on campus. This most recent discussion was hosted by Mia Foster, the WSUSA Executive Vice President, who started the discussion by explaining what the WSUSA and the student government does to help the campus and student population.
“Our goal is to be there for the students. We are the voice of the students, we find activities for them to do and how we can support the student,” Foster said. “Everything is student based and the greatest thing is that if you’re a student, you can get involved with WSUSA.”
Foster then asked those in attendance to discuss a campus resource that was beneficial to them. Participants mentioned the Counseling and Psychological Center, gym facilities, and the previous Women’s Center, whose resources are now a part of the Student Success Center.
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Find free academic resources: weber.edu/studentlife
Foster then moved the discussion to talking
more about some of the issues that students might face during this semester. These included difficulty finding student health resources, campus computers not running smoothly, and changes made to disability services.
After this, Foster focused the conversation on how students can become more involved on campus. Foster spoke about her experiences of coming to Weber from out of state.
“It can be very difficult to get involved on campus, but you’d be really shocked on how it can transform lives. I have never done student government before,” Foster said. “When I got to Weber, I had some very great student mentors who led me down a path of getting involved and feeling who I am as a person.”
Many attendees talked about how students can become more involved with Weber State and build strong social connections through the various clubs and organizations that populate the campus. Some in attendance brought up the power of social media and how effective it can be when it comes to find-
ing clubs and activities happening around campus.
Others gave advice on how to make friends on campus, such as always finding someone to sit by in class or even having the courage to attend events alone and make new connections there. One student spoke on how joining the Wildcat Scholars changed their life by improving their learning skills and social life.
“When you start realizing that your college campus is your home, that is how you know you’re doing it right,” Foster said.
WSUSA looks forward to hosting more important discussions about Weber State policies and resources, while also providing donuts to those who attend the discussions.
Future Donuts and Discussions events are scheduled for Sept. 12 from 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. and again on Nov. 4 from 10-11 a.m. Both events will be held in the Shepherd Union ballrooms.
Mia Foster addresses the audience at Donuts and Discussions.
WEBER STATE’S 20TH ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY
By HAMPUS IVARSSON Reporter
If there is any day of the year Weber State University students should consider coming to campus before their scheduled classes, it is the day of Block Party. At Block Party, multitudes of on-campus departments, organizations and clubs set up their booths side by side and eagerly inform students about what they offer.
“Block Party is one of the best days of the year,” WSU President Brad Mortensen said. “There’s so much energy and tons of free stuff. You meet a bunch of people from all the different clubs and organizations, so you
can’t go wrong there, plus there’s purple pancakes.”
Block Party offers students a chance to meet with advisors, clubs, organizations and departments from the university. It can help students find things they want to do in their free time, what majors they are interested in and how to become more engaged students.
Weber sophomore Erin Williams found answers to her education-related questions at this year’s Block Party.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for students to reach out to different clubs and find out what they’re interested in,” Williams said. “I was looking at study abroad, and I’m
interested in doing study abroad, and it was a good way for me to learn more about having that information to do that, so I think it’s a good opportunity to get more information, and plus you can socialize, get a bunch of free swag and just get some free pancakes.”
Many new Weber State students attended, including Cynthia Collins, a freshman in her first semester.
“It’s a good way to, like, learn about things going on around the campus, especially if you’re living on campus and you get a lot of free swag,” Collins said.
Block Party is a great way to feel involved in the Weber State community, get to talk
to new people on campus and see what classmates are doing this semester. Debbie Cragun, director of the Student Support and Resource Center, holds Block Party in a positive light.
“In addition to getting all the wonderful swag and free prizes and meeting all the departments, I think it’s a great community event where you can feel part of Weber State as a whole and feel like you’re really connected to all the resources at one place,” Cragun said.
LEFT: Wildcats pass by and engage with several booths during Block Party. RIGHT: Several students participate in activties to earn freebies from the Goddard School of Business & Economics.
EL VIGÉSIMA FIESTA BARRIAL DE WEBER STATE
POR NATHANAEL STOUT
Traductor
Reportero
Si hay un día ante todo cuando los estudiantes de la universidad de Weber State deben considerar venir al campus antes de sus clases, es el día de la fiesta barrial. Durante ese día, multitudes de departamentos, organizaciones y clubs en campus ponen sus casetas e informan a los estudiantes sobre lo que ofrecen.
“La fiesta barrial es uno de los mejores días del año”, dijo Brad Mortensen, el pres-
idente de WSU. “Hay tanta energía y un montón de cosas gratis. Se pueden conocer muchas personas de distintos clubes y organizaciones, así que no es posible errar ahí, y también hay panqueques moradas”.
La fiesta ofrece a los estudiantes la oportunidad de conocer a consejeros, clubes, organizaciones y departamentos de la universidad. Puede ayudar a los estudiantes a encontrar las cosas que quieran hacer en su tiempo libre, las carreras en que tengan interés y cómo llegar a ser más involucrado.
Erin Williams, estudiante de segundo año, encontró respuestas a sus preguntas relacionadas con la educación en la fiesta barrial de este año.
“Creo que es una buena oportunidad para los estudiantes a contactar a los clubes y descubrir su interés”, dijo Williams. “Estaba mirando a las cosas de estudios en el extranjero, y tengo interés en eso, y fue una buena manera par mí de aprender más sobre cómo encontrar más información, entonces creo que la fiesta es una buena oportunidad para adquirir información, y además se puede socializar, recibir un montón de cosas gratis o algunos panqueques gratis.
Muchos nuevos estudiantes asistieron, incluyendo Cynthia Collins, una estudiante en su primer semestre.
“Es una buena manera de aprender sobre las cosas que ocurren en campus, especial-
mente si uno vive en campus, y también hay muchas cosas gratis”, dijo Collins.
La fiesta barrial es un buen lugar para sentirse involucrado en la comunidad de Weber State, hablar con nuevas personas en campus y ver lo que otros estudiantes harán durante este semestre. Debbie Cragun, la directora del centro de apoyo y recursos estudiantiles, ve a la fiesta como algo positivo.
“Además de las cosas y premios gratis y conocer a los departamentos, creo que es un evento de comunidad buenísimo en que uno puede sentirse como parte de Weber State y sentirse conectado con todos los recursos en un solo lugar”, dijo Cragun.
POR HAMPUS IVARSSON
Weber State Cheerleaders perform a routine at WSU’s Block Party.
WSU’S ANNUAL FOAM BASH
By ALFONSO RUBIO Reporter
As another school year begins, Weber State holds their annual foam bash, an event that offers students and community members alike the opportunity to socialize and start the year off with a good time.
On Friday hundreds of students flocked to the University Village parking lot, just off of Harrison Blvd., to indulge in a wide array of different activities, including, but not limited to a dance floor with foam cannons, food trucks and a climbing wall.
The foam bash received mostly positive
feedback from attendees, especially regarding how it stacked up in comparison to other Weber State events.
The most common feedback received from students was that this was their first time attending the foam bash, while also including that events like this played a big role in their decisions to attend Weber State University. No event is perfect though, and many attendees included their own fair share of wishes and complaints. The most common criticism stated was that the neon green, bubbly foam was too condensed within a single area.
Many Weber students attending the foam
bash mentioned that they loved the free food that was offered, although they would like to see a larger variety of options in the future. That being said, events like the foam bash are what brings people together, and it was a popular opinion that events like this are a key for enjoying the student life. Students mentioned that the campus lifestyle and culture can make or break their college experience. Some students even claimed that their reasons for attending Weber State was to grant themselves the opportunity to grow their social circle and provide them with social experiences they wouldn’t find otherwise. Holding the foam bash early on in the fall
semester is very important in making new students feel like they have a home at Weber State. Those who are struggling to find their place are given an amazing opportunity to find their place within a diverse community of people in a fun and unique environment.
As the year continues Weber State University and more specifically the Weber State University Student Association, will continue to hold events with the hope of making students feel at home. The foam bash was just one of more to come, but there’s no doubt that this year’s foam bash was a great one.
TOP LEFT: Students are surrounded by foam at the Foam Bash. BOTTOM LEFT: Neon lights illuminate the foam as it floats through the air over students. RIGHT: Students dance in the foam bubbles as a live DJ plays music at the annual Weber State University Foam Bash.
“OFF THE RECORD”: A LOOK INTO CUBAN SOCIETY
By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reporter
“Off the Record: Cuba” is a new thought-provoking magazine written by Patrick Johnson, a talented Weber State University communication student, who completed the 36-page self-produced journalistic project on life in Cuba in July 2024.
As the opening line states, “the purpose of this piece is to remind the reader through words and images that fulfillment is not that far out of reach.” This project, entirely initiated by Johnson, explores the reality of Cuban life especially for independent journalists, artists, workers, and business people, contrasting it with Northern Utah culture. Johnson wrote all the content, took all the photos himself during his journey in Cuba, did all the graphic designs and later worked out local sponsorships to bring the magazine to life.
“I wanted my work to be able to reach as many people as possible, so it wasn’t exclusive for anyone”, Johnson mentioned. This is also the reason why he chose the magazine format, as it allows the readers to follow the words along with the digital visuals.
Accessibility to “Off the Record” would not have been possible
without the support of sponsors, particularly Lucky Slice. The collaboration began when Johnson proactively reached out and simply asked. Faced with the challenge of securing funds, Patrick organized fundraisers and sought various ways to get the word out about his work. Lucky Slice played a crucial role by donating pizza and collaborating through Instagram, significantly contributing to the project’s success. Additionally, Ogden Contemporary Arts, The Ogdenite and Happy Magpie Book & Quill also supported the magazine’s production.
Readers can access “Off the Record” in a couple of ways. A limited number of printed copies were produced, but those interested in obtaining one can order it by reaching out personally to Johnson via Instagram @pvtrickjohnson. Additionally, Happy Magpie Book & Quill, an independent bookstore in Ogden, offers the magazine’s electronic version on their website, or readers can find it available at the bookstore itself.
The inspiration behind Johnson’s creation of “Off the Record” is an interesting crossroads of experiences and interests. His fascination with Cuba began in an academic setting, during a summer study abroad trip.
THE SIGNPOST TEAM
Editor-in-Chief
Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu
Managing Editor
Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu
Design & Graphics Editor
Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Design & Graphics Editor
Alyssa Nelson alyssanelson2@mail.weber.edu
Photo Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu
Chief Copy Editor Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu
Eager for an adventure, Patrick seized the opportunity. His love for snowboarding also played a significant role, as he was inspired and motivated by the “do it yourself” culture that is very prevalent in the snowboarding community. The influences of designing and customizing his own snowboarding gear led Johnson to realization that he was capable of embodying the same spirit of self-expression onto his journalistic project.
“Off the Record” takes readers on an adventure through the eyes of the author, exploring the lessons that can be learned when comparing two distinct societies. A key aspect of “Off the Record” is its examination of individualistic society in the Western U.S., contrasted with the more collectivist nature of Cuban society. Patrick highlights the importance of community and emphasizes that your community matters more than anything else as it can inspire a positive change.
Undoubtedly, the piece challenges readers to rethink the values that shape their own society as emphasized in its final line: “Push for change, focus locally, and gift your community members an open mind.”
Asst. Copy Chief Mindy Brown mindybrown1@mail.weber.edu
News Editor Gracie Stephenson graciestephenson@mail.weber.edu
Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Sports Editor Brayson Brown braysonbrown@mail.weber.edu
Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Culture Editor Cooper Hatsis cooperhatsis@mail.weber.edu
Translation Editor Nathanael Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu
Translation Editor Nelly Hernandez Tejada nhernandeztejada@mail.weber.edu
Adviser
Deann Carver deanncarver@weber.edu
Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu
“In Foc/us,” a digital photo used in the magazine.
PATRICK JOHNSON
