Rashid's in the Pro Bowl: The Signpost 1/16/24

Tuesday | January 16, 2023 | Volume 98 | Issue 2 Cover Photo By: Joe Oliver

News | Pg. 4

Culture | Pg. 12

MGN

Kennedy Camarena | The Signpost

2 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | January 16, 2024

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEWS?

By BRISA ODENTHAL Section Editor

Which Weber County ski lodge is temporarily closed after a fire this weekend?

A. Snowbasin B. Nordic Valley C. Wolf Creek D. Sundance

The presidential campaign is launched in which state?

Top players of which sport are saying that the balls are causing arm injuries?

A. New York A. Tennis

B. Texas

B. Football

C. Minnesota

C. Basketball

D. Iowa

D. Baseball

Which pop singer made her return this weekend with a single named “Yes, and?”

A. Britney Spears B. Beyonce C. Ariana Grande D. Tate McRae

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS ON PAGE 15

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4 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | January 16, 2024

BRANDON MERRILL

By STAR NEIL Section Editor

Each year an average of 80 Utahns are murdered, many at the hands of their spouse or partner, leaving behind devastated families needing legal aid to protect their loved ones’ assets and seek justice against the killer.

Brandon Merrill is all too familiar with this grief. As the founder and director of Utah Homicide Survivors, he and his team work to provide legal services to the families who have experienced the unparalleled tragedy of losing a loved one to homicide.

“Their grief is continuous. It never gets better,” he said. ”You just learn to live with it. And the support that they need is so much more than people realize.”

The group has worked with over 200 families to support and guide them through the civil court system. This service is vital to families because the criminal court system only considers the crime itself, and not the financial or other legal obligations of the perpetrator.

This leaves grieving family members the daunting task of filing a case in the civil courts to settle issues regarding life insurance, victims compensation and delegation of shared assets or child custody agreements in the case of domestic violence homicides.

Since their founding in April 2019, Utah Homicide Survivors has recovered over $5.75 million in assets for these families across 160 different cases, according to the organization.

Their first step, Merrill said, is to find and freeze all the victim’s assets. This is especially true in cases of domestic violence homicides in which the killer stands to profit by taking sole ownership of things such as homes, cars, bank accounts and other property they may have shared ownership with the victim.

“We just try to make sure that nobody is profiting from it, really, and that the vic-

Brandon Merrill (right) presenting an award to homicide detective Chad Sorensen (left) at the Utah Homicide Survivors Hope, Justice and Healing Awards Banquet on Nov. 9, 2023

tim’s family are getting as much as possible, if not everything,” Merrill said.

Merrill said a majority of their cases are the result of domestic violence, which according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, accounted for 22.7% of Utah homicides in 2020.

Domestic violence affects a third of Utah’s women and nearly a quarter of its men.

McKenzie Wood, a criminal justice assistant professor at Weber State University, said the dangers come from more than just those in abusive marriages or partnerships.

Domestic violence also can occur between partners who don’t live together or who have

a purely sexual relationship. Wood said that oftentimes a bystander, law enforcement, a new partner or even a child may try to intervene and get caught in the crossfire.

Additionally, the risk of violence is increased by 1,000% when the abuser has access to a firearm, according to the NCADV. About 80 Utah children will witness the murder or attempted murder of their mother each year in Utah.

These cases in which children are involved are some of the hardest, according to Merrill.

“We have kids now that have lost both parents, the person who died and the person who killed the person that died,” Merrill

said. “And so their whole world is pretty much shattered.”

Merrill’s organization also helps families through the adoption process in order to return children to safe and familiar homes where they can continue to process their grief.

Bekah Williams is no stranger to grief after the death of her sister, Lisa Williams, who was shot and killed by her boyfriend’s ex-wife in 2019.

Bekah Williams said her sister was “very caring and just giving. She was beautiful, so kind, funny. Just every good thing a person could be.”

January 16, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 5

In addition to no-cost legal services, the nonprofit also hosts the state’s only free therapy group for family members of homicide victims, according to therapy director Maria Blanchard.

“Their grief is continuous. It never gets better. You just learn to live with it.

And the support that they need is so much more than people realize.”

-Brandon Merrill “It is grief unlike any other,” Blanchard said.

Blanchard, who also worked as Utah County’s first victim advocate, said that beyond the lack of resources for these families, there is also a lack of training for how to use available resources and, above all, a lack of compassion.

Darcie Housley, whose 28-year-old son, Brian, was killed in a drive-by shooting in

Ogden in 2017, said she felt the lack of compassion firsthand.

Housley said she had little to no communication from the police department in regards to the investigation into her son’s death. She said it was incredibly frustrating to have so many emails go unanswered.

Jamie Pitt, victim witness coordinator and homicide task force administrator at the Weber County attorney’s office, sees the frustration in victims’ families frequently.

Pitt, whose team is dedicated to helping the victims of families navigate the criminal court system, said she often feels like fighting for victims rights is an “uphill battle.”

“It’s just really frustrating most of the time that there’s nothing we can do,” Pitt said.

Even though victims rights are written into Utah law, the defendant’s rights are written into the U.S. Constitution, which typically takes precedence, she said.

Pitt said she tells victims’ families that “you do have rights, but the Constitution kind of trumps everything else.”

There is hope for victims’ rights, however, as Utah will be establishing a Victim Services Commission to examine and strengthen Utah’s Victim Services, according to Merrill.

The big problem, however, is funding.

The Crime Victims Fund, which provides federal support to programs that assist vic-

tims of crime, has been diminishing in recent years.

Utah Homicide Survivors has also been impacted by the loss of federal funds. Merrill said that during their founding in 2019, they were getting about $280,000 per year, but that has dropped by half to around $140,000.

In 2021 President Joe Biden signed into law the VOCA Fix Act, which reinstated billions of dollars in victim services.

Merrill said getting the money to victims will take time. Until the funds start flowing again, his organization will continue to rely on other government grants and private donations to keep going.

Merrill hopes that if funding can increase, Utah Homicide Survivors will expand its team, currently consisting of three full-time and five part-time employees in total, to grow their capacity for helping families affected by homicides.

Anyone interested in learning more or in supporting Utah Homicide Survivors can visit their website to find out about upcoming events and other ways to help.

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DARCIE HOUSLEY

Following the murder of her sister, Williams got connected with Utah Homicide Survivors, who supported her through the civil case to ensure her sister’s killer could not profit off her sister’s death.

“UHS really was the crutch I leaned on,” Williams said. “I have just the warmest regards and appreciation for them.”

Williams said she was thankful for how Merrill and his team set her expectations about the trial and what was to come after each step in the process. This straightforward information helped her to move forward with more knowledge about what was to come.

Williams said people with other resources were quick to make promises but ultimately disappointed her. She said it seemed like people were afraid of hurting her feelings so they over-promised instead.

“We’ve already gone through the worst thing imaginable,” Williams said. “The best thing that you could do right now is just be honest and manage expectations.”

Williams said Utah Homicide Survivors handled everything with kindness and compassion.

“They’re a phenomenal organization,” Williams said. “I just think Brandon and his organization are just, both of them, purpose-driven and truly doing so much good.”

Photos of Brian Housley on display in his mother, Darcie Housley’s, home

6 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | January 16, 2024

Cada año un promedio de 80 personas de Utah son asesinados, bastantes a manos de sus parejas, dejando familias devastadas necesitando asistencia legal para proteger activos y obtener justicia contra sus asesinos.

Traductor

POR STAR NEIL Editor de Sección

Cada año un promedio de 80 personas de Utah son asesinados, bastantes a manos de sus parejas, dejando familias devastadas necesitando asistencia legal para proteger activos y obtener justicia contra sus asesinos.

Brandon Merrill sabe como se siente ese dolor. Como fundador del Utah Homicide Survivors (Sobrevividores de Homicidio en Utah), él y su equipo trabajan ayudando familias obtener asistencia legal después de la tragedia de perder un ser querido al asesinato.

“Su dolor continúa. Nunca mejora,” dice Merrill. “Nada más aprendes a vivir con eso.

Y el soporte que ellos necesitan es mucho más de lo que se da cuenta la gente.”

El grupo ha trabajado con más de 200 familias para soportarles y guiarlos por el sistema judicial civil. Este servicio es significativo para las familias porque el sistema judicial civil solo considera solamente el crimen cometido, y no las obligaciones financieras u otras obligaciones legales del criminal.

Esto deja a las familias que están sufriendo con la parte difícil de presentar un caso en los tribunales civiles para resolver prob-

lemas con seguro de vida, compensación de las víctimas y delegación de activos o acuerdos de custodia de los hijos en los casos de homicidios de violencia doméstica.

Desde la fundación en Abril de 2019, Utah Homicide Survivors ha recuperado más de $5.75 millón en activos en 160 casos diferentes, según la organización.

El primer paso, dice Merrill, es encontrar y congelar todas los activos de la víctima.

“Su dolor continúa.

Nunca mejora. Nada más aprendes a vivir con eso. Y el soporte que ellos necesitan es mucho más de lo que se da cuenta la gente.”

-Brandon Merrill Esto es importante especialmente en casos de violencia doméstica cuando el asesino puede obtener ganancias en cosas como casas, carros, cuentas bancarias y otras propiedades que puedan tener propiedad compartida con la víctima.

“Tratamos de asegurar que nadie pueda obtener ganancias de eso, y que la familia de la víctima están consiguiendo tanto

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A photo of Brian Housley provided by his mother, Darcie Housley.

January 16, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 7

arme,” dice Williams. “Yo solamente tengo las consideraciones buenas y los aprecio.”

Williams dice que está agradecida por la forma en que Merrill y su equipo establecieron sus expectativas sobre el juicio y lo que iba pasar después de cada paso en el proceso. Esta información directa le ayudó a seguir con más conocimiento de lo que iba pasar.

Williams dice que personas con otros recursos fueron apurados de hacer promesas pero últimamente la decepcionaron. Ella dijo que parecía que las personas tenían miedo de que le hicieran resentirse y inves le sobre prometieron.

“Ya hemos pasado por lo peor imaginable,” dice Williams. “Lo mejor que pudieras hacer ahorita es ser honesto y dirigir la expectativa.”

Williams dice Utah Homicide Survivors dirigieron todo con amabilidad y compasión.

“Son una organización fenomenal,” dice Williams. “Yo creo que Brandon y su organización, los dos, están motivados por los objetivos y realmente están haciendo una cosa buena.”

Además de los servicios legales gratuitos, la organización sin fines de lucro también tiene el único grupo de terapia gratuito del estado para miembros de familia de víctimas de homicidio, según la directora de terapia Maria Blanchard.

“Es un dolor como ningún otro,” dice Blanchard.

Blanchard, que también trabajó con el primer defensor de las víctimas del municipio de Utah, dijo que además de la falta de recursos para estas familias, también tuvieron falta de entrenamiento para cómo usar los recursos disponibles, y sobre todo, una falta de compasión.

Darcie Housley, que su hijo de 28 años, Brian, fue asesinado en un tiroteo desde un vehículo en movimiento en Ogden en 2017, ella dice que sintió la falta de compasión de

primera mano.

Housley dice que ella tuvo poco comunicación con el departamento de la policía sobre la investigacion en el asesinato de su hijo. Dijo que fue muy frustrante haber mandado tantos mensajes de correo electrónico sin respuesta.

Jamie Pitt, coordinadora de testigos de víctimas y grupo de trabajo sobre homicidios administradora en la municipalidad de Weber en la oficina de abogado, ve frustración en las familias de las víctimas frecuentemente.

El equipo de Pitt están dedicados a ayudar a las víctimas de familia a guiar el sistema judicial penal, dice que ella siente que luchar por los derechos de las víctimas es una “cuesta arriba.”

“Es muy frustrante [que] bastantes veces no podemos hacer nada,” dice Pitt.

Aunque los derechos de las víctimas están escritos en las leyes de Utah, los derechos del acusado están escritos en la constitución de los Estados Unidos, que típicamente tiene prioridad, dice ella.

Pitt dice que ella les dice a las familias de las víctimas que “sí tienen derechos, pero la constitución sobrepasa todo lo demás.”

Hay esperanza para los derechos de las víctimas, sin embargo, porque Utah va a establecer Victim Services Commission (Comisión de Servicios a las Víctimas) para examinar y reforzar Utah’s Victim Services, según Merrill.

Pero sigue el problema, el financiamiento.

El Crime Victims Fund (Fonda Para Víctimas de Delitos), que da soporte federal a programas que asisten víctimas de crimen, ha estado desapareciendo en estos años.

Utah Homicide Survivors también siente la pérdida de fondos federales. Merrill dice que desde la fundación en 2019, ellos estaban recibiendo $280,000 cada año, pero bajó la mitad a casi $140,000.

En 2021, el Presidente Joe Biden firmó en

ley el VOCA Fix Act, que reincorporado miles de millones de dinero en servicios de víctimas.

Merrill dice que conseguir el dinero a las víctimas va a tomar tiempo. Hasta que los fondos comiencen a llegar otra vez, su organización va a continuar en otros MGN

como sea posible, y si no todo,” dice Merrill.

McKenzie Wood, una profesora asistente de justicia criminal en la universidad de Weber State, dice que el peligro viene mucho más que matrimonios o relaciones abusivas.

Violencia doméstica también puede ocurrir entre parejas que no viven juntos o que tienen una relación que es solamente sexual. Wood dice que bastantes veces un testigo, aplicación de la ley, una nueva pareja o un niño pudiera tratar de intervenir y sufrir las consecuencias.

El riesgo de violencia está aumentado por 1,000% cuando el abusador tiene acceso a un arma de fuego, según el NCADV. Casi 80 niños en Utah son testigos el asesinato o el intento de un asesinato de su madre cada ano en Utah.

Estos casos que involucran niños son algunos de los más difíciles, según Merrill.

“Tenemos niños que ahora han perdido a los dos padres, la persona que murió y la persona que asesinó la persona que murió,” dice Merrill. “Y entonces su mundo ha cambiado completamente.”

La organización de Merrill también ayuda familias en el proceso de adopción para tener a los niños en un lugar seguro y casas familiares para que puedan continuar de procesar su dolor.

Bekah Williams es familiar con el dolor después de la muerte de su hermana, Lisa Williams, que fue disparada y asesinada por la ex-esposa de su novio en 2019.

Bekah Williams dice que su hermana fue “muy cariñosa y generosa. Ella era hermosa, muy amable, chistosa. Cada cosa buena que pudiera ser una persona.”

Despues del asesinato de su hermana, Williams se conecto con Utah Homicide Survivors, que la apoyo en su caso civil para asegurar que el asesino de su hermana no pudiera beneficiarse del asesinato de su hermana.

“UHS fue lo que necesitaba para apoy-

A candle lit at a candle light vigil held to honor the memory of a person.

subvenciones del gobierno y donaciones privados para seguir.

Merrill espera que los fondos se aumenten, Utah Homicide Survivors va a poder ampliar su equipo, en este momento que está compuesto de tres empleados de tiempo completo y cinco empleados de miedo tiempo en total, crecer la capacidad para ayudar familias afectadas por homicidios.

Alguien interesado en aprender mas de soportar Utah Homicide Survivors puede visitar su página web (https://www.utahhomicidesurvivors.org/) para averiguar sobre eventos y otras formas de ayudar.

8 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | January 16, 2024

By COLLYN COWLES Section Editor

In a historic moment for both Rashid Shaheed and Weber State University, the former Wildcats’ standout has etched his name in football history by securing a coveted spot in the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl as a return specialist with the New Orleans Saints.

This monumental achievement not only underscores Shaheed’s individual prowess but also serves as a watershed moment for Weber State’s football program, with Shaheed becoming the first alumnus to earn such a prestigious honor.

Now entering his second year with the Saints, Shaheed’s journey from being overlooked in the 2022 draft to ascending to the ranks of Pro Bowl excellence is a testament to his resilience, skill and unwavering determination. Throughout the 2023 season, he not only solidified his standing as one of the league’s top return specialists, but also clinched a well-deserved spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team.

The 2024 NFL Pro Bowl, scheduled for Feb. 4, will introduce an exciting new

format, incorporating a flag football game at the illustrious Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Shaheed’s inclusion in this revamped event not only highlights his individual brilliance, but also contributes to the rising reputation of Weber State’s football program.

As the regular season ended, Shaheed showcased his versatility and profound impact on the field. Over the course of 14 games, he recorded 18 kickoff returns, boasting an average of 21.3 yards per return. Additionally, his contribution to the Saints’ special teams was instrumental, with 23 punt returns, including a touchdown. Shaheed’s prowess in punt returns positioned him at an admirable third place in the NFL, accumulating 321 yards and an impressive punt return average of 14.0.

Beyond his exceptional performance in the return game, Shaheed has proven his worth as a receiver for the Saints.

With 43 receptions, 654 yards and four touchdowns, he has emerged as a potent deep-ball threat, averaging an impressive 16.1 yards per reception throughout the 2023-24 season.

One of Shaheed’s standout moments occurred during a game on Oct. 29,

where he accumulated 153 yards and scored a crucial touchdown in a win over the Indianapolis Colts, showcasing his ability to make a significant impact in pivotal moments.

“It’s been a crazy journey and a journey that I wouldn’t change at all, from coming in injured and going through all the trials and tribulations that I went through, I’m just thankful to be here at this point and I never dreamed that’d id be here, it just makes it a little extra memorable,” Rashid Shaheed said during an interview on Jan. 5, 2024, with the Ochsner Sports Performance Center.

Shaheed’s journey to the Pro Bowl has deep roots in his illustrious collegiate career at Weber State, where he earned the title of a four-time All-American, a feat unparalleled in the university’s history.

From 2017 to 2021, Shaheed also secured first-team All-Big Sky honors on four occasions and played a pivotal role in four Big Sky Championship teams.

During his tenure at Weber State, Shaheed left an indelible mark on the program, playing 53 career games and ranking third in career all-purpose

yards. Notably, he set an FCS record with seven kickoff return touchdowns, showcasing his explosive speed and game-changing abilities. His 2,178 career receiving yards, which place him seventh in WSU history, and 18 career touchdowns underscore the breadth of his contributions to the Wildcats.

Despite going undrafted in 2022, Shaheed’s signing as a free agent with the Saints marked the inception of a promising NFL career. Over 26 games in two seasons, he has consistently proven himself as an invaluable asset to the team, culminating in his historic selection to the Pro Bowl.

As Shaheed prepares to represent the NFC in the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl, he carries with him the legacy of Weber State onto the national stage. His journey, from an undrafted free agent to a Pro Bowl return specialist, stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a source of immense pride for Weber State University.

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JOE OLIVER

JOE OLIVER

January 16, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 9

JOE OLIVER

Left: New Orleans Saints Wide Receiver, Rashid Shaheed (22) preparing to catch the football near the end zone on Oct. 19, 2023. Right: Rashid Shaheed running across the field during warm-ups before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 19, 2023.

Former Weber State football player, Rashid Shaheed, has become the first Wildcat player to make an NFL team as a Wide Receiver for the New Orleans Saints.

10 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | January 16, 2024

POR CHRISTIE GUTIERREZ Traductor

POR COLLYN COWLES Reportero

Joe Oliver

Es un momento histórico para Rashid Shaheed y la Universidad Weber State University, el antiguo Wildcat sobresale y ha grabado su nombre en la historia del fútbol americano al conseguir un codiciado puesto en el Pro Bowl de la NFL de 2024 como especialista en devoluciones con los New Orleans Saints.

Este logro monumental no solo subraya la destreza individual de Shaheed, sino que también sirve como un momento decisivo para el programa de fútbol de Weber Satate con Shaheed convirtiéndose en el primer ex alumno en ganar un honor tan prestigioso.

Ahora que entra en su segundo año con los Saints, el viaje de Shaheed desde ser pasado por alto en el draft 2022 hasta ascender a las filas de excelencia del Pro Bowl es un testimonio de su resistencia, habilidad y determi-

nación inquebrantable. A lo largo de la temporada 2023, no sólo consolidó su posición como uno de los mejores especialistas en devoluciones de la liga, sino que también se ganó un merecido lugar en el equipo Por Bowl de NFC. La Pro Bowl 2024 de la NFL, programada para el 4 de Febrero, introducirá un nuevo y emocionante formato, incorporando partidos de flag football en el ilustre Camping World Stadium de Orlando, Florida. La inclusión de Shaheed en este renovado evento no solo pone de relieve su brillantez individual, sino que también contribuye a la creciente reputación del programa del fútbol Americano de Weber State.

Al final de temporada, Shaheed demostró su versatilidad y su profundo impacto en el campo. En el transcurso de 14 partidos, registró 18 devoluciones de patadas de salida, con un promedio de 21,3 yardas por devolución.

Además su contribución a los equipos especiales de los Saints fue decisiva, con 23 devo-

luciones de puntos, incluido un touchdown.

La destreza de Shaheed en la devoluciones de puntos lo posicionó en un admirable tercer lugar en la NFL, acumulando 321 yardas y un impresionante promedio de devoluciones de punt 14,0.

Más allá de su excepcional rendimiento en el juego de retorno, Shaheed ha demostrado su valía como receptor de los Saints. Con 43 recepciones, 654 yardas y 4 anotaciones, ha surgido como una potente amenaza de balón profundo, con un impresionante promedio de 16,1 yardas por recepción a lo largo de la temporada 2023-24.

Unos de los momentos más destacados de de Shaheed ocurrió durante un partido el 29 de octubre, donde acumuló 153 yardas y anotó un touchdown crucial en una victoria sobre Indianapolis Colts, mostrando su capacidad para tener un impacto significativo en momentos cruciales.

Ha sido un viaje loco y un viaje que no cambiará en lo absoluto, desde que llegué

lesionado y pase por todas la pruebas y tribulaciones por la que pase, solo estoy agradecido de estar aquí en este momento y nunca soñé que estaría aquí, solo lo hace un poco más memorable”, dijo Shaheed durante una entrevista el 5 de enero de 2024, con el Centro de Rendimiento Deportivo Ochsner.

El viaje de Shaheed al Pro Bowl tiene raíces profundas en su ilustre carrera universitaria en Weber State, donde ganó el título de All-American en cuatro ocasiones, una hazaña sin precedentes en la historia de la universidad.

Desde 2017 a 2021, Shaheed también se aseguró honores del primer equipo All Big-Sky en cuatro ocasiones y jugó un papel fundamental en cuatro equipos del campeonato Big Sky. Durante su permanencia en Weber State, Shaheed dejó una marca indeleble en el programa, jugando 53 partidos de carrera y ocupando el tercer lugar en yardas de propósito total de carrera. En particular establece un ,, récord de la FCS con siete touchdowns de retorno de kickoff, mostrando su velocidad explosiva y habilidades de cambio de juego. Sus 2.178 yardas de recepción, que lo sitúan séptimo en la historia de WSU, y sus 18 touchdowns subrayan la amplitud de sus contribuciones a los wildcats.

A pesar de haber sido reclutado en 2022, el fichaje de Shaheed como agente libre por los Saints, marcó el inicio de una prometedora carrera en la NFL. A lo largo de 26 partidos en dos temporadas, ha demostrado ser constantemente un inestimable para el equipo, que culminó con su histórica selección para el Pro Bowl.

Mientras Shaheed se prepara para representar al NFC en el Pro Bowl de NFL 2024, lleva consigo el legado de Weber State a la escena nacional. Su trayectoria, de agente libre no reclutado a especialista de devoluciones Pro Bowl, se erige como un faro de inspiración para los aspirantes a atletas y una fuente de inmenso orgullo para la universidad de Weber State.

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12 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | January 16, 2024

By COOPER HATSIS Reporter

By ADAM MONTGOMERY Section Editor

For over 40 years, Weber State University’s Women’s Center has worked to inspire and empower students with a variety of great resources and events.

When the Women’s Center first came to campus in 1980, the center’s predominant purpose was to advise non-traditional women who were coming back to school. In its time at Weber State the Women’s Center has grown with each passing semester.

As Paige Davies, the former Director of the Women’s Center, has moved into the position of Assistant Dean of Students, WSU is currently working on announcing an interim director of the Women’s Center.

Davies declined a request for an interview on her time at the Women’s Center.

“Our mission statement is about gender equity for all people. We also think about feminist leadership and intersectional feminism, it is very important to us,” explained Jessica Pleyel, the Safe@ Weber Advocate.

Pleyel first came to Weber State in 2019 and since has worked as the Safe@ Weber Advocate and has supported sur-

vivors on campus. Pleyel also teaches classes in women and gender studies, and rock climbing in the outdoor recreation department.

The Safe@Weber Advocacy Services provided at Weber State are for individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct, harassment and domestic violence. This program can help students who have experienced a form of trauma to get the resources and help they need to develop a safety plan, file a legal report or find counseling.

Safe@Weber also provides services to people escaping a violent environment by providing resources such as two months of free shelter, child care and legal advice amongst many others.

Most importantly, Safe@Weber wants students to feel safe and supported. For more information, visit Safe@Weber’s webpage.

Safe@Weber also provides training that provides information on how to have a healthy relationship and bystander intervention.

“A lot of things we aren’t taught in school so it is good to have these conversations,” Pleyel said.

Safe@Weber has also started a new ambassador program that is working to train faculty, staff, and students to become ambassadors for Safe@Weber. That

means knowing the campus resources and knowing how to support individuals who have experienced violence.

Among the many services provided by the Women’s Center, there are also plenty of activities and programs that all students are welcome to participate in. Last October, the center had an event called “Monsters and Media” which was a collaboration with the LGBT Resource Center.

“Our students talked about myths and stereotypes in horror movies. It was really fun,” Pleyel said.

Every month, the center has an event called a “Sister Circle,” which is a series of discussions, talks and presentations on subjects including identity, oppression and self-care.

The Women’s Center’s biggest event of the year is in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Take Back the Night is an event at the Monarch Theater in Ogden, that protests and spreads awareness of sexual violence.

“It is a really powerful event. We march downtown in Ogden and then we come back to the Monarch, and we have a survivor speak out and tell their stories,” Pleyel said.

Take Back the Night has been an empowering event since the 1960s to help victims and survivors of sexual assault.

Everyone is invited to participate in the rally.

The Women’s Center offers a variety of scholarships every year, regardless of gender.

“We have quite a few single-parent scholarships that are really great. We have more broad scholarships and some that are more focused on STEM fields or nursing,” Pleyel said.

The Women’s Center provides the campus with a resource pantry that includes menstrual products, pregnancy tests and safe sex kits, all for free.

For more information about the Women’s Center events and resources, check their website or Instagram page for more updates and additional information on how to contact the center. The Women’s Center also has a newsletter that students can sign up for to stay informed.

The Women’s Center hopes to expand its services to all students and collaborate with more programs on campus in the future.

“We are here and we are happy to support students in any way that we can, whether that is coming in to grab a snack or if they need advocacy services,” Pleyel said.

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Weber Stete MArketing & Comunications

January 16, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 13

Sara Staker | The Signpost

Weber State University graduates, students and community members gather for the Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremony at the Dee Events Center on April 29, 2022.

The Women’s Center provides free tampons and pads.

Tribune News Service

14 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | January 16, 2024

Get Academic Help Find free academic resources: weber.edu/studentlife

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates the win at the College Football Playoff championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

By JACOBA JONES Asst. Section Editor

The University of Michigan Wolverines, ranked No. 1, dominated the College Football National Championship on Jan. 8 at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, against No. 2 ranked University of Washington. The final score was 34–13, making this Michigan’s first title victory since 1997.

Michigan finished the season with 15–0 and handed Washington their first loss of the season.

The week prior to the championships, Michigan secured an overtime victory over No. 4 ranked University of Alabama with a score of 27–20 in the Rose Bowl game, earning them a spot in the National Championship.

Washington came into the game looking for their first National Championship since 1991. On New Year’s Day, they topped No. 3 ranked University of Texas with a final score of 37–13 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, securing a spot in the National Championship.

During the National Championship, Michigan swiftly took control with an early lead and maintained their control of the game,

securing their 12th National Championship in history. Washington was still able to stay close behind, though, keeping everyone on their toes.

In the first quarter, Michigan started the game with back-to-back rushing touchdowns from Donovan Edwards. Washington ended the first quarter with a field goal and once the second quarter came around, Michael Penix Jr. found Jalen McMillan on a fourth-and-goal with 42 seconds left of the first half with a score of 17–10.

In the second quarter, Michigan scored a field goal while Washington came back and scored seven points.

Starting the second half, Will Johnson, with Michigan, intercepted Penix on the first play giving Michigan a two-touchdown lead and Washington forced another field goal making the score 20–10.

Washington got a 14-yard reception from Devin Culp, the drive finished with a 45-yard field goal from Gady Gross. In the third quarter, both teams scored three points.

Once the fourth quarter came around, Washington could not keep up. Michigan scored 14 points and Washington had zero

points. Michigan was leading 20–13. In just five plays, Michigan drove 71 yards to break open the game and Mike Sainstril had an 81yard interception that set the final score with less than five minutes to play. Making the score 34–13.

Michigan totaled 443 yards, 140 passing yards, 303 rushing yards and 7.8 yards per play. Washington on the other hand, totaled 301 yards, 255 passing yards, 46 rushing yards and 4.2 yards per pass.

Michigan had some outstanding performances. Running for a total of 134 yards and two touchdowns, Blake Corum showcased an impressive execution, while Donovan Edwards added 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

On Washington’s end, Penix finished 27 for 51 for 255 yards and a touchdown. McMillan had 6 receptions, 33 yards and averaged 5.5 yards a catch and a touchdown.

Next up for the University of Washington football is our very own Weber State Wildcats on Aug. 31 later this year.

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January 16, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 15

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEWS? QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 2

The answer is B, Nordic Valley. According to The Standard, Nordic Valley Ski Lodge is closed indefinitely after a fire broke out during the early hours of Jan. 15. There is extensive damage to the main building which prevents the lodge from being reopened.

The answer is A, tennis. According to NPR, top tennis players including Novak Djokovic, the number one men’s player, are speaking out against tennis balls and the injuries that they cause after years of playing.

Now the balls are under review.

The answer is D, Iowa.

According to AP News, the midwestern state has been the first state to vote on the presidential election for half a century.

The answer is C, Ariana Grande. According to People, the child star turned pop singer released her first single “Yes, and?” in three years to push back against the gossip she has faced in the past year.

THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Kennedy Camarena kennedycamarena@mail.weber.edu Managing Editor Marianna Lopez-Luritta mlopezluritta@mail.weber.edu Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu

Chief Copy Editor Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu

Culture Editor Lexie Andrew lexieandrew@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu

Asst. News Editor Gretel Monjar gretelmonjar@mail.weber.edu

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Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu

Photo Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu

Culture Editor Adam Montgomery adammontgomery1@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Photo Editor Norlito Ranchez norlitoranchezjr@mail.weber.edu

Translation Editor Nathanael Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu Advisor Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu

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by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters.

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