A Freeing Celebration: The Signpost 06/28/2022

Tuesday | June 28, 2022 | Volume 95 | Issue 25

SPORTS » PAGE 12

CULTURE » PAGE 6

Montana State Athletic Creative Services

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI| The Signpost

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI | The Signpost

2 | thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022

Reporter

Ogden’s annual celebration of Juneteenth took place on June 18 and 19. The festival is thrown to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This was done by honoring and supporting black owned businesses, black history displays, live performances and more all showcased in the Ogden amphitheater.

This year’s special celebration marks the first year of celebrating Juneteenth after becoming a recognized state-wide holiday.

Many businesses, some being African American owners, brought their spirits to recognize its importance.

Writer and author Kaushay Ford represented her business at the local fair. Ford writes children’s books based on heroes within black history. Ford’s goal in writing is to display the power these black heroes have in history.

“Wouldn’t it be great if more people knew about and looked up to people like her?” Ford said.

According to Ford, it is important to showcase what ‘real’ heroes look like, rather than fictional or unrealistic superheroes.

Ford and her husband, Spencer Ford, decided to make a difference by creating children’s story books, thus the Little Known Heroes collection was created. These books can be found online through their website.

Just as black-owned businesses were displayed, there were also informational stations available to help educate the public. Dr. Richard Ferguson was present at the celebration, representing the Black Physicians of Utah.

The BPA is present to help people of color receive health care that is needed. The BPA fights racial health disparities and unifies BIPOC in the Utah medical industry.

Ferguson said having awareness of racial health disparities is the start for change, but awareness alone is not enough to see changes – there is a huge need for action.

“The action is going to have to occur with larger, privileged, white institutions and laws,” Ferguson said. “I think we’ll have to address our environment, education and access, because if people are able to at least have a job, they’re more likely to have insurance, more likely to have affordable, healthy food, and then they can do the same for their family.”

There is much to be heard and action to be made. Ford invites all to join the fight in supporting racial health disparities.

Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com

A poster titled “Aunt Jemima’s Picnic Day” at the the Juneteenth celebration at Ogden.

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI | The Signpost

By WINDSOR MOORE

The outside of the Utah Black History Museum in front of the Juneteenth Event at Ogden’s amphitheater.

thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022 | 3

By HUNTER LINDSEY Reporter

Rich Hill, the general counsel at Weber State University, is transitioning roles after 32 years of service. “I’m not retiring, I’m making a transition,” Hill said. In his time with the university, Hill tracked issues and gave counsel in over 50 areas of law. His contributions ranged from, “Contract to patents, trademarks, grievances, litigation, real estate, you name it, we do it,” he said.

Hill identified the evolution of Weber State into a full, reputable, four-year university among the most memorable parts of his time with the school.

“When I first came up here, Weber State was a college with about 13,000 students,” Hill said.

“It is now a comprehensive, four-year university with multiple master’s degrees.”

Over his 32 years with the university, Hill has seen WSU’s enrollment rise to levels on par with the other large universities in the state. According to their respective enrollment reports, in 1990 the University of Utah had 23,500 enrolled students, Utah State University had 16,400, Brigham Young University had 30,000, Utah Valley University had 8,700 and Weber State University had 13,000.

Comparing that to 2021’s statistics show the UofU with 34,400 enrolled students, USU with 27,400, BYU with 36,400, UVU with 41,200 and WSU with 29,700. From 1990 to 2021, WSU had an increase in enrollment of 128.5%, more than doubling its student body.

Looking to WSU’s future, Hill expressed his desire to see the school continue to grow and shared some thoughts on possible legal issues that may arise. “Freedom of speech, government regulation, diversity and inclusion will probably be the three big issues that the university will be facing in the next ten years,” Hill said.

Hill also mentioned the new Title IX regulations may be coming out soon. Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It fights against discrimination based on sex and gender in higher education receiving funding from the federal government.

Hill is still undecided on what the future will hold for him, but did say there are multiple opportunities he is considering. One of these opportunities would still include working with WSU in some capacity.

4 | thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022

Reporter

Weber State University and its Marketing & Communication department want prospective students and their families to know that WSU has no shortage of things to be proud of as an academic institution.

For example, WSU has made the Princeton Review’s annual list of “Best Western” colleges three times in the past five years in 2017, 2019 and 2022. Additionally, in 2021, WSU was named by the National Security Agency as a center for academic excellence in the field of cyber defense.

Aside from academic achievements, WSU has also been recognized for its efforts in prioritizing eco-friendliness, as evidenced by WSU’s inclusion in the Princeton Review’s list of “Green Colleges” every year since 2017.

One way that WSU’s Marketing & Communication department plans to draw attention to all the notable things that WSU, as an academic institution, has to offer is through Weber-specific commemorative digital icons called “Brag Badges.”

Through the system set up by WSU’s Marketing & Communication department, WSU students and staff will be able to submit awards or recognitions awarded to WSU so that those achievements can be made into WSU-branded badges that can be used for marketing purposes.

Anna Burleson, web content manager for WSU’s Marketing & Communication department, describes Brag Badges as “a way to showcase things we’re proud of at Weber State,” Burleson said. Burleson said one of the key goals behind the creation and use of Brag Badges is to help strengthen WSU’s brand

consistency; her goal and the goal of the rest of the Marketing & Communication department is to commemorate WSU’s achievements in a way that is distinct and instantly recognizable as being representative of WSU. Brag Badges have been used in various marketing contexts such as letterheads, posters, PowerPoint presentations, billboards and print ads.

According to the creative director of WSU’s Marketing & Communication department, Matt Zacher, the design of each Brag Badge is meant to emphasize clarity and brand consistency while highlighting some of the things that WSU has to be proud of as a school. Aside from their utility in marketing materials, Zacher said Brag Badges are meant to “demonstrate what Weber’s all about.”

Zacher said some of the accomplishments that he’s most proud of are those surrounding

Weber’s return on investment; last year, WSU was ranked 19th in the nation for its student ROI by Affordableschools.net, an honor that has since been made into a Brag Badge.

For Burleson, some of the Brag Badges she’s most proud of are the ones awarded to WSU to celebrate the achievements of specific programs such as Weber’s nursing and Master of Business Administration programs.

One Brag Badge celebrates how WSU has the highest percentage of women enrolled in MBA programs when compared to any other university in Utah.

“I think it’s cool when WSU gets recognized for having a quality program,” Burleson said.

Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com

Weber State University Marketing

By SKY MUNDELL

thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022 | 5

ARE YOU

Did you know?

?

Find free health resources:

weber.edu/StudentAffairs/healthy.html

You can get your UTA EdPass at WSU Davis!

D2 262 l Davis Student Services

weber.edu/wildcard/edpass.html

START YOUR JOURNEY GOARMY.COM/WEBER

COLLEGE C OLLEGE OL SC CHO HOLA LARSHIPS FOR N FO NO OW OW W..

LIIF L FE SKILLS FOR EVER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT WEBER STATE ARMY ROTC AT AROTC@WEBER.EDU OR (801) 626-8609. ©2022. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI | The Signpost

6 | thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022

Shoppers heading toward Farmers Market Ogden.

By COBY CRISLER Reporter

Nearly every Saturday of the summer, Historic 25th Street fills with vendors of all backgrounds to sell local produce, homemade goods and host a wide variety of live music.

The Market is known today as Farmers Market Ogden, and was rebranded when the Ogden Downtown Alliance took over managing the event in 2016-2017. Now, the farmers market runs most Saturdays in the summer from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and since its rebranding, it has grown into the three-block long event it is today.

Haille Van Patten, public relations manager for the ODA, describes the market as still remaining intimate despite its growth these last few years.

“When you’re there it doesn’t feel overwhelming because everyone knows each other, and it’s just this awesome community they’ve built together,” Patten said.

Two market regulars, Mady Wood & Keaton Farnsworth, shared this sentiment. After moving to Salt Lake City, they found themselves trying to go to Farmers Market Ogden each Saturday.

“It’s better than all the other farmers markets in Salt Lake,” Wood said. “I feel like it’s more local-friendly and really gets the community involved.”

In addition to maintaining a local feeling, the market also holds much more than just art or produce. Patten also shared how it is easy to assume the market is rather small or hosts just a few similar stands. However, it manages to hold sellers of a wide variety of foods, art, jewelry and much more.

Long-time vendor Volker Ritzinger, finds himself returning to the market every year for the unique feel and experience of Farmers Market Ogden. Originally from Austria, Ritzinger now sells bread and pastries from his bakery in Kamas every weekend.

Recipes are from all over Europe including Germany, Italy and, of course, Austria.

“I go to a lot of farmers markets in Utah with my bread stand, but this is one of the best managed markets,” Ritzinger said. “I’m always here at the Ogden market because this is just the number one market in the state of Utah.”

The market is also a great place to start a new business.

Ceramic workers Ashley and Mark Chase are new to the market this year with Chase Ceramics and have very quickly reached a low inventory selling their mugs, and dishware. They were happy to find how appreciative people have been for their artwork.

“We’re just happy that maybe it’ll bring a smile to people’s faces,” Ashley Chase said.

For Diné native Dorothea Preston, the market helps her sell her handcrafted Navajo jewelry and art.

Initially moving from their reservation Pres-

ton wanted to allow her daughter and family more opportunities. Here she is able to promote her business and help pass on the tradition and culture to her daughter.

There are many who find the weather at the market perfect for walking their dogs. Visiting the market, there are many dogs enjoying the market right alongside their owners.

Dr. Camille Milligan took the opportunity of the market to help promote her door-to-door veterinary care business. Allowing more timid and frightened animals to receive care comfortably inside their home.

Alongside the vendors and their booths, many businesses located on Historic 25th Street take part in the market. Setting up stalls outside their stores like Lavender Vinyl and their many options in records, CDs and cassette tapes.

There are also many musicians, like Yudi Ko who perform all throughout the day.

Outside of the many vendors and participants, Farmers Market Ogden offers unique opportunities for their vendors and guests.

Allowing vendors to sign up full season or for only a few days to try out the experience.

They also offer social media support, assisting in graphics, hashtags and more to further spread awareness of their business.

For those wanting to experience the market, the Ogden Downtown Alliance offers special tokens for those who qualify for EBT. At the info booth payment can be exchanged for wooden tokens to spend at the booths where par-

ticipating vendors accept the tokens for their products.

Patten emphasizes the acceptance anyone using this form of payment is likely to receive.

“We’ve created such a welcoming community with our info booth staff and with our vendors that is another transaction,” Patten said.

“We’re just here to support everyone and give everyone access to the same fresh produce.”

Farmers Market Ogden is an especially unique experience for everyone involved.

From the vendors offering art and food, to the everyday connections made there.

“If the market isn’t serving the community and it’s not serving the local and independently owned businesses then we are not doing our job right,” Patten said.

Patten’s favorite aspect of the market are the relationships formed every week. Vendors coming to know each other throughout the season, old friends and colleagues bumping into one another.

“It’s like there’s really nothing to compare it to. Ogden is just so unique, and I think the farmers market really reflects that diverse fabric that really is the downtown,” Patten said.

Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI | The Signpost

thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022 | 7

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI | The Signpost

A performer singing on the stage on Lincoln and 25th.

Anna Zack watering the flowers of her family-owned business called Zack Family Farms.

8 | thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022

By COBY CRISLER Reporter

By MARIANNA LOPEZ-LURITTA Translator

Casi todos los sábados del verano la histórica calle 25 se llena de vendedores de todo tipo para vender productos locales, productos caseros y acoger una gran variedad de música en directo. El mercado se conoce hoy en día como Farmers Market Ogden, y fue rebautizado cuando la Ogden Downtown Alliance se hizo cargo de la gestión del evento en 20162017. Ahora, el mercado de agricultores funciona la mayoría de los sábados de verano de 8 a 13 horas y, desde su cambio de marca, ha crecido hasta convertirse en el evento de tres manzanas que es hoy.

Haille Van Patten, directora de relaciones públicas de la ODA, describe que el mercado sigue siendo íntimo a pesar de su crecimiento en los últimos años.

“Cuando estás allí no te sientes abrumado porque todo el mundo se conoce, y es una comunidad increíble que han construido juntos”, dijo Patten.

Dos asiduos al mercado, Mady Wood y Keaton Farnsworth, comparten este sentimiento.

Después de mudarse a Salt Lake City, se encontraron tratando de ir al Farmers Market Ogden cada sábado.

“Es mejor que todos los demás mercados agrícolas de Salt Lake”, dijo Wood. “Siento que es más amigable con lo local y realmente involucra a la comunidad”.

Además de mantener un sentimiento local, el mercado tiene mucho más que arte o pro-

ductos.

Patten también comentó que es fácil suponer que el mercado es más bien pequeño o que sólo alberga unos pocos puestos similares. Sin embargo, se las arregla para albergar a vendedores de una gran variedad de alimentos, arte, joyas y mucho más.

Volker Ritzinger, vendedor desde hace mucho tiempo, vuelve al mercado cada año por la sensación y la experiencia únicas del Farmers Market Ogden. Originario de Austria, Ritzinger ahora vende pan y pasteles desde su panadería en Kamas cada fin de semana.

Las recetas provienen de toda Europa, incluyendo Alemania, Italia y, por supuesto, Austria.

“Voy a muchos mercados de agricultores en Utah con mi puesto de pan, pero este es uno de los mercados mejor gestionados”, dijo Ritzinger. “Siempre estoy aquí en el mercado de Ogden porque este es simplemente el mercado número uno en el estado de Utah”.

El mercado es también un gran lugar para iniciar un nuevo negocio.

Los ceramistas Ashley y Mark Chase son nuevos en el mercado este año con Chase Ceramics y han llegado muy rápidamente a un inventario bajo de venta de sus tazas, y vajillas. Se alegraron de ver lo agradecida que ha estado la gente por sus obras de arte.

“Estamos contentos de que tal vez le saque una sonrisa a la gente”, dijo Ashley Chase.

Para Dorothea Preston, nativa de Diné, el mercado le ayuda a vender sus joyas y obras de arte artesanales de los navajos.

Al principio, Preston se mudó de su reserva para que su hija y su familia tuvieran más oportunidades. Aquí puede promover su negocio y ayudar a transmitir la tradición y la

cultura a su hija.

Son muchos los que encuentran el clima del mercado perfecto para pasear a sus perros. Al visitar el mercado hay muchos perros que disfrutan del mismo junto a sus dueños.

La Dra. Camille Milligan aprovechó la oportunidad del mercado para promover su negocio de atención veterinaria a domicilio.

Permitiendo que los animales más tímidos y asustados reciban cuidados cómodamente dentro de su casa.

Además de los vendedores y sus puestos, muchos negocios situados en la histórica calle 25th participan en el mercado. Instalan puestos fuera de sus tiendas, como Lavender Vinyl y sus numerosas opciones en discos, CD y cintas de casete.

También hay muchos músicos, como Yudi Ko, que actúan durante todo el día.

Además de los numerosos vendedores y participantes, Farmers Market Ogden ofrece oportunidades únicas para sus vendedores e invitados. Permitiendo que los vendedores se inscriban durante toda la temporada o sólo por unos días para probar la experiencia.

También ofrecen apoyo en las redes sociales, ayudando en los gráficos, hashtags y más para difundir aún más el conocimiento de su negocio.

Para aquellos que quieran experimentar el mercado, la Ogden Downtown Alliance ofrece fichas especiales para los que tienen derecho a EBT. En la caseta de información se puede cambiar el pago por fichas de madera para gastar en los puestos donde los vendedores participantes aceptan las fichas por sus productos.

Patten subraya la aceptación que puede tener cualquier persona que utilice esta forma

de pago.

“Hemos creado una comunidad tan acogedora con nuestro personal de la caseta de información y con nuestros vendedores que es otra transacción”, dijo Patten. “Sólo estamos aquí para apoyar a todos y dar a todos el acceso a los mismos productos frescos”.

El Farmers Market de Ogden es una experiencia única para todos los participantes. Desde los vendedores que ofrecen arte y comida, hasta las conexiones diarias que se hacen allí.

“Si el mercado no sirve a la comunidad y no sirve a los negocios locales e independientes, entonces no estamos haciendo bien nuestro trabajo”, dijo Patten.

El aspecto favorito de Patten del mercado son las relaciones que se forman cada semana. Los vendedores se van conociendo a lo largo de la temporada, los viejos amigos y los colegas se encuentran.

“No hay nada con lo que se pueda comparar. Ogden es tan único, y creo que el mercado de los agricultores realmente refleja ese tejido diverso que realmente es el centro de la ciudad”, dijo Patten.

Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI | The Signpost

thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022 | 9

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI | The Signpost

RAHMAN ALMOHAMMADI | The Signpost

Lavender Vinyl is the only record store on 25th street.

Farmers Market Ogden visitors Mady Wood and Keaton Fransworth.

The Austrian-owned bakery “Volker’s Bread” is the first main stand at Farmers Market Ogden.

KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

10 | thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022

Weber State University’s Ashlyn Power, Dani Nay and Cayton White cheering after scoring a point for their team.

By SIMON MORTENSEN Asst. Section Editor

With a new season just around the corner, it’s time to catch up with fall sports. Helping fans know what to expect next season, this list gives the strengths and weaknesses of each volleyball team in the Big Sky conference ordered by last year’s regular season standings.

This program will follow all NCAA Big Sky sports starting in the fall.

Weber State University Strengths: Weber State lost a heartbreaker in the Big Sky championship to Northern Colorado. The good news is, they won the regular season title, solidifying that the tournament once again runs through Ogden, Utah.

Head coach Jeremy Larsen has led the Wildcats to some of its most memorable victories and a Big Sky championship. Big Sky conference MVP Dani Nay will also return this season to lead the now young Wildcat’s team.

Weaknesses: Rylin Adams, Sam Schiess and Ashlyn Power are some of the best players to ever compete

in the Big Sky. In fact, when discussing the greatest volleyball player to ever play for Weber State it’s impossible to not bring up Rylin Adams. The Wildcats have the tools to make a winning team, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have to figure out how to fill holes along the way.

University of Northern Colorado Strengths: As with any team coming off a championship run, the Bears have momentum. Finishing second in the regular season behind the Wildcats, Northern Colorado edged out Weber State in five sets for the Big Sky conference title.

Statistical giants, the Bears were able to finish the season leading in assists and kills.

Player of the Week winners and All-Conference first team members Kailey Jo Ince and Rachel Hickman will be back as well as setter Syd Cole who was pivotal in the Bear’s championship run. Clutch outsider hitter Makenzie Harris will also be coming back next season.

Weaknesses: Northern Colorado is dealing with the biggest problem the Big Sky’s best are facing: graduates and transfers. Lauren Strain, one of

the team’s All-Conference players, transferred to Wake Forest University this year. Three other seniors left the team as well, including Laura Katarzynski who dominated in the final sets of the Big Sky championship.

Portland State University Strengths: The Vikings ended last season with a loss to Northern Colorado in the Big Sky championship as well as a loss to Weber State in the National Invitational. With three All-Conference team members returning next season, Portland State is poised to come back stronger.

Last year’s Vikings finished the season leading in digs and dominating with their elite defense. Although they lost five seniors, Portland State’s kept a solid core. 60% of their lineup is comprised of seniors and juniors that have years of experience with head coach Michael Seemann’s program.

Weaknesses: In a vacuum, it could be argued that Portland State has the best chance of winning the regular season title as well as the postseason title next season. However, the Vikings haven’t won a regular season title since 2013 and a Big Sky championship since 2010. The team’s

postseason struggles were on full display last season when they were eliminated from two tournaments after winning only one set in each match. Portland State has to have their veteran-stacked team come back postseason ready.

Montana State University Strengths: Sending four players to the All-Conference second team last season, the Bobcats ended their season with a close loss to Weber State in the Big Sky tournament. Not only are three of those four players coming back, but they’re also entering only their junior and sophomore seasons. The list includes blocks leader Emma Pence, Big Sky Conference freshman of the year Jordan Radick and offensive threat Kira Thomsen.

Weaknesses: Despite having multiple key returners, this team doesn’t have a single senior on the roster this season. Like Portland State, this is a team tasked with making a legacy for a team that’s never won a Big Sky conference championship or a regular season title. The Bobcats shouldn’t be counted out this year, but they may be a team more of a threat in 2023 than this year.

ROBERT LEWIS | The Signpost

thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022 | 11

WSU defends against CSUN’s Nicole Nevarez.

Northern Arizona University Strengths: Before being eliminated by Montana State in the Big Sky tournament, the Lumberjacks were on an impressive run. The team won five of their last seven games to place fourth in the Big Sky. Led by All-Conference first team member Taylor Jacobsen and junior Millie O-Ketter, Northern Arizona had the best hitting percentage in the Big Sky. The Lumberjacks are also a team that’s tough around the net, having the lowest opponent blocks average in the conference.

Weaknesses: All-Conference second team members Ryann Davis and Morgan Gappmayer will not be returning next season. Although they finished off the season on a run, the Lumberjacks went only three for seven prior. Northern Arizona is a team that will look for more consistency in the upcoming season.

California State University, Sacramento Strengths: The Hornets’ postseason was short-lived last season, but that doesn’t mean their players were unsuccessful. Four players were named to Big Sky All-Conference teams and two

received player of the week honors. Led by All-Conference first team member Bridgette Smith, Sacramento State had a solid defense that led the Big Sky in blocks.

Weaknesses: The Hornets may have led in blocks, but were fairly subpar statistically. A team with a mediocre hitting percentage as well as a low number of assists, Sacramento State could benefit from better ball movement and overall offense.

Eastern Washington University Strengths: Rounding the bottom of the teams that qualified for the Big Sky tournament, the Eagles were blown out by Northern Colorado in the first round. It’s a team that dominated in service aces with Ashlyn Blotzer. The Eagles have a decent defense as well as solid role players like McKenna Russell to add to their developing team.

Weaknesses: Eastern Washington’s offense is subpar at best. With a .183 hitting percentage, the Eagles couldn’t muster top five in assists, kills nor blocks. Blotzer, who won’t return, was their best server. A small roster, Eastern Washington needs to add offensive firepower to their lineup.

University of Montana Strengths: The lowest-ranked team to make the tournament last year, the Grizzlies were swept by the Wildcats at the beginning of the tournament.

The good news for Montana is that their best player from last season, Paige Clark, will be returning. The team has six freshmen to create a new future for the Grizzlies.

Weaknesses: Montana hasn’t had a great volleyball team since the early 90’s. They have what it takes to be a good offense, but they lack height. Elise Jolly is the only player taller than 6’1” and she’s a red-shirting senior, hence the reason why this team isn’t leading in kills and blocks.

Idaho State University Strengths: Idaho State was three wins away from a tournament berth. This team is young with five freshmen on the roster. Despite having arguably the worst offense in the Big Sky, they have the makings of a good defense. With their young roster, there’s a chance they can rebuild this season and win games.

Weaknesses: This is a team that lacks height and star players. Their offense wasn’t able to hold its own during in-conference matchups, which was

proven in the ten matches they were swept in. Although they’re more of a defensive team than an offensive one, their defense is middle of the pack at best.

University of Idaho Strengths: It’s hard to outline the strengths of a twowin team. Missing the tournament, this team wasn’t able to hold its own against their Big Sky opponents. Their tall lineup with a good mix of returners and freshmen could bring the Vandals back to something that resembles their mid-90’s dominance.

Weaknesses: Their weakness is also a strength in saying that it’s only up from here. Their offense is bad but not the worst in the conference and their defense was only able to stop digs. Although one could argue that Idaho State needs even more work than Idaho, they still are lacking key pieces to an efficient team.

The volleyball season for Weber State will start on August 20 at 1 p.m. with an exhibition match against Air Force Academy at Swenson Gym. Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com

WSU Athletics

Montana State Athletic Creative Services

12 | thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022

Head shot of new Weber State’s Men’s Basketball team’s new assistant coach Dan Russell.

AL I T N DE

I CONF

t r o p sup

GE T

In this Jan. 9 photo, Montana State men’s basketball assistant coach Dan Russell, center, looks on during a game against Montana in Bozeman, Mont.

WOMEN’S

CENTER

Safe@Weber Advocacy Services provides confidential support for survivors needing help in any aspect of life impacted by sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic or dating violence and stalking.

The Women’s Center is a space for all, and focuses on issues that effect the lives of women. Come by and get involved today! · Education & Empowerment · Leadership & Engagement · Safe@Weber Violence Prevention · Safe@Weber Advocacy Services · Scholarships and Resource Pantry

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

801-626-6090 | SU 323 safeatweber@weber.edu

Learn more at: weber.edu/womenscenter Follow at: @WeberStateWomensCenter

By EMILY MILLER Section Editor

Weber State University’s men’s basketball team announced on June 22 that Dan Russell is the newest addition to the Wildcat coaching staff.

Russell, a Wyoming native, played his first two years of college basketball at Casper College before finishing his academic and athletic career at the University of Wyoming.

Before heading back to his alma mater, Casper College, Russell was a graduate assistant for the Cowboys.

During his time at Casper College, Russell spent five years as an assistant coach and six years at the helm of the program.

The Thunderbirds posted up to 20 wins a season with Russell at the helm and an overall record of 145–52. Russell was named head coach at the age of 27 and at the time was one of the nation’s youngest head coaches.

Before making his way to Ogden and calling the Dee Events Center home, Russell spent his three most recent coaching years as an assistant coach at Montana State University.

Russell was heavily involved in the development of players that the Wildcats struggled against in the 2021-22 season, including Xavier Bishop, RaeQuan Battle and Amin Adamu.

The Wildcats and Bobcats split their regular season with wins on the road, Weber State won 85–75 in Bozeman on Dec. 30, and MSU

won 78–57 at the Dee on Feb. 5.

Russell was a part of handing the Wildcats their final loss of the 2021-22 season in the Big Sky Tournament semifinals on March 11.

The No. 1 Bobcats beat the No. 4 Wildcats in a 69–66 game.

“We are very excited to have Dan join our basketball family at Weber State,” head coach Eric Duft said in Weber State Athletics news release. “He has head coaching experience and has won at the highest level in the Big Sky.” Since the announcement of Randy Rahe’s retirement earlier this year, familiar faces are still found among the Wildcat coaching staff.

Alongside Duft, Eric Daniels will be returning for his fourth season with the Wildcats as an assistant coach.

Jorge Ruiz has previously spent the last four seasons with the team, spending one year as the Wildcats video coordinator and three as their Director of Operations. As of recently, Ruiz was named an assistant coach following Duft taking over at the helm.

Hires within the Big Sky look to be a common trend as MSU announced on May 27 that Johnny Hill was hired as assistant coach. Hill was previously assistant coach at the University of Idaho.

Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com

STAR NEIL | The Signpost

thesignpostwsu.com | June 28, 2022 | 13

By HUNTER LINDSEY

Weber State University’s artificial intelligence-powered Ask Waldo system was launched this year. Ask Waldo can help current and prospective students in a variety of ways including a new system that students can receive text reminders for important information concerning campus.

“We have the ability to text reminders to students,” Jessica Oyler, associate provost of Enrollment Management and Student Success, said.

These reminders could include prompts to fill out FAFSA applications, accepting potential scholarships and informing students on registration information. Oyler mentioned systems like Ask Waldo have been used by WSU in the past, but had never been consolidated to this degree.

“We realized it would be nice to have a primary platform where we could track communication overall,” Oyler said. “But also have it be intentional so we don’t have 75 different offices texting students information.”

The artificial intelligence portion of Ask Waldo is mainly used in the chatbot. The chatbot is available 24 hours a day and can answer questions from a library of answers.

“It took forever to gather all of our common questions and answer some,” Oyler said.

KENNEDY ROBINS| The Signpost

Reporter

She estimated the number of questions in the library to be over 1,000. Oyler and others continue to add to this library daily, populating the library with more possible answers to issues or concerns.

Oyler said the main focus of Ask Waldo was to assist students and give them a reminder at the proper times.

“Research in higher education has shown it can be helpful to provide a nudge to students,” Oyler said.

Ask Waldo helps WSU track communication metrics of campaigns. Oyler said this year was the first that Ask Waldo was used to inform students of their respective registration times via text as opposed to email.

“The first few days when registration was open we saw a higher registration rate than prior years,” Oyler said.

The metrics show that the Ask Waldo helped students register sooner than they had before.

Ask Waldo can be accessed on the front page of WSU’s website near the bottom right in a box labeled “Questions?”

Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com

Weber State Waldo the Wildcat cheering on the WSU cheerleaders.

THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Breanna Hart breannahart@mail.weber.edu

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

Culture Editor Adam Montgomery adammontgomery1@gmail.com

Managing Editor Alexandrea Bonilla anelandreabonilla@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Lucas Moore lucasmoore161@gmail.com

Asst. Culture Editor Lexie Andrew lexieandrew@mail.weber.edu

Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Tim Costello timcostello@mail.weber.edu

Translations Editor Marianna Lopez-Luritta mlopezluritta@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Design & Graphics Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu

Sports Editor Emily Miller emilymiller10@mail.weber.edu

Advisor Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu

Photo Editor Kennedy Robins kennedyrobins@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Sports Editor Simon Mortensen simonmortensen@mail.weber.edu

Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu

The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted

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. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber. edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.

ALERT

Donate plasma today.

New plasma donors can receive $1100 in 8 donations.* Biomat USA

1951 West 5400 S., Roy I (801) 825-0111 3073 Harrison Blvd., Ogden I (801) 392-2296 375 S. State St., Clearfield I (801) 825-1999 *Must be 18-69 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health to donate. In addition to meeting center donation criteria, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of current address, and proof of Social Security number or Border Crossing card to donate. Valid for new donors only. Valid at participating centers only.

Management reserves all rights.

grifolsplasma.com