The Utah State University student body will soon vote in a special election to amend our student constitution, aiming to improve the fairness and efficiency of our election process. This amendment proposes a key change: candidates will no longer be able to run for more than one student government position at a time.
When the USUSA Constitution is amended, the proposed changes must go through a thorough approval process. First, the Executive Leadership Board, the Logan
it harder to effectively compete in both races? And if budgets do increase for candidates running in multiple elections, what’s to stop all candidates from declaring for two positions just to boost their campaign resources? It’s also important to note that though this provision has existed for several years, no candidate has been able to win a second election after declaring for two.
As co-chairs of the election committee, myself and Student Advocate VP Sydney Lyman, have considered these questions carefully.
We have concluded that allowing dual candidacies introduces complexities that could lead to unequal playing fields. Increasing campaign budgets for those running in multiple races might encourage candidates to declare for two positions simply to gain more resources, which may compromise fairness. Conversely, keeping budgets unchanged may place those candidates at a disadvantage in their second race.
Executive Council and the Statewide Campuses Executive Council review and recommend the amendment. Then, it is presented to the student body for a vote, allowing all Aggies to have a say in the changes shaping our university’s governance.
Currently, candidates can declare for multiple positions within our student government. However, this practice has raised questions regarding campaign budgets, fairness and transparency. For example, if a candidate runs for two positions, does their campaign budget increase to support both campaigns? If budgets remain the same, does that make
The proposed amendment aims to simplify these issues by ensuring candidates focus on one position, fostering a more equitable election environment. By supporting this change, you can help make the process clearer and fairer for all Aggies running for office. Stay tuned for more details on the voting process. We have a lot of changes coming! Your vote matters, and we encourage all students to participate in shaping a more streamlined election process!
— Matt Richey, president.ususa@usu.edu
If you are interested in writing a guest column, please contact editor@usustatesman. com with your idea.
PHOTO BY Heidi Bingham USUSA President Matt Richey after his election win on March 18, 2024.
Aggies gear up to celebrate Veterans Day through Veterans Resource Office
By Samantha Isaacson STATESMAN REPORTER
Veterans Day is a holiday where veterans are honored, and the Veterans Resource Office hopes to help Aggies do just that. The VRO will host multiple events on Veterans Day to honor veterans.
Tanner McCurdy is a work-study student at the VRO and vice president of the USU chapter of the Student Veterans of America.
McCurdy said it’s important USU celebrates Veterans Day to honor veterans at the school and across America.
“A lot of people kind of forget about that day being set aside for veterans to honor what they have sacrificed for the country itself,” McCurdy said. “I think it’s good as a college to represent that through events and setting aside specific time frames for that.”
Elmer Rayes is a work-study student at the VRO.
Rayes said these events help veterans feel they have support.
“These events definitely build a sense of community for veterans,” Rayes said.
The first event will start at 6:50 a.m. on Veterans Day. An Air Force formation will be held on the Quad, with remarks by Lt. Col. Mark Hodges.
7:00 a.m. will mark the beginning of the POW/MIA 24-hour vigil held on the Quad by the Air Force ROTC cadets. Luke Halling will play taps, the bugle song used to signify the end of the day or hours to be quiet and to honor service members who have passed.
A Veterans Day commemoration lunch featuring Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Slade will be hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the TSC International Lounge.
“All student veterans can attend for free, and anyone who is not a veteran is welcome to attend,” Rayes said. “There will be a $5 fee for anyone who is not a veteran.”
Following the luncheon, there will be a retreat at the TSC flagpoles at 4:30 p.m., put on by the Army ROTC and trumpeter Luke Halling.
The Veterans Day concert will wrap up the day at the Daines Concert Hall. It will be put on by the American Festival Chorus and USU Symphony Orchestra. Tickets can be bought at the USU Ticket Office website or the Caine College of the Arts Box Office.
The VRO will host other events on the days surrounding Veterans Day.
There will be a virtual wall of honor up from Nov. 7 - 18 to honor USU community veterans.
“This is meant to highlight some of the veterans,” Rayes said. “They submit a photo and some information about themselves so that everyone can see and learn about them.”
There was also a veterans appreciation men’s basketball game against Charlotte on Nov. 9 in the Spectrum.
The last event hosted by the VRO will be the veterans appreciation football game and tailgate on Nov. 16. The tailgate will begin at 9 a.m. in the Maverik Stadium parking lot.
McCurdy said the tailgate will be a great opportunity for veterans to come together and socialize.
“We have food available and veterans can socialize at the tailgate,” McCurdy said. “It is a great way to interact with the veterans and help the students see what the student veteran population consists of.”
The veterans appreciation football game will begin at 1 p.m. USU will play against Hawaii.
Samantha Isaacson is a junior majoring in journalism with a double minor in art and psychology. She loves to read and spend time outdoors.
— sam.isaacson@usu.edu
Stephen E. Slade: Air Force veteran, USU alumni
By Layla Alnadar STATESMAN REPORTER
Gen. Stephen E. Slade was commissioned in 1993 through Utah State University’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He has served the nation for 31 years and progressed up the ranks, now acting as the mobilization assistant to the commander of space operations command at the Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado.
“I actually started college with the goal of getting a commission into the United States Air Force,” Slade said. At the advice of his mom, who was an adviser for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at USU, he pursued an education in business and graduated with a degree in human resource management.
“I’m a product of 1986,” Slade said. “In 1986, the number one movie was ‘Top Gun.’”
Slade credits the popular American media franchise as the inspiration for his pursuit into the USAF.
“I wanted to be a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force and go serve — that was my goal,” Slade said. “I had parents who taught me that if there is something you want, put your mind to it and go get it done.”
As a reserve officer, Slade is on-call to reinforce and back up Lt. Gen. David N. Miller. Slade acts as a stunt-double for the commander, representing his interests to the United States Department of Air Force and the interest of the Air Force Reserve as a whole.
“It’s always about constantly trying to figure out how to improve things and putting the nation’s interest above my own interests,” Slade said.
The Space Operations Command provides space flight capabilities to the U.S. Armed Forces. They are the lead for force generation, which is the creation of formations that can support space operations for the warfighter. They
are the United States Space Force service-force provider, meaning they provide all the capability to command and control satellites. They also assess real-time and future security needs by adapting technology.
Slade said the USAF relies heavily on the commercial sector to complete space launches, something that has differed in the past but has helped increase the number of launches a year significantly.
“We have partnered with the commercial industry to get more launch vehicles, and what they have come up with are these reusable launch platforms,” Slade said. “I can launch a satellite on a rocket and bring that rocket back, refurbish it and launch another satellite on that same rocket. In the past, it’s been a one-and-done. We have reduced the cost of space lift.”
Layla is studying public health. She loves music, hiking, writing and the sun.
— a02414012@usu.edu
PHOTO COURTESY OF United States Air Force
Bugles for heroes: Luke Halling plays in 2024 Veterans Day service
By Brook Wood STATESMAN REPORTER
On Veterans Day, the solemn notes of taps and retreat will ring out across campus and be heard in the Veterans Day concert that evening.
Taps is a short, solemn bugle call traditionally played during United States military funerals and memorials and to signify the end of the day on military bases. It is played often and associated with honoring fallen soldiers.
Retreat is another bugle call traditionally played on military bases around sunset to signal the end of the
official duty day. It marks a moment of respect for the U.S. flag as it is lowered in the evenings.
These two bugle calls will be played by a student as USU honors those who served or are currently serving.
Playing the trumpet in three major events this Veterans Day is Luke Halling. Halling is not a veteran but volunteers his time to play in these services.
Halling is a senior double-majoring in music performance and music education.
Halling has been playing the trumpet for over 10 years and participates in several musical groups on campus including the Wind Orchestra, USU Jazz Orchestra, USU Symphony Orchestra, brass band and a brass quintet.
“Last year, I played taps also on Veterans Day,” Halling said. “I’m playing a retreat, which is just another bugle call, at 4:30 p.m. also on Veterans Day, outside the TSC. Then, I’m playing in the Veterans Day concert that same night.”
The concert will feature the American Festival Chorus along with the USU Symphony Orchestra as it honors those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.
Interested in private lessons for the trumpet, Halling and his parents got in contact with Max Matzen, associate professor of trumpet at USU.
“I’ve known Luke for the past six years,” Matzen wrote to The Utah Statesman in an email. “He studied trumpet with me here at USU during his time as a high school student and during his time with us as an undergraduate music major.”
Halling played taps in high school a few times, including through an audition process to play in a Veterans Day assembly. He also played taps at the 9/11 commemorative stair climb this year.
Typically, taps is played on a bugle, a very simple brass instrument with no valves, or buttons, to change the notes, so it is limited to only playing natural, or “open,” notes. The tune has been made to fit within the bugle’s range. The simplicity of playing only “open” notes creates its unique and solemn sound.
Halling plays taps on a Bb trumpet, which has three valves versus none. This means the valves allow him to play many different notes. However,
in order to play taps, the player presses no valves and only plays the “open” notes to mimic the sound of the bugle.
Halling takes inspiration from the performances of taps over Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Nevada.
Andy Allen, executive director of the Veterans Resource Office at USU, reached out to Matzen to find a trumpet player to play taps for the services. Matzen invited Halling to take the opportunity.
“Luke is a very solid young trumpeter with very dependable skills,” Matzen wrote. “For something as important as a Veteran’s Day service it is important to maintain the tradition of excellence trumpeting/bugling. The same can be said for many services for our armed forces.”
After his performances this Veterans Day, Halling will present his senior recital on Dec. 12 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Logan. The performance will include five solos with an accompanying pianist, resulting in an hour long recital.
“Luke is a very stable young trumpeter. In pressurized situations like this, many musicians can get upended by nerves and have a shaky performance. Luke has learned to handle this aspect of performance with grace, and is quite dependable,” Matzen wrote.
Halling hopes to student teach for a band class next semester at a nearby school and plans on furthering his musical journey.
“He soon will be auditioning for some of America’s leading graduate programs in music, and I am confident he will continue to be a success story for our music department here at Utah State,” Matzen wrote. This Veterans Day will have many services for students and families to attend, and several will include Halling’s music. The events provide a chance to remember and show respect for veterans and current members serving in the military.
Brook Wood is working towards receiving a bachelor’s degree in literature. When they aren’t writing or reading, they enjoy playing the violin in the USU Symphony Orchestra and the occasional sweet treat.
PHOTO BY Jack Burton
Luke Halling poses for a photo in the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art on Nov. 2.
Remembering veterans: Wall of Honor, limited edition chocolate, more
By Justin Brewster STATESMAN REPORTER
On Nov. 11, the United States celebrates Veterans Day, and Utah State University’s Logan campus has multiple events to commemorate it, ranging from a 24-hour vigil to two games honoring veterans to a limited-edition chocolate bar.
Veterans Day honors U.S. military veterans, with Nov. 11 being chosen for its significance as the First World War ended on Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. It is referred to as Armistice Day outside of the U.S.
“Typically, veterans are considered the one percenters,” said Melissa Duce, the Veterans Integrated to Academic Leadership program coordinator at USU. “One percent of our population is willing and brave enough to join the military, and so it’s a special day to honor veterans and to thank them for their service.”
To commemorate veterans, USU released a limited-edition chocolate bar, holding ribbon cuttings on Oct. 31. The first was at 10 a.m. at the campus store and the second was at the Aggie Chocolate Factory at 2 p.m.
The chocolates have a design on them.
“The design does have an American flag and an eagle on it,” Duce said. “It’s a gift item that you can purchase for veterans you know. It’s nothing fancy flavor-wise, but it’s really the intent to honor veterans and just bring awareness.”
The chocolate is limited-edition, with only 1,500 made, and proceeds from sales go to support student veterans.
Another event coming up is the Wall of Honor, which displays pictures of various currently-enrolled student veterans alongside any information they are willing to share about service.
“They can mention as much as they want or don’t want to,” said Paul Klimack, Army veteran and school
certifying official for USU’s Veterans Resource Office. “They can just simply have their name on there if they want. But some will go into the whole bio, which is fine too.”
The Wall of Honor will begin to be displayed on Nov. 7 at the Taggart Student Center, will be digitally available on the VRO website and will be displayed at statewide campuses.
Two sporting events are planned as well: one football and one basketball. Both sporting events are planned to be veteran appreciation nights.
The football game will on Nov. 16 and will be against the University of Hawaii. Discount tickets will be offered to all military attendees, active or retired.
The basketball game, meanwhile, was on Nov. 9 against Charlotte. Discounted tickets to all military attendees was given at this game, and military personnel were asked to stand at a certain point. The game ball was gifted to the VRO, where it will be on display.
“We’re honoring their sacrifice during this time,” said Kennion Perkes, a flight commander for the Air Force ROTC at USU. “We fold the flag at that time, and we respectfully retire in the fire, to salute. We’re at attention. We’re really paying an honor to that individual.”
There will also be a 24-hour vigil held on the Quad starting at 7 a.m. For one-hour shifts, members of the Air Force ROTC will march around a set area in dress uniform and armed with a “rubber duck,” a dummy rifle used for drill.
“Each rifle guardsman will have a specific service member dedicated to them so they have the opportunity to read over that and really understand,” Perkes said.
Justin Brewster is a sophomore studying international studies with a minor in political science. Whenever he acquires free time, he enjoys it with video games, writing, studying the social sciences or comedy.
— justin.g.brewster@usu.edu.
The ribbon cutting for the debut of the Freedom Bar at Aggie Chocolate Factory.
PHOTOS BY Aubrey Holdaway
The limited-edition chocolate bar from Aggie Chocolate Factory that was created for Veterans Day.
From USU to National Guard: Ashley
Boles’s experience as an Aggie veteran
By Esther Owens STATESMAN REPORTER
Ashley Boles is an Aggie with a unique college experience. After beginning her education at Utah State University, she took a hiatus to serve in the Army National Guard and is now back in school with a new experiences from her time serving. Boles grew up all over the Northwest United States in a military family. After earning an associate degree in 2015, Boles joined the ARNG in Montana in 2016. “My dad served in the Army when I was a kid,” Boles said.
Part of her motivation was following in her dad’s footsteps.
“It was also kind of a personal pride thing,” Boles said. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.”
Boles initially joined as a mortuary affairs specialist and transitioned to a military police officer in 2017. She went on active duty as a military police officer in 2018.
Emily Christofferson, one of Boles’s closest friends, met Boles in 2015 before she joined the Army.
“She had dreams of becoming a police officer, and I had dreams of becoming an emergency medical technician,” Christofferson said. “We kind of banded together.”
When Boles first told her she was joining the Army, Christofferson said she was worried but had no doubts about Boles capability.
“It was definitely difficult at first. I was kind of scared out of my wits that something was going to happen,” Christofferson said. “But I knew that she was strong, and I knew that she could do it.”
According to Christofferson, she and Boles’s friendship is one of mutual support.
“One of my favorite things about Ashley is her resilience that she’s had throughout the years, her encouragement to me and what a great support she is,” Christofferson said. “No matter what has happened to her in her life and what has happened to me in my life, she’s always been there, and I know she always will be. That’s the whole aspect of being a part of a team.”
While in service, Boles said she found fulfillment helping other soldiers learn and grow and discovered the importance of spending time with the right people.
“I learned that you are the average of the six people you surround yourself with,” Boles said. “That’s something they really drilled into us.”
Boles was medically discharged from the military in 2023 and is once again a student at USU, majoring in recreation management and hoping to go into sports management.
Boles said her time in the military has been a useful contribution to her university experience.
“I’ve got more real-life experience from having worked in law enforcement and being outside of
home, and I’m a few years older than a lot of my classmates,” Boles said. “It’s easy to give advice to people based on previous experiences I’ve had.”
Boles’s experiences allow her to share a unique point of view with classmates and professors.
“I’m able to give them a different perspective than they would have otherwise in classrooms,” Boles said.
“They get to hear a different side or something that they wouldn’t have thought of.”
The growth Boles has experienced from her time serving in the military is evident to the people closest to her.
Hart hosts “The Greatest Show” on Aggie Radio, featuring exciting weekly themes. Each episode opens with “The Greatest Show” from “The Greatest Showman” and ends with “When Can I See You Again” from “Wreck-It Ralph.” You can catch “The Greatest Show” every Thursday from 7-8 p.m. on
Esther Owens is a sophomore studying journalism. When she’s not busy working on a story, she’s probably at the climbing wall.
— a02412867@usu.edu
SUBMITTED PHOTO by Ashley Boles Ashley Boles poses at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.
The name’s Bond, Dallas Bond
By Gabriella Kozic STATESMAN REPORTER
Veterans Day is a time to pause, reflect and appreciate the service of our military personnel. It’s also a day to honor the unique journeys they continue to navigate once they leave the uniform behind.
For Dallas Bond, United States Air Force veteran and student at Utah State University, this journey is filled with a deep commitment to self-improvement, camaraderie and a desire to make an impact where he goes.
Bond’s story reveals the challenges, growth and sense of duty that shape veterans’ lives long after their service is complete and how he’s bringing that legacy into his academic life.
Originally from the small town of Morgantown, Indiana, Bond grew up with strong ties to the military. Family members, including veterans like his aunt and uncle, set the tone for a life of service. However, they encouraged him to choose a different path than theirs, nudging him toward the USAF for its diverse career opportunities and structured environment.
With limited options for college due to family finances, Bond saw the USAF as a practical step forward that would not only secure his future but also provide him with a wealth of experience and training.
He enlisted at age 18, and his journey took him to military bases across the country, from Texas to Montana, South Carolina to Florida and finally to Utah. Each stop brought unique experiences and life lessons that helped Bond shape his identity.
Joining the military is no small feat. Bond quickly learned that serving in the USAF requires discipline, adaptability and a willingness to overcome obstacles.
“It was very humbling, but at the same time, it was very rewarding to kind of see where you start off to where you go,” Bond said.
The challenges were personal and professional: working alongside people from different backgrounds, dealing with the intensity of military demands and often needing to adapt on the spot.
“Trying to get a team of people from [all over the country] ... is very hard,” Bond said. Yet, it was this very challenge he found so transformative.
One of the most valuable aspects of his service was learning how to work with others, regardless of differences. As someone from the Midwest, he had to learn about other cultures and adapt to everyone’s egos.
“So you got to just figure out how to work around those egos, how to deal with that type of stuff, to be able to get the mission done,” Bond said.
Learning to navigate these cultural differences taught Bond invaluable lessons in patience, teamwork and leadership. Whether through the military’s rigorous structure or the bonds he formed with his fellow airmen, Bond came to appreciate the nuances of collaboration under pressure.
As Bond reflected on his time in the service, he recognized how the military fundamentally shaped him. At 18, he was thrown into a world where every action has consequences and maturity was a necessity, not an option.
“Your actions have consequences, good or bad,” Bond said. This mindset of accountability and the discipline he developed have stayed with him and now guides him through his college years.
Bond also recalled a standout memory from his time in the USAF, underscoring the importance of mentorship and leadership. During his deployment to Hill Air Force Base in Utah, he mentored a fellow service member with a passion for theology and working towards becoming a chaplain.
“He had some issues, job-wise,” Bond said. “I mentored him, guided him in the right direction, and then after that, I helped him separate from the military early to pursue a graduate level in theology.”
excited to pursue his new goal in aviation. He currently majors in aviation technology and aspires to be a professional pilot.
Coming to USU at the age of 28 after completing degrees elsewhere wasn’t as seamless as he might have hoped. Bond quickly discovered generational and cultural gaps between himself and many of his classmates.
“The conversations with younger people [are difficult]. I don’t know the lingo, and I don’t know what a lot of stuff means — and just seeing kind of the way they were raised and the way I was raised. It’s been very challenging for me,” he said.
Yet, he’s learning to embrace these differences and use them as an opportunity to bridge gaps and share his experiences with those around him.
Bond’s story is an encouraging reminder that it’s never too late for anyone considering going back to school later in life.
Bond is open about veterans’ difficulties when transitioning to civilian life, particularly in an academic setting. His advice to veterans is twofold: be resilient and use the resources available.
Bond also recommended taking advantage of veteran-specific resources on campus, such as USU’s Veteran Resource Office, which has helped him and many other students find support and camaraderie.
He also encourages veterans to “embrace the suck,” a military phrase that translates to accepting and learning from challenging situations. For Bond, this mindset is essential, especially in college, where students are expected to be more self-directed than in the structured world of the military.
“There’s some guidance, but there’s not a lot. It’s not like the military, where you’re told to do this this way,” he said. For veterans considering college, Bond suggested reaching out to others and staying connected with people who understand the transition.
“Get ready to have to step out of your comfort zone and kind of take accountability of who you are as a person,” Bond said.
However, Bond believes veterans can thrive in academic settings and find new opportunities with persistence and resilience.
Years later, they still keep in touch — a reminder of the lasting impact of military friendships.
“Seeing the impact you have on someone’s life, even during the military, and when they get out, [and they still] check up on you, is pretty cool,” Bond said.
When Bond left the military, he faced a decision many veterans encounter: what to do next. For Bond, the answer was clear — he wanted to pursue education. Encouraged by a friend in Layton and using his Veterans Affairs education benefits, he found his way to USU, a choice that allowed him to stay in the state he’d grown to love.
Utah’s natural beauty, outdoor activities and mountains for snowboarding were all appealing, but Bond was most
Kozic is a first yearstudent from Easton, Pa. studying journalism and communications. She is a die-hard New York sports fan. She loves to read, write, play guitar and sports. Most of all, she loves her friends, family and her dog DJ.
PHOTO BY Alyssa Wangsgard Dallas Bond poses for a photo on Nov. 6 outside the TSC.
Gabriella
Campus K-9 Sage celebrates one year
By Aubrey Holdaway STATESMAN REPORTER
One year ago, a new face appeared around campus — Sage, Utah State University’s first critical incident and crisis response K-9.
Sage’s handler Officer Shane Nebeker said the past year has been extremely positive.
“It’s been absolutely one of the best experiences I’ve had as a police officer over my time,” Nebeker said. Nebeker said that when eight-week-old Sage first arrived at USU, she had zero training.
“We started training with her probably around the second week or third week of November last year, starting with the base puppy basics,” Nebeker said. “Then through the last year, we’ve come up with a plan to keep her personality while dialing her into what we want her to do.”
As a critical incident and crisis response K-9, Sage’s job is to work with people and support those who need it. This encompasses both bringing joy around campus and supporting witnesses to crime or trauma survivors.
The presence of a friendly dog like Sage during difficult moments helps to de-escalate situations and offers emotional support in a way that human responders often cannot.
“Now that we’ve got her where we wanted to be socially and obedience-wise, we want to start putting her in circumstances where we can leave her oneon-one with an investigator, a victim’s advocate or a therapist,” Nebeker said.
The white English Labrador retriever has become a familiar, comforting presence on campus, where she supports students and staff and promotes emotional well-being.
Student Advocate VP Sydney Lyman has experienced this firsthand.
“I had a particularly hard day a few winters ago, and I was walking from one class to another and saw Sage,” Lyman said. “Her presence immediately lightened my mood, and having that break without feeling rushed or stressed made my day.”
Nebeker brings Sage to university and community events where she interacts with students faculty and staff.
“We’ve had her at football games, student events, presentations, orientations and connections, classes,” Nebeker said. “Just as many environments as I can put her in.”
This effort to be present has cemented Sage as a USU staple and improved the relationship between the USU Police Department and the student body.
“I think having Sage as such a core part of the USU police force makes them more approachable to students,” Lyman said. “I think it’s pretty wonderful that she magnifies their caring, compassionate, hardworking mentality.”
Nebeker has seen the same thing in his interactions with students.
“I do believe that she’s helped build some bridges and made us as a police department a little bit more approachable,” Nebeker said. “I hope the things she does can affect the interactions that people are going to have with other police officers.”
A typical day for Sage consists of going on patrol with Nebeker, whatever that may entail.
“She rides around with me, and if there’s an opportunity to take her into a scene after things calm down a little bit, then I’ll usually try to take that opportunity,” Nebeker said. “If we’re not on patrol or on-call somewhere I’m usually walking around with her somewhere.”
Some of Sage’s favorite spots include the Quad and the TSC.
“She likes the Quad because there are squirrels,” Nebeker said. “In the TSC, she knows there are certain offices like the Student Affairs office that have treats.” Sage and Nebeker try to show up for the campus community in whatever way they can. Recently, they participated in Politics, Puppies and Pretzels as a part of Aggies Vote Week.
“I was struggling to find dogs to come,” Lyman said. “After one phone call to the USU Police Department, Sage and her handler made sure they would be there, and she was one of the stars at that event.”
During her downtime, Sage enjoys chasing squirrels, playing and camping with her family.
“This is hard work for her,” Nebeker said. “When she’s home, I’m very careful to make sure that she gets her time and gets to play.”
Sage’s work in the past year has spurred talk of expanding the USU police’s K-9 program and created potential interest from other law enforcement offices.
“I suspect we may have another one here in the next few years that can work with her,” Nebeker said. “My hope is I can build a network to train with other officers doing something similar.”
Whatever the future holds, Sage and Nebeker will continue to foster strong relationships and impact the campus community.
“If you see her, say hi,” Lyman said. “Sage and her handler are national treasures.”
Aubrey Holdaway is a senior studying print journalism. She enjoys most animals but especially Sage.
— a.holdaway@usu.edu
PHOTOS BY Aubrey Holdaway
Sage poses outside of ot the TSC on Nov. 1.
Sage hanging out with attendees at Puppies, Preztels, and Politics on Oct. 15.
Safety on Trails of Terror
By Bailey Daniels STATESMAN REPORTER
On Oct. 25, Utah State University students and the general public flocked to the highly anticipated annual Halloween party, the Howl. Themed “Trails of Terror,” the event included two dance parties, a haunted house, a hypnotist show and various activities to entertain partygoers.
Spencer Bitner, director of involvement and student events adviser, wrote about safety at the Howl.
“Our main goal with continuing the tradition of the Howl is to create a safe space for students to dress in costumes and enjoy the Halloween Season. It is a staple at USU and we work each year to improve the event and mitigate risk,” Bitner wrote in an email to the Utah Statesman.
Josie Packer, USUSA activities director, wrote to the Statesman about ways they kept attendees safe.
“Safety measures that we take are hiring police officers and security offers to be at the event. We also provide some trainings for the volunteers for them to be more aware of intoxication and potential sexual misconduct,” Packer wrote.
USU Police Department Sergeant Erik Christensen was present at the Howl, helping ensure the welfare of attendees.
“A short synopsis of what went on at the Howl is a whole lot of nothing,” Christensen said. “Pretty dang time but still every bit as fun.”
According to Christensen, the USU Police Department handed out two citations for alcohol to non-students and responded to about seven medical calls regarding fainting due to overheating.
“It’s to the point where guys like me who have daughters are happy to send them to this,” Christensen said. “We just kind of employed some techniques and technology to make it so that the alcohol stays out and no one’s getting groped on the dance floor and things like that.”
One technique implemented included cameras and screens at the entrance of both dance areas to show
guests they were being monitored. There were more than 1,500 cameras across the campus. Additionally, wearing masks with costumes was not allowed to prevent anonymity.
“This year we more than doubled the ‘costumes are not consent’ posters in the venues. We adjusted our entry line so that IDs and props would be checked inside the building,” Bitner wrote. “This afforded us better access control and visibility at the entrance. Our new electronic ticketing system has reduced the amount of individuals trying to enter without tickets. We have a much better registry of who is in attendance because of this system.”
On the night of the Howl, 26 officers were present, spread throughout the Fieldhouse, TSC and parking areas. Christensen said there were more important factors than a prominent police presence to a safe night.
“Title IX has done a great job of just the upstanding program, training our students as they come in through Connections. And so really, I think the police — we’re probably more of an auxiliary that we maybe pick up a few loose ends that are left over,” Christensen said.
“So I would give complete credit to SAAVI and to Title IX for all of the work that they’ve done and to Linda Zimmerman’s group for being open to take and make the changes that have been necessary and to suggest changes.”
Medical calls outweighed any illegal incidences this year.
“We’ve had an uptick in these medical calls where it’s just people that feel faint. They haven’t eaten all day. It’s not related to alcohol or anything, it’s just one of those little phenomena that we’ve just seen an increase in lately,” Christensen said. “It’s happened in a lot of the games, like football games that have been hot. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know if we’re not hydrating enough and eating well, right? But it’s concerning.”
To combat this, efforts are being made to cool down the dance areas and include water stations to allow guests to stay hydrated.
“I feel it was a safe and well executed event on our end. We had great support from USU Security and Police, TSC Management, Logan Paramedics and the USU Office of Events,” Bitner wrote.
“Bailey Daniels is a junior studying technology systems. She loves Lana Del Rey, sweet treats and all things whimsical.”
— bailey.daniels@usu.edu
PHOTOS BY Caire Ott
Howl attendees in the TSC on Oct. 25.
Horsing around with the USU Horse
By Shayla Stimpson STATESMAN REPORTER
Instagram user @the_usu_Horse, an account dedicated to two sophomores at USU dressing as a horse, wrote in the caption of a post, “November 17th, 2024, WATCH OUT”.
“We’re planning something big,” the front half of the Horse said. “It’s going to be really big.”
The Horse did not give exact details as to what the event could entail but emphasized it would be something major. The lack of clues in their cryptic post led viewers to use their imaginations in guessing what the event could be.
“You’ll need to be looking forward to it,” the back half of the Horse said. “Putting it on their calendar.”
The Horse preferred to keep their identities hidden, referring to themselves only as the head or front and the butt or back.
“We like to keep a close circle,” the front said.
The actor in the back of the Horse agreed with the statement.
“I feel like exposing them would put them in danger,” the back said.
The decision as to who would be the front of the Horse and who would be the back was unanimously agreed upon after some practice.
“I have been the front, but I honestly feel like we’ve practiced this way and done it this way. We’re just kind of in a groove. You know, he has more head skills. I have more butt skills,” the back said. “The first time was terrible, so we were thinking we would trade off, but as we started doing more and more stunts, it’s just more comfortable back here.”
The actor in the front of the Horse claimed the two had always been the Horse and it wasn’t a mere costume.
“Well, I think it started with our birth in the stables,” the front said.
In reality, the Horse was just a costume made for a party. After, it became a tradition to dress as the Horse and attend various events.
“Yeah, there was an inspiration,” the back said. “We went to a party, and we were thinking it’d be funny if we showed up as a horse. And then we were like, ‘Yeah.’ We just wanted to show up to a party dressed up as a horse.”
This tradition started in 2023 on the first True Aggie Night of the fall semester and has continued ever since. The actors have dubbed it the Horse’s birthday, making the Horse only one year old.
It started with our birth in the stables.
— The USU Horse
The Horse revealed the costume was homemade, using craft fabric from JOANN Fabric and Craft Store tobe more authentic.
“We kind of figured out that commercial horse costumes are too expensive,” the front said. “We wanted to make one more authentic.”
The USU Horse can be seen at campus events, including True Aggie Night.
“People will see us when they least expect it,” the back said. “Or at True Aggie.”
The Horse enjoys kissing people on the Block A and wants to create a tradition of kissing Mr. USU on True Aggie Night.
“We kissed the last Mr. USU, so we want to have a call to action for the new Mr. USU,” the back said. “I feel like you’re not Mr. USU until you kiss the Horse.”
Being the Horse can be difficult at times. With limited vision in the costume, the Horse has resorted to other senses to find his way around.
“There’s almost no visibility from either of us,” the back said. “We have to use context clues. Instincts, ground feel, taste, smell.” The Horse stressed the importance of Nov. 17, leaving almost no clues as to what will happen. “The plan is big,” the back said. “Mark your calendars.”
Shayla Stimpson is a sophomore studying health science with plans to become a dermatologist. When not at school, you can find her with her cross-eyed cat named Winston.
— shayla.stimpson@usu.edu
ARTWORK BY Jack Burton
By Addie Hemsley STUDENT SUBMISSION
Is it weird to love sad books? To seek out heartbreaking love stories and unfortunate endings? If so, then call me weird because some of my favorite novels are incredibly tragic.
“If He Had Been With Me” is a beautiful young adult novel written by Laura Nowlin. It was published in 2013, but became increasingly popular on “BookTok” in early 2024 when the sequel, “If Only I Had Told Her” was released.
Autumn and Finny were destined to be together. Born to best friend mothers only days apart, they grew up as next-door neighbors; never more than twenty feet away from each other. From a young age, Finny protected Autumn from school ground bullies and mean girls. Autumn was considered to be quite pretty but somewhat odd, while Finny was her shy, athletic protector. They never left each other’s side until drifting apart at the end of middle school for no apparent reason.
High school is supposed to be a fresh start, a new beginning. Finny made the varsity soccer team and
I can only hope to be that lucky
someday.
—
Addie Hemsley
started dating a cheerleader, while Autumn started wearing diamond tiaras and became the queen of the misfits. Both remained with their respective groups, and neither of them acknowledged one another at school. The two continued with family activities as normal, with minimal speaking and interaction–without their former friendship.
Written from Autumn’s point of view, she tells her story of high school navigating alcohol, sex, lunchroom feuds, dating, mental health and friendship. She starts dating Jamie, a handsome, dark-haired emo boy she believes to be her soulmate. Jamie and Autumn have many struggles; him pressuring her to have sex, her constantly begging him to never leave her him ultimately hurting her in an unthinkable way. With each high school year comes its challenges, but Finny is always there for Autumn. He lets her friends win the lunch table feud, shuts down a pregnancy rumor about her, keeps her company when her mom is in the hospital and when she is at her lowest, wakes her from a dark, depressive haze and brings her back to life. Finny has always been a vital part of Autumn’s life, but could he be something more than just the boy next door?
Without a doubt, I would read this book again. I enjoyed the easy to read writing style and the way Nowlin made me fall in love with her characters. I would recommend this book to someone that enjoys
reading about young love, relatable characters and coming of age stories and also doesn’t mind a good cry. I love books that force me to dive into my feelings, and if you do as well, this book is for you.
“If He Had Been With Me” is a book I believe everyone should read at least once in their life. This book embodies what I believe true love to be within family, friends and lovers. Finny and Autumn are soulmates in the truest form, and I can only hope to be that lucky someday. — A02413827@aggies.usu.edu
Wyatt Merchant loves his wife, photography and anything outdoors. His favorite camera is his grandpa’s Canon AE-1, which will always outperform any fancy camera. He is working on his second degree in outdoor product design and loves creating new designs everyday.
— a02204703@usu.edu
A Day as an Aggie
Last week’s solution:
Sudoku puzzles are provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com.
