The Utah Statesman - January 22, 2024

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USUSTATESMAN.COM

News USU executive vice president Robert Wagner was hired as Idaho State University’s new president.

Utah State University, Logan, Utah

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Lifestyles Student Emily Graf was crowned as Miss Utah Volunteer 2024.

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Sports USU’s new hacky sack club meets in the TSC on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Week of January 22, 2024

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Page 2 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 202

Robert Wagner hired as ISU’s new president

By Aubrey Holdaway NEWS REPORTER

U

tah State University’s executive vice president and chief operational officer Robert Wagner will begin his presidency at Idaho State University starting on Jan. 29, 2024.

He is succeeding Kevin Satterlee, who is retiring after five years as Idaho State’s president.

In his 16-year career at Utah State, Wagner has worked in various roles. He began working with Utah State’s regional campuses and distance education, now referred to as the statewide campus system.

“It gave me a unique understanding and appreciation for the land grant mission of access all across Utah,” Wagner said. “Utah State University does incredible things across the state in providing access to quality higher education.”

Wagner continued on to work in marketing, faculty development and support, academic programming, enrollment management and student success at Utah State.

“All of the different areas I’ve worked in have given me an in-depth understanding of what it is that a university is and should be responsible for and the ways it serves students and the community,” Wagner said.

Wagner has a deep love and appreciation for his time at Utah State.

“It’s been my great pleasure to have had such an involved role. I will love and will miss Utah State, so I’m grateful that Idaho State has such an amazing culture and set of values,” Wagner said.

Acting president and vice president of campus operations Brian Sagendorf is looking forward to this new chapter at Idaho State.

“We’re excited to see what this new presidential opportunity will bring,” Sagendorf said. “Dr. Wagner was a candidate that clearly demonstrated a great depth and breadth of experience in many aspects of higher education leadership.”

In addition to his broad career experience, Sagendorf feels Wagner exemplifies the qualities important to Idaho State.

“We wanted to continue to build on the leadership values that we feel are very important at ISU: hope, compassion, stability and trust,” Sagendorf said. “We felt that Dr. Wagner demonstrated these values through the entire interview process.”

Wagner’s main focus as he begins his new role as Idaho State president will be on maintaining a quality and impactful higher education experience.

“I want to continue the great work that has been and is being accomplished at Idaho State University,” Wagner said. “President Satterlee did an incredible job with his team in building a really positive and innovative culture. I’m going to continue to prioritize student-centricity.”

The importance of a university’s role within the community at large is another thing Wagner wants to pay special attention to.

“Public higher education can do a lot to serve communities, and I want to increase the university’s positive

SUBMITTED PHOTO

impact on the community,” Wagner said. “I’ve experienced that at Utah State, and I’m excited to see how I can help Idaho State continue to serve the state of Idaho.”

Being the president of a university is no simple task, but Wagner is eager to take it on.

“It’s a complicated institution. There are a lot of different things that it does and accomplishes, and it’s my great pleasure to be a part of many of those different dimensions,” Wagner said.

Among all these aspirations, students are Wagner’s priority.

“I want to support and uplift students above all else,” Wagner said.

His own experiences working closely with students as well as being a student himself have given him a great level of compassion and care.

“During my career, I’ve been able to witness the successes of and interacted with many students who achieved noble goals while conquering individually unique difficulties. I want to support these students as best I can,” Wagner said.

Aubrey Holdaway is a junior studying print journalism. She loves doing anything outside, the band Pinegrove and listening to hours of true crime podcasts in an effort to become invincible.

—a.holdaway@usu.edu

By Malory Rau NEWS REPORTER

U

tah State University was founded in 1888, with Old Main being the first building on campus. Over time, new buildings have found their place all around campus, but some are due for updates.

Every January, students and faculty can submit facilities enhancement requests for on-campus issues they encounter daily.

This includes small details like adding more outlets or replacing furniture, or bigger issues such as creating more handicap-acces-

Worn down furniture located in the Hub as seen on Jan. 18.

sible spaces. This opportunity is also extended to statewide campuses but goes through the committee in Logan.

With a $200,000 budget, there are many opportunities for improvement around campus.

“It’s a significant amount of money that really gives students a chance to directly impact the facilities on campus,” said USUSA PR director Carter Ottley.

USUSA executive vice president Aly Cinq-Mars oversees the facilities enhancement funds. She also sits as chair for the Facilities Enhancement Committee, which is a collaborative effort between a USU facilities planning, design, and construction architect; the USU classroom technology & media productions project coordinator; the USU student involvement and leadership center associate director; and six other USUSA senators whose purpose is to provide perspectives from various colleges. Together, this committee will review all requests in February after this year’s deadline of Jan. 26.

The committee also meets in September to focus on the year’s

previous approved requests, specifically the ones that were not completed or generated excess funds.

The committee must have a two-thirds majority approval vote for a request to be funded. Last year, all projects were able to be at least partially funded.

“I’ve talked to students and a lot of them have thought about the buildings on the Quad and the TSC being that they’re the oldest ones on campus,” Cinq-Mars said. “Because they don’t have escalators in them and we have friends who are wheelchair-bound, and they’re not able to get up the stairs without having somebody physically carry them and so they lose their independence there.”

Other prospective projects include replacing furniture in the Richard and Moonyeen Anderson Engineering Building, adding more outlets to the TSC Hub and adding more changing stations in bathrooms, specifically men’s, to aid parents on campus. Requests are most often approved in order of importance.

“There’s lots of different ways that it can be used. I think that’s what’s great about all students being able to request. There are some things that maybe we don’t see that other students notice in their daily lives,” Ottley said.

Once projects are approved, USU Facilities carry them out. After all the projects are approved and the appropriate amount of funds has been alloPHOTO BY Claire Ott cated, any excess funds carry over to the next year.

If students are looking to submit a request, they can do so on the USU website under Involvement.

There is a form that requires contact information as well as an explanation for why their specific request needs to be fulfilled.

Students cannot submit an enhancement request anonymously.

Those with questions can contact Cinq-Mars or visit TSC 326.

Malory Rau is a sophomore studying social media, public relations and marketing. When not skateboarding with friends, she is usually thrifting, reading or seeing the latest movie.

—m.rau@usu.edu

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THE BOARD Leah Call managing editor editor@usustatesman.com 435-797-1742 —————— Caitlin Keith news editor news@usustatesman.com —————— Jack Johnson sports editor sports@usustatesman.com —————— Avery Truman lifestyles editor life@usustatesman.com —————— Maren Archibald copy editor copyeditor@usustatesman.com —————— Heidi Bingham multimedia editor photo@usustatesman.com —————— For advertising inquiries studentmedia@usu.edu —————— Student Media Office TSC 118 435.797.1775 Cover art by Heidi Bingham

Page 3 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 2024

Facilities enhancement requests open for submissions

Page 4 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 202

Students comment on campus dining options

By Sydney Lyman NEWS REPORTER

If you stop a Utah State University student on the street and ask about dining on campus, they may have some strong opinions. With 15 dining locations to choose from, there’s no shortage of options, and each student has their favorite and least favorite.

One of these 15 dining locations is Beth’s Bistro, a sit-down restaurant housed in the Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence. Beth’s opened in 2018, bringing vegetarian options to the Utah State dining scene.

Currently, five out of the 12 menu items are vegetarian.

Kaleah Olson, a student at Utah State, said Beth’s — specifically the special grilled cheese waffles — didn’t

Students stand in line for Subway in the Hub on Jan. 18.

disappoint and gave the restaurant five out of five stars.

“I get it every day of the week,” Olson said. “It’s got to be great because I’m really picky.”

Olson said Beth’s was affordable when using Dining Dollars, but it could be a little expensive for an everyday meal.

“If you’re using Dining Dollars, it’s perfect,” Olson said. “If you’re not, it’s hard to keep up with. Maybe don’t have it every day of the week.”

Another one of USU’s dining locations is The Forum Cafe. Located in the library with a Greek theme that is hard to miss, the Forum primarily serves soups, salads and sandwiches. Formerly known as The Quadside Cafe, the restaurant was reopened as the Forum in 2022 as part of the Core Four rebrand, a marketing attempt made by USU dining services to reopen Luke’s, Steeped, Shaw’s 88 and the Forum with updated concepts.

Bella Lonaru, a USU student studying biochemistry and a consumer of the Forum’s quiche, gave the restaurant 3.5 out of five stars.

“I think my biggest issue is primarily just with the prices,” Lonaru said. “It’s pretty expensive for me, especially when it’s $10 for a salad and a sandwich.”

Luke’s Cafe, an Aggie favorite, has been reopened this year in collaboration with Logan’s local smoothie restaurant, Bloom.

Luke’s once offered items such as street tacos but PHOTO BY Heidi Bingham now offers Açaí bowls, smoothies and plant-based

THE USUSA UPDATE 1/9 • • • •

The first Student Support Seminar was held as a part of a webinar series for students across the state.

The lchohol resolution discussed in fall semester was passed by the Board of Trustees.

Tickets for Viva Las Logan opened.

Members of the Executive Council will be speaking to the parking and transportation advisory committee to address concerns expressed by students.

options. Located in the Stan L. Albrecht Agricultural and Applied Sciences Building, Luke’s is a quick walk from the Quad.

Annalee Magelsen, a double major in marketing and public relations, gave Luke’s a five out of five stars.

“I loved it,” Magelsen said. “I got the smoothie bowl.

It’s actually my first time having it, but it’s so good. I added all the toppings, and it was just perfect.”

Magelsen said she is hard to impress because she knows her smoothie bowls.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” Magelsen said. “I love my smoothie bowls, and they did a great job.”

The only downside? The price.

“Prices are a bit high, but I just use Dining Dollars,” Magelsen said.

Overall, students say the food is great but the prices can strain their wallets.

Sydney is a junior studying political science, journalism and anticipatory intelligence.

When she’s not chasing the latest scoop, you can find Sydney hiking and turning stress into delicious baked goods.

— sydney.lyman@usu.edu

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The COSAS volunteer fair is coming up on Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the TSC lounges.

The tuition review committee will be meeting on Feb 8 at 9 a.m.

Sign ups are open for people to volunteer at the Viva Las Logan event.

The student fee board had a meeting on Jan. 17 to receive proposals for changes to student fees. A second meeting will be held on Jan. 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to vote on changes.

has done similar trips before, twice in 2020, as well as in spring of 2023, all of them well attended. In fact, many of the grocery stores were recommended by ISC from these previous trips. This has set a precedent, as this first excursion of the Aggie SLC Express was at full capacity, with a waitlist after being in the hundreds.

This first trip was supervised by Chowdhury, but all future ones will be supervised by the ISC vice president of culture.

A survey will be given to participants after the trip to see what was good and what could be improved upon.

The findings will be relayed back to the various colleges to help formulate how much that college should sponsor the express.

These findings will also help shape future excursions with potential changes, such as not sticking to a preset program or even the addition of additional buses.

“It was overall good,” said Guillermo, one of the students who went on the first trip.

Not even poor weather dampened the experience.

“He [the bus driver] took a safe, safe passage not only to Salt Lake,” Guillermo said, “but also coming back, especially with the snowfall.”

People board a shuttle headed for Salt Lake City at the TSC loop on Jan. 13.

By Justin Brewster NEWS REPORTER

Last Saturday, Jan. 13, marked the first trip of the Aggie SLC Express from Logan to Salt Lake City. Hosted

by Utah State University’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the International Student Council, this monthly round trip via a shuttle bus is available to all students at no cost. The bus left the TSC slightly after 8:30 a.m., and returned around 5:40 p.m. Both delays were due to the poor weather that day, as the original itinerary list an 8:30 a.m. departure and a 5 p.m. return.

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion does work for student programs with the ultimate goal of improving student well-being. They also coordinate with the various offices and departments at USU, such as the ISC. As such, the Aggie Express is sponsored by the various colleges here at USU. The shuttle bus is a 38-seater. While in Salt Lake City, the group will go to a variety of different stops.

These include shopping, cultural locations and cultural resource places. More specifically, they include City Creek Center and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, as well as various grocery stores within Salt Lake.

The museum the group visits will be switching each month between the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Utah Natural History Museum. This trip will occur every second Saturday throughout the semester.

The reason behind the program is based on the concept of opportunity. Niyonta Chowdhury, USU’s policy,

PHOTO BY Jack Burton

programming & assessments specialist, said research has shown students with access to cultural resources have a better sense of belonging compared to those in more remote locations.

“The idea here is to provide access to these resources to USU students who may not necessarily have the privileges to [do] that themselves,” Chowdhury said. “For example, a lot of us [students] don’t own cars. Salt Lake express is almost $100, which isn’t fun. Ubers are also almost $100, and they’re also barely ever available in Logan.”

Another reason is access to items not available in Logan. For many students, cultural goods and foods that aren’t commonplace within mainstream American culture might be hard to acquire in Logan, but can be acquired in Salt Lake City. This is why so many of the stops later in the program are various grocery stores, such as Shahrazad Market & Restaurant, a Middle Eastern grocery store, or Namaste Nanglo, a South Asian grocery store.

“A lot of us have different dietary needs or dietary customs which we don’t have over here [Logan],” Chowdhury said. “This bridges that need and ensures that students do have access to their own cultural foods, or cultural foods from other cultures.”

Sign-ups for the trip will be shared two weeks prior to the excursion on a digital sign-up sheet. If a scheduling issue arises, participants must notify the ISC by the Thursday before. Failure to do so will result in a trip suspension for the rest of the semester.

Demand has been high for the excursion. The ISC

Justin Brewster is a first-year student currently studying international studies. In his spare time, he enjoys video games, learning about history and political and social sciences, and writing.

— a02343781@usu.edu

Page 5 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 2024

Aggie SLC Express takes maiden voyage

Page 6 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 202

By Cameron Carnes LIFESTYLES REPORTER

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n Jan. 10, USUSA hosted Aggie Voice in the TSC. Weeks of Welcome events give students the opportunity to further their involvement and showcase their talents. This year’s Aggie Voice was no exception.

With over 10 different musical acts and three guest judges, Aggie Voice provided entertainment for the USU community while simultaneously giving contestants the opportunity to showcase their talent. Contestants also received commentary and feedback on their individual performances.

Isaac Raines, a junior pursuing a major in nursing, initially attended Aggie Voice to support some of his friends. He left with a new mindset behind the meaning of music and an insider’s look into the talent at USU. “I’ve always loved listening to music, but I’ve never really been drawn to smaller artists,” Raines said. “I felt like Aggie Voice gave me that exposure to different talents that are at USU. I honestly felt like some of the performers could be something big one day.”

Audience members watched a short introduction video about each contestant before their individual performances.

“I really liked how we were able to see what makes music so important to each person that performed,” Raines said. “I feel like it made me realize how important music is to the performers and the audience members. I really thought it was cool to get some insight into each person’s story.”

Madison Ware, a student majoring in music therapy, has performed at WhySound, PoBev and other various gigs around Logan during her time at Utah State.

“Since my time at USU is coming to an end, I view these opportunities to perform as a chance for closure,” Ware said. “I want to do as much as I can while I still can.”

Ware was a top three finalist and had the opportunity to perform twice. During her second performance, she performed an original song.

“Writing music means so much to me,” Ware said.

“I’ve been interested in music since I was really young, and the process of writing music has really helped me heal from some hard experiences while also being able to tell my story to others that can relate to it. I was so happy to be able to perform my own music at Aggie Voice and various other gigs.”

During the finalist’s performances, Libby Prusso performed a rendition of “She Used to Be Mine” from the “Waitress” musical. Her performance won her not just the Aggie Voice title, but also a chance to further her opportunities as a musician.

Seize the Night Records is a recording studio local to Logan that aims to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. With their sponsorship of Ag-

Cameron Grizzell is a freshman DJ who hosts “your old man’s music!”. The show features a variety of music from the mid ‘60s to early ‘90s.

Watching Him Fade Away Mac DeMarco

Hello Like Before Bill Withers PHOTO BY Cameron Carnes Aggie Voice finalists celebrate win for Libby Prusso’s win.

gie Voice, the winner received a free recording session.

Prusso celebrated afterward with family and friends, and her fans are awaiting the results of the recording session.

Andrea James, a first-year student, attended the event and was immediately shocked by Prusso’s vocal range.

“I love the song ‘She Used to be Mine,’” James said.

“Something about Libby’s voice just brought the lyrics to life. I would love to be able to listen to her music on Spotify.”

Cameron Carnes is a journalism and English major. She’s most known for her love for Taylor Swift, Percy Jackson and the beach!

— a02420680@usu.edu

Albatross Fleetwood Mac

Magnolia J.J. Cale

Cannock Chase Labi Siffre

Page 7 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 2024

Aggie Voice grants students opportunities for artistic growth

Page 8 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 202

USU student Emily Graf crowne

By Lacey Cintron LIFESTYLES REPORTER

O

Emily Graf was crowned Miss Utah Volunteer on Jan. 6.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Emily Graf

n Jan. 6, first-year history student Emily Graf was crowned Miss Utah Volunteer, marking another year of empowerment and altruism for the young women of Utah.

Miss Utah Volunteer is a statewide pageant with the core mission to give back to the community and uplift young women involved in the program. According to their website, Miss Utah Volunteer’s closely abide by the “five points of the crown,” which are the organization’s core values.

The five points of the crown — scholarships, education, responsibility, volunteerism and empowerment — spell out S.E.R.V.E. The organization also strives to be “the Premier Pageant System in Utah” by providing contestants with pageant training, chances to network and the opportunity to display the skills learned at a final competition.

“It’s a way to empower women,” Graf said. “Through furthering education, through scholarship and through giving them new opportunities to spread their platforms.”

Brittney Herman is the PR and marketing director at Miss Utah Volunteer. Herman emphasized that the beauty of pageantry comes from empowering every part of the person.

“People sometimes think of pageants as really shallow,” Herman said. “That it doesn’t focus on the whole woman but on the outside of her. That’s totally not the case.

The organization does a really good job of empowering young women to cultivate themselves as a whole — become the person they’ve always dreamed to be.”

Herman served as Miss Ohio Volunteer 2023 with a platform focused on sexual assault prevention. Herman shares a strong passion for volunteering with Graf and all of the contestants who compete in the Miss Volunteer pageants.

“My favorite experience as an Ohio volunteer was at a nursing home,” Herman said. “I played the flute for a valentines lunch there. There were couples who have been together for 50, 60, even 70 years.”

The people the volunteers meet and get to work with is often the biggest motivator, according to Herman and Graf.

“These couples got together to listen to the music,” Herman said. “Some of them were crying a little bit. As someone who lost her grandfather at a young age and didn’t get to see my grandparents grow old together, it was a really beautiful experience.”

Herman’s favorite aspect of Miss Utah Volunteer is the women involved.

“I love getting to work with young women and help them understand their full potential,” Herman said.

“A lot of the time, the girls come in without a lot of confidence or belief in their abilities. I love helping them

feel beautiful inside and out.”

Graf is the first student from Utah State University to become Miss Utah Volunteer. She said juggling finals and papers alongside the responsibilities of her title is a difficult yet rewarding task.

Graf started doing pageantry in November 2021, which led to her discovering the Miss Utah Volunteer organization.

“I felt an immediate connection with MUV,” Graf said.

“There were so many things I could relate to with the system — their values were the same as mine. I really wanted to get involved in a community that I knew was going to help me thrive.”

In training and in working with the board to prep contestants, Herman recognized Graf’s subtle yet strong presence.

“Emily was a shining light to the rest of the girls,” Herman said. “She’s not the most outspoken person, but she has a quiet confidence that really permeates who she is.”

All of the contestants involved embodied the values of Miss Utah Volunteer, according to Herman.

“Looking at all the girls, I saw potential in all of them,” Herman said. “Any of them could have worn that crown.

What stood out to me about Emily is that not only did she have the presence on and off the stage, but she was also just a warm person who made people feel good about themselves, made them feel seen.”

Graf first applied for the MUV state title in October 2023 after serving locally as Miss Northern Utah Volunteer.

“I was just excited,” Graf said. “I love getting those chances to perform and be on the stage. It’s something that I know I put my heart and soul into working for, so I knew I was ready to go out there and put my best foot forward.”

The Princess and Teen pageant was held alongside Miss Utah Volunteer, with 16 contestants spanning in age from eight to 26. Those crowned from each pageant work together to exemplify Miss Utah Volunteer’s mission of service.

“The three of us spend our time together doing service and getting involved,” Graf said.

Arden-Grace Cuch was crowned Miss Utah Princess, and Ivy Beecher was crowned Miss Utah Teen.

As a service-oriented organization, getting out and giving back to the community is a fundamental value of Miss Utah Volunteers. Each Miss Utah Volunteer begins on a service-based platform dubbed the S.E.R.V.E. Initiative.

“My initiative is ‘What a Difference a Year Makes,’” Graf said. “It inspires youth, teens and young adults to find a lifelong passion for service.”

Graf has completed over 55 service projects in the past two years, creating lifelong memories through these experiences.

“My favorite project was when I served at the Davis School District teen centers,” Graf said. “We made

Page 9 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 2024

ed Miss Utah Volunteer 2024

spreading and raising awareness about service.”

Local and statewide titleholders from all 50 states have the opportunity to compete in Miss Volunteer America, a national competition honoring those most committed to service with over $125,000 in scholarship funding and a lifelong legacy.

“I will have several appearances and several service projects throughout the year,” Graf said. “Then I will be competing at nationals in Tennessee in June 2024.”

Currently, Graf is focused on fulfilling the duties of Miss Utah Volunteer.

“It means everything to me,” Graf said. “I put my heart and soul into this. I’m just so excited to get started because this is such a great opportunity to continue sharing my passion or service.”

Herman cited a quote from Maya Angelou that she believes embodies Graf’s character.

“I heard a quote one time that said ‘People won’t remember what you did, but how you made them feel,’” Herman said. “That, to me, epitomizes who Emily is.”

Graf cherishes the opportunities afforded to her by being a part of Miss Utah Volunteer and looks forward to many more of these experiences.

“I have come out of this as a better, more confident version of myself,” Graf said. “I’ve had so many chances to grow. You’ll have all these amazing chances for sisterhood and to continue growing.”

Graf cherishes joining a long line of young women dedicated to service and to creating a future full of volunteers.

“We’re forever queens,” Graf said. “We’re always a part of a legacy. I’m so excited to be joining that.”

Emily Graf poses with her crown and sash.

PHOTO BY Cameron Carnes

birthday bags with different birthday goodies in them.

They were a way of showing these kids in harder situations that they matter and they’re important to the community.”

Through these experiences, Graf has met and inspired a variety of people to become volunteers.

“I’ve done dog-walking, book drives, food drives, and prepared and served food in different places throughout the state,” Graf said. “I’ve done a lot of different things to get involved because I want to help other people find their passion so we can have a community of serviceoriented individuals.”

Through pageantry, Graf has had many service-based opportunities and is constantly looking for new ways to give back, especially within the USU community.

“I would love to get involved with any service clubs or organizations on campus that have ideas I can help organize,” Graf said. “I’d really just love to help continue

Lacey Cintron is majoring in psychology. She loves learning about the human mind, sharing stories and naps.

— a02388032@usu.edu

Page 10 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 202

Founders of USU meme page “Gaggies” create a student community online

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY Claire Ott

By Sam Goodman LIFESTYLES REPORTER

U

SU.gaggies, an Instagram meme page, started in 2022 when the founding admin decided it was time for a way to channel her innermost personal thoughts on the university.

“I would post things on my private story about USU, and I felt like no one appreciated it enough,” she said. “This was during finals that fall, so I was having a rough time.

I just made the account the next day.”

Since then, three “Gagmins,” who asked to stay anonymous, have amassed over 1,600 followers and counting.

They aim to use their platform to promote sex positivity and a safe space for queer individuals at the university.

“I love when people DM us and say they feel safe with us talking about certain things that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to,” one Gagmin said, describing a “community and connection” with their followers.

One Gagmin said they have all found their own “safe space” and community through their platform.

“It has made me feel like I am less alone at the school,” he said. “I see all these people that follow the account and are comfortable with the things that we post and think that it’s good.”

The founding members said USU students, even those

coming from a religious culture, often feel overwhelmed in such an intense population of religious individuals.

According to Deseret News, 55% of people in Utah are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“The town I lived in was very conservative, and a lot of the topics we talk about on Gaggies was considered pretty taboo,” one Gagmin said. “Now, there are quite a few people from my high school who follow the account and interact with the posts, and it’s cool to see the connection. I felt like, ‘Wow, I wasn’t as alone as I thought back then.’ I’m sure that a lot of people from communities in Utah grew up in similar situations. It’s cool to see people engaging and relating to things that a lot of us have been conditioned to avoid.”

The three founders of the page are majoring in psychology, social work and accounting as full-time students.

According to CollegeFactual.com, Utah State University consists of 27% out-of-state students, and almost 2% of students enrolled are from out of the country. Incoming students can experience culture shock, not knowing what to expect when they move to Utah.

“Yes to the culture shock,” one Gagmin said. “I knew of the religious culture, but I didn’t realize how intense it would be.”

With both in-state and out-of-state students running the page, the founders strive to be inclusive in recognizing the changes that come with moving to Utah.

The students have been candid about their issues with Utah schooling, at both the high school and the college level.

According to the Utah State Board of Education, Utah’s sex education in high schools is abstinence-based. Utah is one of three states with an opt-in requirement, which means that students can only participate in sex education classes if they have a parent-signed permission form.

One Gagmin comes from a background where sex education and positivity weren’t a point of emphasis in education.

“I did not have sex ed in high school, and what I did have was a ‘Don’t do anything sexual’ approach,” she said.

The founders are outspoken about their focus on “counterculture” humor, as they put it, but they also mentioned things to come. “Sustainable and ethically-sourced” merch might be in the works, as well as an advice column for their followers.

The Gagmins also aim to use their platform to voice the concerns of students.

“We think USU should improve higher wages for students and employees that work for the university, as well as better funding for clubs and organizations outside of sports,” one Gagmin said.

The admins also had high praise for USU’s initiative in certain programs.

“The ASA does a lot of good stuff for our school,” one Gagmin said, referencing the Asian Student Association.

“We really like the Inclusion Center,” another Gagmin said. “We have a great Black students union too.”

Sam Goodman is a junior studying journalism with an emphasis in print.

— a02401436@usu.edu

By Ella Stott LIFESTYLES REPORTER

E

rika-Danielle Lindstrom, LGBT+ and ally coordinator, works within the Inclusion Center in the TSC. She said the center offers a number of services for students.

“We do things around education and outreach, making sure that students have a sense of belonging,” Lindstrom said. “We help connect students to services whether it can be housing, food insecurity, working with academic advisers.”

The first event of the new semester was a goal-setting workshop, which took place on Jan. 17. Each student was welcomed with a free bullet journal and the opportunity to find a support group for new goals.

Lindstrom said the event was a good way for students to validate their goals.

“That way if you’re coming in, we can check in, like ‘Hey, how’s that going?’” Lindstrom said. “Let’s work through this together.”

Lindstrom said one of the biggest misconceptions about the Inclusion Center is it can only be utilized by those in marginalized communities.

“You do not have to be within a certain affinity to go to a student club,” Lindstrom said. “It’s for everybody.”

The center contains a mini kitchen and multiple lounges, so students can determine where is most comfortable for them. According to Lindstrom, it’s a great spot to

come in between classes for people who don’t want to leave campus.

“Some of the students that come in here — they’ll tell you which couches are the most comfortable to take a nap,” Lindstrom said. “Come hang out.”

According to Jona Odulio, Asian American & Pacific Islander program coordinator, the center is a great place to meet a variety of people.

“I think that people learn best just through their peers,” Odulio said. “Through interacting with people that they don’t necessarily have a lot in common with.”

The center has implemented a new campaign called Power Hours. For every hour students spend studying in the center, they get a free snack and one entry into a raffle for $250.

Along with lounges and raffles, the center is in charge of ten different USUSA clubs. Odulio advises the Asian Student Association as well as the Pasifika Student Union.

“We try to make sure there’s an educational aspect to the signature events the clubs do,” Odulio said. “A lot of the events are just kind of bringing things that are more accessible elsewhere up here.”

According to Odulio, it’s extremely important for people to be educated on other cultures and backgrounds.

“There’s a lot of deliberate misunderstanding of people who come from marginalized communities,” Odulio said.

“We’re able to set the record straight with people. This is what we’re about, we’re all different, we can all be celebrated.”

Lindstrom agreed, saying education regarding various backgrounds and identities is important, especially in today’s political landscape.

“Now more than ever, there is so much anti LGBT legislation that’s continuously going on,” Lindstrom said.

“Right now, the stories that I hear — the things that students are encountering — are heartbreaking.”

Lindstrom said she believes some of the hate circulating is due to persecution, but some is due to misinformation.

One way the Inclusion Center is trying to help combat misinformation is in their monthly trainings.

“We have one Allies Training each month, and we also have one Trans Allies,” Lindstrom said. “What does it actually mean to be an ally and the actual work behind it?”

The trainings cover common microaggressions and topics people want to ask members of the LGBT+ community but are too scared or embarrassed to. They are completely free and hosted over Zoom. The next LGBT+ Allies Training is on Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 12 - 2 p.m.

Odulio said the trainings will hopefully cover a wider range of topics in the future.

“Currently there aren’t any multicultural trainings for students, faculty and staff that are housed within the Inclusion Center,” Odulio said. “It is something that we’re working towards thinking about for the future, for sure.”

The Inclusion Center is located in Room 315 of the TSC. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for all students. For more information on services, clubs and upcoming events, visit usu.edu/inclusion.

Ella Stott is a first-year student studying English and journalism because she hates money. When she’s not writing, she’s watching sitcoms, eating Greek yogurt and admiring Nebraska corn.

— ella.stott@usu.edu

People sit in the Inclusion Center, located on the third floor of the TSC, on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

PHOTO BY Claire Ott

Page 11 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 2024

Inclusion Center starts new semester with Power Hours, LGBT+ ally trainings

Page 12 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 202

USU support staff helps Aggies score high

By Brian Kirk SPORTS REPORTER

T

he 2023-24 Utah State University men’s basketball season has been electric and exciting from the start. The team is currently 16-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, and Ian Martinez and Great Osobor have both been named Mountain West Conference Players of the Week.

While there is much success on the court, it can be easy to forget about the success that happens off of the court in the classroom.

As many students know, being a full-time student can be enough of a challenge as it is. But throw in daily training and video sessions, plus the pressure of playing in front of a packed Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, and college may sound impossible.

In fact, USU has a 90% graduation rate among student-athletes and had over 100 student-athletes received the Mountain West Scholar-Athlete award in 2022-23.

Justice Smith is the associate director of academic services and works in the department of Student-Athlete Academic Services, SAAS, a group with a large impact on the 16 varsity level sports teams on campus. Their first priority is the education of the student-athletes. They provide them with the academic and any mental help they may need.

Once the required help is identified, SAAS will assist in creating an academic plan for the student to follow so they can keep up in their classes while traveling for their away games.

“When a new athlete comes to USU, we start by identifying what kind of successes and issues there may be,” Smith said.

Along with all these supports, SAAS makes sure all athletes are eligible under NCAA Bylaw 14 that outlines all of the standards that need to be followed. Some standards include making sure each athlete is enrolled as a full-time student and in good standing as a student.

“If a student-athlete needs help with their classes, they can reach out to the learning specialist who can assist by providing one-on-one tutoring or mentoring,” Smith said.

“They can help with all aspects of the course.”

If a student-athlete needs special assistance, the learning specialist can also help connect the athlete with the Disability Resource Center where they can help find accommodations for the student on a case-by-case basis.

There are 14 tutors on staff that can help in person by request of the student-athlete.

Smith also discussed a program called the A-Game Student-Athlete Development Program. The purpose is to emulate the competitive nature of being an athlete and applying it in their daily lives as a student. If a student-athlete treats their schoolwork as they do their sport, then they will be successful. Smith talked about his days as a student-athlete.

“Being a former student-athlete many moons ago and going through the system myself was very helpful,” Smith said. “It’s not just about the sport they are playing right now. This is a program that is used to help these athletes prepare for their next step after graduation.”

But it is not a singular effort from SAAS; it’s a collaborative effort with the university itself.

“We can’t do what we do without our ecosystem of coaches, advisers and faculty,” Smith said. “They are absolutely vital to this process. We are an important piece, but we are complete with everything else working together.”

Being a student doesn’t just mean getting good grades and attending class. College is also a chance for students to meet each other and make lifelong contacts in their chosen fields of study and profession.

Student-athletes also receive support on the social end with the help of public relations professionals like assistant media relations coordinator Ashley Springer.

Springer assists the men’s basketball and the women’s volleyball teams. She manages the athletes’ time so they can focus on their training and schoolwork. That means coordinating with the media on game days and handling interview requests outside of games and practice and manages the social media for the team.

“They are super busy, and when there are interview requests, there tends to be a lot of them,” Springer said. “It is important to be as flexible as possible.”

Springer said her day-to-day generally depends on how many interviews are needed, and there is a decent amount of desk work to keep her busy. She said she enjoys the opportunities to get to know the student-athletes better on a personal level.

“This is going to sound cliche. We are the behind-thescenes people, so, when the players shine and are getting

the spotlight in a good way, just knowing and getting to see what they have accomplished — that’s when I am most prideful with my work,” Springer said.

Smith echoed the same sentiment.

“What I love is empowering the athletes and the relationships that I get to have with them. ‘Job’ is not a good word for it, because I don’t feel like I am at work at all,” Smith said.

To read the rest of this story scan the QR code:

Brian Kirk is a human sophomore studying journalism. When he is definitely not abducting cows, he enjoys sports, board games and Godzilla movies.

—brian.kirk@usu.edu

Players warm up before the women’s basketball game against Nevada at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Jan. 17.

PHOTO BY Jack Burton

brings different tricks to the circle, and so like, then we learn from each other and like, try new tricks,” Goins said.

Lovejoy said the group hacky sacks at various locations around campus including, the Quad, the TSC and the Field house.

“It’s just a super welcoming community, and everybody’s just best friends with everybody,” Lovejoy said.

By Jack Johnson SPORTS REPORTER

F

ootbag, more commonly known as hacky sack, has made its way to Utah State University. The club meets every Wednesday in the TSC flag room at 7 PM. To play, participants volley a bag filled with dirt for as long as possible. They may use any part of their body except their arms to contact the sack. The main goal of the players is to get a “hack,” which is to have each player pass and receive the sack at least once in one volley.

The former president and founder of the club, Elliot Nebeker, spoke on how he stumbled onto the game.

“I walked out on the Quad, and there was like a group of four people playing hacky sack. They were really good,”Nebeker said.

At the time there wasn’t a club, so after the encounter, Nebeker took it upon himself to start the club.

Muriel Lovejoy, an early member of the club, spoke on membership and how to join the club.

“If you just show up, you’re considered a super cool hacky sacker,” Lovejoy said.

Ellie Goins, a club member, spoke on Nebeker’s skills with the footbag.

“He’s like a wizard. He’s really good at hacky sack,” Goins said.

MJ Arrowood joined the club because of her friend, Goins.

“I sack because Ellie [Goins] sacks,” Arrowood said. “The first time I came, I felt a sense of camaraderie there. They accepted me, and I just liked the people in it.”

Muriel Lovejoy said she started hacky sacking with friends towards the end of last summer. She spoke on how she found out about the club.

“We were on the Quad one day [playing hacky sack] and people started joining, and they were like, ‘Have you guys been to the club yet?’” Lovejoy said.

Kayson Lee, another member of the club, spoke on what got him into hacky sacking.

Jack Johnson is a senior studying English and history. When he is not staring at the ceiling, he enjoys keeping his body active, reading and watching sports.

PHOTO BY Aubrey Holdaway Muriel Lovejoy hacky sacks club in the TSC on Jan. 10, 2024.

“My good buddy Elliot started the club. And you know, sometimes you just got to support a buddy. I’ve never hacky sacked before in my life, but it’s kind of fun,” Lee said.

All the players have their reasons for playing hacky sack.

“I hacky sack because it is good for my soul, and it makes me happy. And I’ve made a ton of new friends, and I like to get better at different things,” said Goins.

Lovejoy had similar sentiments.

“I did not think I was going to be a hacky sacker one day,” Lovejoy said. “If I don’t do it, sometimes I’m a little onery.”

She described her favorite tricks to do while playing.

“I like doing stalls and stuff, which is where you just settle it and stop the hacky sack,” Lovejoy said.

She can stall the hacky sack in a variety of places, including on her back, her head and her foot.

“I also like going behind my leg,” Lovejoy said.

Goins said she learns a PHOTOS BY Aubrey Holdaway lot from the community The club’s custom hackey sack rests on a player’s shoe, Jan. 10, 2024. of hacky sackers.

Mason Klinger and Ellie Goins hacky sack in the TSC on Jan. 10, 2024.

“I would say everyone

— jack.johnson@usu.edu

PHOTO BY Aubrey Holdaway

Page 13 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 2024

Community of hacky sackers welcome everyone to the club

Page 14 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 202

B E S T of U T A H

Jack is a second-year student majoring in graphic design.

He likes playing soccer, rock climbing and most importantly, listening to music.

— a02387022@usu.edu

Pag Page 16 - The Utah Statesman, Oct. 3, 2022

Page 15 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 2024

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Page 16 - The Utah Statesman, January 22, 202