USU Alumni Association

Utah State University Celebrates 137 Years of ‘Creating Aggie Impact’ and 50 Years of Undergraduate Research For 137 years, Utah State University has been a place of innovation, excellence, and impact. This year, we celebrate our rich legacy at the Founders Day and Old Main Society Celebration on March 6, honoring the remarkable individuals who continue to shape our university and beyond. This year’s theme, "Creating Aggie Impact," reflects the dedication and generosity of Aggies who give back, mentor, and support the next generation. During the celebration, we recognize three individuals and two couples for their outstanding contributions to USU: ?? Spirit of Old Main Award: Carrie and Jim Madden – Honored for their resilience and generosity in the face of tragedy, creating a lasting legacy of support for students through the MacKenzie Madden Memorial Endowment. ?? Emeriti Old Main Award: Marion R. Hyde (posthumous) – A distinguished artist and educator who left a profound impact on the Department of Art, inspiring generations of students. ?? New Generation of Old Main Award: James and Heather Bohm – Former student-athletes whose generosity and leadership have strengthened USU Athletics, particularly the Gymnastics program. ?? Distinguished Alumnus Award: Bibhu Mohapatra – A world-renowned fashion designer whose work has graced international runways and red carpets, dressing influential figures like Michelle Obama and Zendaya. ?? Distinguished Service Award: Shari Badger – Recognized for her outstanding contributions to USU and her dedication to serving the Aggie community. In addition to celebrating these incredible honorees, USU is also marking 50 years of undergraduate research—a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence and hands-on learning. Throughout the evening, student researchers will showcase their innovative work, reflecting the creativity and problem-solving spirit that have defined USU for half a century. This year’s celebration will also welcome 156 new members into the Old Main Society and recognize 108 current members who are advancing to new giving levels. Their generosity ensures that USU continues to thrive for generations to come. We invite all Aggies to join us in celebrating 137 years of impact, tradition, and academic excellence. RSVP by Friday, Feb. 28 to be part of this special evening. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gKaQqHma #USUAlumni #FoundersDay

Harvard Scientist and USU Alum Willy Lensch to Speak at 2025 Commencement Ceremony Utah State University is proud to welcome M. William “Willy” Lensch as the 2025 Logan commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary doctorate. Lensch, a USU alumnus and first-generation college graduate, has dedicated his career to groundbreaking research in genetics, education, and science policy. After earning his biology degree from USU in 1991, Lensch pursued a doctorate in molecular and medical genetics, focusing on pediatric blood diseases and leukemia. His career led him to Harvard Medical School, where he has held numerous leadership roles, including associate provost for research, executive director of the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and chief of staff to the dean. He has mentored countless students and contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed publications. Lensch’s journey from a small farm in Lehi, Utah, to Harvard University embodies the spirit of perseverance, curiosity, and innovation. His story is an inspiration to our graduates as they prepare to make their mark on the world. We are also proud to honor Kem C. Gardner, a renowned real estate developer and philanthropist, with an honorary doctorate for his contributions to education and the community. Full Story: https://lnkd.in/giBXnhbY

?? We’re Hiring! Executive Assistant I or II The Utah State University Alumni Association is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to the Vice President (Assistant to an Executive I or II) to play a pivotal role in advancing our mission. This dynamic position supports the Vice President for Advancement/President of the USU Foundation, serving as a vital connection between university leadership, internal teams, external stakeholders, board members, and donors. If you’re a well-organized professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, excels at managing multiple projects, and can communicate with discretion and diplomacy, we want to hear from you! Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/d4zy4ZJu

Talk about that Spectrum Magic! ?? ?? Shoutout to all of our incredible Aggies who make Logan, Utah, a special place for college basketball. With this clutch game-winning 3-pointer, USU Basketball moves to an impressive 16-1 record and climbs to #22 in the nation. #GoAggies #AggiePride #TheHurd

#AlumniSpotlight ?? Richard "Rick" Peter Gerber '72 Rick Gerber "I was born and raised in Logan. My father was a professor at USU, and my older sister and brother both graduated from USU. My grandfather worked for USAC during the early-20th century. All five of his daughters graduated from USAC. It was only natural that l attended there too. Receiving a 1-year scholarship for my first year sealed the deal. I was in the Air Force ROTC, and when I got back from my church service mission in December 1969, I received a full-ride Air Force ROTC scholarship. Since I was expected to graduate in June 1972, I had to double up my third and fourth-year chemistry courses to graduate on time. I got a degree in chemistry and was commissioned as an officer in the US Air Force. I was sent to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, for training as an electronics systems officer. I spent the next three and a half years at a radar site in Michigan. I then joined Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, as an instrument applications engineer. My work there introduced me to, and then allowed me to develop, process control software running on Intel CPUs. In 1984, I went to work at intel in Hillsboro, Oregon, as a software engineer. I began working on their iRMX family of real-time operating systems, and over time became the lead engineer in the development of this software. When Intel licensed this software to RadiSys Corp in 1996, I joined RadiSys to lead the software team. I led the effort to add iRMX's real-time capabilities to MS Windows resulting in the INtime real-time extension to Windows. In 2000, a fellow software engineer and I formed TenAsys Corporation and acquired the Intel iRMX software license and the INtime software. As president and CEO of the company, and with Chris Main as CTO, we developed customers worldwide while enhancing the INtime software to track Intel's evolving x86 compatible multicore CPUs. I retired in 2015. We moved to Arizona, and are enjoying spending time with our seven married children and 29 grandkids." #USUAlumni

?? 2024 has been nothing short of incredible! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing #USUAlumni and supporters for making this year so special by joining us at our events and celebrations. Your engagement and generosity inspire us every day. Here’s to more unforgettable moments and shared successes in the year ahead!

?? Alumni Spotlight: Jodie Ream ’09 ?? From Aggie to space physicist! Utah State University alumna Jodie R. (Class of 2009) is making waves in space exploration as a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her groundbreaking work focuses on magnetospheric physics and plasma waves, and she’s currently contributing to NASA’s Psyche mission, unlocking the secrets of a metal-rich asteroid in our solar system. Jodie’s journey to MIT began right here at USU, where she thrived in one of the nation’s top undergraduate research programs. As a single mother, scholarships were a lifeline that allowed her to focus on academics while balancing parental responsibilities. The Willard L. Eccles Undergraduate Research Fellowship provided critical financial support, enabling Jodie to spend five weeks in Alaska studying noctilucent clouds under the mentorship of Professor Mike Taylor. In addition to the Eccles Fellowship, Jodie was awarded numerous scholarships and honors, including a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship and an honorable mention the year prior. These accolades not only eased the financial burden of college but also validated her hard work and academic potential. Scholarships at USU opened doors to transformative research opportunities, professional networking events, and even international experiences—Jodie presented her research at the International Conference of Physics Students in Poland, showcasing her work on a global stage. Her time at USU was further enriched by the mentorship of outstanding faculty, including Dr. David Peak, who guided her through the scholarship application process and encouraged her to pursue ambitious goals. Jodie credits these experiences with helping her stand out during graduate school applications and setting her on a trajectory to success. Today, Jodie is breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of researchers. She’s not only advancing our understanding of the universe but also giving back to the Aggie community, mentoring students, and supporting USU programs like the Emergency Hardship Fund. Full Story: https://lnkd.in/gQzAi4SE #AggieAlumni #USUAlumni

Did you know the 2022-2023 winter in Logan, broke records with an astonishing 134.8 inches of snowfall—the most ever recorded in a single Logan winter! ???

We love all our Aggies, but Glenn Wilde is one of my all time favorites. He has created a legacy and impact at USU spanning over 50 years. We are proud of our Aggies who have made such wonderful and innovative change!

Honoring Megan Hamilton, Ph.D. : A Legacy of Inclusion in STEM Utah State University alum Megan Marie Hamilton (’15 MEd, ’23 Ph.D.) was a trailblazer in STEM education, a passionate advocate for Indigenous communities, and a mentor whose influence will be felt for generations. As a proud member of the White Earth Nation and the Pillager Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Megan’s work focused on making STEM education inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant. She began her career teaching middle and high school science, fostering curiosity and resilience in her students. Her passion for education led her to pursue a Ph.D. at USU, where she became the first doctoral scholar in her program and a leading voice in integrating Indigenous perspectives into STEM curricula. Megan’s commitment extended far beyond research. As a professor and researcher, she collaborated with the Native American Curriculum Initiative to create frameworks that brought Indigenous voices into the classroom. At Weber State University, she co-led a transformative grant project designed to empower the next generation of educators to build equitable and inclusive learning environments. Her legacy lives on through the Megan Marie Hamilton Indigenous STEM Scholar Fund. This fund will provide financial support to Indigenous students pursuing STEM careers, ensuring that her mission to foster diversity and inclusion continues. “Through her kindness, intelligence, and dedication, Megan opened doors for others and inspired those around her,” said friend and fellow scholar Aubrey Rogowski. “Her work truly transformed how we think about STEM education and diversity.” To honor Megan’s remarkable contributions and help sustain her vision, we invite you to support the fund created in her memory. Contributions will provide scholarships to Indigenous students, empowering them to follow in her footsteps and create lasting change in STEM fields. Full Story: https://lnkd.in/gG3nD6wx #USUAlumni