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Show ,r. ,1 v' .F 'r Alumni Association .'IV The Welch Board Room inside the Alumni Center is the site for many meetings and conferences regarding alumni. Alumni stays By David Shipman Signpost staff writer Visit downtown Ogden. Relax; go to dinner; take in a show; enjoy the beauty. And think of Weber State University graduate Dan Musgrave, the executive director of a committee chartered to enhance the "Special Improvement District" from the Ogden River to the street between Adams and Wall avenues. From his third-floor corner office overlooking downtown Ogden, Musgrave plans activities and events for Ogden in his capacity as executive director of the committee for the promotion of the downtown district. The 1982 WSU graduate accepted the director position last year at the invitation of community and business leaders in Ogden after he sold his half of a six-year-old joint business venture in a travel plaza. Downtown Ogden, Inc. has established eight committees to attain goals of achieving a relaxed and safe downtown environment; promotingbusi-nesses and activities to draw patrons to downtown Ogden; beau ti fy ing the Ogden ci ty center and approaches from the interstate; and recruiting sponsors and events to enhance Ogden's image. The committee has a three-year contract 1 1 ? v BRIAN NICHOLSON 7"HE SIGNPOST in the city with the city, with an option to renew for another three years when the current contract expires, Musgrave said. The committee provides functions the city and county governments can't provide, such as the promoting of events, and safety, Musgrave said. "Revitalization is very important to counter the darker element that would overtake the city," Musgrave said. "Those communi ties thatdon't will lose their downtown districts."Musgrave said he only knows of a few businesses that have left downtown Ogden. "They just turned off their lights and left. It's hard to track them," he said. Building permits make tracking new businesses much easier. "The strong economy presents a great opportunity to keep the downtown district growing'Musgravesaid. Last year 46 new businesses moved into downtown Ogden. So far this year, 29 new businesses have moved into the downtown district. Musgrave said that all of these business opened up in existing buildings, removing theboards from the windows and sweeping away the dust and cobwebs. The committees have been See City page 9 links old By John Kase Signpost staff writer Spring graduation can be an exciting time for those WeberState University students who have gone the distance. But it can raise a few anxious questions like: What happens now? Will I ever see 'Ole What's Her Name' again? Will I ever make it in the real world? A student's association with WSU doesn't have to end just because of graduation. The Weber State University Alumni Association gives graduates a way to stay in touch with the university and friends they've made on campus. It also provides services to help students prepare for, and adjust to, life after college.Public relations major David Hill is currently interning for the Alumni Association. Hill said the purpose of the Alumni Association "is to create an active, continued interest in campus activities, as well as promote the general welfare of the university." An association member, Hill said he joined because he wanted to give something back to the school which, has given him an Former student body president comes home By Jennilyn Williams Signpost staff writer Weber State University alumna Melinda McGrath, formerly Melinda Roylance, loved WSU because of "the great opportunity there was for involvement. I was able to round out my education by being involved in more than just class work." McGrath said. McGrath was heavily involved at WSU as the student body president in the 1992-93 school year. McGrath graduated from WSU with a degree in communica Melinda tion, and a minor in political science. She is now finishing up her masters degree in organizational communication at the University of Utah. She also teaches classes at WSU and the U of U. She teaches public speaking and interpersonal communication classes. "The way Weber State prepared me was by teachers setting a good example. I take bits and pieces of all the different teachers, and try to make my teaching style out of things I have learned from them." she said. "The faculty really cared about my success. Most have Ph. D s but they're still very concerned about students and their academic success." with new education and many friends over the years. Fellow alumni member, MarLee Brinton, said she joined the association for many reasons. "It's a great place to meet people and it provides an opportunity for personal growth." Brinton said an important function of the association is to promote a positive image for WSU with the services it sponsors and supports. The Alumni Association sponsored floor hockey events at the last Utah Special Olympic Winter Games. It also sponsors an annual fishing experience at the Lindquist Plaza as a part of Founder's Day. This year's fishing derby will be held May 11. The association also makes many financial contributions, including library funding, equipment purchases, student financial aid and funds for many of the newer buildings on campus. Any student with 45 or more WSU credit hours can become a member of the Alumni Association.Upcoming events include preparations, reunions for the classes of 1945 and 1955, and The Senior Football Players Banquet sponsored by the Grid Iron Club. She has put these principles into practice in her teaching. "At the U of U there are 120 graduate students who teach, and I received the highest marks on my student evaluations. Many of them said, 'Melinda cares about students. '"Another experience McGrath had was when an adviser at the U of U observed her teaching style. "An adviser from the University of Utah came in to observe my teaching, and she said, 'Melinda has good rapport with students, McGrath but she gives too much to students.' Weber really had an impact on how I approach teaching students, and a quality education." WSU also prepared her for graduate school. "Now that I'm in graduate school, it's very research oriented. What Weber taught me was to work hard, to stay with something and not quit. Stick to it." McGrath is still actively involved with WSU as an alumna. "This year, I am on the Executive Board of the Government Relations Committee of the Alumni Association. We assist the university with lobbying for higher education needs." Writing to the top of carreer, life By Kaneyo Hirata Signpost staff writer Sundy Watanabe graduated from Weber State University last fall with a bachelor's degree in English. Watanabe is presently the coordinator for the writing center here on campus. She believes that writing is universal and a tangible form of communication. "Writing enhances ou r ability to think clearly, a way of communicating to the world. Any form of writing is lasting and has more meaning than verbal communication," Watanabe said. Watanabe said that her experience here at WSU has enriched her life immensely and she credits her success to many professors who have helped her succeed. She said that John Schwiebert, the director of the writing center changed her views on writing. "He teaches you to be positive about writing and allows you to enjoy success at the level you're at," Watanabe said. She acknowledges professors like Thomas Burton, Karen Moloney and Neila Seshachari as influential people in her field that have helped her to understand English and the importance of writing. Watanabe believes that nothing is impossible, that students should get involved with different activities that promote and enhance their abilities. "Get involved, if you're a good student and a hard worker, you can do great things," Watanabe said. She believes in hard work and going the extra-mile. "Hard work is rewarded. ' The creative aspect of your studies carries you so far and creativity can be enlarged by hard work," Watanabe said. She said that she is pleased with the caliber of teaching at WSU. Her education here has influenced her lifeln a positive way and has helped her a lot in what she wants to become someday, a freelance editor. "I enjoy learning from people that are excited about literature and English with a passion, I found the quality of people in the English department to be high, they are intelligent and aware in philosophy and the social aspects of the world," Watanabe said. |