Rock Against Rape will fundraise for sexual assault
and anti-violence awareness
By Camille Strong
March 19, 2015
For the first time the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office will be hosting a benefit concert to raise funds for the office and spread awareness of sexual assault and anti-violence. The event titled Rock Against Rape, will be held at the Whittier Community Center from 7 to 10 p.m on Friday.
The concert will feature local bands such as Kitfox, Wood and Wire, panthermilk and Ocean Commotion.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 in advance or at the door. All the funds raised at the event will go directly to the SAAVI office.
“We want to raise money for our office because we have so many great ideas that we think could benefit the students here at Utah State University,” said Jalynn Johnson, an intern at SAAVI. “But a lot of times these ideas require money, money that we don't have.”
In addition to raising funds, a goal for the event is to raise awareness of sexual assault in a non-threatening manner, according to Johnson.
“We want people to have fun. Sexual assault or any type of violence is difficult to talk about,” Johnson said. “We want people to know that they don't have to feel weird or awkward talking about it. Instead, it's something that everyone should be aware of and feel confident discussing freely.”
The concert is open to students and the Cache Valley community. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m.
“I will be attending mostly because I enjoy the bands that are playing,” said Zach McEntire, the promotion director at Aggie Radio. “But I also love it when local musicians support local organizations.”
The event is sponsored by the Whittier Community Center, KSM Music and the USU Independent Music Club.
Utah State University service auction held during A-week to increase participation
By Camille Strong
March 27, 2015
Brody Lambert is a Utah State University alumnus. He loves hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and camping. He is married to his college sweetheart. He has four children ranging from ages one to nine.
Lambert also has stage four heart failure. His heart cannot beat on its own. His only hope of survival is a new heart from a donor, which costs around $500,000.
The USU Ambassadors have chosen Lambert to be the recipient of their annual service auction, which will be held for the first time during A-week. The auction, which is open to the public, will be held at 4:30 p.m on April 14 in the Taggart Student Center Ballroom.
“Having the auction during A-week, we hope to encourage more people outside of the Ambassador program to participate. We have such a good outcome with the Ambassadors,” said Breeanna Smith, the lead of president Ambassadors. “But we would love to have more support from outside groups, allowing for a more cohesive and supportive campus community.”
All funds raised at this event will go to Lambert and his family.
“After hearing Brody’s story, my heart ached,” said Chelsea Yoshikawa, a freshman Ambassador. “He was a great choice for this service and I’m so glad we can help him in any way.”
The Ambassadors are offering a variety of services to be auctioned such as lawn care, tennis lessons, cabin getaways and much more.
Newly organized Oxfam America club hosts first charity event
By Camille Strong
April 1, 2015
“Over 300 million children go to bed hungry every day.” The typically bustling cafeteria listens intently. “Oxfam simply wants to right the wrong.” Then a crash of the cymbal sounds, a guitar riffs and the crowd cheers.
The Utah State University branch of Oxfam held its first charity event at noon on Monday. The event was a benefit concert called Oxfam Jam held in the Hub located inside of the Taggart Student Center.
Oxfam is an organization which provides relief for children and families fighting poverty around the world. Oxfam America, one of 17 members in the Oxfam global confederation, has 141 clubs across the nation.
Donation boxes were set up around the room. All proceeds from this event will support Oxfam’s programs as they fight poverty, hunger and social injustices through being a humanitarian aid.
The audience also had the opportunity to buy a CD from the performing band, Back to Dodge. Pamela Inoa, the president of Oxfam USU, read facts about global poverty between songs.
Oxfam USU was established at last semester. Currently, there are five members in the club but about 80 people are on an e-mail list who volunteer when possible.
“Our main goal this school year is to spread the word about Oxfam,” said Inoa. “And how effective it actually is through multiple events.”
The club is still adjusting to event planning and needs to learn how to interest more students, according to Inoa.
“I wish they had more advertising for this event. I think a lot of people thought it was a free concert so they just listened while they ate their food,” said Kandyce Keller. “But if they had known it was a charity event they probably would have planned to bring some change.”
Oxfam USU plans to host a few other events this semester.
More information about Oxfam America can be found at http://www.oxfamamerica.org/
New changes made to annual Empty Bowls
By Camille Strong
April 7, 2015
Empty Bowls has been a part of the Quinney College of Natural Resources Week for the past four years, but this year two new elements were added to the event: the chance to pay with a credit card and the option to buy cheaper bowls. The event was held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday April 2 in the atrium of the natural resources building.
Empty Bowls is a fundraising event where staff, faculty and students of Utah State University can buy a ceramic bowl to keep and fill it with soup or chili for free.
“People want to come to the event and get a neat bowl for their office,” said Evan Pool, an event coordinator.
The True Blue Reuse bowls were available for the first time this year. They were available for a cheaper price because they are non-ceramic.
Arthur Willis, the Natural Resources senator, hoped the event will see more attendants because of the two changes.
“Empty Bowls has been very successful in years passed and we wanted to do something that people enjoyed,” Willis said.
About 20 attendance made use of the credit card machine. However, attendance was lower than it was in past years but attendance was acceptable, according to Pool.
“For next year's event I would like to see more involvement from the Ceramics guild,” Pool said. “We are trying to work with them to create a deal that works for everyone. I think we could showcase some of the artists' work and help get their name out.”
All of the proceeds collected at this event will be donated to the Cache Community Food Pantry, a local organization who feeds families in need.
NR Week consisted of a variety of events such as a 5K run, guest speakers, a documentary screening was held March 30 to April 4.
Photos courtesy of Evan Pool
Management class project raises funds for local organization
April 8, 2015
As an assignment for their Managing Organizations and People class, a small group of Utah State University business students raised $1,000 for the local Best Buddies chapter. Their fundraiser was held at 9:30 a.m. on March 28 at the Cinefour Theatre in North Logan.
The students raised the money by selling tickets for the movies Unbroken and Paddington for $7 each. Raffle tickets were sold for $1. The raffle prizes were gift cards donated by local businesses.
One of the group members, Madison Stewart, has been volunteer at Best Buddies since 2012. She was aware Best Buddies would benefit from a fundraiser.
“I was able to identify specific needs within the USU chapter of Best Buddies that our donation could fulfill,” Stewart said. “We decided that communication between our group and Best Buddies would be easy.”
The other group members agreed to raise the funds for Best Buddies.
“I love that we will be able to see impacts of our contributions,” said Michele Ygoa, a member of the fundraising group. “Through this project, I am so grateful to have gained more than just a good grade, but also a new perspective on this program.”
Because the group reached $1,000, its members will be excused from the class’s final examination.
Clothing drive added to list of Eating Disorder Awareness Week service projects
By Camille Strong
April 9, 2015
For the first time, a clothing drive was added to the list of events for the annual Eating Disorder Awareness Week held at Utah State University. Collection tables were set up from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the ballroom of the Taggart Student Center. Eating Disorder Awareness Week is planned by Panhellenic Council which is made up of representatives from each sorority at USU.
All the clothing collected at the drive will be donated to a local organization called Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse, also known as CAPSA. CAPSA cares for battered women and children by offering transitional housing, support groups, educational classes and more.
Rebecca Crego, the Panhellenic Council executive vice president, believes the clothing donated will make a big impact on those who receive it.
“Collecting money is one thing,” Crego said. “But it’s even more meaningful when we can donate clothing. I can imagine how the women and girls would feel receiving new clothes.”
Those who donated clothing were entered into a drawing for a chance to win coupons to Morty’s Cafe and other treats.
“So far we’ve had a lot of clothing donated and not just from sorority women,” said Lindsay Bolinder, the Panhellenic vice president of public relations. “The event really helped Panhellenic create a presence on campus.”
Donation boxes were also available at the other Eating Disorder Awareness Week events.
“I hope the clothing drive can be a part of next years events, too,” Crego said.
The Val R. Christensen Service Center hosts reunion for alumni
By Camille Strong
April 12, 2015
To kick off A-week, the Val R. Christensen Service Center held its first reunion for charitable alumni on Saturday at 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. The reunion consisted of a service project which was to clean and rake the grounds of the Logan Cemetery. Past Utah State University students were invited to join current students in serving the Cache Valley community.
Nelda Ault, the community service coordinator for the service center, hopes the reunion can become an annual event for alumni to look forward to.
“The tradition of A-Week started early on in USU’s history, and it was originally a time when students and alumni would come together to beautify the campus in preparation for commencement,” Ault said. “These days, we have university employees who take on that kind of work, so we decided to do something with alumni that would help our community in different ways.”
Matthew Brown, a USU graduate, held many service position during his time at the university.
“I currently live in Salt Lake, so it was easy for me to drive up,” Brown said. “I had a good time and I would definitely do it again next year.”
After the service project, the participants were gathered on The Quad and served a lunch by Apple Spice Bakery. There was a short presentation by the service center directors.
The participants were invited to bring their families. The event was free of charge.
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes celebrates 10th anniversary
By Camille Strong
April 13, 2015
"You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes."
For the past ten years, men and women of Utah State University have rallied together for an event called Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. Participants are invited to walk one mile around campus wearing heels to symbolize that USU does not condone sexual violence. There will be two walks beginning at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Volunteers and walkers will meet in front of the USU Bookstore in the Taggart Student Center.
The event is sponsored and organized by the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information center, also known as SAAVI.
Brandon Teoh, a student at USU, is registered to walk in the event.
“I’m not sure how well I will walk in heels, but I’m pretty excited for Wednesday. I think it makes a big impact on anyone who sees the group walking by,” Teoh said. “I know I was intrigued last year when I saw a group of men walk past me in bright, red heels.”
Jalynn Johnson, an intern at the SAAVI center, is impressed that the even has made an impact on the USU campus since 2005.
“Most men really want to stand up and make a difference but sometimes don't know how to do it,” Johnson said. “Walk A Mile provides them with this opportunity.”
Women are invited to walk alongside the men for mental and physical support. They are referred to as Blister Sisters.
“We want people to have fun and know that sexual assault, rape, and gender violence don't need to be taboo subjects,” Johnson said. “We want to open the door to non-judgmental, comfortable conversation about these issues.”
Prizes will be awarded to the best and the most enthusiastic walkers. There will also be raffle prizes, too.
Students, faculty and members of the community are invited to volunteer. To volunteer as a walker, register at usu.edu/saavi/walkAMile
Dog Wash held for School of Veterinary Medicine
By Camille Strong
April 14, 2015
The Class of 2018 of the veterinary program at Utah State University is hosting its first fundraiser called Dog Wash. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 in the USU Veterinary Science and Biology Building.
Dog owners in Cache Valley are invited to bring their pets to be washed. There will also be a bake sale at the event.
“There is no cost associated with this service, however we do recommend a $10 donation to help with our cause,” said Jake Miller, class president said. “Extremely aggressive, or anxious animals will not be allowed to participate in the activity.”
The donations received at Dog Wash will go toward activities which will alleviate the student’s stress of school or bring presenters from the professional field to speak.
“This helps our class become more cohesive and helps bring some fun to sometimes stressful studying,” said Hampden-Smith, the treasurer.
The goal for the event is to create a presence of the veterinary program on campus.
“As a brand new program in its third year, the School of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University is still working on establishing itself and its culture as a professional Doctorate program,” Miller said.
Veterinary students at USU have volunteered their time in a variety of ways from advertising for the event to providing goods for the bake sale to dog washing.
The expectations for the event are not high, according to Miller.
“Because this is our first attempt at a community fundraiser we're not sure what kind of support to expect, so our goals are a little conservative of collecting around $200 and cleaning 15 animals,” Miller said.
Best Buddies membership at Utah State is at an all-time high
By Camille Strong
April 15, 2015
The Utah State University branch of Best Buddies reached a record number of members this school year. Best Buddies is a program which matches people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with volunteer mentors.
USU Best Buddies is one of the largest chapters in the western United States, according to Kiri Higham, the director of the program.
“We have about 200 members, about 65 of those are people with disabilities,” Higham said. “We have a lot more volunteers than we do Buddies, so often we match two volunteers with one Buddy. Plus, the growing volunteers is enough to match any extra buddies that join later throughout the year.”
There are negatives to having such a large chapter. “I would say the harder thing with a bigger chapter is it gets more expensive. But we have a lot of support there too,” Higham said.
After the spring semester of 2015 alone, four outside organizations will have raised funds for Best Buddies.
A local band hosted a benefit concert to donate to the program and Dining Services at USU made a large donation in February. A group project for a management class raised about $1,000 in March. The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity holds the Balanced Man Triathlon every April where all proceeds from the triathlon go directly to the Best Buddies program.
“I fully support what Best Buddies accomplishes which is making individuals feel supported and loved,” said Tylar Glenn, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “I’m so happy our fraternity chose this cause however many years ago because it makes it easy to volunteer my time for such an awesome organization.”
The Best Buddies program also holds its own fundraisers. The most recent was the Best Buddies Talent Show which was held on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center auditorium.
More information about the Best Buddies program can be found at www.bestbuddiesutah.org
Earth Day will be celebrated at Utah State with box fort activity
By Camille Strong
April 16, 2015
The Utah State University Extension Sustainability program is hosting Aggie Earth Day, with the first ever cardboard box tower competition. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. at April 22 on the Agricultural Science Lawn, different campus organizations can start assembling their towers, each promoting "being green” in their own way.
“We want an image that show how much waste is produced and with this giant box tower people will not be able to ignore it,” said Riley Thompson, the marketing director of Aggie Radio.
Aggie Radio is hoping to build the highest box tower in Utah.
"When we found out that we could be beating BYU's old record, that made it even better,” said Riley Thompson. “We will be constructing a giant box tower or as we call it the Aggie Radio Tower.”
The cardboard boxes that will be used for this activity will be gathered from businesses who would have thrown them away.
After Aggie Earth Day, the towers will be broken down and the cardboard boxes will be given away to students, many of whom will be moving.
“This event will help to generate awareness about service to the community in the form of recycling,” said Evan Pool, a USU Extension Sustainability coordinator.
In addition to the box forts, there will be a concert from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Local artists will preform.
Record number of fraternity men participate in Walk A Mile after recent arrest
By Camille Strong
April 17, 2015
On March 25, a former member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, also known as Pike, was arrested for sexual assault.
Three weeks later, Pike had the most participants at the 10th annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. The event was held on Wednesday in the Taggart Student Center.
Brayden Wolf, a current member of Pike, hopes that participating in Walk A Mile will make a statement.
“We wanted to do everything we could to help,” Wolf said. “It felt good to be there to show our stance against sexual assault.”
Jalynn Johnson, an intern for SAAVI, is proud of Pike for being so involved. Pike helped to set up the event and recruit other walkers.
“Fraternities usually participate in this event but we have seen a special interest this year” Johnson said. “Pike doesn’t support sexual violence, and they want to show that.”
Kiana Hansen, a volunteer for Walk A Mile, was personally thankful for Pike’s efforts.
“Walk a Mile has a lot of personal meaning to me, as I am a survivor myself,” Hansen said. “Seeing all of these men rallying together and marching, fighting a cause that I personally fight on a daily basis has shown me how much support I have within my student community.”
The fraternity will continue to represent themselves in the best way they can, according to Wolf.
“It's been a hard year for Pike,” Hansen said. “I'm glad that they are pushing through.”