by Aubrie Waldron
A group of Utah State students organized and held a fundraiser on Nov. 19 at the University Stadium theater where a private pre-showing of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part I was played. All proceeds from the event, which was organized as a final project for a management class, went toward the Cache Community Food Pantry.
According to Max Benson, a member of the group that organized the event, 376 of the 402 theater seats were filled, and about $2,000 was raised for the pantry.
“We wanted to not only raise money,” Benson said, “but bring the community and the food pantry together.”
Before the movie began, food pantry director Matt Whitaker stood at the front of the theater and addressed the audience about how “hunger is no game.”
All attendees that brought canned foods to the movie were entered into a raffle.
Management 3110: Managing Organizations and People, which is taught by David Herrmann, overviews the role of management and introduces leadership theory and practice. All students in the class are required to work in groups to organize a fundraiser. If their project raises at least $1,000 for a charity of their choice, they receive an automatic A on the final and do not have to take the written exam.
Victoria Awada, another member of the Hunger Games project, said that their fundraiser wasn’t just a fun event or school project. For her and the group, it was helping a good cause that needed donations at this important time of year.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Business etiquette workshop teaches students the essentials
By Aubrie Waldron
The Jon M. Hunstman School of Business held a business etiquette workshop on Nov. 18 to help Utah State students be prepared to present themselves professionally and make desirable first impressions.
According to undergraduate advisor Barbara Baird, who organized the event, there were 12 main topics discussed during the workshop. Students were taught about appropriate dress and grooming specifying that men should be clean shaven or have trimmed facial hair, and women should wear fresh makeup, minimal jewelry and 1.5 to 2 inch heels.
Other topics included meeting etiquette emphasizing confirming attendance and arriving on time, and proper written communication ethics including stating the purpose of writing and being specific.
Telephone etiquette was another topic where instruction was given about developing an appropriate greeting and never placing someone on hold for more than a few seconds. Associated with that was a discussion about voicemail etiquette about how to leave professional messages and managing a mailbox.
Cell phone do’s and don’ts, e-mail etiquette and first impressions on social media were all covered.
Some of the tips about first impressions were to arrive 10 minutes early to meetings, use first and last names for introductions, and address others by their title and last name unless told otherwise. The final subjects covered were conversing and networking, and dining etiquette.
Austin Hanny, a Jon M. Huntsman School of Business ambassador, said events like the business etiquette workshop offered have given him “a significant advantage” when interviewing for jobs.
“Resources like this,” Hanny said, “provides students with the knowledge, ethics, and hands-on experience necessary to compete in today’s workforce.”
The Jon M. Hunstman School of Business held a business etiquette workshop on Nov. 18 to help Utah State students be prepared to present themselves professionally and make desirable first impressions.
According to undergraduate advisor Barbara Baird, who organized the event, there were 12 main topics discussed during the workshop. Students were taught about appropriate dress and grooming specifying that men should be clean shaven or have trimmed facial hair, and women should wear fresh makeup, minimal jewelry and 1.5 to 2 inch heels.
Other topics included meeting etiquette emphasizing confirming attendance and arriving on time, and proper written communication ethics including stating the purpose of writing and being specific.
Telephone etiquette was another topic where instruction was given about developing an appropriate greeting and never placing someone on hold for more than a few seconds. Associated with that was a discussion about voicemail etiquette about how to leave professional messages and managing a mailbox.
Cell phone do’s and don’ts, e-mail etiquette and first impressions on social media were all covered.
Some of the tips about first impressions were to arrive 10 minutes early to meetings, use first and last names for introductions, and address others by their title and last name unless told otherwise. The final subjects covered were conversing and networking, and dining etiquette.
Austin Hanny, a Jon M. Huntsman School of Business ambassador, said events like the business etiquette workshop offered have given him “a significant advantage” when interviewing for jobs.
“Resources like this,” Hanny said, “provides students with the knowledge, ethics, and hands-on experience necessary to compete in today’s workforce.”
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Two colleges collaborate for ART + ENG Week
by Aubrie Waldron
Last week, the Caine College of the Arts coordinated with the College of Engineering for Utah State’s first ART + ENG Week. Different activities and events took place each day to help engineering and art students meet and learn the similarities between the two fields of study.
“We wanted a greater collaboration between the art museum and engineering,” said Adriane Dalton, assistant curator at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art. “One of our main goals for the week was to get engineering students into the museum.”
There was a private opening at the museum for engineering students on Nov. 17. More than 100 students attended, and according to Dalton it was an “absolute overall success.”
“Many of the exhibits in the museum have relevance to engineering,” Dalton said. “We want the students to know that this is a resource available to them.”
Other things that took place during the week were a lecture by ASU art professor Dan Collins, common hour lecture about Kenneth Snelson and a social hour for art and engineering students.
“In my opinion, engineering can be beautiful, and art can be functional,” said Claire Christiansen, an art student studying interior design. “The two go hand in hand. ART + ENG Week helped to bridge the gap between the two very different majors.”
Last week, the Caine College of the Arts coordinated with the College of Engineering for Utah State’s first ART + ENG Week. Different activities and events took place each day to help engineering and art students meet and learn the similarities between the two fields of study.
“We wanted a greater collaboration between the art museum and engineering,” said Adriane Dalton, assistant curator at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art. “One of our main goals for the week was to get engineering students into the museum.”
There was a private opening at the museum for engineering students on Nov. 17. More than 100 students attended, and according to Dalton it was an “absolute overall success.”
“Many of the exhibits in the museum have relevance to engineering,” Dalton said. “We want the students to know that this is a resource available to them.”
Other things that took place during the week were a lecture by ASU art professor Dan Collins, common hour lecture about Kenneth Snelson and a social hour for art and engineering students.
“In my opinion, engineering can be beautiful, and art can be functional,” said Claire Christiansen, an art student studying interior design. “The two go hand in hand. ART + ENG Week helped to bridge the gap between the two very different majors.”
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Art and engineering departments team up for first-time social
by Aubrie Waldron
For the first time, the Society of Women Engineers sponsored a social on Wednesday for all art and engineering students in the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art on Utah State's campus.
According to Adriane Dalton, assistant curator at the museum, the purpose of the social was to allow art and engineering students gain more understanding about the two majors and how they are connected.
When students entered the social they were given a different colored sticker and question card according to which major they belonged to. The cards had questions such as, "What do artists do?" or "What classes to engineers have to take?"
"I think that activity was very beneficial in getting the students to mingle and talk about the differences, but also find out the similarities, within their majors," said Claire Christiansen, an art student.
Dalton said she was pleased with the attendance at the social. She estimated about 25 students came. She said door prizes and a documentary about American sculptor Ruth Asawa were also parts of the event.
Christiansen said she was happy with how the event turned out, and was glad that she chose to attend.
"For me, as an interior design major," Christiansen said, "I love talking to engineers because I'll be working with engineers someday. There are so many connections to be found within art and engineering but most people wouldn't correlate the two."
When students entered the social they were given a different colored sticker and question card according to which major they belonged to. The cards had questions such as, "What do artists do?" or "What classes to engineers have to take?"
"I think that activity was very beneficial in getting the students to mingle and talk about the differences, but also find out the similarities, within their majors," said Claire Christiansen, an art student.
Dalton said she was pleased with the attendance at the social. She estimated about 25 students came. She said door prizes and a documentary about American sculptor Ruth Asawa were also parts of the event.
Christiansen said she was happy with how the event turned out, and was glad that she chose to attend.
"For me, as an interior design major," Christiansen said, "I love talking to engineers because I'll be working with engineers someday. There are so many connections to be found within art and engineering but most people wouldn't correlate the two."
Monday, November 24, 2014
USU physicist demonstrates the magic of thermodynamics
by Aubrie Waldron
Friday evening, Utah State University physicist James Coburn led a "The Heat is On: Exploring Thermodynamics" themed physics demo show in the Eccles Science Learning Center.
During the show, Coburn used ice to boil water, crushed a 55-gallon drum with cold water, and demonstrated how steam engines, hot air balloons and lava lamps work.
"Physics is the study of how everything in the universe works," Coburn said, "and I have always been interested in finding out how things work."
Although the demo show has turned into an annual event, according to Coburn none of the demonstrations are repeated from year to year. Each year Coburn chooses a different physics topic and does demonstrations on that theme.
Although the demo show has turned into an annual event, according to Coburn none of the demonstrations are repeated from year to year. Each year Coburn chooses a different physics topic and does demonstrations on that theme.
Coburn said the show was for "curious people of all ages." Adding that science and even math, which he said is "the language of science," are things that everyone can enjoy.
Joe Day, a Utah State student who saw Coburn's demos said that the things that physics can do are amazing.
"It's crazy to think about how it all works," Day said. "Physics is fun."
Friday, November 21, 2014
ART + ENG week speaker honors Kenneth Snelson
by Aubrie Waldron
On Wednesday, Adriane Dalton, assistant curator at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art on Utah State's campus, gave a speech about Kenneth Snelson, an engineer and artist, in honor of ART + ENG week.
"From an early age Snelson had a love for making," Dalton said. "As a child he believed he could create anything he could imagine."
According to Dalton's research, Snelson started his higher education studying business. Throughout several semesters he changed his major from business to english literature to architecture and although originally "he never considered art as a future" he graduated in painting.
Dalton focused mainly on Snelson's most famous engineer-influenced sculptures which are referred to as "tensegrity" although Snelson prefers the term "floating compression." The sculptures consist of rigid pipes that appear to be floating and are held together by flexible cables. They received their name because of the tension and structural integrity that are required to keep them in tact.
These structures have been exhibited in over 25 galleries around the world.
"I think it's a cool idea to incorporate art into engineering," said David Sommer, an engineering major who attended the speech. "There's lots of potential that could stem from Snelson's ideas."
"From an early age Snelson had a love for making," Dalton said. "As a child he believed he could create anything he could imagine."
According to Dalton's research, Snelson started his higher education studying business. Throughout several semesters he changed his major from business to english literature to architecture and although originally "he never considered art as a future" he graduated in painting.
Dalton focused mainly on Snelson's most famous engineer-influenced sculptures which are referred to as "tensegrity" although Snelson prefers the term "floating compression." The sculptures consist of rigid pipes that appear to be floating and are held together by flexible cables. They received their name because of the tension and structural integrity that are required to keep them in tact.
These structures have been exhibited in over 25 galleries around the world.
"I think it's a cool idea to incorporate art into engineering," said David Sommer, an engineering major who attended the speech. "There's lots of potential that could stem from Snelson's ideas."
Thursday, November 20, 2014
570 thank you notes collected at Veteran's Day service project
by Aubrie Waldron
On Thursday, as part of Utah State's College of Education and Human Services week, the CEHS council held a Veteran's Day service project where students and faculty wrote thank you notes to local veterans. Tables were set up at the Quad, Merrill-Cazier library, Taggart Student Center and education buildings.
On Thursday, as part of Utah State's College of Education and Human Services week, the CEHS council held a Veteran's Day service project where students and faculty wrote thank you notes to local veterans. Tables were set up at the Quad, Merrill-Cazier library, Taggart Student Center and education buildings.
One of the college's objectives, as written in its mission statement, is "to increase the effectiveness of services for individuals, families, communities, schools, and organizations." This service project aided in fulfilling that goal as 570 thank you notes were collected, according to public relations specialist JoLynne Lyon.
Shelby Clayson, Education and Human Services senator, said that the CEHS council members worked with the ROTC in able to distribute the notes to local veterans "in hopes to help support our community directly."
A USU professor, Ryan Whitby had his class take a few minutes to write a note before he began lecture.
"If nothing else it was successful because it made people think about it," Whitby said. "Some of the students decided that rather than just writing a generic note, they took what they wrote home to give it to a veteran that they knew."
Clayson believes that the project largely affected the goals that she and the other council members had for the week.
"As a whole, our college goal is to serve the people, whether that be at Utah State or in the community," Clayson said. "We want to help serve in any way that we can, and that was the least we could do for the amazing sacrifices that the veterans in the country and in Cache Valley have made."
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
NPR science journalist addresses USU students
by Aubrie Waldron
Joe Palca, a science correspondent for National Public Radio, visited Utah State on Thursday where he addressed a media smarts class about science journalism, political journalism and a series of stories called "Joe's Big Idea."
Joe Palca, a science correspondent for National Public Radio, visited Utah State on Thursday where he addressed a media smarts class about science journalism, political journalism and a series of stories called "Joe's Big Idea."
"Mostly, what I do is talk about science," Palca said.
Palca said that he doesn't pretend his reports on NPR are newsworthy in the sense that other news stories are. He used the example that knowing why some turtles have shells on their stomachs rather than their backs, one of his recent stories, is not going to vitally affect anyone's life.
"But," Palca said, "it's interesting."
According to Palca people have a tendency to avoid science journalism because science is hard to understand, and "people don't like to feel stupid."
"You need to try to understand what you don't know," Palca said.
Concerning political journalism Palca said that the main question the public should be asking about politicians is not if they're a Republican or Democrat but rather "What do these people actually stand for?"
"The media has allowed politicians to tell the story the way they think they should be telling it instead of telling it the way we, the people, think it should be told," Palca said.
Palca ended his address by talking about "Joe's Big Idea" which is a series of stories that focus on the "minds and motivations" of scientists and inventors. Palca said the purpose of the series is to help people understand scientific ideas and inventions.
"I'm not trying to convince anyone about anything," Palca said. "I just want people to know how incredibly cool science is."
Samantha Emmett, a USU student who is studying journalism, attended the speech and found Palca's experiences and insights interesting.
"As a journalism student, I liked his excitement about the stories he is writing," Emmett said. "He was very relatable and easy to understand."
Concerning journalism as a whole Palca asked, "What's the point?"
"The point is we're trying to tell the people out there what's going on out there."
Friday, November 14, 2014
Utah Jazz emeritus speaks to Aggie "floaters"
by Aubrie Waldron
Former Utah Jazz player Thurl Bailey spoke to Utah State students on Wednesday in the Taggart Student Center as part of Education and Human Services Week. His speech was specifically directed to those who haven’t made solid decisions about what to do with their future.
“Lots of young adults are floating,” Bailey said. “They get to the point where they know the important stuff, but there’s no concrete decision made about where they’re going to go.”
Bailey’s main message to students was to direct their lives toward goals, even if they don’t know how it will turn out. He also emphasized that “preparation is the most important position” and that everyone should prepare themselves for whatever opportunities come their way.
After showing a short video highlighting Bailey’s basketball career, Bailey serenaded the crowd with a song about looking to the future with optimism. He explained that after his professional basketball career of 16 years, he recorded three music albums, pointing out that no one needs to be confined or limited by one talent or interest they have.
“Where have you been? Why are you here? Where are you going?” Bailey asked. “These are three of the most important questions anyone with desire, passion and goals could be asked.”
Bailey went on to say that in order to make the right decisions a person must gain a vision of where they see themselves next year, in five years, and even in 10 years.
“A lot of our purpose is on us to decide,” Bailey said.
“It was a good message for those who don’t know which direction to take,” said JoLynne Lyon, public relations specialist for the College of Education and Human Services. “His whole life story would have been different if he would’ve given up on his goals. It was a good reminder for everyone to not quit.”
Trenton Judd, a member of the College of Education and Human Services council, helped organize the event. He said that he was influenced by how highly Bailey valued education.
Judd also liked Bailey's thoughts about directing our lives with purpose.
"He gave a lot of insight to students," Judd said. "Where we are going needs to be something that we have planned out with goals and a way to accomplish it."
Thursday, November 13, 2014
AgReserves Inc. managers rely on Utah State graduates for competent employees
by Aubrie Waldron
General managers from AgReserves Inc. made visits on Tuesday to Utah State's agriculture classes to recruit plant science and agribusiness students for internships. In the evening, the employees held an information session where students from the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences could network and ask questions about intern opportunities.
"We count pretty heavily on Utah State for competent employees," said Don Slight, cooperate manager of AgReserves. Slight explained that working for their company is different than working on a family farm in the sense that it's a corporate company and that employees have opportunities to work their way up the career ladder and make continuous professional progression.
"We don't intend to hire a lot of you and have half of you fail," Slight said. "We intend to train you so that you all succeed."
According to James Strong, general manager of a branch of AgReserves called Desert Farms, one reason why they target USU is because it's the only university in the state that offers a degree in agribusiness. Students in this program learn the financing, marketing, and management of food production. An agricultural based plant science degree can only be earned in Utah through USU as well. This degree focuses on researching the production and management of economically important plants.
General managers from AgReserves Inc. made visits on Tuesday to Utah State's agriculture classes to recruit plant science and agribusiness students for internships. In the evening, the employees held an information session where students from the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences could network and ask questions about intern opportunities.
"We count pretty heavily on Utah State for competent employees," said Don Slight, cooperate manager of AgReserves. Slight explained that working for their company is different than working on a family farm in the sense that it's a corporate company and that employees have opportunities to work their way up the career ladder and make continuous professional progression.
"We don't intend to hire a lot of you and have half of you fail," Slight said. "We intend to train you so that you all succeed."
According to James Strong, general manager of a branch of AgReserves called Desert Farms, one reason why they target USU is because it's the only university in the state that offers a degree in agribusiness. Students in this program learn the financing, marketing, and management of food production. An agricultural based plant science degree can only be earned in Utah through USU as well. This degree focuses on researching the production and management of economically important plants.
Nathan Whipple, who is studying plant science, said that interning for AgReserves would be a great opportunity to get hands on experience.
"It's an in-field operation versus a classroom lecture," Whipple said. "In Utah we focus on alfalfa, row crops and potatoes. There you learn about almonds and citrus fruits. It's something that can really grow your spectrum of plant science knowledge."
Agronomy and soil research specialist Robert Newhall, who also teaches soil conservation courses, said that he is impressed with how AgReserves runs their cooperations.
"Internships are the future," Newhall said. "Students who take advantage of this opportunity will be propelling their future in a positive direction."
"It's an in-field operation versus a classroom lecture," Whipple said. "In Utah we focus on alfalfa, row crops and potatoes. There you learn about almonds and citrus fruits. It's something that can really grow your spectrum of plant science knowledge."
Agronomy and soil research specialist Robert Newhall, who also teaches soil conservation courses, said that he is impressed with how AgReserves runs their cooperations.
"Internships are the future," Newhall said. "Students who take advantage of this opportunity will be propelling their future in a positive direction."
Interviews for internship positions were held Wednesday afternoon.
"If you want to drive a tractor don't come work for us," Strong said. "We want what you learned in school. We want your mind."
Friday, November 7, 2014
The Center for Women and Gender holds first event after Sarkeesian threat
By Aubrie Waldron
JCOM 1130 Section 3
On Thursday, the Center for Women and Gender held an event in the Merrill-Cazier Library featuring speakers Stacy Louck Sturgeon and Craig Simper. It was the first event put on by the center after Anita Sarkeesian's speech was cancelled due to threats she and other university personnel received via email on Oct. 14.
"The threats that were given to her were also given to our center," said Reni McBride, staff assistant at the center. According to McBride, the threats made extra security precautions for Thursday's speech necessary.
According to Ann Berghout Austin, the director of the Center for Women and Gender, a police officer patrolled the foyer outside the classroom where Sturgeon and Simper were speaking. She also said there may have been officers in "plain clothes" inside the event.
The Center for Women and Gender is an independent department within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Women and Gender Studies program helps students recognize and understand issues that affect the world today concerning gender, age, race, ethnicity, class and sexual identity.
Through the center students may earn a minor or an undergraduate or graduate level certificate of study in women and gender.
"A lot of our discussions have been about how the traditional role of women is changing," said Amy Atkinson, a USU student who is enrolled in several women and gender studies courses. "Roles in homes aren't as set as they used to be. In class we talk about what influences in the world are making it so more men and women have equal responsibility in both house work and careers."
According to Austin, completing the program can give students an advantage when it comes to job searching.
"A women and gender studies certificate or minor is something that indicates to potential employers that you are interested in fairness and equality," Austin said. "Minors and certificates usually don’t get a person a job by themselves, but they certainly serve as a reinforcer for that person’s qualities. They give you an edge, and often it is just the edge to make the difference."
JCOM 1130 Section 3
On Thursday, the Center for Women and Gender held an event in the Merrill-Cazier Library featuring speakers Stacy Louck Sturgeon and Craig Simper. It was the first event put on by the center after Anita Sarkeesian's speech was cancelled due to threats she and other university personnel received via email on Oct. 14.
"The threats that were given to her were also given to our center," said Reni McBride, staff assistant at the center. According to McBride, the threats made extra security precautions for Thursday's speech necessary.
According to Ann Berghout Austin, the director of the Center for Women and Gender, a police officer patrolled the foyer outside the classroom where Sturgeon and Simper were speaking. She also said there may have been officers in "plain clothes" inside the event.
The Center for Women and Gender is an independent department within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Women and Gender Studies program helps students recognize and understand issues that affect the world today concerning gender, age, race, ethnicity, class and sexual identity.
Through the center students may earn a minor or an undergraduate or graduate level certificate of study in women and gender.
"A lot of our discussions have been about how the traditional role of women is changing," said Amy Atkinson, a USU student who is enrolled in several women and gender studies courses. "Roles in homes aren't as set as they used to be. In class we talk about what influences in the world are making it so more men and women have equal responsibility in both house work and careers."
According to Austin, completing the program can give students an advantage when it comes to job searching.
"A women and gender studies certificate or minor is something that indicates to potential employers that you are interested in fairness and equality," Austin said. "Minors and certificates usually don’t get a person a job by themselves, but they certainly serve as a reinforcer for that person’s qualities. They give you an edge, and often it is just the edge to make the difference."
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