USUSA officer placed on probation after six-hour trial
By Ella Stott STATESMAN EDITOR
Editor’s note: Following the public conduct trial of Po’okela Yamakoshi-Sing, former USUSA Logan vice president, the decision was put in place by USUSA to use the word “hearing” instead of “trial” when referring to the presentations in front of a hearing board. For consistency in reporting, the word “trial” will be used in this article. This is not a reflection of USUSA’s language choice nor the nature of the event.
Athletics and Campus Recreation Executive Director Ben Burdette, who serves as HURD president and sits on the USUSA Executive Council, was placed on a 15-week probation on Nov. 12 after a six-hour trial. This was following a failure to uphold a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, initiated by athletic and campus recreation adviser Kennedy Thurgood on Oct. 6. The decision was reached by a hearing board consisting of students Will Hull, Makenzie Witherspoon, Aspen Batie and Maggie Lawton, as well as student chair Jack DePouw.
Burdette’s trial took place in the TSC Senate Chambers at 3 p.m. The final decision was not announced by the hearing board until 8:55 p.m after a 90-minute deliberation.
After a call to order, the complainant, USUSA President Brandon Sorensen, was called to present his evidence. He started by recognizing the work Burdette has done in his role with USUSA and the HURD.
“He’s brought energy and excitement to our campus and community and helped put on events students will remember for years to come,” Sorensen said. “Being a student leader is no easy task. You have to know your school, your position, as well as the demands and tasks that come from your position. I want to acknowledge that and thank him for his service to USUSA.”
Sorensen then explained the evidence he compiled and distributed to the hearing board, including emails, texts, Slack messages and other communication between Burdette and Thurgood, as well as Burdette and HURD Committee directors. The correspondence dated back to June, two months after Burdette was initiated into office.
“Over the past several months, there’s been a consistent pattern of behavior that conflicts with what’s outlined in the [USUSA] Constitution, the Oath of Office and position description, despite multiple opportunities for growth and support, including a signed MOU. Those behaviors have continued,” Sorensen said. “This hearing isn’t about punishment. It’s about accountability by ensuring that USUSA continues to embody integrity and respect.”
According to Sorensen, the evidence showed a pattern of disrespect, unprofessionalism, misuse of university property and a lack of communication and accountability. These behaviors were noted by Thurgood, who then initiated the MOU, which Burdette talked through with Sorensen and signed.
Following this signing, HURD directors Kolton Freeman and Noa Aguayo, without knowing about the MOU, brought up concerns with Burdette’s leadership to Thurgood. This resulted in her noting 10 of the 14 points in the MOU were not upheld, leading her and Sorensen to call the trial, which was the stated consequence, alongside potential removal from office, in the MOU.
Following his presentation of evidence, Sorensen called on Freeman and Aguayo to deliver their testimonies. Both directors were not planning on testifying against Burdette on his original trial date, which was Nov. 7. The trial was moved to the next available time for hearing board members to account for guidance submitted by an anonymous employee of Utah State University who recommended holding a trial right before a weekend, when the Counseling and Prevention Services office would be closed, wouldn’t allow participants in the trial to receive mental health help when they might want it. However, in the days between the original date and the trial, both directors heard from HURD Committee members Burdette had said he wanted to remove them from their jobs should he stay in the position.
“It has been difficult to focus on my role or feel secure in my position knowing that retaliation may be directed at me or others simply for participating honestly in this process,” Freeman said. “In recent weeks, I’ve been approached by multiple committee members who have expressed that they felt pressured and forced by [Burdette] to write statements defending him for
this hearing court. Several members reported that [Burdette] not only encouraged them to write in his favor but also told them what to say in their statements.”
According to Aguayo, since finding out about the trial, Burdette’s actions have improved.
“I do believe this, but I don’t believe that should erase his actions that happened earlier this year,” Aguayo said. “When you are in a leadership role, you get to accept all the good that comes with the position, but you must take all the bad that comes with it.”
Sorensen read two anonymous statements from HURD Committee members requesting Burdette’s removal after his alleged anger at their decision to not testify for him at the trial. This concluded Sorensen’s remarks, and Burdette was called to present his evidence.
Burdette addressed each of the claims Sorensen made, presenting further documentation and context for the instances of alleged disrespect, unprofessionalism and misuse of property, claiming most of Sorensen’s arguments were results of either miscommunication or tonal misinterpretation.
“I do want to publicly apologize for any bad feelings that I may have caused. Being HURD president — it has been my dream, and it hurts to hear that I may not be performing to the best of my ability,” Burdette said.
PHOTO BY Jack Burton
A hearing board listens to evidence for and against Athletics & Campus Recreation Executive Director Ben Burdette in the TSC Senate Chambers on Nov. 12.
USUSA President Brandon Sorensen presents evidence against Ben Burdette in front of a hearing board.
Ella Stott is a senior studying English. She loves reading, writing and editing.
USU Tooele campus remodeled
Utah State University Tooele plans to show off its newly remodeled campus after nine months of planning and construction. Group and individual study spaces, greenery and natural light are just some of the additions made to improve the student experience.
Jenn Cowburn, USU Tooele associate vice president, began her work at the campus almost a decade ago. Cowburn cites herself as the main instigator, the one who secured the funding and the strongest voice while designing.
The Tooele campus building was built almost 30 years ago. Cowburn shared they were able to make some small updates, like painting and replacing the carpet, throughout the years, but they found the function of the building itself awkward.
“When you would come in the front doors, you had to walk through the open lobby area. It was hard to find the front desk, hard to find where things were,” Cowburn said. “We didn’t have a lot of places for students to gather, commune, network or study.”
The design itself focuses on being welcoming and timeless. Thanks to feedback from those who work and study in the spaces, they were able to create something that has enabled them to already see change around campus.
“Very rarely did I see students actually in the lobby area before this remodel. There were a few couches and tables, but we didn’t ever see them gather,” Cowburn said. “It’s been so much fun to watch them come out.”
The new student lounge includes a Nintendo Switch, rocking chairs and a pebble ice machine, which was coveted by both students and faculty. SharLynn Mueller, USU Tooele assistant director also had a hand in the design.
“I started out by contacting various stakeholders. We had listening sessions with students and other people within the city and county to find out what they envisioned,” Mueller said. “We wanted a look that was
timeless because we were probably only going to get one chance in a very long time because of the cost to do this.”
Cowburn shared herself and Mueller had very similar visions for what the completed project would look like, which helped things run more smoothly. However, they did run into some issues along the way.
“You start opening up walls, grinding up the floor, then you find out you don’t have plumbing where you thought you had it,” Cowburn said. “We absolutely loved working with Jacobsen Construction. It’s never seamless, it’s never easy, but they made it as easy as it possibly could be.”
Despite working in higher education for decades, Cowburn shared that she feels there is something special about USU Tooele. The staff are like family, and now they have a building that reflects that.
“When this disruption happened, people were moved out of their offices and had to work remotely. Things changed dramatically for those seven to eight months,” Cowburn said. “I never heard a complaint. I never heard, ‘Why are you making us do this? You know how hard this makes our lives and jobs?’ Everybody just says, ‘What do you need, and how can I help?’”
Mueller also commented on how encouraged students and staff have seemed post-renovation. Not only has the light and openness encouraged socialization, but smaller things like more USB ports and charging ports have aided in the functionality of the space. Both Mueller and Cowburn have favorite parts of the remodel. Mueller spoke about a table they call the amoeba table due to its unique shape, located in the main atrium. It is covered in live plants, which Mueller takes care of.
“The ceiling in the student lounge is one of my favorites,” Cowburn said. “It’s got balusters that run all different directions, and they’re in these really bright greens and oranges and blues. That’s part of my favorite aspect of the design.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JENN COWBURN
USU Tooele’s main atrium building has been recently remodled.
By Bailey Daniels STATESMAN SENIOR REPORTER
First Big Blue John Mortensen retires
By Kenadie Jackson STATESMAN REPORTER
Aborn and raised Aggie is retiring. John Mortensen is described as “very thoughtful, very professional” by Linda Zimmerman, executive director of the Utah State University Student Involvement and Leadership Center.
“He’s definitely student-centered,” she said. As a faculty member, Mortensen has been over course enrollment and retention, the registrar, orientation and many other positions. As a student, he was involved in a variety of leadership positions and was the very first Big Blue.
“I’ve lived here my whole life, and it’s changed a lot over the years, but this is home,” Mortensen said.
Mortensen was born in Logan and was the ninth of 11 siblings, many of whom still live in the valley. He attended Logan High School, where he was very involved and was the student body vice president.
His first year at USU, he mainly went to school and worked.
“In my first year of college, all I did was work and go to school, and it wasn’t that much fun. And then a few of my friends got me involved, so that, to me, was a turning point,” Mortensen said.
Mortensen’s involvement consisted of being the ASUSU, now known as USUSA, academic vice president and the athletic vice president. As the academic VP, he provided hard copies of teacher evaluations for students to go through to see which teacher they should or shouldn’t take.
During this time, registration was in the early years of being online. The USU faculty was hesitant to release their ability to sign students into classes.
“Students were frustrated because they could see which classes were open and the registration system had the capability of allowing students to register for open classes, but students could not do so without the instructor’s signature,” Mortensen said.
He was able to meet with various committees to “help them embrace and accept new technologies.” There is now a time period of registration where students can add or drop a class without faculty signatures.
According to Mortensen, his experiences as a student leader provided a background that helped shape his career path.
“Once I got involved with student government and other things, it’s like, then I loved college, just the experience, because I think you get just as much from your experience outside of the classroom as in the classroom,” Mortensen said.
During Mortensen’s time as the athletic VP, he was able to create the first vision of USU’s Big Blue.
“So back in the day, we had a live mascot. His name was Gus, which stood for ‘Go Utah State.’ We also had a radio station that covered all of our athletic sports, and they had a chicken. We called it the KVNU chicken,” Zimmerman said. “I don’t know whether anybody really thought about a mascot until [Mortensen].”
Mortensen was able to budget and raise $750 to have a costume shop in Salt Lake City create it for him, but this first version was royal blue, not navy blue.
Kenadie Jackson is majoring in journalism and communications. Watch out for her name to be Kenadie Ferraro in November when she marries her best friend.
— kenadie.jackson@usu.edu
October 31
Officers responded to a suspicious incident at the Fieldhouse for the Howl after an individual reported that someone threw “a bag of shit” into a large group of people on the dance floor. Officers patrolled the dance floor and did not find any evidence of feces on the ground or on any persons.
October 31
Officers responded to a citizen dispute in the TSC at the Howl that resulted in one arrest.
November 7
An individual who stated they were collecting flowers near the Veterinary Science and Biology buidling believed one was possibly poisonous due to having some numbness in their fingers. Officers arrived with medical, and the patient was evaluated and cleared by medical. The complainant was released to a friend who would take them to the hospital if needed.
November 7
Officers responded to a call for graffiti at the Water Lab. Upon arrival on scene, officers made contact with the complainant who showed officers graffiti on pipes and rocks close to the river. The complainant provided video footage and pictures of the group of four suspects they believe may be involved in the incident. An ATL was sent to surrounding agencies to see if anyone could identify the persons involved or the graffiti.
John Mortensen
USU hosts first Multicultural Fashion Show
By Essence Barnes STATESMAN REPORTER
Models in traditional regalia ranging from Latin to Ghanaian culture worked their way down the runway at Utah State University’s first Multicultural Fashion Show on Nov. 6 at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art. The event, hosted by the Black Student Union, aimed to highlight the diverse fashion and heritage within USU’s student body.
“We wanted to find a way to bring the culture that does exist here on campus to the surface,” said Tyaira Mackay, BSU student outreach member. “We wanted them to know that we’re here, we see you and we appreciate you.”
The event invited a variety of different cultural groups from both on and off campus to attend and showcase the unique fashion that represents their communities. Models were asked to choose the outfits they wanted to wear in the show from their own wardrobes.
“We just told them, ‘We want to see your culture,’” Mackay said. “They got to do it in a way that was most representative of them and what their culture looks like for them.”
The LatinX Student Union, the Association of Latino Professionals for America and the Ghanaian Student Association were some of the campus groups asked to participate. Guests were treated to walks from models in Latin quinceañera dresses, Ghanaian smocks, Tongan tapa cloths and more.
The show also asked cultural clubs outside of USU to attend and walk, including the Ohana Association from Weber State University.
“We wanted to bring in other schools for the opportunity to maybe make this a bigger thing in the future where more universities and more clubs can collaborate together,” Mackay said.
Dancing was also highlighted in the show, and students from USU’s Latin Dance Club and Weber’s Ohana Association were invited to perform traditional dances between walks.
Ilaisaane Toa, a model and dancer from the Ohana Association, said her outfit and performance were representations of celebration and thanks.
“The dance I did was a Tongan Tau’olunga,” Toa said. “They’re usually performed by women, and it’s a way to represent the village, where you’re from and your family. It’s also a way to honor those who you’re performing for.”
Other models shared similar sentiments, saying their outfits are often worn for cultural celebrations and each of them has an important historical significance.
“I loved seeing the diversity and learning new things,” Toa said. “Even though we’re all so different, I think there is unity in diversity.”
Attendees at the show agreed, many saying how grateful they are for multicultural and diverse events on campus like this one.
“When I was in high school, it was a lot more multicultural than it is up here, so I really appreciate events like this,” said Ariana Garcia Hernandez, a USU student and member of ALPFA. “I think it’s really beautiful when we get to see parts of other people’s cultures because that’s a huge part of their identity so it’s a great way to get to know them.”
Event attendees also shared the fashion show gave them an opportunity to learn about and appreciate cultures outside of their own.
“It’s important for everyone to tap into their own culture and to branch out into other cultures,” said Yasmin Lovatoayala, a USU student and ALPFA member. “If you’re curious or just wondering what kind of things go on within a culture, coming to events like these is a great way to do that.”
and storytelling.
— essence.barnes@usu.edu
Essence Barnes is a third-year student majoring in journalism who enjoys reading, writing
PHOTOS BY Dane Johnson
A group of people dressed up for the Multicultural Fashion Show walk around the gallery of the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.
Tyaira Mackay introduces a group of people representing the Black Student Union at the fashion show.
Tippetts & Eccles Galleries host Annual Graduate & Undergraduate Exhibitions
By Katie Smith STATESMAN REPORTER
From wood-fired cups to oil paints on a canvas, Utah State University students showcased their works at this year’s Annual Undergraduate & Graduate Exhibition at the Tippetts & Eccles Galleries. The exhibition opened on Nov. 10 and welcomed visitors to study the artwork displayed throughout the room. Visitors silently reflected on the art as they passed each piece.
The gallery displayed art done by graduate and undergraduate students from the art program. These pieces were school projects or personal projects including a variety of mediums in the exhibition. It consists of paintings, sculptures, ceramic work, photography and more.
“When they take the classes, they’re able to learn so much and do so many cool projects, but this offers a way for students to have their work exhibited and shown to the public,” said Miriam Tippets, art major and gallery attendant.
Tippets told The Utah Statesman the goal of this exhibition was to give these art students a chance to showcase their projects. She said it can be a lot harder for students to get access to shows like this, but because the school makes it available, it helps open that door.
“I think the school providing those opportunities is super important,” Nikita Nenashev said.
Nenashev is a graduate student in the art program and one of the featured artists in the gallery. As a teacher, Nenashev has also gotten to see some of his students’ works featured in the gallery as well.
“It’s really important that people see what students are doing,” Nenashev said.
According to Nenashev, many of the artists showcasing their work have never done it before. The exhibition is an opportunity for these students to present their art with less pressure than other exhibitions would offer. It also gave them the opportunity to see what their art looks like in a gallery setting.
“Seeing how it looks in a gallery space is very different than seeing it in our studios,” Nenashev said.
Nenashev said these exhibitions are a good chance to try new mediums and other styles. It gives artists a chance to branch out and possibly work on something other than big projects. For Nenashev, that means taking a break from his thesis and trying working on a new method or a new technique.
Nenashev’s piece “Whiskey Cups” was created on a wheel with stoneware clay. The piece consisted of six small cups that alternated being a light blue or raw dark stoneware. Nenashev said the cups were set up this way to juxtapose the two surfaces and create a dramatic comparison.
“I’ve always loved making pots at this scale,” Nenashev said. “I find it very intimate.”
Nenashev had an additional piece in the exhibition titled “Peaks,” a woodfired stoneware.
The gallery may have been quiet, but according to Tippets, it attracts many visitors.
“There are often quite a few people,” Tippets said. “Professors from other universities, or friends of professors, and the general art community comes.”
The exhibition allows other art students to view what their peers and their mentors are working on. Nenashev said this is a different form of learning for students as they get to explore different mediums and different ideas.
But the exhibition is not being presented to the art community alone. Tippets said they get many visitors who are either students at USU or members of the Logan community.
One of these students was Aubree Rasmussen. Rasmussen is an education major and wouldn’t normally enter the Fine Arts Center. However, this exhibition was open to anyone curious about the art.
After viewing pieces such as the oil painting “Look” by Kaisha Mills, Rasmussen commented that because these artists went to USU, she felt a sense of familiarity.
“I feel like I have a connection to this art because it’s done by people I could run into on any given day,” Rasmussen said.
After viewing these pieces, Rasmussen described what drew her to the art.
“It feels very free-spirited,” Rasmussen said about one of the featured photographs. “She just seems weightless almost.”
Rasmussen also expressed the draw the painting “Look” had on her, saying the colors in the art were captivating and made it almost difficult to look away.
This annual exhibition is an opportunity for those in the art program, but its impact has not stopped there.
“The gallery is very calming and peaceful, and it’s given me a break from my usual schedule and given me a chance to breathe,” Rasmussen said, “It’s helped me find my Zen.”
Katie Smith is a sophomore still exploring her options at Utah State. She is a big country music fan and loves spending her time in Cache Valley’s beautiful natural landscapes.
—katie.smith@usu.edu
PHOTO BY Elise Gottling
“Look” by Kaisha Mills is displayed at the Tippetts & Eccles Galleries, as seen on Nov. 12.
Community makes cheeses of their own
By Rory McNeill STATESMAN REPORTER
Utah State University holds unique ties to the dairy industry. Home to one of the largest dairy research centers in the United States, dairy has been an important focus within the university for a very long time, and the university has shared its expertise with the dairy industry for decades. For the first time, the university held a homemade cheese-making class to share its knowledge with the members of the community.
Held on Nov. 7 in the C. Anthon Ernstrom Nutrition and Food Sciences Building, the class was designed to teach people with little to no experience how to create cheeses of their own, with limited special materials required.
“The goal is to show people how they can make cheese at home,” said Kim Rasmussen, program coordinator for BUILD Dairy at USU. “We just go to the store and buy milk and cream, and everything we use is available from the store or online, so these cheeses could be made by anyone.”
The class was made up of two parts. First, they began with a lecture that taught the processes of making cheese. Following the lecture, the students were able to put their knowledge into practice, making their cheeses from scratch. Throughout the class, students learned important cheese-making techniques, such as using rennet and cultures, cutting curd, stretching mozzarella and aging feta.
The class was put on by the Western Dairy Center, which is under the university’s S.J. & Jesse E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The WDC is one of six national dairy research centers created under the National Dairy Research and Promotion Board. According to its website, the WDC’s mission is to conduct basic and applied research in dairy products and ingredients and to transfer the resulting knowledge to the dairy industry in usable form.
Helping out with the class was the former associate director of the WDC Carl Brotherson, who during his time at Utah State, oversaw the WDC’s operations as well as much of the research carried out at the center.
“The class was excellent. We made four different kinds of cheese, so the students could get an idea of different ways to make cheese,” Brotherson said. “The students were great workers. We also had four graduate student assistants helping out, one for each cheese. They knew their stuff, and they were very helpful.”
One way the WDC continues its outreach is through classes, such as the homemade cheese-making class, but this class is just one of three classes they put on
every year. They also offer two multi-day classes for both beginners and advanced cheese makers.
“We’ve been holding these classes for 42 years. We get people from all over the country coming to those classes,” Rasmussen said. “People from Wisconsin, Idaho, as well as employees from Schreiber [Foods] here in Logan, and Gossner [Foods], all come to those classes.”
The classes have even been the foundation for some artisan cheese makers around Utah, such as Beehive Cheese in Ogden, which began after two brothers-inlaw attended one of the beginner classes.
“They’ve won a ton of awards since then. On their website, they mention the Western Dairy Center because they came and took these short courses and went on to build their business,” Rasmussen said.
“We’ve sent people down there to help them through the issues that have come up as they’ve grown.”
WDC strives to be involved with the community and help people grow their interest in the dairy industry.
The classes have become a central part of their success in that mission and will continue to be so moving forward.
Gwen Anderson is the host of “Baby Blue” airing Thursdays at 12 p.m. on Aggie Radio 92.3 FM. The show highlights emo alternative hits — mainly from the mid ‘90s to late 2000s. Allegedly, there’s a theme every week, but it’s mostly just what’s been stuck in Gwen’s head!
Rory
is a sophomore from Rocklin, California studying mechanical engineering. He loves Aggie sports, skiing, golf and writing music.
PHOTO BY Alyssa Cook
Erica Dority and Lydia Brooks read instructions at the homemade cheese-making class Nov. 7.
McNeill
Students welcome President Mortensen
By Mia Nielsen STATESMAN REPORTER
Utah State University President Brad L. Mortensen entered the TSC Juniper Lounge through a fluttering corridor of Spirit Squad pom-poms to meet with students and enjoy Aggie Ice Cream, just days before officially beginning his presidency on Nov. 10.
A Utah State alumnus himself, Mortensen said he is excited to return and work with students. He said over the past few days on campus, he’s been struck by memories of his own university experience.
“There have been so many times in just the last eight days now — just walking down a little corridor and having this flood of memories come back,” Mortensen said.
He explained these moments have had him reflect on the significance of his Utah State experience, how it helped him develop as a person and how he carries his time at USU with him through life.
“I really can personalize how impactful the educational experience is here at Utah State, and I want to make sure that we’re living up to that responsibility for the students who are here today,” Mortensen said.
Eric Sommer, a senior in math education, is excited to see a former Aggie as president of the university. He hopes Mortensen’s ties to USU give him a deeper understanding of the community and the university.
“It’s really cool to have someone who has the values of Cache Valley here and who understands Utah as a whole,” Sommer said. “Our university represents more than just Cache County. It’s a statewide university, so it’s really cool that he’s able to bring that state pride.”
Sommer also hopes Mortensen’s ties to Weber State University help to create unity with other universities throughout Utah.
Mortensen said he’s excited about the opportunities for students on the Logan campus.
“There are a lot of great things happening here and with the graduate programs and research,” Mortensen said. “I really want to get out and understand what the opportunities are for the future so that we can help elevate that.”
He also emphasized the importance of campuses throughout the state.
“I am super excited to get out to all the statewide programs. They have such a unique role in helping to meet students who maybe don’t have the chance to come to Logan campus or have specific needs there, and I just want to get out and let them know that we see them,” Mortensen said. “They’re a huge part of the Aggie family, and we want to make sure that they can be just as successful all across the state.”
Lily Couch and Gabe Cortez work directly under the president of the university as ambassadors and are the face of USU students to donors and leaders. Cortez is also a part of the Government Relations Council.
“We’ve surveyed students, and one thing that the majority of students want to see is more higher-level university officials, like the president or deans or Board of Trustees, mingling and getting to know students,” Cortez said.
He said with about 20,000 students on campus, this can be hard to achieve, but he believes Mortensen will prioritize connecting with the study body.
“The fact that before he even met with other higher members he wanted to speak with students first here at this event sends a big message of how I think his years here will go as president,” Cortez said.
Cortez said he is impressed by Mortensen’s previous work at Weber State. He appreciates his strong personal presence, adding that his leadership abilities go beyond charisma. He believes Mortensen really knows how to lead a university: by involving students and making sure their needs are met.
“I think he’s exactly what we need right now,” Cortez said.
Couch said she was also excited to hear Mortensen named as the new president.
“I’ve only heard great things about him. I’ve heard he’s a president of the people. He really cares about the students and cares about what he’s doing,” Couch said.
Mortensen hopes to continue working closely with students at Utah State to ensure their voices are heard. During his time at Weber State, Mortensen said he formally met at least once a month with student government leaders and other student representatives.
“I kind of formed a group at Weber State of students who I would meet with at least monthly formally and then in a lot of other settings just to really break down the wall so that they know they can approach me about anything. That’s one thing I’m proud of that we did at Weber and really hope to replicate here, but we don’t need to recreate the wheel if those processes are already in place,” Mortensen said.
Mia Nielsen is a sophomore studying plant science and journalism. When she’s not writing, she enjoys live music, driving up Logan Canyon and daydreaming about moving to Spain.
New USU President Brad Mortensen spreaks with Kathy Bayn in the TSC Juniper Lounge.
Column: New president plants flag with Aggie athletics
By Carson Frost STATESMAN SENIOR REPORTER
Brad L. Mortensen’s first weekend as Utah State University’s 18th president was spent in a place cherished by Aggie students and alumni alike: game day.
He was on the tailgate line, mingling with fans, shaking hands with alumni and hearing chants from students he’d just met. By kickoff, he was in the Maverik Stadium stands, shoulder-to-shoulder with the HURD, leading “The Scotsman” with both arms raised — eyes a little glassy as he soaked in the moment.
“It was hard not to get emotional,” Mortensen said in an exclusive interview with The Utah Statesman for the “Statesman Sports Desk” podcast. “It really elevates the profile of the university when we have a successful athletics program. It’s really the best way to invite the community in to help build up that camaraderie amongst our students. I’m all in and want to support Aggie athletics as much as I can.”
That long tradition of Aggie Spirit and the student section really supporting the school — that’s something I remember when I was a student here.
— Brad L. Mortensen
For Mortensen, who officially began his presidency on Nov. 10, this homecoming is personal. A first-generation college graduate who earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Utah State, he’s returning to the place that helped shape him, and he’s walking into a campus in the middle of a sports renaissance.
This past week alone, Aggie athletics delivered what could be called one of the most successful stretches in school history.
Men’s basketball opened with a 2-0 report, capped by a statement win over top-tier mid-major Virginia Commonwealth University in Texas. Volleyball clinched at least a share of the Mountain West regular-season title with its 15th straight victory, tied for the fourth-longest streak in program history. Women’s soccer captured its third straight Mountain West Championship under head coach Manny Martins and earned another NCAA tournament berth. And football dominated Nevada 51–14 in its most complete performance of the season. It’s a lot to take in on your first day. But Mortensen, a selfprofessed sports junkie, seems right at home.
Once a quarterback, always an Aggie Mortensen grew up in Rexburg, Idaho, a rich sports climate. He played “just about everything,” from baseball and basketball to football and track. He even had a brief stint as a practice-squad quarterback at Ricks College before realizing his future would be in higher education, not behind center.
“I did that for a year and realized I probably just should focus on my education,” he said with a laugh. “But I’ve remained a big sports fan ever since. I love tracking collegiate sports, even though they’re kind of crazy right now.”
The president’s lifelong love of competition still shapes how he sees a university’s identity.
“Some folks see [sports] as maybe not our primary focus,” he said, “I just think that sports do such a big service to the rest of the university.”
Mortensen’s memories of Logan are filled with that same energy. He recalls packed nights at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum during the Big West era: late ESPN games, Gossner Classic, milk cartons flying from the stands after the first basket.
“They had to stop the game, and the refs got really upset, and they had to mop up the court,” he recalled, laughing. “That long tradition of Aggie Spirit and the student section really supporting the school — that’s something I remember when I was a student here.”
That same spirit Mortensen had in the ‘90s came full circle last Saturday, when he joined the HURD for “The Scotsman.”
“That was hard not to get emotional when I was doing that, just thinking back about being a student and [what] all of that means,” Mortensen said. “That was a very special experience.”
It meant even more that his son joined him, jumping into the crowd unprompted.
“He said, ‘Everybody was so nice, and they were welcoming me and asking me about what I’m doing.’ It gave him just a really positive experience,” Mortensen said. “It’s great to cheer on our teams, but it’s also important to find that camaraderie amongst the students, and it really helps fulfill part of our purpose of the university to help people feel belonging and connected and to make those networks that will last a lifetime.”
A shared blueprint with Cam Walker
Mortensen’s arrival follows the hiring of Cam Walker as athletic director in September, both new faces at the helm of an athletics department preparing to move to the Pac12 next fall.
The two leaders share not only a vision but also a hometown: Rexburg. Mortensen and Walker attended the same high school in the small town and even shared a connection with a familiar basketball coach.
“When we were watching the basketball game, I said, ‘Hey, you know I’m a Billy Hawkins basketball disciple,’” Mortensen said. “I’m older than Cam, but we both knew him, and one of his sons was Cam’s age, and he just played real hard.”
Walker, a former associate athletic director at the University of Tennessee, brings SEC experience. Mortensen brings nearly a decade of leadership in the Big Sky Conference, where he chaired the Presidents’ Council. Together, they see opportunity in contrast.
“I think Cam and I have very different experiences, with him being in the SEC for these last five or so years when he was at Tennessee and getting a sense of how that works,” Mortensen said. “I was in the Big Sky Conference and got to work closely with our commissioner and see things at a different level.”
Carson Frost is a transfer student from Denver studying journalism. He is a passionate fan of the Lakers, Dodgers and Philadelphia Eagles. He loves writing, making music and taking road trips.
— carson.frost@usu.edu
PHOTO BY Jack Burton
USU President Brad L. Mortensen sits down for an interview in the President’s Office in Old Main on Nov. 10.
Depth, resilience define Utah State Soccer’s Mountain West three-peat
By Carson Frost STATESMAN SENIOR REPORTER
The 2025 season for Utah State Soccer was a test from beginning to end — one marked by adversity, adaptation and ultimately, success.
Under head coach Manny Martins, the Aggies secured their third straight Mountain West Women’s Soccer Championship and punched their ticket once again to the NCAA tournament, doing so with contributions across the roster from starters, reserves and newcomers alike.
From the outset, Utah State entered the year with momentum. The team came off a 2024 season in which it achieved a program record 18 wins and earned a top 10 national ranking. The preseason coaches’ poll in the Mountain West picked the Aggies to finish first, setting expectations early.
“Our identity has stayed the same,” Martins said. “Stylistically, every year, you’re a little bit different because it depends on personnel. But to be able to evolve yet still be able to achieve that — it speaks to the identity [and] speaks to the quality of individuals that we have recruited here.”
That personnel piece proved crucial in 2025. The Aggies showed up in August ready to prove themselves, securing a road win at Washington State University and following with strong showings against Power 5 opponents. While USU began the year with a tough schedule, including four NCAA tournament opponents, the team’s statistical profile remained among the conference’s best: leading the league in shots, goals and assists and ranking No. 2 in shutouts and No. 3 in fewest goals allowed.
But numbers alone don’t capture how this team handled its mid-season crash test. With injuries mounting and fatigue accumulating, this team faced
over the weekend in the tournament,” Werts said. “Especially knowing injuries can happen whenever and changes can be made whenever and each game needs something different. I think everyone had a great mindset going in and was ready when their name got called.”
This Aggies team was built to handle variance. When primary contributors were injured or fatigued, young defenders like Summer Sofonia and Kaeda Wilson logged more minutes than anyone on the roster. First-year defender Capriel Winder — though left off the all-conference lists — played at a nationally recognized level, even earning a call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team training camp.
Werts also reflected on the growth over the season from the season-opening loss against Pacific University to the championship-caliber team that arrived in November.
one of its most demanding stretches — four matches in 10 days at the end of the regular season and into the conference tournament.
“We haven’t experienced that in the time that I’ve been here,” Martins said. “Not only was it four games in 10 days, but four very physically demanding games. Really proud of the group for having the resilience to push through.”
In Boise, Idaho for the Mountain West tournament, Utah State showed sharpness at precisely the right time.
In the quarterfinal, first-year forward Kunie Hirai — a Boise native with only occasional minutes prior — came on and delivered the game-winning goal at the 70:48 mark in a 1-0 win over the University of New Mexico.
In the semifinal, sophomore midfielder Rachel Reitz entered as a substitute and scored her first collegiate point to win in overtime over Air Force Academy.
In the title game, senior forward Kaylie Chambers assisted on junior midfielder Summer Diamond’s goal to break things open, sophomore Talia Winder converted her PK despite not playing all tournament and graduate keeper Taylor Rath — though she had lost the starting job during the tournament — came in for the shootout and made two crucial saves en route to being named tournament MVP.
Meanwhile, junior goalkeeper Allee Grashoff had started all three tournament games and logged two shutouts despite limited experience in the regular season. These moments of depth defined the “stay ready” mentality that senior forward Tess Werts said is constantly preached in team meetings.
“You never know when your name is going to get called, and I think those people definitely showed it
“I think chemistry is the biggest thing,” Werts said. “We have a young team, and they’re all so amazing players, but I think getting the style about how we play down and getting familiar with playing with certain players also helps. I think just the amount of games we’ve played and grown from each game has helped a lot.”
The tonal shift was especially visible in conference play, where the Aggies went 5-2-3. They leaned into home dominance, but more importantly, improved away and neutral-site results — something Martins stressed as a confidence builder.
“Earlier in the season, we had a bit of a tough time getting results away from home,” he said. “I think that helps a little bit with confidence.”
The final numbers: A 10-6-6 overall record and the Mountain West tournament trophy raising. The title was Utah State’s third straight and its fifth in program history, placing them in company with only two other teams in Mountain West history to win three straight.
The 2025 season forged Utah State’s culture of sustained excellence and adaptability. With seniors like Werts and Chambers leading the way and younger players such as Hirai, Reitz and Sofonia stepping up, the Aggies blended veteran experience with emerging talent.
“Every championship has been different,” Martins said. “I would say this one was the hardest one, but also, even just in how we played, we have evolved as a team. I think it sends a clear message to our recruits or incoming prospects what the standards are here. We’re always competing for a championship.”
As the Aggies compete in the NCAA tournament once again, and with a growing roster of contributors
PHOTO BY Dane Johnson
Bentli Barrera, 23, prepares for a throw-in at the Chuck & Gloria Bell Soccer Field on Aug 24.
PHOTO BY Jack Burton
Ellie Hendrix, 5, celebrates scoring a goal on Utah at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field on Aug 28.
‘You don’t get to win — you have to earn it:’ Inside Loryn Helgesen’s rise
By Emma Shelite STATESMAN REPORTER
Ask Loryn Helgesen where her volleyball story begins, and she’ll take you to a community gym, watching her mom scrimmage with friends.
“I started in junior high … I’d go and watch her, and I just [thought], ‘This is so fun,’” Helgesen said.
Seventh grade turned into club seasons, confidence and eventually, a call from Utah State University.
“I was playing soccer at the time, and I was like, ‘They don’t have to run around as much… I really want to try that.’ I fell in love with it, and I’ve just been playing ever since,” Helgesen said.
Now a 6-foot-2-inch sophomore opposite from Kaysville, Helgesen has grown into one of USU’s most reliable attackers and steadier voices on a team with title ambitions.
When choosing Utah State, Helgesen said it was about people first.
“As soon as I talked to the coaches, I was like, ‘You guys seem like great people,’” Helgesen said. “Coaching is a huge part of love for volleyball. If you fall into the wrong coaching hands, you could lose your love for the sport. I love this coaching staff. The campus is beautiful, and the community is so cute. I love them. They’re so supportive.”
That trust has paid off. On Oct. 27, Helgesen was voted Utah State’s America First Credit Union Student-Athlete of the Week for the second straight week and third time overall. “I just gained more confidence as games go on,” Helgesen said.
She also earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week, dropping 41 kills across wins over San Diego State
University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas — 4.56 kills per set and 5.00 points per set on the week.
“Before games, we always meet up, and we’re like, ‘Okay, I know we’re undefeated and stuff, but you don’t get to win — you have to earn it. You’re not entitled to win,’” Helgesen said. “We have to keep playing how we’re playing.”
This mantra meshed with USU’s October surge, when the Aggies pushed to 10–0 in Mountain West play and stacked one of the program’s longest win streaks of the 21st century.
That urgency showed up on a milestone night, too: head coach Rob Neilson’s 100th career victory.
“In our last set, we came together like, ‘Okay, let’s do it for Rob,’” Helgesen said. “Nerves were a little more than usual, but we trusted ourselves and played through.”
Helgesen balances power with precision.
“That comes with a bunch of practice — what shots work and when,” Helgesen said. “Sometimes you feel your power and can go full heart. Other times, you know they’ve got a great block or defense, so you place it in really good spots.”
In addition to offensive hitting, she said she enjoys playing the back row offense, too.
“I love hitting the ‘D’ when I’m back row,” Helgesen said. “I have my own rotation where I get the back-row attack, and I absolutely love that.”
According to Helgesen, USU’s training environment helps refine those instincts. One of her favorite drills is 18-18.
“It’s 18-all, both sides,” Helgesen said. “Who can finish first? When we’re five points [from the end], we’re like, ‘Now is the time to lock in.’ It brings extra competitiveness and power.”
Helgesen’s sophomore campaign hasn’t been all clean lines and highlight swings. In early September, Helgesen tweaked an ankle — first at Texas A&M University and again against the University of Utah — and sat until recovered. Coming back, she said, was harder mentally than physically.
“I was doing a bunch of rehab … the hardest thing was the mental side of hurting it again,” Helgesen said. “In games, it was easier to take my mind off it when you’ve got something to compete against.”
That reset extended off the court, too.
“Preseason meetings with our coaches — it’s a big staple. Eat well, sleep well, get your personal time,” she said. “Last year, I didn’t sleep at all. This year, I made it a priority. I can feel it actually helping me.”
Helgesen doesn’t see herself as the loudest person in the huddle. She sees her role as steady and specific.
“I’m more level-headed,” Helgesen said. “I bring a lot of trust and uplifting [energy]. I love one-on-one compliments — ‘Hey, you did really good in this area,’ — instead of trying to be loud to the whole group.”
This energy is felt by her teammates.
“I love being [in] a rotation with [Helgesen] because it’s like, blockers don’t know where to go, which way to go, so we’re kind of killing them from both sides, and it’s kind of fun. It’s fun being on the other side, but, yeah, it’s fun. I love it,” said outside hitter Mara Štiglic after a 3-0 win against the University of Wyoming.
The numbers hinted at where this was going: a sophomore opposite with big-match production and a team winning the regular-season Mountain West championship, which they did on Nov. 8, largely thanks to her offensive dominance.
“She’s been phenomenal. She’s going on a month now with just unbelievably great play,” Neilson said after a five-set win over San Diego State earlier this season. “We asked her to play all the way around and hit some stuff out of the back row, and she was as good as she’s been all year, and she just keeps developing that skill. She’s so imposing in so many ways and such a talented player and then so competitive.”
Helgesen’s game is fueled by a fierce calm: the belief that nothing’s guaranteed and everything’s earned.
Emma Shelite is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism. Her writing is fueled by Dr Pepper and an extroverted personality. — emma.shelite@usu.edu
PHOTO BY Claire Ott
Loryn Helgesen, 5, goes up for a hit during the match against Boise State University in the Wayne Estes Center on Oct. 4.
PHOTO BY Hadley Sintay
Loryn Helgesen, 5, looks at her teammates as she prepares for a point against UNLV in the Wayn Estes Center on Oct 25.
USU grounds crew turns soccer turf into a canvas of Aggie pride
By Jayke Martin STATESMAN REPORTER
When fans walk into the Utah State University Chuck & Gloria Bell Soccer Field, their eyes don’t just land on the USU Soccer team — they’re drawn to the field itself. According to the students behind the field, it has become a showstopper, covered in intricate designs that have taken social media by storm. The field has become an unexpected show of Aggie pride, and the students behind it say it’s all fueled by love for both the craft and the campus.
USU students Nick Bouck and Spencer Maughan are part of the grounds crew responsible for maintaining USU’s athletic fields. The pair has been creating buzz online for their creative field designs, earning praise from students and fans alike.
“We started working here about two or three years ago,” Bouck said. “Spencer and I were good friends in high school, and I secretly loved doing cool patterns in my parents’ lawn, and I didn’t really know Spencer was kind of the same.”
Once they joined the USU grounds team, they discovered a shared passion and found mentors in Tanner Collins and Logan Huber, turf manager and specialist, who taught them how to maintain high-quality athletic turf. Before long, Bouck and Maughan began adding their own creative twist.
it the way that we wanted, which made it hard to be able to pattern.”
That all changed once the team’s recent success brought new attention and investment to the program.
“They won the Mountain West Conference and then this last year as well. And so that gave a lot of focus to the soccer team and a lot of the funding that they needed to be able to have the money for this build,” Bouck said.
Now with the new additions, they’re able to bring more creativity to the field. However, the process isn’t as simple as it looks. Designs can take two to six hours to mow, and the pair often work several days in a row before a game.
We really do it because we love it and love making it look as good as possible.
— Spencer Maughan
“We kind of just started saying, ‘Hey, we like the way the grass looks when we do this,’” Bouck said. “And we just kind of started having a little fun with it, mostly on the old soccer field and on the practice football field until this year. Logan gave us a whole lot of freedom to do kind of what we wanted with it.”
That fun has transformed the look of the field, but the pair are quick to point out what made it all possible.
“For the last 20 or so years, it was a natural field with a clay-based dirt underneath — basically just fill dirt from Lee’s Marketplace,” Maughan said. “We couldn’t maintain
“Some patterns take four hours, others just a couple,” Maughan said. “If there’s a game on Thursday, mowing it from Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so it’s looking really good. The longest one we’ve done took about six hours.”
The effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Students, fans and even visiting teams have taken to social media to praise the crew’s work.
“We love getting the feedback from it,” Maughan said. “But we really do it because we love it and love making it look as good as possible.”
That pride carries over to their side project, an Instagram account called Absolute Lasers, where they share photos and time-lapse videos of their designs from campus and personal projects.
“Right now, it’s not a business — just an Instagram page that we post our fun patterns on and designs that we’re doing in our yards,” Bouck said.
Even when the soccer season ends, Bouck and Maughan don’t slow down. The grounds crew shifts focus to other
sports, maintaining the softball fields through the spring and finding new ways to get creative.
“We always have ideas,” Bouck said. “We’re always sending each other ideas and drawing pictures in classes of different ideas that we can bounce off each other.”
That constant collaboration has earned them more than praise — it’s also helped them build strong relationships across Utah State Athletics.
“I think we’ve become pretty close friends with the coaches, with the players. I know we’ve had a lot of conversations with referees, just about what goes behind it.” Bouck said.
That collaboration and recognition have motivated the pair to keep improving.
“We visited BYU, Boise State, just a couple of other programs that have really nice fields, but to be completely honest, we feel like we do a lot better job than anyone else in our region,” Bouck said. “Not to throw any shade, but we have a deep care for it that a lot of people are just starting to see and don’t really appreciate. It’s super special.”
That pride, though, comes second to safety and performance.
“The biggest part is that it’s able to be safe for the players, and the playability is consistent throughout the entire soccer field. And since we’ve got that, it gave us a whole lot of time to be able to think about the patterns and really make it as good as we can,” Maughan said.
Both students said they’re grateful for the chance to contribute to something that represents the university so well.
“It’s been awesome to see people notice the details,” Maughan said. “We just love being a part of the Aggie community and helping it look its best.”
Jayke Martin is a junior studying journalism with a minor in theater. She loves reading and meeting new people. — jayke.martin@usu.edu
PHOTO COURTESY OF USU ATHLETICS
An aerial view of Chuck & Gloria Bell Soccer Field prior to Utah State’s match against San Jose State on Oct. 26.
Review: ‘Scavengers Reign,’ from montage to award-winning series
By Jack Burton STATESMAN EDITOR
Scavengers Reign.” When first viewing the thumbnail for this sci-fi series, something in that title enticed me. I’ve always had some fascination with vagabonds, voyagers traversing large expanses of land or nomads that venture into new territories as their everyday activities. Such a simple yet dissonant title providing so much figurative weight — it hooked me.
Little did I know it would become my highest-rated TV show and potentially one of the best pieces of media I have ever consumed. Created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner, this beautiful single-season HBO Max original aired Oct. 19, 2023. Being two years after its release, I am surprised I haven’t found anyone else talking about the craftsmanship and details that went into producing the whole series. And I know I am not alone in its appreciation, as it has 4.5/5 on Letterboxd and 8.6/10 on IMDb. It seems to have eluded pop culture, as I don’t run into any casual conversation around the show. Maybe I just have to reconsider who I am surrounding myself with. Fragmented in orbit around an alien planet called Vesta, the damaged freighter Demeter 227 jettisons several escape pods toward the surface. Many malfunction and burn up in the atmosphere. A few surviving crew members are distantly scattered across Vesta, plunged into the vastly different and mysterious biomes of the planet. This is where the story begins.
“Scavengers Reign” follows the journey of three separate parties. Each plot displays the dazed crew members of the Demeter surviving, exploring and understanding the strange world they were dropped into. Throughout the series, as viewers, we feel we are discovering this world alongside the characters — and sometimes even separate, on our own personal journey — watching the ecosystem unfold in front of us. Aside from the visuals, the most compelling quality of this series is the contrast between each crew member’s experiences on the planet and how their backgrounds influence their direction.
One plot I liked in particular was with Azi Nareen, a cargo specialist on Demeter, and a robot called Levi. Together they learn to acclimate to the surreal life forms that inhabit the planet’s surface. Being stranded in a particularly desolate biome, Azi is frustrated with her situation and often finds herself fighting with the environment and struggling to navigate the terrain efficiently. Meanwhile, a strange fungus slowly fuses itself with Levi, giving the once mechanical and utility driven droid human-like qualities. Levi begins to think outside its directive, conjure feelings and even physically feel its surroundings. Azi is mostly disturbed by this to begin with but slowly learns to love the robot through its personal development. Towards the end of the series, Azi becomes attuned to the environment and learns to coexist with the complex life around her.
These themes of adaptation and resistance are what carry the story forward as we see each of the crew members take different paths interacting with nature and acting on their own attitudes around the situation. Despite each characters’ deep and complex modes of existence during this series, we aren’t actually told a lot. The majority of the viewing experience is without any dialog. This was in fact the intention of the creators, especially Bennett, who even considered pitching the series without any dialogue at all. Our relationship with the crew members is primarily developed through action and inaction.
This series prioritizes scenic, surreal action over dialogue, creating an experience driven by visual storytelling. Intricate processes and systems of life visually unfold before us — bringing the most uniquely fabricated plants and animals under our investigation. I found a great admiration for the animation of “Scavengers Reign.” Closely resembling the style of French illustrator, artist and writer Jean Henri Gaston Giraud — also known under the pseudonym Mœbius — scenes from this show are made up of highly intricate linework and vibrant pastel colors. With all the astounding scenery we witness in this series, you’d think this series was inspired from an animator’s field day in the studio. Which, in part, it actually was. “Scavengers Reign” was originally pitched as an Adult Swim short, mostly viewed on YouTube as a post from Huettner titled “Scavengers.” After catching the attention of Adult Swim higher ups, this eight-minute short was transformed into a 12-episode series spanning almost five hours.
How I wish I could spend those hours over again. Above all, “Scavengers Reign” is a quality experience. It is my favorite style of storytelling, where the narrative becomes the characters’ experience of the world around them, placing the viewer and plot as byproducts of the universe and its natural forces. I find that style so compelling because something feels so real about it — almost reflective of my experience every day.
Jack is studying graphic design in his fourth year at Utah State. He loves watching and talking about various forms of visual media, so stop by the student media office to chat with him about anything you’d like.
— jack.burton@usu.edu
ART VIA CHARLESHUETTNER.COM
SHRINK WRAP
Guest Column: How can I support my mental health with a busy schedule?
This column offers general mental health information and is not a substitute for professional counseling. Students in crisis or seeking professional support are encouraged to contact USU Counseling and Prevention Services, CAPS, at 435-7971012, visit TSC 306, or access after-hours crisis support by calling or texting 988.
Dear Aggie,
Thank you so much for asking this important question. When life feels full and fast-paced, taking care of your mental health can sometimes feel like just one more thing on a long to-do list. But the good news is: small, intentional moments of care can make a big difference, and they don’t have to take a lot of time. In fact, they often help you feel more grounded and focused throughout your day.
Here are some gentle, time-friendly ways to support your well-being:
- Mini mindfulness moments: Even a few seconds of mindfulness can help calm your nervous system. Try grounding exercises, box breathing or a short meditation. Naming what you’re feeling can ease emotional intensity, and a quick gratitude check — just mentally noting 3 things you’re thankful for — can help shift your perspective.
- Sleep routines that restore: Try to go to bed around the same time each night, limit screens about 30 minutes before bed and be mindful of caffeine intake in the afternoon. Good sleep lays a strong foundation for mental clarity and emotional balance. Mental health breaks: Throughout your day, take small pauses — step outside for a 5-10 minute walk, listen to a favorite song or eat a snack without multitasking. These little breaks can help reset your energy. Support your body, support your mind: Nourishing meals and joyful movement — even in small amounts — can uplift both your mood and your focus.
- Stay connected: Reach out with a quick text, give a compliment or share a meaningful moment with a classmate or coworker. Even brief connections can remind you that you’re not alone.
- Practice saying “no” with care: It’s okay to set boundaries. College can come with a lot of pressure to do everything. Remind yourself: “I’m choosing what aligns with my values” or “There are only so many hours in a day, and I’m doing my best.” Saying “no” when you need to is a powerful way to say “yes” to your wellbeing.
- Remember, even small acts of self-care are meaningful. You don’t have to do it all to take good care of yourself — just start where you are. If you’d like more support, please visit counseling.usu.edu or call 435-797-1012. We’re here for you.
With care,
— Counseling and Prevention Services
Last week’s solution:
Sudoku puzzles are provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com.
By Elise Gottling