Congratulations on a Great Year

Congratulations on a Great Year

The academic year comes to an end with Utah State University's 111th commencement, and the year has brought its share of accomplishments.

Utah State's Wright Flyer team continued to bring honor and recognition to the university. The plane was the first to fly over Huffman Prairie Flying Field since the Wright brothers themselves took to the air in Ohio for test flights. The team was recognized at Utah State's Robins Awards this spring, capping a project that involved thousands of hours of work.

The Aggies had a successful basketball season, breaking into the national rankings for the first time in 33 years.

A dialogue about creating a sustainable "green" campus has emerged, and a committee is in place to make recommendations and give support to the initiative.

Students have continued the long-standing tradition of hands-on research and presented research findings at Utah's state capitol and in Washington, D.C. Students built a moonbuggy, a satellite and designed award-winning bridges. Students in the performing arts captured national titles in percussion and piano, and costumes designed by a student are competing at the national level at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Artwork by a student graphic artist graced the cover of the country's best-known graphic design publication.

Utah State Today opened the year with a look at Utah State's new freshman class and will end the year with comments from students who celebrate the completion of another year. We've included a summary of our commencement stats and a look at award-winning faculty who will be honored at commencement as well.

Congratulations to the class of 2004! Have a productive and enjoyable summer.

"There are so many good things and fine people at Utah State. You won't find any better anywhere else. The professors and fellow students are very helpful and laid back."

Bridget Atkin
Graduating Senior, Horticulture
From Tooele, Utah

Will begin her master's in plants, soils and biometeorology in the fall

"I've really enjoyed Utah State. After graduation I plan to go out of the country and play professional hockey, and possibly teach Japanese students English."

Robert Hashimoto
Junior, International Studies
From Los Angeles, Calif.

"I came here to Utah State because one of my friends said it was a safe place and a good school. I want to stay here and work for while, and then maybe go back to Japan."

Kanako Funikawa
Senior, Culinary Arts
From Osaka, Japan

"I love Utah State, the social work program is excellent here. We have a really strong networking program, and the professors and students are all great."

Lindsay Brown
Junior, Social Work
From Tacoma, Wash.

"We have a really strong social work program here, and I have learned amazing things at Utah State. I'm excited to be able to learn new things."

Christine Swenson
Junior, Social Work
From Providence, Utah

"Academically, Utah State is great. The environment makes it possible for me to concentrate and I don't get distracted. The faculty is great to help and facilitate learning."

Romulus Okwany
Graduate Student, Irrigation Engineering
From Kenya, Africa

Writers: Tim Vitale (435) 797-1356, tim.vitale@usu.edu
Patrick Williams (435) 797-1354, patrick.williams@usu.edu
Ashley Stolworthy (435) 797-1355, ashs@cc.usu.edu