Les Essig Honored by Board of Trustees

Utah State University 's Board of Trustees honored Les Essig, student body president for the Associated Students of Utah State University (ASUSU), at its April meeting. Essig, who completes his term in office this spring also serves as the student member on the Board of Trustees.

“Lester C. Essig, as student body president and member of the Utah State University Board of Trustees, you have served with honor and distinction,” his citation reads. “Your determination, dedication and willingness to address the challenging issues set you apart from your peers. With vision and desire you approached the various tasks of student government with integrity and passion, as you looked out for the welfare of students at Utah State University .”

Essig served two consecutive years as an elected ASUSU officer. He served as the ASUSU Student Advocate last year before stepping into the presidential shoes for academic year 2004-05. He also served as a leader among Utah Council of Student Body Presidents and was an active voice during the Utah legislative session.

“Your leadership has made an impact that will be felt for years to come,” the resolution of appreciation and commendation continued. “Students will enjoy two newly renovated student lounges, a more influential form of student government and a full-time lobbyist will represent the interests of all students in the Utah system of higher education.

“With sincere gratitude we recognize your contributions in improving the quality of student life and making Utah State University a better institution of higher learning. Thank you for continuing the Essig family tradition of leadership at Utah State University . We express to you our appreciation, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors.”

Essig's father, Lester Kimball, also served double duty at Utah State . He was Academic Vice President in 1978-79 and student body president 1979-80. Another Essig, Lester Kimball's son and Lester C.'s brother, Lincoln, was recently elected College of Engineering senator and will serve next year.

During the day's activities April 8, Les Essig got a somewhat different view of the university as he stepped out of his ASUSU shoes and assumed the role of President-for-a-Day. He joined President Stan Albrecht , who relinquished his position for the day. Essig saw the bigger picture, viewing first hand how the university operates and what it is like to be president for the entire university. He attended meetings, traveled across campus and kept President Albrecht's appointments.