Utah State University/Community Associates Meet, Two Members Honored

Members of the Utah State University/Community Associates met for a year-end gathering and dinner on the Utah State University campus. Two members were recognized during the event.

 

USU/Community Associates was established to bring about a closer relationship between the university and the greater Cache Valley community, to promote mutual understanding and to become better informed about university and community happenings. An objective is to foster new friendships between all segments of the communities and feel the strength of numbers for the common good.

 

The group, comprised of approximately 175 members, meets twice a year, once at a community venue and once on the Utah State campus. For its spring meeting the group gathered at the Eccles Science Learning Center on campus. Tours of the building began at 6 p.m., followed by a reception and dinner. The focus of the evening's program was research, and Brent Miller, vice president for research, was the featured speaker.

 

The program also recognized the contributions of two members, Melanie Raymond and William F. Lye, who have contributed time, effort and service to the university and community alike. Both received the USU/Community Associates Special Service Award.

 

Raymond, along with her husband, Spence, served as the USU/Community Associates first co-presidents when the organization was formed 16 years ago. Raymond's public service is varied and extensive — from helping the elderly as a board member at Sunshine Terrace to rehabilitating children as a volunteer at Logan Regional Hospital. She has served education as a member and vice-chair of the Utah State University Board of Trustees, as president of the Alumni Association and as director of the Big Blue Club. She has served public education as well as president of the Logan City Schools Foundation Board and president of the Logan PTA council. Raymond has also served arts organizations and a variety of positions in her church.

 

"Melanie Raymond, for all the lives you have touched through a singular record of service, USU/Community Associates is honored to give you this year's Special Service Award," her citation reads.

 

"William F. Lye personifies the spirit of giving," his citation reads. "Since retiring from Utah State University more than a decade ago, he has volunteered countless hours to enrich our community and our lives."

 

Since 1989 Lye has led Habitat for Humanity, building homes for deserving families in Box Elder and Cache counties. Those familiar with the program know that volunteers raise funds to build homes, complete the actual construction, screen and select families to participate and manage the mortgages. On campus, Lye chaired the board for the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art and, for nearly a decade, he has led or been a member of Friends of Utah State University Libraries. During his career at Utah State he served in the faculty and as an administrator, including positions as dean and vice president.