Utah State University Homecoming 2014: 'Once an Aggie, Always an Aggie'

There are two large celebrations each year at Utah State University where the institution takes time to step back and honor a number of distinguished individuals — Founders Day and Homecoming. In both instances, those honored have gone above and beyond, whether in supporting the university or the world beyond. All are accomplished and contribute to the world at large.

Five individuals of note will be honored during Utah State University’s 2014 homecoming for dedication to the institution. Their accomplishments are many, and we say congratulations to them all.

Grand Marshal Dale Mildenberger

Dale Mildenberger, Utah State University’s head athletic trainer, serves as the 2014 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. He’s been a familiar face to all who have followed Aggie athletics for the past 39 years. His skill and dedication were acknowledged with inductions into three hall of fame lists — the National Athletics Trainers Association Hall of Fame, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame and the Utah Athletics Trainers Association Hall of Fame.

During his career at Utah State, Mildenberger served as senior associate athletics director and as an adjunct associate professor in USU’s Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department, where he mentored countless future professionals now serving at the highest echelons of the discipline and in wide-ranging, myriad fields. He was personally invested in, and took responsibility for, the health of all of USU’s student athletes, while also overseeing video operations, the strength and conditioning program, the equipment area and teaching and supervising the graduate athletic training program.

The body and meaning of work demonstrated throughout his long career is so highly regarded that the sports medicine area inside USU’s Jim and Carol Laub Athletics-Academics Complex is named in his honor. His pioneering work in concussion management has shaped national protocol standards as well as community recreation and cross-departmental academic programs at Utah State University.

His underplayed, wry sense of humor, while sometimes catching newcomers off guard, serves as a springboard to endless treasured memories for those who know him best, many who dutifully traveled long distances to attend his retirement celebrations.

Earlier this fall, Mildenberger was also inducted into Utah State University’s Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, and in June, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine added Distinguished Trainer to his ceaselessly growing and long-standing list of plaudits.

Alumni of the Year — Nate and Laurel Cannon Alder

Laurel Cannon and Nate Alder met at the USU Honors Program retreat in 1989 just days before fall classes started. Today, during Homecoming 2014 celebrations, the couple is recognized as Alumni of the Year.

They cherish their memories of a campus romance that included semi-awkward dates at Homecoming and the Howl. Both were involved in ASUSU and Honors, held leadership positions, worked part-time jobs and hoped somehow they’d be able to graduate. Indeed, they did, in 1991, with degrees in history (Nate) and liberal arts and science (Laurel).

They attended graduate school at Indiana University. Four years there enabled them to complete Nate’s master’s degree in public policy, and his law degree, as well as programs for Laurel — a master’s degree in arts administration and two prestigious fellowships in philanthropy. 

They returned to Utah to launch their careers — Laurel working with numerous nonprofit organizations, charities and arts and cultural groups, particularly in the areas of leadership, public outreach, fundraising and community building, and Nate as a lawyer and community leader. They have served on numerous boards, committees, task forces, commissions and initiatives, and have, in their own way, helped lead and shape their community.

Nate and Laurel have both served on college advisory boards at USU. Also, for several years, Nate served on an advisory board at Salt Lake Community College; in 2011 he envisioned a greater working partnership between USU and SLCC, and continues to be a focal point in developing that relationship. Nate and Laurel advocate that those who desire to, but do not think they may be able to, achieve higher education must absolutely find a way — and the resources — to do so. Through USU, and its programs, grants, scholarships, resources, connections, jobs and offerings, as well as its teachers and leaders, mentors and alumni, they believe that anyone can find the path to achieve their dreams.

Laurel works for the Utah Division of Arts and Museums as its grants manager, and Nate is a partner in a downtown Salt Lake City law firm, Christensen and Jensen.  He has also served as president of the Utah State Bar, president of the 16-state Western States Bar Conference and is now president of the National Caucus of State Bar Associations. Laurel and Nate are the parents of three children, Jacob (18), Madeleine (16) and Clara Grace (13).

Young Alumni of the Year — Steve and Rachel von Niederhausern

Steve and Rachel von Niederhausern are both natives of Cache Valley and met while attending Utah State University. They are both proud to be alumni of USU and are 2014’s Young Alumni of the Year.

Steve graduated with a bachelor of science degree in journalism and communications in 2005; continuing on to earn a master of science in instructional technology and learning sciences in 2008. Rachel graduated with a bachelor of science degree in journalism and communications in 2003; continuing on to earn an MBA in 2004 from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.

While attending school, Steve was involved in various clubs and organizations and worked in Digital Media Production and Marketing. Rachel served as the ASUSU Administrative Assistant and was the Public Relations Student of the Year. She worked in Conference Services and the Admissions office. Utah State increased both Rachel and Steve’s desire to serve and solidified their passion for social entrepreneurship.

After graduating, Rachel co-founded the Loaves and Fishes Cache Valley Community Meal with civic and religious leaders and USU faculty and staff. This community outreach involves hundreds of volunteers, including USU students, who provide friendship and nourishment for residents of Cache Valley. The meal is held twice per month and has served more than 6,000 in the past three years.

In 2012, Steve and Rachel co-founded Family Humanitarian experience (FHe) with a group of like-minded leaders. FHe is an organization that provides families the opportunity to work on sustainable humanitarian projects in communities of developing countries. Their latest expedition included USU alums who helped with agriculture development and food preservation. Other areas of focus include building projects, business and leadership development, education and healthcare.

Steve currently works as a business process analyst and sits on the board of Family Humanitarian experience. Rachel serves on the board for Loaves and Fishes and Family Humanitarian experience and works as a health and wellness educator.

 Steve and Rachel currently live in Bountiful, Utah, and have four children, Ava (10), Lauren (8), Will (5), Abigail (3), and are expecting a baby boy in December. As a family they love to travel and meet new people, explore the outdoors and seek service opportunities. Steve and Rachel involve their children in all of their local service endeavors and international humanitarian expeditions.

The 2014 USU Homecoming honorees will be recognized in a number of venues, both private and public. A breakfast in their honor is Saturday, Oct. 11, prior to the Homecoming parade in downtown Logan. They will be recognized from Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium during half time ceremonies at the Homecoming football game.

For a full listing of 2014 Homecoming activities, see the website.

Contact: Brandon Taylor, (435) 797-8537, brandon.taylor@usu.edu