ASUSU VIEW: Why we all chose Utah State

Logan Ipsen

Many ask the question, “Why Utah State?”

We all remember that point in our lives when we were deciding where to further our education. We grow up, and in most cases, complete a high school career under the same school name and mascot. Building that pride at a young age, and then transitioning to a college with completely new traditions, names and activities can leave a student with a lost sense of pride. I say, “Why not Utah State?”

As we were weighing post-high school options, I am confident in saying the majority of us shopped around, but in the end, we all became Aggies. Many can brag about scholarships at other institutions and they glorify the possible opportunities they could have had elsewhere, but the bottom line is that we are all Aggies, for whatever reason we came here. I believe this boasting does not take away from Utah State, but builds it. Because there are so many students at Utah State that can gloat of other scholarships, it merely highlights the fact that the students here at Utah State are impeccable and highly sought after.

Utah State is a competitive institution with many aspects and industries that are well known on a national scene. From our students studying elements below the ground to the aerospace programs that say the sky is definitely not the limit. We are striving for excellence in the various offerings of this vast institution. We have award-winning professors and nationally recognized advisors who provide education comparable to none. But more than an educational institution, we are a body of one; our own culture, per se. Though we may come from various backgrounds and ethnicities, we are all here for a common goal. Through this goal, we have a unique pride that we can build: Aggie pride. We are an assembly of nations, races, religions, and upbringings all in pursuit of perfection in a new-age society. Your interest may lie in the field of agriculture and cloning livestock or education about food and fiber. Perhaps you would like to take part in outer-space research experiments that outnumber any school in the world. Regardless of the education you are seeking, you have found your answer to the question, “Why Utah State?”

In 1890, nine professors and 139 students started the Aggie tradition. Today we are nearly 800 professors and 22,000 students who represent all 50 states and 83 countries. Together we make up 250 student clubs and organizations. We are a smorgasbord of culture rolled into one to make up the finest establishment imaginable.

The Associated Students of Utah State University encourage you to find your place at USU, and take advantage of this time in your lives. Display your blue and white proudly. Perhaps you will ignite a fire in someone else. You just might show someone the sought-after answer to the question, “Why Utah State?”

Logan Ipsen is the ASUSU Agriculture Senator. Comments can be sent to lipsen@cc.usu.edu.