COLUMN: Thank you, and goodnight
I started the year by encouraging everyone to take an active role in gathering information about the decisions being made here at USU and the things the university and Logan have to offer. I would be remiss to not reiterate that challenge. Pick up a Statesman, Herald Journal or one of our many Utah-based newspapers. Attend a meeting of ASUSU, the faculty senate or the board of trustees. Join a club. Or, simply be curious and ask questions. You can’t always believe hearsay, nor should you, but all information starts with a conversation.
With the end approaching, I feel the need to acknowledge specific individuals and groups that contributed to wonderful years at USU. It takes a whole village to raise a child and in my case, it takes a whole city to educate a jaded cynic. So, in no particular order I would like to thank:
Stan Albrecht and James Morales – I do not mean to imply the other members of the USU administration are undeserving of thanks, but merely that Albrecht and Morales are the two I’ve had the pleasure of working with the most. In every instance, they have proved approachable, eager to assist, and sincere in their desire to make a positive learning environment for students.
Lee’s Marketplace – I’ve lived on 9th North for the last three years, which gives Lee’s a proximity advantage. Even without that, though, I still think I would drive out of my way to shop there. Lee’s has, in my opinion, the best atmosphere and service of any grocery store in Logan. Plus, they have great deals and I am not a fan of value cards and self-checkout lanes, two things Lee’s does not have.
Cacilda Rego, Carol McNamara and Nancy Williams – Overall, my experience with USU faculty has been overwhelmingly positive. If I could, I would list every professor I’ve ever had but for the sake of brevity I would like to specifically thank these three individuals – all from different departments – for taking a personal interest in my education and creating an open and engaging learning environment.
Tyler Tolson – for being everything the president of ASUSU should be. Twice.
Citrus and Sage – for being the best place to hang out in Logan. It broke my heart when they closed up shop a few years ago, but now they’ve reopened better than ever with a crepery to boot. Not a coffee drinker? They’ve got steamers and Italian sodas and a little slice of heaven called The Pixie, check it out.
John Mortensen and John DeVilbiss – The Statesman pesters these two gentlemen constantly and every time they are open and offer great information. Men like these make my job easy.
S.E. Needham Jewelers – from T-shirts to athletic schedules, the Needham family constantly unloads swag on USU students. Besides that, brothers Gene and Joe are key members of the Logan Downtown Alliance – the entity behind events like the Gallery Art Walk – and just plain classy guys. You would be hard-pressed to find a family more integral to Logan City and their continuous patronage and sponsorship of USU events – and advertisement in The Statesman – does more than we students even know. Needhams, if the day ever comes that I con a girl into marrying me, you’ll be the first place I stop.
The Bluebird Restaurant – for a great atmosphere, with delicious food, in large portions, at an affordable cost.
Center Street Grill and Logan Burger – for making the best burgers in town.
The White Owl – you’re not the only bar, but with the pool tables, deck and surprisingly full menu you might as well be.
The Logan Downtown Alliance – for the work you do preserving Logan’s historic feel and organizing great community events.
Aggie Ice Cream – for being freaking delicious.
Stew Morrill – for making it so easy to believe that we will win.
The Statesman readers – I saved the best for last. We at The Statesman know in today’s electronic world there are a lot of things to do with your time. The “experts” go on and on about how our generation doesn’t care, doesn’t read, doesn’t vote, doesn’t do anything but listen to Lady Gaga. It’s not true. You are concerned individuals who want to know what is happening. Frankly, you deserve better than us. I’ll be the first to admit we don’t always get it perfect, or as fast as we should. But I promise that you are always on our minds. We strive to do our best and we are aware that without you we would not exist. Thank you, truly, for reading, and never stop asking questions.
Benjamin Wood is the editor in chief of The Utah Statesman, a senior majoring in print journalism and a generally horrible person. He can be reached at statesmaneditor@aggiemail.usu.edu.