From ASUSU to mayor of Logan, Thompson has made his mark both at USU and in Logan
His claim to fame, as he says, is his idea for naming the Utah State University arena the Spectrum. Others may be familiar with his campaign slogan, “I dig Doug.”
In either case, the mayor of Logan, born in Brigham City and raised in Tremonton, is a distinguished member of Utah State University’s alumni.
Mayor Doug Thompson said he loved USU and had a great time. He graduated from USU in 1971 with a bachelor of science in economics, which he said is a major that “cuts the cultural gap between technical culture and social culture.”
“I was like most of the students. I didn’t know what to do. Economics was a broad major,” he said.
He attended graduate school at the University of Utah and received his master’s of business administration.
He was not the first in his family to attend USU. His family tree of alumni includes both of his parents and his two older sisters.
Thompson met his wife, Mardee at USU and was then reacquainted with her after finishing graduate school.
“I really enjoyed my friends; my wife. Most of them I met at USU and have kept in contact,” Thompson said.
Thompson was the freshman class president and cultural vice president in 1971. As cultural vice president, he helped set up concerts and lectures at the
Spectrum. He brought in Gladys Knights and the Pipps for a concert. Mohammed Ali was also one of the speakers at a lecture in the Spectrum.
Only a few came to hear Ali speak, Thompson said.
Steve Martin came – “before anyone knew who he was” – and did an opening act for a show, Thompson said.
Thompson has always remained in close proximity to USU.
In the late ’80s, he was the alumni director for USU.
How have both Logan and USU changed?
He said he remembers how excited he was when JB’s Restaurant was built.
“There’s so much more to do,” Thompson said, reflecting on what Logan has become.
In his day, the center of activity was the university, and when summer rolled around the difference in Logan was like night and day.
When the Thompsons attended USU, both Kent Concert Hall and the Engineering building, which is now being renovated, were built.
He helped bolt in seats at the Spectrum, which was also built while he was a student at USU.
He said he thought of the name because the building was going to be a “spectrum” of colors, activities, as well as athletic events, he said.
Before taking the political limelight, Thompson held various other jobs like working for Sears, where he sold computers. He owned a burglar and firearm business and has worked for the State of Utah.
His goal in college was “to be rich,” Thompson said.
Now, he said, he hopes to raise a good family and help them as much as possible.
As mayor, he said his goal is “to serve the citizens [the] best we can; Develop the best future we can.”
His advice to students graduating in May is to keep track of current events.
“It’s important to get involved with the community early on,” he said. “Seek out the best professors you can.”
Overall, said he has found, “the more you help others; the more fulfilled life will be.”