USU Alumni Association supports student-athletes

LAS VEGAS – Utah State University’s Alumni Association is for former Aggies and their friends and families.  

The association gathered together before the game between the Aggies and the Fresno State Bulldogs on March 14, which ended in overtime at a score of 87-75 in favor of the Aggies.  

The Alumni Association is open to any former student of Utah State University.  

The association goes to the Mountain West Conference tournament every March to support both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.  

Sian Smith, director of alumni engagement, was at the event and spoke on what her role is. Her first year as an Aggie was in 2007, and she received a degree in liberal arts. 

“We host this little one hour reception for all Aggies — so students, alumni, friends, parents,” Smith said.  

The association gets the pep band together along with the Spirit Squad and Big Blue for the event.  

The alumni team plans the tailgates and pregame events for basketball and football. For this event specifically, USU gets to use the same event space for the entire week of the tournament.  

“We are the fundraising philanthropic arm of the university, so our givers and our donors give us money to throw events like this,” Smith said. “It’s our alumni funding these events.” 

None of the funds for the association come from tuition dollars, which gives them more freedom in the ways they support the school. 

Aggies are spread out throughout the country and the world.  

“Whether we are playing University of Connecticut or USC or wherever, the Aggies show up and show out,” Smith said. “We’re one big Aggie family.” 

One such Aggie is Mark Tichenor, a USU alum who graduated in 1987 with a degree in accounting.  

Tichenor, who now lives in Nevada, said the student section has become a lot louder than when he attended school.  

“A lot more rowdy,” he said. “It became organized long after I left the school.” 

Tichenor enjoyed his time as an Aggie and it shows, with him arriving for the pregame alumni meet.  

“I usually try to get up to Logan at least once during the season,” Tichenor said. “I was at the Potato Bowl, though, so we were supporting the football team.”  

The association allows alumni to support teams and connect with each other. 

“Our role is really to engage with our Aggies near and far, wave that Aggie flag and Aggie pride,” Tichenor said. 

Other than cheering for the Aggies, the best part may be dessert. 

“I’ve always enjoyed following it — to be a part of the Alumni Association and have an Aggie ice cream whenever it shows up,” Tichenor said.