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USU Alumni Spotlight - Senator Lyle W. Hillyard

Senator Lyle W. Hillyard’s love for Cache Valley is immediately evident when one considers his lifetime of hard work and service.  After being raised in Smithfield, UT, Senator Hillyard attended Utah State University, graduating in 1965 with a degree in political science.  Two years later, he graduated Juris Doctor from the University of Utah. Hillyard returned to Logan in 1967 to practice law.  He continues to do so and is currently president of Hillyard, Anderson & Olsen.  In 1975, he served as director of the Cache Chamber of Commerce, a position he held until 1978.   He was elected to the Utah House of Representatives three years later.  Among his roles in the House were positions on a number of committees, including Public Education and the Subcommittee for Higher Education. Senator Hillyard is currently a member of the Utah Senate, since his election to that post in 1985.  Among his distinctions within the Senate are serving as Senate Majority Leader and President of the Senate.  He currently serves as Chair of the Senate Rules Committee. Throughout his years of service, Senator Hillyard has been honored many times.  The Logan Jaycees awarded Hillyard with the Distinguished Service Award and named him as one the outstanding young men in the State of Utah in 1972.  He has received the Cache Chamber of Commerce “Total Citizen of the Year Award” in 1996, as well as the Distinguished Legislator Award from the Utah Trial Lawyers Association in 2003. For his contributions to Utah State University, Senator Hillyard was named Outstanding Alumnus for 1982 and Alumnus of the Year in 2001.  He has also received the Distinguished Service Award from USU (1989) and the Utah State University College of Agriculture Distinguished Service Award (2002). Today, Senator Hillyard resides in Logan with his wife Alice.  The couple have five children: Carrie, Lisa, Holly, Todd, and Matthew.

Aggie Sports - A Family Affair
Football season is here once again.  This year, Aggies can expect to see some different faces with familiar names.  Behind the wins and losses, USU football has become a family tradition for many Aggies.

Kevin Curtis finished his career at Utah State as the school’s all-time leading receiver.  Currently, he can be seen playing for the St. Louis Rams in the NFL.  This year, Curtis’ younger brother, Chris, made the team and will probably redshirt.

Chris Cooley is set to begin his first season of pro football as a Washington Redskin after setting a number of tight end receiving records at USU.   Tanner Cooley hopes to pick up where his older brother left off, after signing with the Aggies last spring.  Like Chris Curtis, Tanner will also probably redshirt this year.

Steven Jacson II is a redshirt offensive lineman this year.  During the 1980’s, his father Steven lettered as a USU football player.  Current USU quarterback Travis Cox is following in his father’s footsteps.  Dan Cox led Utah State in rushing in 1976. 

In each of the last nine seasons, a member of the Fiefia family has lettered as an Aggie football player.  The tradition started with Walter and Vaea in 1995-1999.  They were followed by their cousin David, who lettered from 2000-2003.  This year, Emosi, Walter, and Vaea’s younger brother, plans to keep the Fiefia streak alive.

Other sports at USU have their share of family ties also.  Football player Tarrell Richards’ sister Taylor has signed to play basketball for Utah State this year.  Jason Stephens, a tight end for the football team, cheers his wife Carolyn as she competes for the women’s tennis team.  Also look for Jessica Chick as she plays for the USU volleyball team.  Her older brother is Utah State linebacker John Chick.

New Advancement VP Named
Article by Patrick Williams
Utah State University President Kermit Hall introduced Utah State’s new vice president for University Advancement, M. Scott Mietchen, and his wife, Lisa, at a public reception Tuesday, Sept. 7.

"Utah State University's future remains clear," Hall said. "We are first and foremost an institution where academics come first. And, as a great public institution, we are branching out and reaching out to the public sector.  It is our purpose to create and develop a deep base of private sector support for Utah State."

The university's new vice president is key to this success, and President Hall welcomed him to the university.

Mietchen told the crowd that he is impressed with the quality of the faculty, the students and the institution.  "I am proud to be an Aggie," he said.

"We are taking Utah State's advancement mission to the next level," Hall said.  "We are always grateful to our strong support in Cache Valley, but we want to continue to extend our efforts to the great state of Utah and beyond."  Vice President Mietchen will be based in Salt Lake City .

"Scott Mietchen brings to the table great success in fundraising and development," President Hall said.  "He was instrumental in a capitol campaign at the University of Utah that raised $769 million.  We are pleased that he and Lisa have joined the Aggie family."

"The best days of Utah State University are ahead of us, thanks to the good days that have come before," President Hall concluded.

USU Advancement Hub Created
Utah State University continues to grow, and not just on campus.  A new hub for the university’s development office has been leased from Wells Fargo in downtown Salt Lake City.  The 1,600 square foot office will occupy space on the second floor of the Wells Fargo building and house the new vice president for university advancement.  Alumni Relations will also have a presence there. 

USU President Kermit Hall said that moving one of the vice presidents to Salt Lake signals the increasing commitment to alumni and development activities.   The office will also include a small store for purchasing Aggie merchandise.  Move-in is planned for early October.

For the complete story, click here to view the news release in Utah State Today.

Aggie Ice Cream Name-A-Flavor Contest
Article by Whitney Wilkinson
Aggie Ice Cream is as much a part of Utah State University as Old Main, kissing on the “A,” The Howl and sledding down Old Main Hill.

Aggie Ice Cream has its roots in another Utah State tradition of academics first in a hands-on learning environment.  Aggie Ice Cream is always a part of Aggie memories. 

Utah State is putting a new face on an old favorite.  A new logo and package design are being developed as well as a new website, www.aggieicecream.com .

As part of the fun, a contest is being held where you can be a part of the Aggie Ice Cream tradition and create your own flavor.  You can also re-name existing flavors with a Utah State or Cache Valley theme, such as True Aggie Toffee Crunch.  The flavor finalists will be created by students for a taste-off at Homecoming.  The winning flavor will be sold at the Utah State Dairy.  On the website you can also order holiday gift baskets and soon, Aggie Ice Cream.  A bicycle cart will soon be pedaling around campus selling Aggie Ice Cream, and a new sign will be placed in front of the dairy.  Along with the new packaging, the store will soon be remodeled.  Visit www.aggieicecream.com and be a part of the new tradition.

Homecoming Events There are few more beautiful places than Utah State University in the fall.  Come home to campus for Homecoming 2004.  Beginning Friday, October 8, enjoy a golf tournament, concerts, dances, reunions, tail-gate parties and, of course, the homecoming football game on Saturday night.  Have fun with your fellow Aggies! For more information about Homecoming activities and lodging, visit the alumni homecoming website by clicking here.  You may also contact the USU Alumni Relations office at (435) 797-2055 or (800) 291-2586.

Free USU Screensaver Available
A USU screensaver is a great way to show your Aggie pride at home or the office.  The new screensaver is available for download, free of charge.  A website is coming soon, but for now simply click here and then hit “save”.  Please note:  This is a safe source.

Back to the Buzzer

EVENT LISTINGS

Utah State University Alumni Relations sponsors many exciting events throughout the year. To keep informed about the most current ones, visit www.usu.edu/alumni/events.html often.

CONNECTIONS

HASS - Recital Hall VIP Seating
A world-class recital hall will soon take shape at Utah State.  This magnificent $8.5 million facility will be west of the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.  Featuring an intimate performing space of 400 seats, the hall will be engineered for outstanding acoustic and visual results.

The College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences needs your help.  They are offering a select group of individuals the opportunity to name a seat in this new hall.   Help them complete this premiere arts facility with the gift of a seat for a gift ranging from $500 to $5,000.  Select your specific seat location or they can select one for you.  In honor of your contribution, your name will be engraved on a permanent nameplate attached to your seat and on the donor wall in the lobby.  You may also name a seat in honor of a loved one or as a memorial.  Become part of Utah State University’s performing arts future.

For more information or contribution opportunities, call Victoria Dutson at (435) 797-0178 or for online donation, visit www.usu.edu/develop/support.

HASS - Homecoming Weekend
Attention all HASS alumni!  Don't forget to register for the very special HASS homecoming weekend.  All the fun begins October 8.  Click here to view the HASS Homecoming brochure for a list of all the festivities. 

Discounted rooms have been set aside for HASS alumni at the Comfort Inn in Logan.  Reservations may be made by calling (435) 752-9141 and asking for the HASS alumni rate.

Come and enjoy a beautiful fall weekend on campus as you reconnect with old friends.  For more information, call Victoria Dutson at (435) 797-0178 or email her at vic.dutson@usu.edu.

Chapter News

Las Vegas Aggie Chapter
Make sure you mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Aggie Las Vegas Weekend coming this September 24 & 25 at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino.  The festivities include the Aggie Scholarship Banquet and Golf Tournament.  Come enjoy great food and great friends, as well as a raffle and auction.

For all the details, contact USU Alumni Relations at (435) 797-2055, (800) 291-ALUM (2586), or alumni@cc.usu.edu.

Salt Lake County Aggie Chapter
Mark your calendars!  The Salt Lake County Aggie Chapter is hosting a downtown luncheon on Wednesday, October 13, 2004, at Baci’s Restaurant in Salt Lake City.  The event begins at 12 p.m. with Aggie Alumnus, John Williams, as a special guest speaker.  Mr. Williams owns and operates the Gastronomy Restaurant Group in Salt Lake City.

Come and join us for some great food and fun!

Athletics

Cooley's NFL Diary
Chris Cooley dominated the tight end position during his playing days at Utah State.  Now, he looks to continue his gridiron success in the NFL.  You can read all about Cooley’s new career in his online diary.  The diary will chronicle his experiences throughout the preseason.  Click here to read all about it.

Big Blue Luncheons
The turnout was great at the last Big Blue luncheon in Salt Lake City.  All Aggies are invited to come enjoy some great food and sports every Monday at 12 p.m.   The next luncheon will take place at Iggy’s in Salt Lake City .

Check out utahstateaggies.com for the latest news and information about Aggie Athletics.

Travel Opportunities England and Scotland October 21-29, 2004 Thrill to the sights and sounds of London and the surrounding area with this exciting package. Planned tours include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Stratford Upon Avon, a night at the theatre and much more.  You may also extend your vacation with an optional tour in Scotland at the end  of our London adventure! Prices begin at $1369.00 (land only). Panama Canal Cruise February 6-15, 2005 Sail aboard the Coral Princess to visit the ports of Limon, Grand Cayman, Belize and Cozumel and marvel at the wondrous Panama Canal on the 10-day adventure. Branson, Missouri May 10-15, 2005 Enjoy the excitement of Branson, Missouri while seeing shows by Andy Williams, the Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds and more. An optional extension is also offered, visiting the historical sites of Nauvoo (extension dates: May 15-18, 2005). Norwegian Fjords Cruise July 19-August 9, 2005 This 7 day cruise departs Copenhagen, Denmark and visits Norwegian ports including Flam, Bergen, and Oslo while also sailing the beautiful fjords.