Month: November 2017

Dixie State University has experienced a tremendous amount of change since its origins in 1911.

 In its early days, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owned the school until it was transferred over to the state in 1935. To become the institution it is today, DSU underwent the transition from St. George Stake Academy to Dixie College, and then from a college to a university.

Ellen Bonadurer, library assistant and alumna of 1973, attended Dixie College. She said she never would have imagined DSU becoming what it is today.

“There was no thought of this ever having four-year programs, [and] definitely not becoming a university,” Bonadurer said.

She recalls the old gym, now the Student Activity Center, as the first building of the new campus on 700 South, where DSU currently sits. 

What today’s students know as the Snow Math & Science Center used to be the Val. A Browning Library, another one of the first three buildings at the new campus.

“The landscape of the entire area has changed dramatically,” Bonadurer said.

Professor of Art Glen Blakley joined the DSU faculty in 1976, shortly after Bonadurer’s graduation. He recalls some buildings that still remain today such as the Graff Fine Arts Building, the McDonald Center for Humanities & Social Sciences and the Science Building; although each of their uses were different than what they are today.

At that time, there were around 800 students and 73 faculty members compared to approximately 9,700 students enrolled and 1,935 employees as of 2017. In 1976, Blakley said there were students at Dixie College representing 13 different countries.      

The college helped to bring many people and opportunities to the community.

“I thought I got hired in heaven,” Blakley laughed. “To go where there were only two red lights in town and you could hike, and the kids were nice kids… it was a great place to work.”

Although there are definitely more traffic lights around town, there are certain things about DSU that haven’t changed.

John Bowler, director of alumni relations and a Dixie College 1985 alumnus, said the activities he enjoyed while he was in school still remain the same today.

Bowler was involved with student government and Program Bureau, a group similar to what we call Raging Red. He also enjoyed attending athletic events and participating in intramurals. 

Students were much more integrated into the happenings on campus because the student body was so small, and everyone was involved in some organization or group on campus, Bowler said.

Still, the campus’s advancements are amazing to him, Bowler said. The Dolores Dore Eccles Fine Arts Center, the Kenneth N. Gardner Student Center and the Hansen Stadium were all developed around the time he attended Dixie College. 

Since returning to DSU, he has also witnessed the renovation of the Val. A Browning Library into the Snow Math & Science Center, the addition of the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons and soon, the addition of the Human Performance Center.

   “If you were to transport me from 1985 — a ‘Back to the Future’ kind of thing — to now, I’d be blown away,” Bowler said. “These buildings are so advanced… In fact, the alumni that come back… onto the campus to see various facilities, they’re always amazed and they’re always very proud, and so am I.”

   When he was attending Dixie, he lived in student housing trailers on the Encampment Mall, and now students get the opportunity to live in Campus View Suites, which is state-of-the-art student housing. Bowler said the addition of Campus View and its expansion will see tremendous growth and change to DSU in the coming years.

By Zachary Johnston

Having a degree or choosing an emphasis in a particular field is recommended, but it may not be essential for landing your dream job.

The importance of knowledge, experience or background needed really depends on the field.

Veteran news personality Tess Rafols of “Good Morning Arizona” said most companies do want or require a college degree. As a graduate of the renowned University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, she used her degree to work through the television ranks to become well respected in the industry.

Rafols also said making connections was vital to her success and stressed how important it is to network.

“Meet as many people as you can and connect with them on social media,” Rafols said.

She recommended keeping one’s name “out there” and being willing to learn all aspects of the industry.  These tips will promote visibility and a potential marketable asset to future employers.

Andrew Skaggs, a career coach at Career Services, said: “Students’ majors should match up with the career they desire, but the requirement of that degree depends on employment. Students should have a preferred major, but some employers prefer having a certain skillset in the workforce in addition to their major.”

Skaggs specializes in providing educational advice to students and is a promoter of education.

“Experience is very important; that’s why interning is stressed as well as creating resumes prior to interviewing at major companies,” he said. “Students can prepare by interning, career planning and being proactive.”

Skaggs strongly believes in internships and becoming involved by gaining hands-on experience to further students’ understanding of any field they desire to get into.

Greg Esplin, a human resources coordinator, said an emphasis can better prepare students for the career they want. Esplin emphasized how important education is, but he is also a firm believer that experience is extremely important.

“If students have good experiences, they are able to use those experiences to apply to whatever situation they are in currently,” he said.

Internships are good way to prepare, Esplin said. Students can find internships on or off campus through Career Services.

“Finding a good mentor helps you out as well,” Esplin said.  

Bonding with professors who have connections in a certain field can also help students get jobs.

“Getting a degree helps open doors for students regardless of what type of degree is obtained,” Esplin said. “Students are not trapped in a particular field based off their degree. Some degrees are able to be used in multiple areas or different types of careers. The most important thing to study is something that you enjoy.”

After overcoming several technical difficulties, the Miss Dixie State University International Pageant debuted for the first time this year on campus.

Six students competed in the pageant, which focused on four categories: the introduction, cultural apparel, cultural talent and the interview question.  The contestants represented countries across the globe, from Brazil, the Philippines and Peru to Venezuela and Nigeria. 

After finishing the last portion of the pageant, audience members were given the opportunity to speak to the contestants while the judges deliberated on their decision. 

Fope Akmolede, a freshman biology major from Ekiti, Nigeria, was announced as Miss Congeniality and Sheena Luy, a freshman biology major from Zamboanga City, Phillipines, was crowned Miss DSU International. 

“I am really happy that DSU gave us the chance to do Miss DSU International because to be the first Miss DSU International is a privilege,” Luy said.

In honor of international education week, Amber Denning, the international student services student life coordinator, said she wanted to organize a pageant that highlighted cultures across the world and promote diversity on campus.

Aside from providing a platform for international students, Catherine Odera, the director of international student services, said Miss DSU International represents more than just physical beauty.

“Our pageant is different because it expresses the beauty of the cultures and the countries, not necessarily outward beauty,” Odera said. “So after this [pageant] I hope it gives you a chance to go and Google something like, ‘Oh, Brazil. I want to know what that dance was.'”

As Miss DSU International, Luy will work alongside the international student life committee to promote and educate others about cultural diversity.

“I just want to spread love and my culture from the Philippines and also bridge culture together too,” Luy said.

Although the committee is still learning how to strengthen the overall event, Denning said this is just the beginning of new events centered around international diversity on campus. In the spring, the international student life committee will host the first Mister DSU International Pageant.

As most of us know, students do not have an abundance of time to spend cooking. School is challenging enough on its own, and oftentimes, healthy eating habits begin to slip.

However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are inexpensive, quick and easy ways to make nutritional meals. The Dixie Sun News staff tested four different recipes, each requiring less than 10 ingredients, which you can make at home.

“College students often are working, trying to get good grades, and have a social life,” said Debbie Mosher, a college of education adjunct. “Because time is so short, they often eat on the go, skip meals and let junk food get them through their days.”

Kelly Meyers, a junior psychology major from West Jordan, said when she first started college, it was difficult to adjust her eating habits. 

“When I first started school, I found it extremely hard to eat healthy due to not having much time to prepare meals,” Meyers said. “It was much easier to eat out or eat fast meals like frozen pizza.”

During her three years at DSU, Meyers realized it was actually cheaper to buy groceries and cook her own meals, allowing for leftovers as well as healthier options.        

She goes online for most of her recipes, and three of the four following recipes came from the Internet as well.

Avocado Ramen

 If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Buzzfeed articles, it’s that college-aged people love two things: avocado and ramen. 

A genius food blogger combined both to add flavor and nutrients to an ordinary bowl of Top Ramen. You don’t even need a stove for this one, just microwave and mix.

Simply begin by breaking the uncooked ramen noodles into a bowl. Fill the bowl with water until the noodles are covered and microwave for four minutes. 

When done, the noodles should be cooked. Mix in the included flavor packet, one tablespoon of vegetable oil, half an avocado, and squeeze in half a lime. Mix it all together, and it’s complete.

Avocados are full of health benefits. According to Medical News Today, avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, K and B-6, as well as potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. 

In Natalie Butler’s article, “Is Avocado Good for Diabetes?” it has also been proven that diets including avocado help decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. The creamy fruit can add important nutrients to ramen, which most see as unhealthy.

Mosher said skipping meals and consuming junk food can contribute to poor sleep, inability to concentrate, bad moods and loss of interest in goals.

“Nutritional losses can show up in every part of life,” Mosher said. “The brain depends on good nutrition to function properly. Students will say they can’t afford to eat healthy, but they can’t afford to eat unhealthy for the sake of a few dollars.”

 Breakfast in a Jar

Take a cup of old-fashioned oats, one-third Greek yogurt, half a tablespoon of honey, one-third cup of your favorite fruit, and layer them in a mason jar or any container with a lid.    

Finish by slowly pouring one cup of milk over the other layered ingredients, cover and set in the fridge to sit overnight. The next morning, you can shake, stir or microwave to eat.

This breakfast is very nutritious and filling, Mosher said. The great thing about it is you can prepare it all the night before, stick it in the fridge and have it ready to go the next morning.

 

Aunt Mackenzie’s Four-Ingredient Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a quick and filling go-to meal for many students, but the boxed yellow-powder-dyed noodles don’t always cut it. 

For those who desire a better quality dish, there’s the Four-Ingredient 

Macaroni and Cheese, which is a simple recipe for creamy homemade pasta.

Maitlyn Johnson, a sophomore integrated studies major from Woods Cross, learned this recipe from her aunt Mackenzie.

Simply boil macaroni of your choice like macaroni shells or elbow pasta.    

When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add two-thirds quart of heavy whipping cream and about a cup of shredded cheese. Mix it all in, and when the cheese begins to melt into the pot, add the remaining cheese from the bag. Stir one more time until the cheese and cream are incorporated and add salt and pepper to taste.

“It’s so good and easy and lasts a long time,” Johnson said. “And it’s great because I like to add chicken and broccoli along with it to make it a more balanced meal.”

Although she sometimes prefers boxed macaroni and cheese to save time, Johnson admits that it’s nice to make a meal from scratch when you can.

Microwave Mug Pizza

Pizza is another staple of a college student’s diet; however, ordering pizza all the time can not only get expensive, but is also time consuming to order and pick-up. This recipe is one you can make in two minutes with a coffee mug and a microwave.

Simply combine 5 tablespoons of flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of baking powder, one tablespoon of oil, 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt in a microwavable mug. 

Mix the ingredients together and top it with pizza sauce from a jar, shredded cheese and any other toppings of your choice. Microwave it altogether for two minutes and enjoy.

Making Your Meals Count

Because time is valuable in a college student’s schedule, it is helpful to make dishes that will stretch across a few meals. Not to mention, buying foods that you can make multiple meals from saves you from spending extra money on other ingredients.

“Most of the recipes [online] are for five people, so I was able to have leftovers,” Meyers said. “I save much more money if I cook meals myself. I also feel so much better because I cook stuff that’s pretty healthy.”

Mosher suggests purchasing rotisserie chicken because it can be used in many different ways. You can cut chicken in pieces to fill a sandwich or wrap, heat up the drumsticks to go with your macaroni and cheese, make a chicken Caesar salad, combine the breast with your favorite frozen vegetable, or make chicken nachos.

Mosher said it is important to take care of your health and eat well. When Johnson is able to get the nutrition she needs, she said she can better concentrate and get her homework done.

“Remember you are feeding the only body you will ever have,” Mosher said. “Eat healthy, save money and be more productive and efficient.”