UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE | January 20, 2025

Month: February 2018

Dixie Fest 2018 headliner announced at annual casino night

by Valerie De La OPosted on

The Dixie State University Student Association revealed the headliner for Dixie Fest, Portugal. The Man, during Casino Night.

After announcing the Casino Night prizes, which ranged from toasters to iPads, Cajun Syrett, a junior communication major from West Jordan, presented a video that announced Portugal. The Man will be headlining Dixie Fest on April 20 in the Burns Arena.

The two-minute video displayed DSUSA’s events over the years and trailed into the big announcement.

Student Body President Ezra Hainsworth, a senior communication major from St. George, said, “This is your opportunity to be a part of something big, something rare, something awesome — this is Dixie Fest.”

The video then went on to play “Feel It Still,” the popular single from the band’s 2017 album, “Woodstock.”

The students cheered after the realizing Portugal. The Man will be headlining this year’s Dixie Fest. 

When the projector screen in the Gardner Ballroom lit up to display the name “Portugal. The Man,” students immediately started yelling and clapping.

Michael Chacon, a junior marketing major from Layton, said, “Coming into Casino Night, I was so excited — not only because they brought back my favorite event, but also because they were going to be announcing Dixie Fest.”

Chacon said though he already knew who was going to be headlining Dixie Fest, which he found out from his friends, he was still excited to see the reveal and the excitement amongst the other students who didn’t know.

“I was not expecting them to show a video” Chacon said. “I was thinking someone was just going to get over the mic and make the announcement, but I think it was really cool the way they did it; it was different.”

The song “Feel It Still” debuted No. 1 on the Billboard list of Alternative Songs chart and stayed No. 1 for 20 weeks. The song became the band’s first single to make it to the charts.

The album, “Woodstock,” was produced by Mike D, a founding member of the Beastie Boys, and featured popular songs “Rich Friends,” “So Young” and “Tidal Wave.”

Portugal. The Man, who has collaborated and performed with Grouplove, and Richie Havens, is the latest big name act DSUSA has brought to Dixie Fest.

Tickets range from $15 to $20 based on seating and are available online now at tickets.dsutix.com.

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DSU opens mechanical engineering program, hosts open house

by Jonn HollandPosted on

Dixie State University added a Mechanical Engineering bachelors program to the College of Science and Technology, which held an open house Feb. 22 in celebration of the addition.

The event highlighted areas of study such as robotics, mechanical design and manufacturing. Two of St. George’s robotics teams — Lego League and the Prestidigitators — all of whom are between the ages of 9 and 14, were at the event displaying the robots they had built and programmed.

Individuals attending the open house could operate some of the robots the children had brought. The robotics teams had set up an obstacle course where people could control small BB-8’s and navigate the course.

Eric Pedersen, dean of science and technology, said, “In the community we’ve had lots of Lego League robotics and talent pipeline activities for the youth and this is the next step in the pathway for kids who want to go into robotics or mechanical engineering.”

One of the rooms at the Smith building had 3-D printers producing projects from current mechanical engineering students, and one was printing a vase. There were also devices on display that mechanical engineers often design and build, which guests could interact with. These were such contraptions as levers, pulleys and devices people see in their homes.

“This program is such an exciting piece for the community because we have seen a need for growth in the tech sector,” said David Christensen, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.

The program will provide hands-on experience for community members and students coming into the program. Training for Manufacturer Installed Certificate qualification is in the works to give students and community members the ability to take their ideas, model them using CAD software and have them prototyped on a 3-D printer, laser cutter or CDC machine, Christensen said.

According to an article by Deseret News, St. George’s tech sector is growing, and the ridge where the old airport is located will become a mini-mecca of technology based businesses. DSU Films and Dixie Applied Technology College already have a presence at that site.

Neil Storey, a junior mechanical engineering major from Lehi, said: “This is something I have been waiting for a very long time. I came to Dixie State initially to just do the beginning classes, math and physics. Now that they have this, I’m actually planning on sticking around.”

The College of Science and Technology is taking DSU’s motto of “active learning. active life” to heart and making the program very hands-on. Of the 21 engineering courses, 18 will be hands on with a lab or design project students will need to complete, mechanical engineering professor Trevor Terrill said.

“I think mechanical engineering opens up a learning environment for creating things, making things, building things and obviously engineering things, but [it] is really needed in the community,” Pedersen said. “Especially a community that wants to build on a tech work force and an engineering work force basis.”  

The program begins in fall 2018 and registration will be open this spring. The department expects a minimum of 40 students to sign up for the new program, and as DSU focuses on computer sciences, software development, and mechanical engineering, there is hope the school will provide support for the growing job needs in St. George’s technical industry.

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Diesta grants opportunities for understanding, academic success

by Hanna PollockPosted on

Dixie State University will be throwing a “diesta” on April 7 to encourage networking within the community between Latinos, higher education opportunities and the general public. 

Diesta will be a celebration of Latino culture, including food vendors, music, crafts and cultural entertainment. The event is aimed toward educating the community on culture while showcasing higher education opportunities for Latino students.

“There’s a large disconnect between the Latino community and DSU,” Adelante project specialist Genesis Schaerrer said. “I’m hoping this event can help bridge that gap, and people who have never been on campus can come to feel comfortable, welcome and most importantly feel like they belong here.”

In spring 2017, 10.8 percent of Trailblazer students were Hispanic; however, in fall 2016 to 2017, 48.5 percent of Hispanic students were retained at DSU, while 52.8 percent of white students were retained. Schaerrer said DSU has a lot of resources for Latino students, like the Multicultural and Inclusion Center, but they don’t always know about the initiatives presented to help them. She said these resources are there to help students stay and advance in their college and career pursuits.

“The Latino group is the largest minority group in our country, but the rates at which these students are going and staying in college is much lower than their counterparts,” Schaerrer said. “DSU is hoping events like this can open students’ eyes to opportunities.”

Sandra Aguirre, a junior individualized studies major from Los Angeles, said there are a lot of people uneducated about the Latino community.

“I’m a firm believer that the civil rights movement is still in progress,” Aguirre said. “We’ve come a long way, but we’re still fighting the oppression of ignorance. Diesta is an opportunity for us to educate people… education is freedom and progress.”

Jesus Rosas, a junior mathematics major from St. George, said in his family, and a lot of other Latino families, there is a strong belief kids should start working immediately after high school. He said he wants prospective and current Latino students to come to Diesta and learn about the broad opportunities available to the Latino community, such as scholarships and mentorships.

“School is super helpful and can teach the community about culture and tradition along with critical thinking,” Rosas said. “It’s really important for everyone to learn all about culture and opportunities.”

Diesta is open to everyone in the community and organizers hope to educate as many people as possible, Schaerrer said. 

“Instead of segregating people we want to bring everyone together,” Aguirre said.

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No meal plans for DSU student athletes

by Jonn HollandPosted on

Student athletes at Dixie State University plan their own daily meals instead of having a meal plan because the athletics program is Division II and not Division I.

Athletic Director Jason Boothe said the big difference between Division I and Division II teams is Division I schools have more external funding to cover the cost of providing their athletes with “full-ride” scholarships which include tuition, room and board and meals. Because DSU does not receive as much external funding to cover the cost of being Division I, the administration chose to be Division II instead.

“We don’t have a single student athlete that’s on a full ride,” Boothe said. “Not one that’s getting everything paid for.” 

The school gives scholarships for tuition, books and some students get rooms as part of their scholarship, and food is an area DSU provides very little to none of because funding is not available to provide an adequate cafeteria or vouchers for meals at Red Rock Café, Boothe said.

Boothe said Division I is the highest level of competition and also the highest cost between Division I, II and III because it has the highest scholarships for student athletes; Division I football can give up to 86 scholarships.

“You can have 86 guys on the roster with a full ride,” Boothe said. “Division II, that same number is 36, so that’s a big difference. That’s 50 guys you can’t give scholarships to. We can have a football roster of 36 guys that are on a full ride, but can you have a football team of 36? No. Not a very good one. If two or three get hurt, you’re in trouble.”

Meals are provided to student athletes at away games, but at school and in their daily lives, they are responsible for feeding themselves, Boothe said.

Men’s basketball forward Dub Price, a senior business administration major from Draper, said managing his schedule to make sure he eats right every day is important because if he doesn’t get enough to eat, he feels he can’t perform well whether it’s at practice or a game.

“You kind of have to plan and know when you have class,” Price said. “If you have class right before practice, you’re going to have to take some food with you to class.”

Price said having a meal plan would make things easier because you would not have to go out and buy food or worry about preparing a meal, but not having a meal plan provides more flexibility.

Without a meal plan,  a student athlete can get the food he or she wants that can give them energy individually because everybody gets energy from food in different ways, Price said.

Athletic Training Coordinator   Kelby Hotheins said, “[With] some teams we do have some nutritional services and counseling through Intermountain Health Care that come over and do a presentation pre-season.”

They instruct student athletes on proper ways to get nutrition for themselves, what types of snacks they should eat, and how often they should eat based on their individual nutritional needs for both male and female athletes, Hotheins said.

Hotheins said preparation is key because student athletes are at school all day, and if they don’t plan meals or snacks, they will not have the energy needed to make it through a two or a three-hour practice.

As the athletic department grows with DSU, they are working with the school to provide a snack plan for student athletes and depending on how much funding increases, they will someday have the ability to provide meal plans.  Becoming Division I is not realistic at a time when DSU is still a young university and needs to build up its notoriety for years to come before that is a possibility.

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Make conscientious consumerism priority in your everyday life

by Emma van LentPosted on

If ignorance is bliss, then we as consumers are easily the most ignorant of all.

Conscientious consumerism is an important topic no one seems to care about, especially in college. It’s easy to say being a conscientious consumer is too hard because if you look closely enough all big corporations are terrible. It’s also easy to then say the only way to truly be a conscientious consumer is to shop only small, local or organic, which in college is basically impossible. But paying attention to where you shop and what you buy matters. 

As a human you should care about where your products come from and what your favorite companies are doing to effect the world around you. 

I myself am guilty of making these excuses and buying something even though I don’t agree with things I know the company does, and honestly, it’s a total cop-out. When I look back on times I’ve bought products from companies I don’t agree with I realize that I did so out of laziness.

For example, a few years ago a lot of people began boycotting Chick-fil-a after the CEO made some very hateful comments about same-sex marriage. I was one of those boycotters. It’s been about four years since this happened, and same-sex marriage is now legal across the United States, but I still try not to eat at Chick-fil-a. I know a lot of people think my beliefs about this are stupid and I should just move on now because the controversy is over, but I stand by my decision not to ever eat at Chick-fil-a…most of the time.

There have been two or three instances where I have eaten there in the last few years, and I regret every one. Every one of those instances involved my friends wanting to eat at Chick-fil-a and me being simply too lazy and too hungry to explain to the group why, years later, I still don’t eat at Chick-fil-a. Looking back I could have easily just said “No, I want to go somewhere else,” or even gone along and just not ordered anything, but like I said, I was lazy.

Being lazy is the easiest and most ridiculous excuse consumers use when shopping. It’s not actually hard to be a conscientious consumer if you are just willing to put in a little extra work.

For instance, if you hear about a scandal or a political opinion from a company or product you buy, do some research. Find out if what you heard is even true or not because often times details get lost or changed when things get passed by word of mouth, and what you heard may or may not be true.

If you do research and find the rumors are true and the company is doing something you don’t agree with, then the next step is easy: stop buying from the company. That may seem drastic, and it will probably suck to have to find another product or company where you can get the same things you like for a similar price, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Big corporations have so much power, and it’s easy for them to get away with whatever they want. The only way that is going to change is if we as consumers actually seem to care about what they do. That may mean buying a product that is slightly more expensive or further away than you would like, but in the long run, it is much more important to care about what happens when you shop rather than the convenience of just buying blind. 

 

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The ’15:17 to Paris’ a story of heroism

by Jonn HollandPosted on

   While purchasing my ticket for “The 15:17 to Paris,” I thought about why I chose to see a film about a real incident where people could have died and the way it actually happened.

   The Clint Eastwood directed film depicts the events that occurred during an attempted act of terrorism on the Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris on Aug. 21, 2015. However, unlike most films about terrorism, this film tells the story of the heroes who were on the train that day instead of focusing on the terrorist’s actions and the devastation terrorism causes.

   In retrospect, I chose to see the film because it tells a story of heroism and not terrorism. Not only did Eastwood want to tell a story about people being heroic in the face of death, but he cast the three men who acted in that decisive moment and prevented a tragedy.

   I felt a connection to these men as the film showed their childhood and the struggles they went through, which brought them together as friends and helped shape the men they became.

   The film tells the story of how Spencer Stone, Alex Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler met in junior high school and became friends. It then follows the three of them on their vacation in Europe leading up to the events on the train. It explores the relationship they have with their mothers, each other and themselves. This enabled me to relate to them as they faced challenges as children and as adults.

   My strongest connection was to Stone, who as depicted in the film, struggled to fit in with other children and to get good grades in school because that was me growing up.

   Like Stone, I dreamed of being in the military so I could make a difference, save lives and protect the country and family I love. Unfortunately for me, my handicaps kept me from service in the military. This was not the case for Stone, and he was able to receive training that aided him in facing a life-threatening situation.

   The most cathartic aspect of “The 15:17 to Paris” is Eastwood’s decision to cast the real-life heroes as themselves. It brought a realism to the film that would not have been accomplished with A-list Hollywood actors in their place.

   In addition to the three Americans, Eastwood said in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel that others, including the one American who had been shot by the gunman, wanted to be part of the film. This included several of the passengers from the train and police who showed up to the scene.

   The idea the real-life people who experienced and lived through a terrorist act were willing to reenact the scene as it had actually occurred is unprecedented and the aspect that affected me the most.

   I had tears running down my face after the scene with the terrorist ended. Not because it was a tragic scene, but because I could feel the emotion of the moment as Stone, Sadler and Skarlatos confronted the gunman in the film. Knowing these were the very people who were there and did what they did added to the emotionality of the scene.

   After the film, that knowledge had me thinking of how I would act in a similar situation. Would I run and hide, get away from the danger, or would I stand and face the attacker, risking my life — possibly losing it — in order to save others? Would I be brave in that moment just as these three men were, unarmed and not knowing if the terrorists gun would work or not?

   “The 15:17 to Paris” is not the standard “true story” film that interprets true events and depicts them as envisioned by the filmmakers. It is a film that chronicles the lives of three men who became heroes and stands as an example of what humans are capable of when danger and adversity enter our lives.

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Student senators serve, fund academic growth

by Cody EckmanPosted on

At Dixie State University, there exists a group of students whose primary job is to distribute funding for the furtherance of academic endeavors.

Every major department and college at DSU has a student liaison (called a student senator) tasked with meeting with department heads and member of the student government, hearing student requests for funding, and writing bills to provide that funding.

Gabby Benson, a senior communication major from Murray, serves as the senator of the communication department at DSU. Benson has served since the spring of 2017.

“I was replacing a guy who had to quit mid-year,” Benson said. “I got thrown in last spring and just decided to reapply because I liked it so much.”

Senate positions are posted in the spring and students are encouraged to get involved, Benson said.

“It’s an application process,” Benson said. “You’ll go onto OrgSync and submit an application. You have to be declared in the major of your department or college in order to apply.”

After an application is submitted, the applicant is called in to interview with a panel consisting of someone from the student government, the outgoing senator of the desired department and someone else representing the department or college.

Tyler Eddington, a senior finance major from Las Vegas, serves as the senator of the school of business at DSU and became a senator after being recommended for the position.

“I was presented the opportunity and thought it would be a good experience,” Eddington said. “By the time I was recommended, I knew most of the teachers in the school of business and respected one of the previous senators a lot, and I thought I might as well go after some of the same things. It was a respected position that I was excited to take.”

Eddington said every student should get more involved at DSU and recommended the senate as a great way to start.

“A lot of people think we don’t do anything because we’re not over things like the ‘Wednes-D’ activities or the events that the student government typically puts on,” Eddington said. “But we like to be involved in more of the individual student lives by helping them with funding and representation.”

Eddington said when students see something that needs to be improved, he hopes they come to the senate so they can bring the issue to the rest of the student government and the administration.

“Sometimes there are student needs that have to be addressed, and we get to do that,” Eddington said.

One way that the senate helps meet student needs is through an event they hold each semester called Legislation Day.

“Legislation Day is the day we invite students to come and pitch their need or their idea for funding for things that wouldn’t typically fall under our bylaws, which restrict and guide our funding rules,” Eddington said.

Last semester, the senate modeled the funding after the popular reality show, “Shark Tank.” Eddington said many clubs, individuals and groups from all departments came and pitched their ideas. Those with the most convincing, complete and effective presentations were awarded funding.

In March, the senate will be holding another Legislation Day (calling it “The Luck of the Irish”) and Eddington says students are encouraged to prepare well and come present so they can get at the funding, which the senate wants to give them.

“I’d love for more students to ask for funding,” Eddington said. “We have money that students don’t really take advantage of and I can’t offer it — students have to ask for it.”

Eddington said funding is available for research, capstone projects, conferences, academic interest trips and more. Students with questions should contact their department’s senator.

Students interested in becoming members of the senate are encouraged to apply.

“It’s a great resume builder,” Benson said. “Each semester, senators are given an initiative to complete. Being able to show how you specifically made a difference shows employers how creative and motivated you are.”

Other great benefits include a cash stipend for time served, required leadership courses and the opportunity to make great friends and network with impressive people, Benson said.

Luke Kerouac, director of student involvement and leadership said administration is always wanting more students to get involved.

“We’re constantly looking for students who are engaged in their departments,” Kerouac said. “There’s not really any requirement other than GPA and [being] involved.”

Kerouac said students who show they have an interest always have an edge.

“My advice is just to do it — get involved,” Kerouac said.

Interested students must maintain a GPA of 2.75, declare their major, be in good academic standing and have a desire to give back to DSU.

“You’re a student, first and foremost,” Eddington said. “Good grades, studying and getting help from professors will prepare you best for success.”

Eddington said cultivating a good working relationship with the professors in your department is an important step in finding success and networking effectively with professors is what he believes got him the opportunity to serve as a senator.

Positions for next year’s senate open the day after spring break ends and stay open until April 1.

The senate meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Gardner Center and students are welcome to sit in on their proceedings.

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Women’s tennis has rocky start to season

by Dixie Sun News StaffPosted on

Dixie State University women’s tennis won its first match of the spring after getting off to a rocky start, losing its first four matches.

The first of those losses came Feb. 10 against future Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opponent Colorado Mesa University, a team the Trailblazers beat back in October 8-1, losing 4-5, including three singles games in the third set.

“I think a big thing to work on is our mental game,” said Sabrina Longson, a freshman exercise science major from Salt Lake City. “A lot of us get really close to winning but just can’t quite pull it out. I think our main goal could be focusing on closing out our matches.”

DSU also fell to Division I opponent Southern Utah University 2-7, winning one singles and one doubles match on Feb. 10. DSU then traveled to California to face Concordia University Irvine and California State University Los Angeles, losing to Concordia 2-7 and CSULA 0-9. CSULA finished sixth last year, and Concordia currently sits at sixth in the standings of the Pacific West Conference, which includes three teams ranked in the top ten for Division II: Hawaii Pacific University (4), Academy of Art University (6) and Azusa Pacific University (9).

“We have had a couple tough matches to start out the season,” Head coach Eric Pelton said. “We’ve faced some of the top teams in [in Division II] and a Division I team. We are picking up points; we are in the matches; we are definitely doing a lot better than we have done in the past. The girls have been fighting hard.”

DSU took on PacWest and Division II newcomer Biola University Feb. 24, and the Trailblazers picked up their first win of the spring 7-2, finishing 5-1 in singles and 2-1 in doubles matches. 

The No. 1 singles match ended with Lacey Hancock, a junior integrated studies major from St. George, and the member of the team who has been with DSU the longest, picking up the victory in a 6-2, 6-7, 10-6 tiebreaker. 

DSU returns five out of the seven players from last year’s squad, a team that made it to the Pacific West Conference tournament in 2017 as the 12 seed, while adding four new faces in 2018. One of those new faces being Yolena Carlon, a junior exercise science major from Phoenix.

“I think we have played well so far,” said Carlon. “Unfortunately, we have had a couple of injuries, so I don’t think the outcomes of our matches have been as good [as they could have been].”

The remaining schedule for the Trailblazers includes a trip to northern Utah to face Division I Weber State University before a road trip in March to California where they will take on Mills College and PacWest opponents Holy Names University, California State University Stanislaus and Dominican University of California.

DSU will finish the regular season facing three future RMAC opponents, including the 2017 regular season and tournament champions Metropolitan State University of Denver, a team the Trailblazers lost to in October 2-7, and Mesa Community College.

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Great food, desserts found at TwentyFive Main

by Alexis McClainPosted on

Just a hop, skip and jump away from our Dixie State University campus is the oh-so-chic and delectable TwentyFive Main.

Owners and brothers Adam and Jason Legg have lived in St. George for over 20 years and bought this little whole in the wall back in 2013 with their goal being to provide a place to celebrate food, family friends and art. 

Whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner this cafe offers a menu where everything is made from scratch.

As you enter the cafe you are welcomed by the fresh teal and brown prints detailed within each booth seat along with various teal accents around the cafe; the beautiful rustic corner piano and glistening chandeliers really ties it all in. 

“I cannot speak much to where the inspiration was derived,” said general manager Jason Legg when discussing the chic-decor of TwentyFive Main. “…The original owners wanted to create a unique atmosphere. The style was eccentric and one of a kind.”

Both Jason and his brother Adam do their best to preserve and sometimes enhance the atmosphere simply by making a few changes to the cafe intact. 

With only seven years of experience, TwentyFive Main has served well over 10,000 customers using their selection of 75 dishes.

St. George local and TwentyFive Main employee Jamie Garcia has been working for this establishment for eight months and said  it’s the little things that truly makes the cafe shine.

“The scenery, aesthetic of the place and the old fashion feel is really cool,” Garcia said. 

Garcia isn’t the only one who admires TwentyFive Main for its adorable chic look. 

“It’s a cute little place located in a historic spot [of St. George] and it has a relaxed atmosphere,” local customer Kay Ross said.

Although, like Ross, TwentyFive Main paninis are my favorite, this time around I decided to try the Penne Primavera.

After a short wait, out came a pasta plate filled with red peppers, red onions, pancetta and steamed broccoli covered in Alfredo sauce. 

At the perfect temperature I was able to indulge myself in a rich pasta dinner with a nice slice of bread on the side. This full plate of pasta was the exact thing I needed — it hit the spot.  

Jason said TwentyFive Main offers a full espresso bar complete with everything from lattes to cappuccinos.

So, if you are in search of some local caffeine, be sure to try TwentyFive Main’s bottomless coffee.

In one Yelp review a self-proclaimed New Orleans foodie wrote “This is where you want to eat #happystomachs.” 

During my visit I recognized the various groups in attendance, from old and middle-aged to young and hip. Twenty-five Main offers an atmosphere that is inviting to all. I even noticed a group of young adults playing card games at a corner table. 

Now if you have a sweet tooth, like I do, then you’ll be most delighted to find that this cafe specializes in cupcake confectionaries, the most popular being the carrot cake, Garcia said. 

In college, frugality is key, so be sure to look for Twenty-five Main during Georgefest to score some insanely good cupcakes for only a $1 opposed to their regular price of $2.25.

“Don’t you dare stop here without getting a cupcake,” another Yelp reviewer said.

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