Tips and tricks for carving pumpkins
Month: October 2022
It’s up to the students, do you want LANY or Dan + Shay to perform at Utah Tech?
An A-list artist performing in southern Utah sounds pretty cool, but how does an A-list artist performing at Utah Tech University sound?
In the Oct. 20 Thursday update, Student body president Devon Rice, a marketing major from Bountiful, announced a notable survey for Utah Tech students to take to determine the future of entertainment events at Utah Tech.
A couple of the questions students saw in the survey are:
- Have you ever attended a concert in southern Utah?
- Have you ever paid for live entertainment in southern Utah?
- How interested are you in experiencing a popular artist/band at Utah Tech?
- Would you prefer to purchase a bleacher/seat ticker or general admission/pit ticket?
- Select the artist you would be most interested in (Dan + Shay, LANY, French Montana and Phoebe Bridgers)
Every year Utah Tech hosts some sort of live entertainment/concert for students, but this year Utah Tech Student Association decided they want to try going for a more high-profile artist. However, there are obviously some hurdles that may be difficult to jump.
Rice said: “That is why we are bringing it to a student vote because we need to know what students want. We need to know, first of all, do you even want entertainment? We hear it all the time everyone wants entertainment but we need proof now.”
In order for Utah Tech to host a band like LANY or artists like Dan + Shay, there needs to be solid data and numbers from the students, as this is a costly event that involves big risks that UTSA would need to take. The data helps to determine how interested students are in having a bigger artist perform at the university, what price they are willing to pay, where they would like to see the concert take place on campus, and more. Once this information is gathered, UTSA is able to determine price points and how big of an artist they can get to come to Utah Tech.
“This year we wanted to explore bringing out an A-List artist, but A-list cost anywhere from $200,000 to millions of dollars to bring out and our budget is far below that,” said vice president of student life Anna Barfuss, a junior recreation and sport management major from St. George.
Rice said if UTSA is able to bring out LANY, they will charge a minimum of $50 a ticket, which is considerably a good deal compared to an average of $224 per ticket at USANA Amphitheatre. Even though this is a higher ticket price, LANY is a bigger name, so people are more willing to pay. In past years, the entry ticket for a Utah Tech concert has either been a lower price or no price at all.
Rice said: “I think it’s super important for students to know that we aren’t in the business of making money off these shows, but we are in the business of making live entertainment on campus a self-sufficient, affordable and well-oiled machine. What this looks like is building roughly a $300k concert fund that replenishes itself each year when the new artist comes in.”
Barfuss said concerts are one of the biggest things asked for, and this is why they want to go big this year.
“We need to either get a small artist that is really low risk and low investment, or we need to get a big artist that is a big enough name that people from northern Utah would be willing to come down to see,” Rice said.
The information UTSA will gather from this survey isn’t for just this year. The information gathered will help with future entertainment events at the University. Rice said if we start now with an A-list artist bringing in funding, the groundwork is laid for the future of potential, A-list artist concerts at Utah Tech.
“It is a big risk all-in-all, but we are willing to take it, and we need this data from the students to show that it’s something students want, and the students themselves are willing to take this risk,” Rice said.
The goal number for survey submissions is 1,000, which is a comparable, realistic number to how many students vote during student elections.
Barfuss said: “I think anything really is possible. We can make anything happen if it is what students want. Every initiative on campus, whether it is new buildings or an artist, is driven by the students, so that is why the survey is so important.”
Utah Tech University plans to expand to Desert Color
Utah Tech University continues to adapt to the increasing enrollment numbers and follow through with the polytechnic vision.
“We were awarded 183 acres at the Desert Color campus, so we are looking at an Innovation District, and we will do a lot of work with that this year,” President “Biff” Williams said during the 2021-2022 State of the University Address.
This expansion of the Utah Tech campus will provide opportunities for additional career-readiness options and ultimately enhance Utah Tech’s “Active Learning, Active Life” tagline.
The Innovation District is conveniently located near residential areas. Not only will the expansion provide a place for students to learn, but it will also be a place for recreational activities and more housing.
According to Utah Tech’s preliminary prospects, “The District will provide high-impact and transformational opportunities for students to engage in active and applied learning with industry partners in laboratories, research and development facilities, business incubators and accelerators that advance career readiness of graduates.”
The 183 acres are 1.5 times larger than Utah Tech’s main campus and will have multiple uses such as:
- Additional student housing
- A variety of innovation-motivated academic buildings
- Other specialized buildings that will be needed as Utah Tech’s enrollment increases over the coming decades
Some examples of the facilities are investment firms, wet laboratories, Makerspace, partner colleges and universities, specialized research laboratories and institutes, as well as restaurants and recreational opportunities according to Michael Lacourse, vice president of academic affairs and provost.
“I like to describe Innovation District as Atwood Innovation Plaza on steroids,” Lacourse said.
To ensure career readiness, the Innovation District will provide hands-on educational opportunities such as starting a business, research and internships.
“We want the Innovation District to be a place where a large number of UT students can have a transformational experience with companies and organizations so they are career ready upon graduation,” Lacourse said.
Although the specifics of the funding plan are not finalized, a more detailed funding plan will be created over the next year.
What we know:
- “The UT Innovation District will be built through a public-private partnership with private developers (P3) and other potential sources, such as federal grants and philanthropic gifts,” Lacourse said.
- Fee-for-service revenues such as rentals will also generate funds.
- Equality participation in new business and intellectual property will bring money back to Utah Tech to fund the Innovation District.
“The formal planning process recently began and the timeline will be established early in the planning process,” Lacourse said. “The complete development of the UT Innovation District is likely to span one to two decades, but there will likely be an opportunity to break ground on the first building within the next two to three years.”
Utah Tech partners with Pluralsight allowing students to expand their education
Utah Tech University created a new partnership with Pluralsight allowing current students exclusive access to over 7,000 courses and trainings.
What is Pluralsight?
Pluralsight provides students at Utah Tech access to certification paths, labs and skill assessments.
The program caters to all types of learning, including a hands-on approach and visually led lectures.
Penny Mills, technology engagement coordinator said, “Pluralsight skills helps build technology skills at scale with expert-authored courses on today’s most important technologies, tools to align skill development with business objectives, virtual instructor-led training, hands-on labs, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics.”
Pluralsight benefits students by giving the opportunity to improve on their skills. It also provides award certifications students can present on their resumes for future jobs after college.
Are there courses to help in my major?
There are courses available for all majors at Utah Tech, not necessarily just technology ones. For example, Pluralsight offers a course focused on communication skills. Majors such as nursing, liberal arts and STEM, can all benefit from this Pluralsight course, Mills explained.
“I honestly feel like all majors can benefit from Pluralsight, not just technology-based ones.” Mills said.
How will this help students in the long run?
Using Pluralsight as a student can help by reducing time and money spent in the future on the different trainings that may be required and asked of them by a future employer.
Certain employers and jobs require different fields of study and training. If students utilize the programs available on Pluralsight, they will be able to have that advantage over other applicants for a job position.
“It’s also a free way to explore different areas and potential skills you may have that could make you a lot of money,” Mills said.
Is Pluralsight free?
For students currently enrolled as a student at Utah Tech, using Pluralsight is completely free of charge. It is also free for faculty and staff employed at the university.
After students graduate, they only have a short amount of time to use Pluralsight, the program becomes non accessible, and will then have to start paying a fee to use the program.
Dr. Michael Lacourse, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said, “I
Mills said students should take advantage of this opportunity while they can because, “We are the only university in the world that has a partnership like this.”
Incentives
Mills explained, students who earn certifications from time spent on the courses provided in Pluralsight are able to win “swag.”
The swag incentives include Utah Tech and Pluralsight branded crew neck sweatshirts and long-sleeved T-shirts. Another clothing item available will be Carhartt beanies. Students can also receive money for food at the on-campus dining, portable chargers and USB-C flash drives.
The prizes listed above are based on what is completed on the Pluralsight program.
Ready to begin?
Students at Utah Tech interested in Pluralsight courses can start by going to the “how to get started” section of the Utah Tech Pluralsight link.
After clicking on the link, scroll down to where it says “how to get started,” underneath that you will see platform registration. Under that you will need to click on “Signing in via SSO for the first time as a new Pluralsight user.”
After clicking on the link to sign in, you will follow the rest of the directions listed, and you are good to get started. For any questions or problems with signing up or getting started, students can email Mills at penny.mills@utahtech.edu.
“Once they are in with their new account, I would recommend starting with one of the ‘Getting Started’ channel on the home page,” Mills said. “Getting started with Microsoft office is a great one that helps explain the ins and outs of things like our new emailing system, Outlook.
After signing in to Pluralsight, students are able to browse by different categories with what interests them.
Utah Tech students share their favorite dates they have been on
Utah Tech women’s soccer keeper shows her presence through performance
The Utah Tech University women’s soccer goalkeeper shows her presence through her outstanding saves and received October’s athlete of the month.
Kayla Thompson, a senior exercise science major from Spanish Fork, also received the Western Athletics Conference defensive player of the week award twice this year for her impressive saves in the defensive line.
After the two conference games against Sam Houston State and New Mexico State, Thompson saved 11 shots and secured two wins for the team Oct. 7 and Oct. 9.
Thompson has only allowed two goals in the Utah Tech goal in the last 37 minutes of game-play.
With great help from Thompson in rejecting opponents’ shots, the Utah Tech women’s soccer team has not lost a game in the last 11 games.
“It feels really good. I wouldn’t be there without my teammates. They help push me every day and get to where I am,” Thomson said.
Thompson is a great presence in the defensive line, as she is composed and calm at all times.
“I don’t know how, I just stay dialed into the game, I don’t pay attention to anything on the sidelines, and just focus on the game,” Thompson said.
Thompson isn’t like most goalkeepers.
Goalkeepers have a stereotypes in their position that they are loud, obnoxious players who make their presence known through their voices. Some also show many emotions whether they are under pressure or not.
Shaylynn Uyeshiro, a senior exercise science major from Queen Creek, Arizona, said Thompson is the complete opposite of the stereotypical goalie.
“She is quiet, but she makes her presence known with the saves she makes and just her game,” Uyeshiro said. “She totally defies the goalkeeper stereotype. We have to tell Kayla to get louder.”
Head coach Molly Rouse said, “She is someone that anyone can go to about anything. Her leadership comes out in that regard.”
Rouse saw Thompson as a very talented recruit right out of high school, and she had heard quite a bit about Thompson from the people in the community.
“She is someone who stands out in her maturity. She is truly driven to be the best that she can possibly be,” Rouse said.
Thompson also stands out in other aspects off the field. “She’s actually like a really good baker. She brings the coaches baked goods all the time, and that is fantastic,” Rouse said.
When Kayla has time away from soccer, one of her favorite past-times is to cook and bake.
“I like to cook a lot. I like finding new recipes,” Thompson said. “I love making cookies, and I try to make cookies once a week.
Thompson’s favorite cookie to make especially during the fall time is pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and she likes bringing them for the team and the coaches to enjoy.
Thompson started her soccer career as a forward when she was around 6-years-old. When she turned 8-years-old, she switched to learning goalie, and it stuck. At age 10, she knew she found her passion in that position.
When Thompson began playing goalkeeper, she idolized Carly Nelson, who played for the University of Utah, Kansas City and is now playing professionally in Denmark.
“I had a girl that I was training with that I looked up to, who is now playing professionally. I idolized her and wanted to be mostly like her growing up,” Thompson said. “She pushed me to be where I am.”
Since she began playing goalkeeper, it stuck with her. Thompson was recruited by Gonzaga University where Rouse recruited her to come play at Utah Tech. Rouse said Thompson was interested in the dynamic at Utah Tech, and loved the opportunity to come play.
Thompson will play out the rest of her senior year at Utah Tech and continue to build relationships with her coaches and teammates, whether it be through bringing cookies for the team or showing her quiet appearance with her saves.
Coach Judkins makes positive impact on team, looks forward to next five years
With close to 600 career wins, Utah Tech University is home to the winningest men’s basketball head coach in the state, Jon Judkins.
On the court and off, his successes and accomplishments extend far past any other. With 18 years of experience at the university, Judkins has achieved six Pacific West Conference Coach of the Year awards, seven conference championship wins, and nine National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Tournament appearances. His hard work has resulted in a recent five-year contract that will take him into the 2026-2027 season.
“Coach Judkins does a really good job with his program, and that’s the type of coach and personality we wanted to keep here at the university,” said Ken Beazer, executive director of athletics. “It was actually a really easy decision to give him a contract.”
Although Judkins has been on the staff since 2005, receiving a contract was a new experience for him, He agreed to the contract this past summer.
“I haven’t had a contract, so it was nice, and it meant a lot,” Judkins said. “I appreciate Ken Beazer and President Williams for getting that done, and I’m excited.”
His history of success was one of the main reasons for keeping Judkins as the head coach, but his character also played an important role in presenting him with a contract.
“His personality just fits the area,” Beazer said. “He’s demanding of his kids and has high expectations for them, yet he’s very personable. He’s just an all-around good guy.”
Basketball player Jacob Nicolds, a Dixie State University graduate, came to play at the university because of the coaching staff. With this year marking his fifth year on the team, Nicolds has come to know Judkins as not only a coach but also a father figure.
Nicolds said, “It’s been a nice ride with him because he’s always told me to be who I am as a player and wanted me to embellish who I am to the max.”
On top of being supportive, Nicolds said his coach has a “great sense of humor,” which has helped the team enjoy playing. Judkins also pays attention to details, and as a result, it has helped them obtain all of their victories. With energy like no other, the head coach creates an environment of enjoyment for his players and staff.
“I really like his energy he brings to practices and games,” Nicolds said. “He’s really intense, and he expects greatness from you, but that’s a really good thing.”
Still being fairly new to the NCAA Division I men’s basketball league, the Utah Tech athletic staff hopes to add more accomplishments for this upcoming season.
“Judkins has had a lot of successes at the Division II level,” Beazer said. “We want to transition that and extrapolate from DII to put us into the DI area.”
Beazer and the basketball coaching staff hope to put themselves in a position to compete for more conference championships and ultimately be invited to the NCAA basketball tournament.
“This is the first year where we can actually play in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament, so that’s been our goal,” Judkins said. “To get to the WAC tournament number one, and number two, make some noise once we get there.”
Taking “baby steps” is how the team will accomplish these goals, Judkins said, and despite the challenges that may come with it, he loves being a part of the team. He also said that by being a part of the program, he enjoys teaching, watching his players grow, and seeing his hard work pay off which makes it all worth it.
“There’s highs and there’s lows, but I sure do love to come to work,” Judkins said. “I think here is a challenge, but I’m excited for it. I think the future here is bright, and that’s why I want to be a part of it.”
Utah Tech ambassador and Sun News staff member switch places for a day
Annual drag show creates community despite controversy
Utah Tech University’s annual drag show brings a sense of community and belonging to students on campus despite surrounding controversy.
On Oct. 19 one of the most anticipated events Utah Tech puts on happened – the drag show.
The drag show tends to be one of the most attended Wednesday night activities with 750 people in attendance this year.
A lot of controversies explode within the St. George community because of these performances. However, this event allows students to feel comfortable to share their identity with a sense of belonging on campus.
LGBTQ+ student organization president, Sarah Ostler, a sophomore biology major from Highland, said events like this allow those who identify as queer to be able to feel accepted and loved, and that was the main concern when planning the drag show this year.
Despite the negative comments and protests that happened directly outside the building during the event, those involved believe it creates a better sense of belonging for those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community or allies of that community.
This event brings different types of students together, as the LGBTQ+ student organization was able to collaborate with Utah Tech’s Student Association.
Director of live events at UTSA, Oscar Mendoza, a sophomore information technology major from Herriman, said his hope for the event was to create a bigger safe space for those in the LGBTQ+ community and make the campus open and friendly.
Ostler said, “Having a big event with UTSA’s help [allows] recognition of queer students on campus.”
Active Learning, Active Life is the main mantra of Utah Tech. This event also gives students a way to unite with others for support, which aids in this mantra becoming true for them.
A student drag queen, Starlett Mars Magazine, a freshman general studies major from Provo, said, “There is always going to be controversy about queer people, but this event helps show people who we are.”
Another student queen that performed in this year’s drag show, Beverly Vesper, a freshman population health major from Provo, said performing gave them so much confidence that can help them in their own life off the stage.
In response to those who question the event, Ostler said: “People don’t recognize that we are not evil, and if you feel that way come meet the community. We want to be loved and accepted just like you.”
Utah Tech offers over 90 clubs and organizations on campus to help students find their place. Including events that focus on different identities, cultures, lifestyles and beliefs, which are part of Utah Tech’s values.
This event allows students to see another side of the LGBTQ+ community. Those who do not identify with the LGBTQ+ community were welcomed with open arms to this event.
OPINION | The extra week in this semester’s schedule should be fixed
Utah Tech University students have been given an extra week in the semester, ending Dec. 16 instead of Dec. 10.
When the academic calendar was being made, an extra week was added to the semester. Whether it was a mistake or not is unknown, but it wasn’t fixed and now we’re left to suffer. Finishing the semester on Dec. 10, like we normally do, allows students who live away from home the time to travel and see their families after a long semester.
Now, we have less time and more stress.
There were easy ways to fix the mistake and finish the semester at the right time. Fall break was only two days and Thanksgiving break is only three days. University administration could have split the extra days between those or given us a week for Thanksgiving break, but instead Utah Tech admin chose to make our semester longer than it needed to be.
What are we going to do with that extra week? By that time, professors have gotten through everything they need to, and finals are looming ahead. There is no need for the extra time we’ve been forced to endure. It only keeps students at school longer than we want and doesn’t give us the break we need at the end of a semester.
It feels like those working on the calendar got too lazy to fix their mistake, and we have to face the consequences. If we don’t get the extra break this semester, it should be added to the spring semester. Give us a longer spring break to make up for the extra time we were given. It’s not fair to change the semester lengths on us after the work we put into our schooling. Only two days for fall break and three for Thanksgiving is not enough time for us to relax and catch our breath.
Non-stop schooling with only weekends of break, mostly filled with homework, will only lead to burnout and students not wanting to try anymore. We need time to recuperate and actually get rest after the semester. Students see the extra semester, and it only adds to the building hardship of class and homework.
Some students might not be able to get home to their families. With school ending so close to Christmas, flights are expensive and might be booked by the time they get to it.
Those who worked on the calendar should have fixed their mistake instead of letting the students deal with it.
