For many students, feeling connected to their university goes beyond school spirit; it can influence academic success. One organization that works to build Weber pride among current students and alumni is the Weber State University Alumni Association.
“We want to make sure that people feel like they’re a Wildcat,” said Cassidy Miller, the marketing coordinator for the Alumni Association. “Whether they’ve attended the university, whether for a short time or for a long time and graduated, or if they just bleed purple by being a part of the Ogden community and witnessing Weber State from afar.”
The Alumni Association holds events all throughout the year geared towards Weber State graduates, current students and the larger Ogden community as a whole. The association also provides a list of 50 traditions for Weber students to complete during their time at the university.
The list of traditions can be found on their website or on the “WSU Tradition Keeper” app. Some traditions are geared towards developing pride in the university, such as tradition number three: taking your picture with the “Flaming W” rock.
Other traditions encourage community involvement, such as tradition number 17: volunteer in your community. Several traditions can also help students along their college journey, including tradition number 35, which calls for meeting with an advisor or mentor.
The traditions aren’t limited to current Weber State students.
“We encourage students as well as alumni, faculty and staff and community members to complete wildcat traditions,” Miller said. “To help them engage with the university, to feel like they’re connected with Weber.”
In total, there are 50 traditions to complete. For every five completed traditions up to 25, participants will earn prizes. The first prize is a pair of tradition keeper socks, the second is a Weber State licence plate, the third is a dry bag for outdoor activities, the fourth is a WSU puzzle and the final prize is a traditions keeper stole for graduation.
The traditions can provide activities for students, but their main purpose is to develop pride in Weber State among its students, staff and community members.
“I definitely think it’s important for students to have pride in their university,” Miller said. “Not only does it make them more interested in attending school, I think it also is an influence in how well they do in school.”
When students feel disconnected from their university community, it can contribute to mental health struggles that impact their educational performance.
“Students struggling with loneliness, disconnection, anxiety, depression will also show a correlation of difficulty with academics,” said April Wood, a licensed therapist at Weber’s counseling and psychological services center.
Wood said that students can struggle to know where to start to find connections and a sense of belonging on campus, and clubs and organizations are a great place for students to start.
“We have a Magic: The Gathering group on campus. There’s like Esports on campus. Most of the different academic colleges will have groups related to their major. Like, botany club is hopping,” Wood said. “You can go meet a buddy at a Zumba class. Like, there’s always something going on on campus.”
For some students, getting involved in a club or organization is not easy.
“We’re asking a lot of people to put themselves out there. That’s easier for some than others, but I think you really have to be brave and take the first step,” Wood said.
Wood said that a great option for students looking for a way to get started without fully committing to a club is by attending a service project organized by the Center for Community Engaged Learning.
While taking that first step may be challenging for some students, finding a community on campus can make the transition to Weber State easier.
“I remember my freshman year, and I came from Las Vegas, Nevada, and I was starting in a whole new state and a whole new culture, and truly, it was a really scary experience,” said Mia Foster, student body president of Weber State University Student Association.
Foster found her community at Weber State by attending sporting events on campus.
“I remember I went to my first event my freshman year, and I met my amazing friends who got me involved with WSUSA,” Foster said. “I’ve met so many amazing friends. I have been able to do experiences that I never believed I would be able to do. As a first-generation college student, it has made me fulfill my passions with college.”
Not only did her involvement in campus events help her find a community and establish a sense of belonging at the university, but it also helped her figure out her path in life.
“It really has transformed my experience and transformed my experience to different realms of what I want to do with my life,” Foster said. “I was a marketing major at first, and I switched over to political science because I found such a huge level of pride in just that realm.”
Foster said that in order to gain pride in your school, you need to take the first step and put yourself out of your comfort zone.
“It takes a lot of courage to go and do something, especially if you’re new,” Foster said. “So take your time, try new things and learn about how you can have an impact here at Weber State and leave your legacy.”
Foster said that students have already taken the biggest step forward by attending university, and they need to keep that momentum going.
“You got this. You got four years here. Keep it up, find things you love and make this the best experience possible for yourself,” Foster said.
For students looking to get involved and build school pride, the annual Block Party could provide them with that opportunity. The 2025 Block Party will take place on Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature booths from clubs, organizations and other activities.
