Weber State University students are joining together to help save one tiger at a time. Educating others and doing service work is what makes Cubs for Cubs successful, because what many aren’t aware of is the fact that these big cats are going extinct.
Weber State’s Cubs for Cubs is a national organization of tiger mascot schools whose mission is to connect students across the nation to work together and raise awareness about tigers and the problems they face.
The club affiliates with the National Tiger for Tigers Coalition, which advocates for tigers to policy decision makers in Washington D.C.
Kaleigh Strommen, senior at WSU and president of Cubs for Cubs, is an intern for the National Tiger for Tigers Coalition.
“I originally just started this club here as a conservation project, but I wanted to do so much more than just raise money for tigers,” said Strommen. “I wanted to actually do something that will help tigers and other endangered species.”
Weber State is the first college in Utah to take on Cubs for Cubs, and is one of the few schools participating that does not have a tiger mascot.
“I always wanted to do conservation work, but I never thought I could do that kind of work while I was in college until I found this organization and realized I really can help make a difference,” said Strommen.
The students in Cubs for Cubs go around to elementary and middle schools to teach about tiger conservation and the importance of having tigers in the wild. Strommen believes teaching children is an effective way to help save tigers.
Congress has helped the organization by designating $9.1 million to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, $55 million to the Department of State, and President Obama’s executive order on wildlife trafficking produced $45 million towards international wildlife.
“People are starting to realize in general there are so many animals that are endangered species and there are problems they are facing,” said Strommen. “This organization is awesome because it allows college students to make a difference and see changes.”
“It’s great because you don’t have to be a science major to be a part of the club. It’s beneficial for business majors all the way to art majors, and really anyone who wants to be involved,” said Strommen.
Among being able to save tigers, Cubs for Cubs offers many more benefits for those who join, such as experience in teaching, learning opportunities and resume building.
Students are also able to get involved with Tigers for Tigers by spreading the word on social media or donating and buying stamps at t4tcoalition.org.
Strommen and Michelle Olsen, vice president of Cubs for Cubs, are excited to start building the WSU’s tiger-loving community.
If you are interested in participating in the club, email [email protected] for more information.
