Each year, thousands of people from around the globe come together on Weber State’s campus. Although we’re all different, we are bound by our brand: Weber State. The white and purple pride can be seen splattered all over campus, but there’s a minor dissention in our ranks. Spots of blue and blots of red smudge the canvas of our school.
On any given day, we see no shortage of merchandise from the University of Utah, BYU and Utah State on campus. From hats to hoodies, students walking around our fine campus display the colors and logos of rival schools proudly.
Weber State’s student population is among the smallest in Northern Utah. Does that make it less superior to the University of Utah? Enrollment should come with a sense of allegiance.
There’s no ignoring the superior athletic accomplishments of larger universities, but that’s not the point. Aside from the common sense loyalty to Weber State, money is also on the line. It’s no secret that one of the reasons many students choose Weber State is for the lower tuition, and included in that price are student fees. These fees are your financial contribution to funding Weber State pride. You pay to come here, and your money keeps the school going. Why not take ownership of that?
Of course, everyone is entitled to walk the campus in his or her own way. We’re not all just purple sheep being herded from class to class. But the issue here is not about fashion or individual expression, it’s about respect.
School pride isn’t about how well the sports teams are doing. It isn’t about how many accolades the academics boast. It’s about taking ownership of the institution that educates you because, at the end of the day, there’s a reason you attend Weber State. Take pride in your school while you’re here. Go Wildcats!
