U.S. Congress praises WSU

The United State’s House of Representatives honors different academic and athletic institutions throughout the nation for their work and dedication, and yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 27, the House chose to present that honor to Weber State University.
The Committee of Education and Labor suggested the resolution to honor the university this year, in conjunction with the university’s 120th anniversary. The resolution was introduced by Congressman Rob Bishop in the middle of last week and brought to the House floor by Monday, Oct. 26, which, according to Bishop, is a fast turn-around time.
“I was happy because Weber State means so much for the top of Utah, both for education opportunities, (and) as an engine for economical development,” Bishop said. “They add culture as well as the recreation and athletic opportunities with the community. I was happy that this one happened to be at the right time.”
Bishop said he was impressed with the amount of achievement made by not only the university itself, but by its various programs, such as the football team ranking 14th in the FSC polls and the performing arts department being invited to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center, along with WSU being awarded the Big Sky Conference Sterling Savings Bank President’s Cup for the second year in a row, and fourth time in the seven-year history of the award.
“I was happy to do this,” Bishop said. “There is so much that Weber does for the community that it was nice to recognize them for it.”
Bishop said the university did well in reaching out to the surrounding communities in many areas, from academics to economical benefits provided by the university.
“There are all sorts of very positive good things that (are) happening at Weber State and Weber State is a catalyst for so much in that community – not just in athletics, in culture, education, but also in economics,” Bishop said. “Weber State, also because it’s close, provides benefits for Hill Air Force Base, expands the ability not only for the workers there to expand their skills, but also for young airmen to get higher education there as well as the Layton campus. And you have outreach programs in Davis, Box Elder and in Morgan and other areas, so it was good to try and recognize that.”
WSU President F. Ann Millner said it was an honor to be recognized by the House.
“With 120 years of providing exceptional learning experience for students, we are excited about the recognition of Congressman Bishop and the House of Representatives,” Millner said. “I think it’s interesting to see Weber State University have more opportunities to be recognized nationally as a university, and I think it’s because of the incredible teaching and learning that happens at this institution, a focus on undergraduate research, faculty research and community engagement.”
Bishop accredited Millner with doing a good job at continually causing growth for the university.
“I was actually just doing quick research to go to the floor and I was impressed with everything that President Millner is doing and everything that is happening there,” Bishop said.
Congress recognized the university for its 120 years of success by voting on and passing the resolution on Tuesday.
Bishop said he was also impressed with the number of important people associated with WSU, such as Louis Moench, the founder of the academy; David O. McKay, a former WSU principal who went on to be President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, a WSU graduate who represents Kansas.
Hilary Stokes, a WSU graduate in political science and an employee in Bishop’s Washington, D.C. office, said she was excited when she heard about the resolution.
“It was really exciting to be in Washington, D.C., watching my boss honor Weber State,” Stokes said. “Weber State opened so many doors for me and because of my opportunity to intern through Weber State with Congressman Bishop two years ago, I now have the privilege of working in the nation’s capitol with an amazing Congressman and awesome staff. WSU is an incredible institution and I’m thrilled that it was honored this way by Congressman Bishop on the House floor for its 120th anniversary.”
Bishop also said he was excited to introduce the idea to the House and be able to honor the university.
“I’m proud of what Weber State has done, and it is a great institution for northern Utah and it has shown excellence in all sorts of field and that’s cool,” Bishop said. “It is exciting to be able to honor them as an important element at the top of Utah.”