Big Blue Unmasked
For the last three years, Big Blue has been a fixture at athletic and community events alike. But until now, few have known the true identity of USU’s most recognizable personality. That all changed during halftime of the USU vs. Idaho basketball game on Friday, March 4, when the head came off and Bo Roundy was introduced.

“It’s a relief,” said Bo after the game. “It was very hard to stand in front of the crowd and get the attention.”

Bo originally came to Utah State to play football, but a shoulder injury ended his playing days. Undeterred, he joined the cheer squad. After a year of cheering Bo heard about the need for someone to take over the mascot duties. Since that time, he has never missed an opportunity to suit up.

Looking back at his career, Bo points to the relationships he made as his fondest memories. He loved to join with other mascots, such as the Jazz Bear, and perform for audiences. He also enjoyed the freedom being in the Big Blue suit offered him.

"That's why I do it," he explained. "I can be crazy and people don't know who I am."

Bo will finish the last few games as Big Blue before graduation. After that, he will probably become a teacher, though he doesn’t rule out putting on another mascot uniform for an NBA team. For now, Bo has written a children’s book, My Friend Big Blue, based on his experiences. Anyone who would like a copy can pick one up at: Deseret First Credit Union, Lee’s Marketplace, Mr. Mac, The Booktable, or online at the USU Bookstore. A website for additional online orders is coming soon.

Aggie Military Honors
Lieutenant Colonel John P. Stokes is a 1985 graduate of Utah State University (B.S. Marketing). He is a Distinguished Military Graduate from the Army ROTC Department and served over 13 years as an Army Officer in both stateside and overseas assignments. 

He left active duty military service to serve as a pilot for the U.S. Government performing sensitive support missions worldwide. After the events of September 11, 2001, Colonel Stokes reentered military service as a C-130 Tactical Airlift Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Reserve out of Maxwell Air Force Base, AL.

In January, he assumed command of the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, a squadron comprised of Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard C-130 aircraft and personnel. Colonel Stokes recently sent the Alumni Association the following story: “In Afghanistan, C-130s are providing emergency airdrops of food to supply U.S. troops on the ground whose travel is hampered by snow and bad weather. I heard an awesome story from last week of a Hercules (our plane’s name) trying to get in to airdrop in bad weather. The crew descended out of the clouds in order to proceed to the planned drop zone below the clouds. The terrain in this area is very mountainous so it is a challenging task. As the crew flew to the planned drop site they could not find any markings to identify the drop zone. As fuel was running low a crewmember transmitted on the radio, ‘Do you have any Gatorade or Kool-Aid?’ The answer from the ground was ‘Yes!’ They were then asked to spread the purple Kool-aid over the snow. The Herc rolled in for the drop again and was able to identify the zone and get the entire load out for the troops on the ground.”

"We appreciate all the prayers of faithful folks back home. Our young men and women continue to amaze me at how well they do their jobs day in and day out. Our country can truly be proud of them."

USU Rankings and Awards
Did you know that the Princeton Review named Utah State University “Best in the West”? Or that Consumer Digest ranked USU #6 in the nation for “Best Value”? These are just two of the many honors that the university has received recently. For more information, go to www.usu.edu/usugreats/ to see more.

Professor Receives Fulbright Scholar Grant
One of USU’s own, Roger K. Kjelgren, was recently awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to Thailand for the 2005-06 academic year. Kjelgren is an associate professor of urban horticulture in Utah State University’s Department of Plants, Soils and Biometeorology. This grant will allow him to spend six months teaching at Kasetsart University in Bangkok. Following his time in Thailand, Kjelgren will serve as a visiting lecturer at the University of Queensland in Australia.

The Fulbright Scholar Program was established in 1946 to help build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Professor Kjelgren is one of approximately 800 faculty and professionals traveling abroad this year.

New Alumni Sustaining Member Benefit
The Cub River Lodge and Guest Ranch is nestled in the beautiful surroundings up Cub River Canyon near Preston, Idaho, at Deer Cliff. They offer year-round accommodations for lodging, camping, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and outdoor recreation. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, as well as ATV, horse, snowmobile, and RV rentals, or relax in the swimming pool and hot tub. USU Sustaining Members receive the first night free on a four night stay.

The Cub River Lodge and Guest Ranch is also available for receptions, weddings, luncheons, seminars, workshops, family reunions, and more. Sustaining Members get a 25% discount on facility rental.

Contact the Cub River Lodge and Guest Ranch toll-free at (866)400-2124, or email them from their website at www.cubriverguestranch.com.

To view all the benefits and discounts available to our Sustaining Members, click here. To join online now, follow this link.

University Alumni Travel Benefits Update
The University Alumni Travel Benefits program offers world-class condominium rentals at a discount to USU Alumni Sustaining Members. For a limited time, Sustaining Members can receive $50 off their reservation with a check-in during April and May, 2005. Check the Alumni Association’s benefits and services page for more information. To join the USU Alumni Sustaining Member program, click here.

Back to the Buzzer

The Aggies take on Utah in 1970

EVENT LISTINGS

Utah State University Alumni Relations sponsors many exciting events throughout the year. To keep informed about the most current ones, visit www.usu.edu/alumni/events.html often.

CONNECTIONS

USU Job Board

Classnotes

Obituaries

Chapter News

Cache County Aggie Chapter
May 2005 – Golf Tournament

Los Angeles & Orange County Aggie Chapters
April 29, 2005 – Athletic Dinner

Salt Lake County Aggie Chapter
April 20, 2005 – The Salt Lake County Aggie Chapter presents “To Kill A Mockingbird” at the Hale Center Theatre. The performance begins at 6:00 p.m. Cost: $25 per person
June 20, 2005 – Utah/SLC Chapter Golf Tournament at Thanksgiving Point
July 30, 2005 – Family Swim Party and Aggie Ice Cream Night

Note: More information on these events will be forthcoming.

Athletics

Aggies Finish Big at Track and Field Championships
History was made at the Western Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships in Nampa, Idaho. Aggie Michael Nielson became the first USU 3,000 meters champion, just beating out Japheth Ng’ojoy from UTEP. Nielson’s finish, combined with wins by Zach Lloyd in shot put and Christian Lee in the pole vault, lifted USU to a second place overall finish in the competition. Last month, Reece Hulbert set a school record in the heptathlon and earned a second place finish in that event. This was Utah State ’s first appearance at the WAC Championships.

All-Century Basketball Team Named
Utah State University has a long tradition of success when it comes to college basketball. Recently, the USU All-Century Basketball team was named to celebrate 100 years of Aggie basketball.

All-Century Team Roster

Tony Brown (1999-2002)
Bert Cook (1950-52)
Wayne Estes (1963-65) – also chosen as the All-Century MVP
Eric Franson (1991, 94-96)
Greg Grant (1983-86)
Cornell Green (1960-62)
Shaler Halimon (1967-68)
Dean Hunger (1977, 79-80)
Brian Jackson (1979-81)
Bob Lauriski (1971-73)
Jimmy Moore (1973-75)
Spencer Nelson (1999, 2003-pres)
Marvin Roberts (1969-71)
Marcus Saxon (1997-98)
Nate Williams (1970-71)
Kendall Youngblood (1989-92)

For more information on the All-Century team, click here.

2005 Aggie Auction
Show your support for Aggie Athletics by participating in the 2005 Aggie Auction. The auction will take place on April 23 in the TSC Ballroom at USU. Come bid on a variety of merchandise, including show tickets and electronics. Check out the Big Blue Club website after March 15 for a list of the auction items. For more information, or to donate an item to the auction, call 797-BLUE or Tom Hale at 797-1828.

2005 Football Schedule Announced
Aggie football heads into the 2005 season with a new coach and a new conference. Check out the season schedule here.

Travel Opportunities Branson, Missouri May 10-15, 2005 Enjoy the excitement of Branson, Missouri while seeing shows by Andy Williams, the Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds and more. An optional extension is also offered, visiting the historical sites of Nauvoo (extension dates: May 15-18, 2005). Norwegian Fjords Cruise July 29-August 9, 2005 This seven-day cruise departs Copenhagen, Denmark and visits Norwegian ports including Flam, Bergen, and Oslo while also sailing the beautiful fjords.    Hawaii and Aggie Football November 8-14, 2005 Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii and the thrill of Aggie football at the same time. The Alumni Association invites all Aggies to join them for a five-night stay at the Pacific Beach Hotel and cheer on the Aggies as they battle the University of Hawaii Rainbows. For more information on upcoming alumni travel events, visit www.usu.edu/alumni/travel.html.