Dear Aggie Family,

As summer winds down and we embark on yet another academic year, we are excited to welcome back our students, come together, and further advance our mission to educate, discover, and serve.

At USU, we believe in the power of curiosity. Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member, or community partner, we are all part of an academic ecosystem that thrives on exploration. In Logan and across our state, we are fortunate to be stewards of incredible collections that not only animate our academic work but also provide connections to the world around us. Our collections catalyze learning, allowing us to connect past, present, and future generations. The engagement and active cultivation of curiosity are core elements of a quality educational context that foster a shared sense of community, problem solving, and innovation.

This issue of Utah State Magazine provides a glimpse into some of our unique collections and features the university’s reciprocal relationship with the community. Items like the fossils and artifacts of the Prehistoric Museum at USU Eastern and the unique collections housed within the Special Collections and Archives of the Merrill-Cazier Library highlight the remarkable breadth and depth of our intellectual and cultural heritage, while various sports memorabilia showcase the heights that Aggies can achieve.

As you read through the stories in this issue, I hope you will be inspired by the connections we have made, the history we have preserved, and the ongoing work of discovery and innovation that makes our university unique and vibrant. Our collections are a testament to the dedication of Aggies everywhere, whose passion for learning and research is reflected in every artifact, every book, and every story shared.

I would like to thank everyone who contributes to our collections — whether through research, curation, or simply sharing a passion for preserving the knowledge that defines our past and shapes our future. Your commitment to this work enriches not only the USU community but also the broader academic world.

Looking ahead, I invite you to consider your own connection to Utah State University. What is your USU story and how has this place shaped your journey? Share it with us by following this link. Your story matters, and together, we will continue to build a community that values knowledge, curiosity, and connection.

Sincerely,

Alan L. Smith
Interim President
Utah State University