’Cats with Class
2021–22 WSU Alumni Association Leaders
WSU Alumni Association President, Curtis Funk BS’11
If you could travel to Paris, France, with a famous person who would it be?
Benjamin Franklin spent many years there and would surely have some incredible stories to tell.
If you could do only one activity near Paris, what would it be?
I’d tour the Palace of Versailles in search of some sweet landscaping ideas.
What is your dream travel destination?
I’m not cool enough to dream of climbing to the summit of Mount Everest, but the trek to the base camp from Kathmandu, Nepal, sounds like an incredible backpacking trip, with awesome views.
Have you ever felt like a “tacky” tourist?
Definitely more than once! In Paris, we signed up for lots of “touristy” sightseeing trips, and whenever I tried to communicate with locals, the language barrier was always too thick.
Share a memory of Stewart Bell Tower:
Trying to convince my wife, Megan, to sneak up there for a kiss to fulfill our duty as official Weber State “traditions keepers.”
The No. 1 reason to get involved with the WSU Alumni Association is:
To stay informed about exciting things happening in our Weber State community.
WSU Emeriti Alumni Council President, Bruce Shepherd BA ’77
If you could travel to Paris, France, with a famous person who would it be?
Victor Hugo. It would be interesting to hear his take on what has happened since he wrote Les Misérables.
If you could do only one activity near Paris, what would it be?
I’d visit the Louvre Museum to see the art and exhibits there. (I’ve already climbed the Eiffel Tower.)
What is your dream travel destination?
Hawaii. I’ve never been there!
Have you ever felt like a “tacky” tourist?
Yes, when we took a family trip to Disneyland, we put a leash on one child who liked to wander and gave the other end to his “Grandpa Shep.” We always knew where they were, but we sure got a lot of strange looks from other guests.
Share a memory of Stewart Bell Tower:
I remember the campus before the bell tower, when it was just four buildings. We had great teachers and great events. I remember Bob Hunter [former president and CEO of United Way of Northern Utah, former director of the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service and WSU graduate] sleeping in a tent in front of the Union Building during a student election; another candidate landing an airplane on Harrison Boulevard as a campaign stunt! Later, Stewart Bell Tower became a sign of growth and change.
The No. 1 reason to get involved with the WSU Alumni Association is:
To give back to a school that affords so many educational and social opportunities. Weber State, Weber State, great, Great, GREAT!
WSU Young Alumni Council President, Philip Sauvageau MBA ’16
If you could travel to Paris, France, with a famous person who would it be?
Julia Child. What better way to experience French cooking at its finest?
If you could do only one activity near Paris, what would it be?
Tour Versailles Palace because of all the gardens.
What is your dream travel destination?
Just one? I’d like to visit New York and New England, because I’ve never been there, and I’d also like to experience Ontario and Quebec, Canada, where my ancestors lived.
Have you ever felt like a “tacky” tourist?
Probably on a trip to Europe after high school. When you’re in a large group of teenagers speaking American-English, you’re just going to stand out.
Share a memory of Stewart Bell Tower:
I remember hearing a variety of songs played on the bells.
The No. 1 reason to get involved with the WSU Alumni Association is:
The opportunity to meet new people.
WSU Student Alumni Association President, Erin Dominguez, MLS ’20
If you could travel to Paris, France, with a famous person who would
it be?
TV’s “Judge Judy” [Sheindlin] because we’d get premier access to fine restaurants and good service. Plus, Judy is very “to the point,” so you know people are going to behave around her, especially on airplanes.
If you could do only one activity near Paris, what would it be?
In total, there are 1,665 steps from the esplanade to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but the stairway from the 2nd floor to the top is not open to the public. (I looked this up.) It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to climb the stairs, depending on how fit you are. I love challenging myself to do things that a lot of people wouldn’t do.
What is your dream travel destination?
I’d love to visit the shooting sites of iconic films. For example, Oregon’s Timberline Lodge (The Shining); Kauai, Hawaii, standing in for the fictional Isla Nublar in Jurassic Park; and Forrest Gump’s bench in Savannah, Georgia.
Have you ever felt like a “tacky” tourist?
The first time I went through a TSA checkpoint, I didn’t have important items, like my boarding pass and ID, out for easy access. My water bottle got confiscated and my bag was searched for concealing a “suspicious-looking” Rubik’s Cube.
Share a memory of Stewart Bell Tower:
I’m a “true Wildcat.” (Need I say more?)
The No. 1 reason to get involved with the WSU Alumni Association is:
To form lifelong personal and professional relationships with other Wildcats.
Get involved with the WSU Alumni Association at alumni.weber.edu.