A Brilliant Light

Jaime Winston BA ’22, Marketing & Communications

W on the hillside

Wildcats saw Weber State’s new solar-powered W illuminate the mountainside for the first time at the football game against Butler University on Sept. 20, 2025. Since then, those near the Ogden campus have looked toward Mt. Ogden after dusk to see the W’s brilliance. In 1937, Wildcats carried kerosene and burlap sacks to light the first flaming W. Later Ws included those created with painted rocks, planted bushes, and more — all of which led to today’s permanent version. So, as night falls, look toward campus to see the W and be reminded of WSU’s enduring presence in Ogden and beyond.

Colors and Patterns

Solid white: The W’s usual appearance, starting at dusk and turning off at 10 p.m.

Solid purple: Recognizes Founders Day on Jan. 7, which marks the university’s founding in 1889, as well as WSU Homecoming.

Flashing purple and white: Celebrates a Weber State NCAA team winning at home.

Flaming purple and white: Honors graduates on the dates of the university’s commencement ceremonies.

Off: Going dark for conditional reasons, such as sky observation.