Weber State salutes standout alumni, community leaders
OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University will honor several devoted alumni and inspirational community leaders at the 57th Annual WSU Salutes ceremony on Friday, Oct. 16. The public is invited to attend the free homecoming event hosted by WSU’s Alumni Association.
A reception will be held at 6 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Atrium, followed by the awards program at 7 p.m. in the Browning Center Austad Auditorium. The best-dress event is free and open to the public. The ceremony will also be broadcast on the Browning Center website.
“There’s nothing quite like gathering to celebrate the incredible heart and spirit of our community during Weber State Homecoming,” said Nancy Collinwood, executive director of Alumni Relations. “Wildcat pride is on full display at WSU Salutes, when we honor the visionary alumni and community leaders who embody Weber State's strength and tradition. Please join us as we shine a light on these outstanding alumni and supporters.”
Courtney Ellis Woodfield, 2014 WSU graduate, will be master of ceremonies for the event. The 2026 honorees are:
Emeriti Homecoming Royalty
Chris J. ’80 & Laurie Malan
Weber State University holds a special place in the hearts of Laurie and Chris Malan, as their story together began here. Laurie and Chris met while attending Weber State in the fall of 1978. Laurie was studying respiratory therapy and working at McKay Dee Hospital, and Chris was studying economics and Spanish and working at United Parcel Service. Chris was active in the Associated Students of Weber State College, serving in various capacities, including as vice president of public relations.
They graduated in 1980 and were married in January of 1981, after Chris had completed his first semester of law school at the University of Idaho. While Chris was working on his law degree, Laurie worked as a respiratory therapist in Moscow and Lewiston, Idaho.
After law school, they came back to Utah. Laurie returned to McKay Dee, where she worked for a number of years. Chris practiced law in Ogden, later joining the legal department of Flying J Inc. Chris served as executive vice president and general counsel of Flying J Oil & Gas Inc., Flying J Inc., and later FJ Management Inc. The Malans moved to Houston in 2013, where Chris served as vice president of land at Newfield Exploration Company.
Laurie and Chris are lifetime members of the Weber State University Alumni Association and have enjoyed many years of activity in the association. Chris’s tenure with the WSUAA has included serving as president of the Young Alumni Council and president of the WSU Alumni Board of Directors. Laurie and Chris are grateful for the opportunities that they have been blessed with because of the education they received at WSU and their continuing participation in the WSUAA.
Laurie and Chris have four children and 12 grandchildren residing in four different states. They travel frequently to visit family, explore new adventures, and share family experiences.
Emeriti Homecoming Royalty
Rob ’81 & Pam Despain ’81
Rob and Pam Despain have a deep appreciation for Weber State University and the foundation it provided for their lives. For both of them, Weber State was a place to learn, grow, build lasting values, and prepare for the future.
Rob attended Weber State from 1977–1981 and competed as a student-athlete on the men’s golf team. During his time on the team, Weber State won four Big Sky golf championships. Rob earned four varsity letters and was named all-conference twice.
He graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies in distributive technology, communications, and recreation. He also earned an Associate of Applied Science in sales and retailing.
Pam attended Weber State from 1978–1981, graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She went on to teach in Weber County schools for six years.
Rob and Pam were married in August 1979 and have been blessed with four children, four grandchildren, and a wonderful extended family. One of their greatest joys in life is their family.
Their Weber State legacy continues through their children, all of whom have attended WSU, with two earning bachelor’s degrees. Rob and Pam enjoy sharing that legacy with their grandchildren by bringing them to football and basketball games. For Pam, that tradition reaches back to when she began attending basketball games with her father at age 7.
After graduating, Rob began a successful career with Petersen Incorporated, where he focused on sales, marketing, and business growth. During his 40-year career, he earned a reputation for integrity, hard work, and commitment to customer service.
Rob had a unique ability to identify emerging markets and position the company for success. His contributions helped the company grow from 12 employees to approximately 600 by the time of his retirement.
Beyond their professional and family lives, Rob and Pam have remained active in the community through local volunteer service. Their education at Weber State helped lay the foundation for a life centered on family, faith, community, and philanthropy.
Rob and Pam are truly honored and humbled to be recognized by Weber State University as distinguished alumni. Go ’Cats!
Emeriti Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award
Bruce L. Nilson ’69
Bruce L. Nilson’s connection to Weber State University began close to home and grew into a relationship that has continued for a lifetime.
Nilson grew up on Franklin Street in Ogden with his parents, Milo and Audrey, and his two older brothers, Darrell and Gary. He attended Washington Junior High and graduated from Ogden High School before coming to Weber State on a football scholarship.
Shortly after high school, Nilson served a mission in Australia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since then, he has served in numerous leadership roles in the church with a lifetime of service.
At Weber State, Nilson found opportunities that extended well beyond the football field. He became active in student government and eventually served as senior vice president of the student body. One of his most memorable experiences was organizing a trip for 40 students to travel to Hawaii and support the basketball team. With a limited budget, Nilson helped arrange a trip that took the group to all four major Hawaiian islands while giving students the opportunity to cheer on the Wildcats far from home.
Nilson met his future wife, Susie, at Weber State. They were married for 54 years before she passed from the complications of Parkinson’s disease. They raised five children, and today have 15 grandchildren.
After graduation, Nilson began his professional career as a realtor. Selling homes introduced him to homebuilding and land development, and he soon discovered that was where his real passion was. He went on to establish businesses in development and residential construction, ultimately founding Nilson Homes, which he ran for 43 years before passing it on to his son, Jed.
Nilson has remained closely involved with the university for decades as a lifetime member of the WSU Alumni Association, a member of the Wildcat Club, and a longtime football and basketball season-ticket holder. He served on the WSUAA board from 2006–2011 and participated in several leadership roles, including the Student Relations Committee from 2007–2009, chairing the Community Relations Committee in 2009–2010, and serving on the Finance and Resource Committee from 2010–2011. Throughout his career, he has hired Weber State graduates, worked alongside fellow alumni, and maintained ties with students and graduates in construction management and related fields.
For Nilson, supporting Weber State has always been less about recognition than about remaining connected to a community that had a profound influence on his life. Whether serving on committees, supporting Wildcat athletics, attending alumni events or contributing in various ways, he has always had an attitude of giving, supporting the university whenever possible.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Crystalee Beck ’14
Crystalee Beck, MPC, is a wife to Ryan Beck ’12, mother of four, founder of Comma Copywriters, and co-founder of The Mama Ladder. She earned the Master of Professional Communication degree from WSU while pregnant with her first child. Her new baby attended her 2014 graduation in a mini cap and gown, and Beck was named outstanding graduate in her cohort. Her graduate research on managerial gratitude earned the Best Theoretical Paper award at an international communication conference in Hong Kong. She taught Public Speaking and Media Writing as a WSU adjunct instructor for two years and returns annually as a guest speaker in communication classes.
Beck worked in marketing at MarketStar during graduate school. After leaving the corporate world to be there for her babies, she "created her own ladder" by starting her own business. Ten years later, the award-winning team at Comma Copywriters creates publish-ready content for leading healthcare and B2B brands. The company has been recognized five times by Utah Business on the Fast 50 list as one of Utah's fastest-growing companies, and has been recognized four times by Best of State for Writers' Services. Beck was named on the Utah Business “Forty Under 40” list in 2025.
Before entrepreneurship, Beck traveled to all 50 U.S. states as a flight attendant. She finds her best ideas on mountain trails and is passionate about helping businesses grow while inspiring more women to build companies that create both financial freedom and family flexibility. She hosts the High Five Grant for Moms, a business competition that has awarded more than $130,000 in business grants since 2018 and continues to inspire mothers in business across the country at highfivegrant.com.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Abdiel S. Vazquez ’20
Abdiel S. Vazquez has built his career at the intersection of public service, national security, and government affairs, rising from a congressional intern in his home state of Utah to serving in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C.
During his time at WSU, Vazquez immersed himself in public service and politics. While earning his degree in political science, he gained experience in the offices of U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop and Utah Sen. Gregg Buxton, worked as a campaign manager that transformed to political consulting, and served as director of grassroots and volunteer services for the Utah Republican Party.
After graduating in 2020, Vazquez moved to Washington, D.C., to serve in the office of U.S. Sen. Mike Lee. His time on Capitol Hill gave him firsthand experience with the constituents, institutions, and legislative processes that shape national policy.
In 2022, Vazquez joined Velos, where his work increasingly focused on national security and the rapidly evolving space sector. Over three years, he helped space companies navigate the halls of Congress, the Pentagon, and the intelligence community, developing strategic engagement efforts and advancing policy and federal budget priorities.
In June 2025, Vazquez began a new chapter in public service when he joined the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force as a special assistant. Today, he works alongside senior Department of the Air Force leaders on issues affecting airmen, guardians, military installations, and the broader national security mission.
From Ogden to the Pentagon, Vazquez’s career reflects a continued commitment to public service, leadership, and strengthening America’s national defense.
Lewis W. Shurtliff Award for Excellence in Education
Janis B. Vause ’73–’76
Janis Vause is a respected community leader, nonprofit executive, and champion of education whose career has been dedicated to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the Ogden community.
Following a successful career in real estate, Vause was recruited to serve as executive director of the Ogden School Foundation, a position she held with distinction for 32 years. During her tenure, she helped establish the Fall Author Event and brought to Ogden acclaimed authors such as Ray Bradbury, Amy Tan, Stephen Ambrose, David McCullough, and many more. Some of the foundation's other programs established during her tenure include the WSU College Bound Program, Classroom Grants Program, and the MarketStar Community Resource Center. Her leadership helped raise more than $9 million to restore the historic Ogden High School auditorium and was recognized by the National Trust as the nation's top education foundation serving districts of similar size.
Vause has served on numerous community organizations and boards, including the Weber County Landmarks Commission, WSU Friends of Stewart Library, Clarke Planetarium Board, Ogden-Weber Chamber Education Committee, and Ogden Musical Theatre Board.
Her many honors include the Ogden City Mayor's Award in the Arts, United Way Community Leader of the Year, Your Community Connection Spirit of the American Woman Community Service Award, and the Ogden School District Lifetime Service Award. Permanent endowments have been established in honor of her and her husband, Mikel Vause, Ph.D., at both the Ogden School Foundation and Weber State University, reflecting their enduring commitment to education, literature, and community service.
Distinguished Service
Pat & Judy Condon
Pat and Judy Condon were born in opposite corners of our country: Judy in Oregon and Pat in Florida. They met in the middle at the University of Oklahoma, where Judy studied German and Russian, and Pat studied mechanical engineering. Commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program, Pat served on active duty for 33 years, retiring as a major general and commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill Air Force Base.
The Air Force sent Pat back to school twice for advanced degrees. He attended the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio for a master’s degree in aerospace-mechanical engineering, then earned a doctorate in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Highlights of his career include serving as a rendezvous analyst at NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston during the Apollo program and being a commander of an Air Force laboratory, an Air Force test center, and an Air Force logistics center.
Following retirement from the Air Force, Pat and Judy settled in Ogden, where Pat served as an aerospace consultant for government and industry. He later worked for Senator Mike Lee as a senior policy advisor for defense matters. Pat was elected national president and later chairman of the board for the Air Force Association (AFA), an organization devoted to advocating for a strong national defense, educating the public on the role the Air Force plays in that defense, and supporting military members and their families. Pat and Judy traveled the world visiting dozens of air bases, assessing needs and determining where AFA could provide support.
Judy is blessed with many artistic talents. She has been a professional dancer; ran a Jazzercise business; taught dance classes; expressed her creativity through painting, including oils, acrylics, and watercolor; is an expert seamstress, making her own wedding dress and those of her bridesmaids; played in several hand-bell choirs; and excelled at interior decorating. She has done all that while being the consummate military spouse and raising two amazing children, Susan and Mike.
After settling in Ogden, the Condons have been active volunteers in the community. Judy has served on the Red Cross Board, the Board of Directors of Your Community Connection, the Advisory Board of Utah Blue Star Families, and the Board of the Richard Richards Foundation. With Judy’s support, Pat has served on national-level industry and academic boards, been active in the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce, and served on the boards of the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, McKay-Dee Hospital, Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah, Utah Defense Alliance, Major Brent Taylor Foundation, Ogden Pioneer Days Foundation, and the Weber State University College of Social Sciences & Education Advisory Board. In addition, Pat and Judy have “adopted” several WSU students, serving as their surrogate “grandparents” to make them feel at home in Ogden and assist with any special needs.
Pat and Judy are proud to call Ogden home and thoroughly enjoy being an integral part of this community.
Distinguished Alum
Casey Elliott ’09
Casey Elliott has toured the world as a performer, including starring as Radames in the national and international Broadway tours of Elton John’s Aida. Other favorite stage credits include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities, and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Elliott graduated summa cum laude from Weber State University in 2009 with a degree in business administration and marketing. During his time at Weber State, he also participated in several theater productions, including playing Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden.
Elliott’s next film project is the lead role in Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical, a dramatic musical film released nationwide. His other film credits include leading roles in Great American Family Christmas movies Destined at Christmas, Destined 2: Christmas Once More, and Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons, as well as the romantic films Retreat to Paradise, An Hour Behind, and Blessings in Disguise. He has also appeared in dramatic television series and films including The Chosen, Lamb of God: Concert Film as Peter, and Out of Liberty as Hyrum Smith.
Elliott is also a co-founder and member of the music group GENTRI, known for its No. 1 Billboard hits, popular Christmas shows, and music videos that have garnered more than 400 million views online.
Above all, Elliott is a devoted husband and father of four who wholeheartedly expresses his love for his family and deep gratitude to God for the countless blessings in his life. Truly, it is a wonderful life!
Distinguished Alum
Nancy K. Andrews ’89
Nancy Andrews recently retired as a senior executive service leader from Headquarters, Department of the Air Force, where she served as the director of administration and management. As the senior career civilian advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force, she oversaw the daily operations, budgeting, and resource management of a 700,000-person organization.
Her distinguished 40-year career across the Air Force and intelligence community spans multi-billion-dollar portfolios in aircraft, space launch, and advanced communications. As program executive officer for services acquisition, Andrews managed a $164 billion portfolio — over half the DAF budget — delivering $8 billion in contract cost avoidance.
Andrews’ journey to success began at Weber State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She later earned an MBA and dual Master of Science degrees from Air University and the National Defense University. Her connection to Utah and her alma mater's home community came full circle from 2011 to 2013, when she served as the director of contracting at Hill Air Force Base, leading a 300-plus person workforce and executing a $2 billion warfighter modernization strategy.
A specialist in government-industry partnerships, Andrews aligned complex defense strategies with global partners like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Deloitte. In recognition of her contributions over the years, Andrews was honored with an NRO Superior Service Medal and the prestigious Presidential Rank Award, and capped her career with the Air Force Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award upon her retirement in 2026.
Jen Wright, Marketing & Communications
- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu