Campaign Update

Jessica Clark Tayon: Filling in life's gaps with a dream

At age 8 she snuggled black bear cubs in her jacket, providing warmth and reassurance while their mother was radio–collared. As a teenager, she conducted bird surveys with her dad along the Great Salt Lake, rehabilitated a kestrel fledgling and boiled bobcat jaws to extract teeth for age–data collection. She banded Canada geese, collected biological samples from deer at hunter check stations, helped in moose transplants and participated in the re–introduction of black-footed ferrets to Utah.

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From her very first steps, through her junior year as a wildlife science major at Utah State University, Jessica Clark Tayon lived her dream of becoming a full–fledged wildlife biologist, just like her dad, Alan Clark, assistant director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

At 21, she probably had more hands–on experience in the field than some careers produce over decades. But on January 15, 2007, Jessi, a Dean's List student and Quinney Scholar, died from respiratory complications. Summers of using telemetry to track elk, sage grouse and deer became only cherished memories for her family and newlywed husband, Scott. Early–morning quests for the perfect wildlife photo faded away alongside a passion–filled, exceptional life cut way too short.

Now those who knew Jessi, whose own lives were brightened by her indomitable enthusiasm for anything outdoors, are seeking to honor her legacy, to extend her dream to other students in USU's College of Natural Resources. Family, friends, conservation organizations and co–workers have created the Jessica Clark Tayon Memorial Scholarship Fund, “in the hope others get the opportunity to work in this profession with as much joy and pride as she did,” said Alan Clark.

Jessi had actually been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and trachea when she was just 14. She endured three open–chest surgeries and over 40 smaller surgeries, weeks of chemotherapy and radiation “and spent way too much time in the hospital,” her dad said. Amazingly, she tucked all of her trips afield in between bouts of illness and visits to the operating room.

“Jessi could be in ICU on a ventilator on Sunday and back to class or work on Monday and nobody, except her family and doctors, would know a thing about it,” said Alan Clark. “That's the way she wanted it. She had trouble breathing and eating, but she was feisty, and through it all, kept her sense of humor… and her smile… and her faith.”

Alan Clark believes that's precisely the reason so many people have come together to perpetuate Jessi's dream. “Her spirit in fighting through the cancer, as well as her involvement in wildlife conservation inspired many,” he said. “Jessi would be pleased to know that there'll be Tayon Scholars at Utah State.”

—Jared Thayne '99

Huntsman expands Armenian scholarship program

Since their arrival on campus a year ago, 13 students from the developing country of Armenia have brought a distinct international perspective to Utah State. Soon they will be joined by another cohort of 13 of their fellow Armenians, thanks to the recent expansion of the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Armenian Scholarship program.

Jon M. Huntsman, Sr., established the program to bring Armenians to study in the U.S. after his humanitarian work in the wake of the 1988 earthquake that devastated the country. He realized that the future of Armenia depended on educational opportunities for its brightest young people. Huntsman chose Utah State as the recipient institution because of its long tradition of international partnerships.

The original 12 returning (one has already graduated) have had an impact on Utah State greater than their number would suggest. “The students have spread themselves out across campus and are connecting with many of our other students,” said Shelly Hernández, coordinator of International Scholarship Programs. “They are focused, driven kids — and they are opening the eyes of our campus to Armenia and beyond.”

To be eligible for the program, applicant students must have a cumulative grade–point average of 3.5, plus a strong background in leadership and service. The students' commitment includes returning to their homeland and contributing in government and industry. Including tuition and living expenses, educating each group for four years costs over $1 million.

Couple securing the future through trust

In 1932, Preston, Idaho, native Lloyd T. Kidd began his studies as an accounting major at Utah State University. In 1959 he married Beth Greenwood, who herself had studied accounting at USU some years before. Before their deaths, the Kidds established a trust to make provision for their families and the charitable organizations they held dear. The experiences that Lloyd and Beth shared while attending Utah State, solidified their desire to make an impact for subsequent generations of future accountants.

Earlier this year, the Beth G. Kidd Trust established the Lloyd T. Kidd and Beth G. Kidd Scholarship in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. “Scholarships like this enable us to attract the very best students to Utah State,” said Dean Douglas Anderson of the Huntsman School. “The Kidd scholarship will be awarded in perpetuity, thanks to the foresight of Lloyd and Beth.”

We realize that you may already have made provisions for Utah State University in your own estate. If so, why not let us know of your plans? We would like to express our thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness — and we want to be prepared to apply your gift in a way that has special meaning for you.

If you haven't yet considered support for Utah State in your plans, we may be able to help you find creative and tax–advantaged ways to support the university. Your generosity can make a difference for generations of students. Please contact our Development Office for more information:

Utah State University Development
1440 Old Main Hill
Logan, 84322
435–797–1158
www.usu.edu/campaign