Are you a superhero at heart, but just aren’t sure how to be faster than a sinking job market. . . or more powerful than a tough economy. . .

Lets see if we can help. Did you know that the number of college graduates who are employed increased by about 1.5 million in the past year? Pretty neat, right? Weber State students balance work, family, and class with all the powers of a superhero! But don’t take our word for it. Check out the link below to read more about why MSNBC says having a degree will help you get a job.M/p>

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“Many people have the skills to perform the job, but a degree is the next step to being promoted to management.”

If you read our last post about Mike, you probably know all about his crazy computer skills and his future career goals. But did you know that he’s also married AND expecting a new baby? AND working full-time AND going to school full-time? Impressive, right?

Check out his video below:

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World Blood Donor Day is coming up quickly on June 14th, 2012—that’s only two days away if you’re counting correctly. The theme of this year’s World Blood Donor Day campaign is “Every blood donor is a hero,” which is remarkably similar to our “Be Your Own Superhero” campaign. What can I say, superheros are popular nowadays. The point is, donating blood is an incredibly important thing to do. From the World Health Organization (WHO) website:

Every year, countries throughout every region of the world organize a huge variety of events and activities to celebrate the day, from football matches to free concerts, and from mobile blood donation clinics to monumental decorations.

WHO and partners have decided to focus the 2012 campaign on the idea that every one of us can become a hero simply by giving blood. The everyday hero responds to an immediate need, whatever the conditions, despite inconvenience, putting the needs of others above their own. Voluntary blood donors come from all walks of life, all regions, backgrounds, religions and ages. By choosing to donate blood without getting paid, these individuals commit an “heroic” act, a gesture of human solidarity with the power to save lives. Some of them do so dozens of times over several decades.

Did you know that 5 million patients in the US need blood every year? And that every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion? By donating one pint of blood you can help save up to three lives. What’s more heroic than that? Right now, the American Red Cross is urging everyone to donate blood, as their four blood types have dropped to critical levels. The universal O-negative blood type is especially needed.

So what are you waiting for? The power is within you. Be someone else’s superhero and donate blood. It is very much needed.

Make and appointment now or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To find local donation centers, visit redcrossblood.org/make-donation.
For more information, visit who.int/worldblooddonorday/en/.

Meet Mike Jasper, a senior in the Computer Science department with one year left until graduation. He’s also a student worker here in the marketing department of Continuing Education, and an all-around computer wiz-kid. Mike is responsible for managing external websites and programming internal applications. I recently asked Mike some questions about his experience as a Computer Science student here at Weber State University.

1. Why are you majoring in Computer Science?
   Computer programming is the one medium I know of that is a synthesis of both art and science. On an average day, I can work with color theory, mathematical algorithms for sorting, or end-user psychology.
2. What is your greatest accomplishment so far as a Computer Science major?
   My greatest accomplishment so far is that I have stuck with it. There are many difficult classes, including higher level math, which have tempted me choose an easier path. However, I’m often enough reminded of my passion for programming and creating interesting solutions to problems and re-choose to keep going.
3. Besides Continuing Education, are you currently making money elsewhere in the Computer Science field, even before graduating?
   Yes, I run a freelance website development business. Some of my clients are dentists, musicians, authors, and other local small business owners. Most students have careers in the industry before graduation.
4. What are your career goals for the future?
   After completing my degree here are at Weber, I would like to further my education with a Master’s in CS. This will hopefully lead me to successful career in software engineering and project management.
5. As a Computer Science major, what is your greatest strength?
   As a CS major, my greatest strength is my ability to think critically about a problem, and apply knowledge from many areas to create a solution. Both critical thinking skills and a continuing love of education are essential for a career in computer science.
6. Have you been working on any interesting projects recently?
   Last semester I worked on an open source game engine. A game I created was featured on the website as an example.
7. Are you a Mac or a PC?
   Most enterprise programming tools and environments run on Windows based PCs, and they are what I am used to. Oh, and, you know, they are cooler (As a side note, PC means any personal computer –  so Macs are PCs too. But I’m assuming you mean a Windows operating system)
8. What makes the Computer Science department at Weber State University so great?
   Weber’s CS department does an excellent job of preparing its students for careers after graduation, while other universities in the state focus more on theoretical and academic applications. Most CS students are already employed while still in school because of the excellent education and professors at WSU.
9. Do you have any good advice for someone considering Computer Science as a major?
   Learning to program will challenge your mind to think and operate in a way that it never has before. For some, this can be hard and downright frustrating. Just remember that as you stretch your mind, you are growing personally and enriching your capacity to learn in all other areas of your life. Like many of the sciences, CS can, at times, be monotonous and tedious work. However, seeing a functional and finished project will fill you with immense satisfaction and pride.
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How many runners can you name?

The Ogden Marathon was an awesome way to spend Saturday morning. If you missed it or want to relive the magic watch this video that covers the full, half, 5K and the finish line.

A big thank you to all the Weber State University volunteers and participants that made this event possible.

A few of our co-workers signed up for a relay team for the 2012 Ogden Marathon. Once they recovered, they were kind enough to share their experiences with us.

Kaycee Paskins, Leg 1 (Marathon start to mile 7)

I was expecting to be chilly at 5:30 in the morning, but I didn’t realize I would remain a frozen little popsicle through the entire first leg of the relay! Who knew???? I’ve been told this was one of the warmest starts they have had but I don’t believe it.  Despite the cold, the festive atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, and an amazing energy from all those ambitious souls got me past the starting line (eventually!) and down the road. A HUGE thank you to the volunteers at the aid stations, especially Ogden Clinic, you guys are PARTY ANIMALS!! Thanks to everyone who was involved in putting on such a great race!

Andrea Jensen, Leg 2 (Mile 7 to mile 13.1)

I signed up for the Ogden Marathon relay because I wanted a manageable running goal. I was doing great in my training until I injured my foot. For two weeks before the marathon I could not run at all. I worked with my doctor to prepare and hoped that I would be able to run that day. I was so nervous, but determined to show up and run as much as possible. I ran my six miles and want to run more now! It was fun to be a part of a team and to accomplish the goal I set.

Sabrina Sandry, Leg 3 (Mile 13.1 to mile 18)

This was my first official race. I admit, I could hardly sleep the night before because I was so nervous. What if I couldn’t finish? What if it took me too long and the slow poke van had to come pick me up? I didn’t want to disappoint my team or myself.
Race day came and when my sister finished her leg, I teared up as she handed over the relay bracelet, gave me a hug, and wished me good luck. I was so proud of her and I was so excited for my turn. Once I got past “THE HILL” I kept thinking “This is so awesome!” Running through the beautiful scenery of Pineview Dam and then down part of the canyon sure beat running on a treadmill.

Each time I passed, or got passed, by a marathon participant, I was inspired to keep on going. I figured if they could run these 26.2 miles, I could run my 5.

The race was so well organized and the volunteers were so encouraging. I felt like each of them were my #1 fan. The excitement and enthusiasm of the other participants, the inspiration of the marathon runners, the great volunteers and the pure satisfaction of finishing the race made it all worthwhile and made for a great experience.

Kristie Nielsen, Leg 4 (Mile 18 to mile 23.1)

We boarded buses at 25th and Washington at 6:15 a.m. and arrived at The Oaks by 6:45 a.m. Just 3 or 4 hours to wait… at least I got to wait with my husband, Curt. The Oaks was awesome to let us all pile in the restaurant to keep warm from the cold canyon wind. By 7:30 a.m. though we were out front watching for the first half-marathon runners to fly by which is exactly what they did. I’m pretty sure their feet weren’t touching the ground. It was exciting to cheer on the front runners, middle packs, and also the determined walkers of the half and full marathon races. I got to cheer on more than most because I think I was the second to last person to start my leg of the relay. (It brought back bad memories of junior high P.E. class team selection). I got started about 10:50 a.m. – weather was perfect and the 5-mile run down the canyon was awesome. I eventually handed off to Gail on the parkway and met up with Curt again. We decided to walk and jog the last 3 miles to the finish line for one of those Creamies. Ended with my medal and group hug with my team mates – great day!

Gail Niklason, Final Leg (Mile 23.1 to Finish Line)

Running the last, 3-mile leg of a marathon feels like cheating… when I took the changeover from Kristie (and I’d been waiting a couple of hours, so I was ‘ready to go’) I set off at a brisk pace (well, this is relative you know…) passing folks right and left. Of course most were on either mile 23 or mile 10. Then when I started to fade at about mile 2 I really started feeling guilty! These people were rocks – totally amazing! And they were hurtin’, but so determined – and I was such a wimp! But it was fun… and next year? I think we’re signing up for the half.

For more marathon pics, check out our facebook page

You can also watch a video of the Ogden Marathon route

A Weber State staffer spotted a mama and daddy duck hovering around a drain in the parking lot. Closer inspection showed that seven little ducklings had fallen into the water below. Facilities Management immediately dispatched a rapid-response team and all seven ducklings were reunited with their parents in no time.

Likes us on facebook for more photos from the ordeal.

Veteran student, criminal justice major and future lawyer Karlene Terry takes advantage of Weber State University’s flexible class options to earn her degree. In between online and evening classes, she works in WSU’s Veterans Office helping other military students return to school. Weber State is consistently ranked as one of the top military-friendly universities in the country.

Like us on facebook  to see more adventures from Weber State students.

Computers are all the rage these days, aren’t they? You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t at least heard of Angry Birds, updated their Facebook status on a smart phone, or finished homework on a laptop computer down at the local coffee shop. So what better way to secure a solid career for yourself than to major in a field that won’t be going away any time soon?

According to Weber State University’s Computer Science website, “In 2010, the Wall Street Journal had computer-related careers occupying two of the top three positions in best jobs in America in terms of current demand, stress level and salary. Salaries are consistently in the top-10 ranges with ComputerWorld reporting 2010 base salaries at, for example, over $71,000 for programmer/analyst and over $88,000 for Software Engineer. Computer software engineers are among the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the 2008–18 decade, resulting in excellent job prospects. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

A small disclaimer for some: there is a certain amount of math involved. But it looks like there’s also some really cool classes. Check these out: Introduction to Interactive Entertainment, Mobile Development for the iPhone, Computer Graphics, and Game De