Distinguished Alumni and Friends of CHaSS

Biography

Danny Beus' story with refugees and immigrants begins at a young age. Being the son of an immigrant mother, Danny has spent his entire life surrounded and supported by diverse communities. Because of this positive impact on his life, he has found ways to give back to these communities in every aspect of his career.

With over a dozen years of advocacy, more than five years of nonprofit management, and 15-plus years working in social services, Danny brings a wealth of experience to his career. He is a graduate of Utah State University who earned a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies in 2015.

Danny is currently the Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah. Before his work at the IRC, Danny served as executive director of the Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection (CRIC), a small nonprofit that serves the Cache Valley refugee and immigrant community. His vision, creativity, and passion led to the establishment of a successful resettlement agency in Cache County, a feat many believed could not be done.

Biography

Janet Osborne has dedicated over 50 years to leadership and service in government, education, and nonprofit organizations. She has received lifetime achievement, leadership, and diversity awards from Utah State University and statewide organizations. After earning her B.A. and M.A. from Arizona State University, Janet received her Ed.D. from USU. She and her husband, Grayson, moved to Cache Valley in 1969, where they raised their two daughters, Lisa and Stephanie.

The loss of her daughter Stephanie at age 21 to a car accident was a profound experience, teaching Janet that grief is deeply personal and sustained by support from others.

At USU, Janet served as director of the Women's Center for Lifelong Learning and Re-entry Student Center and was an adjunct professor in sociology and women's studies. She also contributed to the community as a member of the Sunshine Terrace Board of Directors from 1999 to 2014, serving as board president from 2009 to 2014.

She is most proud of her advocacy for women's voices and contributions and believes in the power of listening, acknowledging life's challenges, and embracing the wisdom that comes with experience. One of her favorite quotes is, "To be old and wise, you must first have to be young and stupid. And maybe, only maybe then, you might have something to say."

Biography

Robert and Nancy Funk are proud Utah State University graduates. Robert earned a bachelor's degree in history and pre-law in 1988, while Nancy graduated in 1989 with a degree in Family and Human Development. They have six children, five of whom have pursued or are pursuing degrees at USU, with their sixth planning to enroll this August.

Robert went on to earn a J.D. from Cornell Law School in 1992 before returning to Logan, where he practiced law at Olson & Hoggan, P.C. until 2015, specializing in real estate and finance. He now serves as general counsel for the Wasatch Group. He has also contributed to the community through roles on the Utah First Judicial District nominating commission and the Cache County School Board.

Nancy has dedicated time to volunteering in schools and for the PTA. Robert also serves many current USU students as stake president of the Logan YSA 8th Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Longtime Aggie sports fans and members of the Old Main Society, Robert and Nancy have established an endowed scholarship in CHaSS to support current USU students.

Biography

Bart Patterson is a respected Nevada community leader and former president of Nevada State University. Now a principal at Summit Consulting, he focuses on regional issues and nonprofit work.

As NSU's longest-serving president, Bart led the university through nearly a decade of record growth, making it the nation's second-fastest growing college, expanding its campus by 75%, and launching its first master's program. Previously, he served as assistant general counsel and later vice chancellor of administrative and legal affairs for the Nevada System of Higher Education. Earlier, he practiced law in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Bart earned his B.A. in political science, magna cum laude, from Utah State University, where he was interned with the Utah Legislature and a debate team member. He later earned his J.D. with honors from Duke University.

An avid traveler and hiker, Bart is proud of his fiancée, Debbie Bingham, his three children —Amanda, Laura, and Kendal — and his two grandsons. He shares an Aggie legacy with his father, brother, and sister, all USU graduates.

Biography

Dave Patel is the Managing Director for Strategic Economic Partnerships at the University of Utah, where he connects the university with external stakeholders to foster mutually beneficial collaborations.

Previously, he was the associate dean of student and external affairs at Utah State University's Huntsman School of Business and executive director of the Huntsman Scholar Program.

Dave began his career in Washington, DC, working for U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch before moving to the private sector, where he managed global memberships and later served as a futurist for a major trade association. In 2002, he joined the Office of the Secretary of Defense, leading national operations in public, media, and government relations, as well as strategic planning. He was honored with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence in 2008.

Dave serves on the boards of the Salt Lake Tribune and tech incubator Sage Labs. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Utah State University, where he was a student-athlete and student body officer. He and his wife live in Cache Valley, Utah, with their two daughters.

Biography

David Butterfield graduated cum laude from Utah State University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in professional writing and a certificate in cultures and societies. At USU, David served as a student advocate and student body president, earning him the designation of "Outstanding Student Leader" for 1994-1995. He later earned a Master of Business Administration at Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Management.

Professionally, David serves as executive vice president and chief operations officer at Goldenwest Credit Union, where he was also appointed division president for USU Credit Union. His contributions extend beyond his professional life. He served as a representative in the Utah House of Representatives, as a trustee and alumni president for USU, as chairman of the Cache County GOP, and as a commissioner on the Logan City Planning Commission. He is currently the founding chair of the Fullmer Legacy Foundation, which serves underprivileged youth through the sport of boxing.

David and his wife, Trisha, reside in Logan, Utah, where they enjoy the beauty of Cache Valley and its many outdoor opportunities. They have four children and a granddaughter.

Biography

Jacob Turner is managing director and head of legal for Citi's Securities Services businesses. Since joining Citi's Hong Kong office in 2005, he has held various in-house legal roles across Banking, Capital Markets & Advisory, Treasury & Trade Solutions, Citi Commercial Bank, and Issuer Services. In 2016, he helped establish the TTS Legal team in Mumbai, and in 2023, he was promoted to his current global role. Jacob is also active in pro bono work, is a frequent speaker, and leads Citi's Global Legal Mentoring Program for its 1,700-member legal department.

Jacob earned his law degree from UC Berkeley and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. He is a member of the New York, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts bar associations and is also qualified in Hong Kong. A proud member of USU's Class of 1997, he was active in student government and received the Bill Robins Memorial Award.

Jacob, his husband Asan, and their 10-year-old daughter, Jamie, recently relocated to Citi's London office for his new role.

Biography

Karen Pugliesi has been executive vice president and provost at Northern Arizona University (NAU) since June 2021. With over 20 years of leadership at NAU, she has served as dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, vice provost for academic affairs, dean of University College, and chair of the Department of Sociology & Social Work. A professor of sociology, her research explores the effects of chronic stress, social support networks, workplace emotion management, and the medicalization of emotions.

As provost, Karen has spearheaded initiatives to enhance academic programs, career readiness, and research. Key efforts include NAU Health, expanding health and behavioral professional programs across Arizona; 100% Career Ready, ensuring strong career preparation for students; and the restructuring of NAU Online and Statewide campuses for broader accessibility. Her "Academic Momentum" initiative streamlines curricula and promotes inclusive course design, while faculty recruitment in fields like health, remote sensing, and AI is shaping NAU's future.

Biography

Tim Stewart, a third-generation Aggie, graduated from Utah State University in 1995 with a degree in political science. His time at USU was pivotal in launching his career — and in meeting his wife, Marcia.

In 1993, Tim and Marcia moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked in the U.S. Senate as a legislative assistant and professional staff member for Senator Robert F. Bennett (R-UT) for seven years. He then served as Chief of Staff for the House Committee on Natural Resources under Chairman James Hansen (R-UT).

In 2003, Tim founded the American Capitol Group, a government relations firm, later partnering with Senator Bennett to form the Bennett Consulting Group. Together, these firms represent over 70 clients, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, trade associations, and municipalities. American Capitol Group has been recognized as a top lobbying firm by Bloomberg for eight consecutive years.

Tim is also president of the U.S. Oil & Gas Association, the nation's oldest energy trade group. He has mentored numerous USU graduates in Washington. This fall, his daughter Ellie will become the 59th member of the Boyd and Sybil Stewart family to attend Utah State.