A Light on the Hill 2023

“Oh gosh, that was so much fun!”

Dean Joseph P. Ward may have been reflecting on his time in the dunk tank, but this year’s A Light on the Hill event was fun.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences held its annual start-of-the-year celebration on day two of Utah State University’s fall semester. With several hundred students in attendance, the 2023 event attracted record numbers of student clubs and organizations who showed off the many opportunities for CHaSS majors and non-majors.

"Light on the Hill creates such a fun space to showcase everything CHaSS has to offer,” said Keri Holt, professor and associate department head in English. “I love having the opportunity to meet with students, especially the ones who are starting their first semester.”

Holt especially enjoyed seeing “students and faculty working together,” calling it “a fantastic start to the school year."

A little girl in a inflatable unicorn costume and a chass alumni pose smiling brightly for a picture in front of crowds of students visiting booths — CHaSS students, alumni, faculty, staff and their families joined in the festivities.

Three smiling students making the aggie bull symbol with their hands — Several hundred students socialized as they learned about opportunities.

Last year, CHaSS moved A Light on the Hill from the USU Amphitheater to the Block “A” lawn to accommodate construction taking place on the Mehdi Heravi Global Teaching and Learning Center. The new location has worked well for students, faculty, and alumni looking to gather, learn about opportunities, and meet over food and activities held in support of CHaSS scholarships.

Communication studies student Brielle Dursteller called this week’s semester kickoff a “blast.”

“There were a lot of really good booths…a good turnout, and good people,” said Dursteller who helped sell food tickets at the event. She was excited for the chance to get information and meet new people. All proceeds from food sales — more than 500 tacos, nearly 100 hot dogs, and close to 70 grilled cheese sandwiches — will go toward scholarships in the college.

Another feature of the 2023 celebration was the introduction of a “CHaSSport.” Attendees were greeted by welcome tables encouraging students to collect stamps while exploring clubs and getting to know some of the college’s alums. At the end of the evening, CHaSS majors could return completed booklets for a chance to win a scholarship this spring.

Dean Ward sits atop a dunking booth saying a few words as he prepares to be dunked by grabbing a bar in front of him.. — The dean and several members of the college leadership team got dunked to raise money for CHaSS scholarships.

Natalie Smoot smiles wearing a "I dunked the dean" button and stands next to a smiling soaking wet dean joe ward — "Dunk the Dean" raffle winner and CHaSS alum Natalie Smoot (left) dunked Dean Ward (right) on her first throw. Smoot received a special edition "I dunked the Dean" button.

The other new activity at this year’s A Light on the Hill was known as “Dunk the Dean.” Students, faculty, staff, and their families paid to take turns trying to dunk department heads and college directors throughout the event, with a raffle held at the end of the night to sink Dean Ward in the dunk tank.

“I am always happy to do whatever I can to help our students,” Ward said of the dunk tank fundraiser.

And with the sun setting on yet another great A Light on the Hill celebration, the college and its community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends were left feeling like this year’s efforts paid off.

“I love how many people came to the event,” said international studies and Spanish student Abigail Stanger. “Everybody is always welcome at Light on the Hill and in CHaSS. I love it!”

A man wearing a blue shirt throws a yellow ball at a target as people watch in anticipation — Several faculty like Seth Archer, pictured here, enjoyed trying to dunk their department head.

A man with a blue striped shirt plays a guitar beside a tree by old main. he sings into a microphone eyes closed — Attendees were treated to live music, food trucks, and free swag.