Countdown to Aggie Spirit: Celebrate USU’s 2024 Homecoming With a
Get ready to celebrate Utah State University’s 2024 Homecoming with a week full of festivities from Monday, Oct. 7, through Saturday, Oct. 12. This year’s Homecoming promises to be a vibrant mix of tradition and excitement, featuring a host of events that will engage Aggies of all ages.
Kicking off the week, the much-anticipated annual street painting by the students will be done Monday, Oct. 7, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Taggart Student Center Bus Loop on the Logan campus. Students will also celebrate with the Mr. USU Pageant, Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m., in the Daines Concert Hall and a Powder Puff Tournament, Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 3 p.m. A Day of Giving returns on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 10-11, with this year’s “1888 minutes of giving” offering a special opportunity to support student scholarships and enhance the Aggie experience. Thursday evening, Oct. 10, a Throwback Dance will be held from 9-11 p.m., where all students and alumni are welcome.
As Friday evening rolls in, Aggies will celebrate many activities, including the Mehdi Heravi Global Teaching & Learning Center Building Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2 p.m. on the southwest corner of the Quad. The day’s festivities will continue in the annual Homecoming football game at 7 p.m. against the University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels, a matchup sure to ignite school spirit. True Aggie Night will light up Old Main at midnight, inviting students and alumni to gather beneath the iconic “A” for this time-honored tradition.
Saturday, Oct. 12, brings even more excitement, starting with the Running of the Bulls 5K at 8:30 a.m. (don’t forget to register early for a discount). Following the race, Logan downtown will come alive with the Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m., winding its way from Center Street to 800 North.
As part of the celebrations, Utah State University will honor four distinguished Aggies for their outstanding contributions to the university and their communities. These honorees will take center stage during the Homecoming Parade, embodying the spirit of service and dedication that defines the Aggie family. The honorees include David and Trisha Butterfield as Grand Marshals, Robert Allen as Alumnus of the Year, and Kirsten Rappleye as Young Alumna of the Year.
David ’96 and Trisha ’94 Butterfield
Grand Marshals
Utah State University recognizes David and Trisha Butterfield as the 2024 Homecoming Grand Marshals, recognizing their unwavering dedication to the university and the broader community. Their legacy is deeply rooted in the traditions and values of Utah State University, where their journey together began.
David graduated cum laude from Utah State in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in English. During his time at USU, David’s leadership and commitment to student success were evident through his roles as student advocate and student body president, earning him the title of “Outstanding Student Leader” for 1994-1995. David’s academic and leadership accomplishments laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
With a professional journey that reflects his deep connection to USU, David has held many executive roles in the credit union industry since 2004. Today, he serves as executive vice president and chief operations officer at Goldenwest Credit Union and president of the USU Credit Union division of Goldenwest.
David’s contributions extend beyond his professional life. He has served as a trustee and Alumni Association president for Utah State University, chairman of the Cache County GOP, on the Logan City Planning Commission, and in the Utah State House of Representatives. Using his legislative experience, David took a short hiatus from his responsibilities at the credit union in 2022 to assist USU in securing state funding necessary for the new School of Veterinary Medicine. David currently serves as chairman and president of the Fullmer Legacy Foundation, a charitable foundation that serves disadvantaged youth through the sport of boxing.
Trisha graduated cum laude from USU in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in special education. In a career defined by her commitment to education and her passion for helping others, Trisha began her professional journey as a special education teacher at Logan High School, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of her students.
Maintaining a connection to USU since graduating, Trisha joined the university’s staff for a time, advising student teachers, recruiting new students to the special education program, and teaching paraprofessional classes online. She recently returned to full-time teaching. Her dedication to the field of education and her support of future educators left an indelible mark on the USU community.
Together, David and Trisha exemplify the spirit of True Aggies. Their love for Utah State is evident in their ongoing involvement with the institution and their active participation in community service. They reside in Logan, Utah, where they enjoy the beauty of Cache Valley, embracing all that the region has to offer.
Robert Allen ’91
Alumnus of the Year
Robert (Rob) Allen has distinguished himself as a visionary leader in the healthcare industry, currently serving as the president and CEO of Intermountain Health, one of the foremost nonprofit health systems in the United States. With a network spanning six states and a mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain Health has become a model of innovation under Rob’s leadership. His commitment to advancing healthcare has not gone unnoticed; in 2023, Modern Healthcare recognized him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare, underscoring his significant contributions to the field.
Throughout his 30-plus-year career, Rob has held numerous executive positions, including CEO roles at hospitals and health systems in Wyoming, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. As chief operating officer of Intermountain Health for five years prior to his current role, he was instrumental in driving operational excellence; aligning providers, caregivers, and services; and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His efforts in expanding rural health, telehealth, and value-based care have positioned Intermountain Health as a leader in healthcare innovation and accessibility, particularly in underserved regions.
Rob’s journey into healthcare leadership began in the rural community of Star Valley, Wyoming, where he was raised on a dairy farm. His early exposure to the healthcare field through his mother, who served as a nurse and later as the administrator of Star Valley Hospital, deeply influenced his career path. This early experience ignited his passion for the healthcare industry, though Rob was drawn more to the business side of the field. He pursued this passion academically, earning a bachelor’s in operations management from Brigham Young University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Utah State University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business in 1991. His dedication to healthcare leadership was further recognized with an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Rocky Vista University, cementing his reputation as a leader committed to advancing healthcare and mentoring the next generation of healthcare executives.
Rob is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), a prestigious designation that reflects his commitment to professional excellence and high-quality patient care. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rob is deeply committed to his community. He has served on numerous foundation, chamber, and service boards, and he remains passionate about mentoring emerging leaders in the healthcare field.
Rob and his wife, Becky, also a USU alum, have three children and six grandchildren, who continue to inspire his work and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Kirsten Rappleye ’12
Young Alumna of the Year
Kirsten Rappleye embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and community engagement that defines the Aggie spirit. A proud graduate of Utah State University with a degree in law and constitutional studies in 2012, Kirsten has dedicated her life to public service and the betterment of her community.
Kirsten’s passion for public service was ignited early, inspired by her parents’ strong example of civic engagement and her involvement in student government during her time as an Aggie. These experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to making a difference.
Upon graduation, Kirsten’s journey in public service took a significant leap when she was appointed as Majority Assistant to the Utah State Senate — a role she assumed the very week she graduated from USU. In this pivotal position, she gained invaluable experience in policy development, government and media relations, and team management, all while fostering a deep understanding of how passionate individuals can drive meaningful change.
In 2016, Kirsten’s leadership abilities were recognized when Governor Gary R. Herbert appointed her as Public Information Officer for his administration. In this capacity, Kirsten played a key role in shaping the governor’s communications strategy, ensuring that the administration’s initiatives were effectively communicated to the public. Her efforts enhanced transparency and openness in government, solidifying her reputation as a trusted public servant.
Kirsten’s rise continued when, at just 27 years old, she was appointed Chief of Staff to then-Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox. In this role, she coordinated efforts across numerous boards, commissions, and policy initiatives, addressing critical issues such as mental health, homelessness, women’s leadership, opioid abuse prevention, rural economic development, volunteerism, and STEM education. Kirsten’s strategic vision, reputation for trustworthiness, and collaborative approach were instrumental in advancing these initiatives. As Chief of Staff, she also worked closely with the administrations of both Presidents Trump and Biden, served as Executive Director of the 2021 State of Utah Inauguration, and played a senior role in critical responses such as the Utah COVID-19 Community Task Force and the Utah Suicide Prevention Task Force.
In January 2021, Kirsten took on a new challenge, establishing the Office of the First Lady and its associated charitable foundation. In this role, she designed, implemented, and oversaw impactful community projects through the First Lady’s “Show Up” initiative, focusing on service, educator mental health, child welfare, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Her leadership enabled the foundation to secure several multi-million-dollar partnerships with Utah’s private sector.
In August 2023, Kirsten launched Kirsten Rappleye Enterprises, a venture dedicated to empowering organizations that give back to the community. Her entrepreneurial spirit allows her to leverage her extensive experience in government, communication, and program development to help these organizations thrive. Currently, Kirsten serves on several community boards and is embarking on a journey as a foster mom. Above all, she cherishes time spent with her husband and their three incredible children.
For more information on Homecoming week 2024, visit the Homecoming website: usu.edu/homecoming.
