In October, Christopher Salley (Jacksonville 2009) received 40 Under 40 Awards from the Airport Business Magazine and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Christopher was recognized for his career accomplishments and dedication to the aviation industry as the Sales & Marketing Manager of National Jets.
Visit the Airport Business Magazine and the NBAA websites to read more about why Christopher was chosen for these awards.
Undergraduates and graduate brothers from the Upsilon Sigma Colony at Utah State recently volunteered at the local Loaves and Fishes Community Meal, by helping with food prep, dishwashing, cleaning and dining with the guests. Loaves and Fishes is a community meal held twice a month with a goal of not only nourishing bodies but spirits. They serve about 250 meals both onsite and to-go.
"Sonnie Studios was started because of my own battle with depression after a friend of mine died by suicide and the loss of my uncle.
"For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with depression. I remember being 12 years old and tying a belt into a loop and asking myself, "How would this feel?" I knew something wasn't right and it scared me. As I got older I lost more people close to me and it wore me down greatly. The night a family friend died by suicide, I was contemplating a lot, including if this life was worth living. Then I received the call where I found out what happened to him. His passing in 2015 made me get my life a bit more together.
"My uncle's death is one that is still painful for me to this day. I saw him wither away. As I hugged him and held him in my arms, I felt as if he would poof away. He was weak, but his pride prevented him from telling me what was wrong. He would only say, "yeah, I'm all good." One week later, he passed away from cancer. There is only so much one person can endure, and with all these things happening in the cold climate, where the sun hides behind blankets of gray fuzz, that I lived in did not help.
"The sunflower hats I created are used to be a beacon of hope in any battle. They are there in the colder months still shining, and they are there when you are struggling the most. When we are not making sunflower hats, Sonnie Studios collaborates with artist and businesses to bring art and design to the forefront. Whether it is designing furniture or making our golf polo, it is all being created for people to enjoy. The people I work with and I know life is hard, but, we are grateful to be here, and we just try to smile as much as we can while we are here."
- Sonnie Wooden (Iowa 2018)
To learn more about Sonnie Studios or to buy a sunflower hat, visit www.sonniestudios.com.
During the summer, Jonathon Click (Grand Valley State 2018) spent four weeks in Tanzania, Africa on a teach abroad. The teach abroad was designed for education majors, because they need to be able to teach in a variety of school during their trip.
John is pictured at Mt. Kilimanjaro, which he climbed while in Africa. He also went on a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater.