Celebrating 50 Years of Undergraduate Research at Utah State University
Welcome to the digital exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Year of Undergraduate Research at Utah State University. For half a century, USU has championed the innovative spirit and intellectual curiosity of its students, fostering research that shapes disciplines, communities, and futures. Through historic photos, newspaper articles, and reflections, this exhibit highlights the extraordinary achievements of undergraduate researchers and the legacy of research excellence that defines Utah State University. Explore the milestones, moments, and stories that celebrate 50 years of discovery and creativity.
What is YoUR?
The Year of Undergraduate Research (YoUR) was a campus-wide celebration at Utah State University during 2025, commemorating 50 years of institutionalized undergraduate research excellence. Designated by President Noelle E. Cockett in 2023, YoUR honored the historic launch of the Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) grant program in February 1975 the first such initiative at a public university.
Historical Significance
In 1975, USU President Glen Taggart initiated an "experiment" in undergraduate research funding, hoping students would "take advantage of the tremendous resources our faculty have to offer outside the classroom through their ongoing research and creative activities." What began as a pilot program in two colleges expanded university-wide within a year, establishing USU as a national pioneer in undergraduate research.
The YoUR Initiative
The Year of Undergraduate Research brought together stakeholders across USU's eight colleges, Extension, the Office of Research, alumni, and admissions to recognize student research excellence across decades while building toward future opportunities. The initiative advanced the Aggie Action 2028 vision statement: "We empower all people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact."
Key Events and Activities
YoUR featured a series of signature events throughout 2025:
- January Launch Exhibition at Tippetts and Caine Galleries (January 13-17), showcasing artifacts and photographs representing research across disciplines
- Research on Capitol Hill (January 20), highlighting USU student research to state leaders
- Spring Research Week (April), an expanded celebration of undergraduate contributions
- Horizons Competition, an interdisciplinary challenge with teams proposing solutions to global problems
- Summer Research Programming, enhanced support for student researchers
- URCO Festival (September), celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original February 1975 launch
- Fall Research Symposium (December), closing the year with renewed commitment to undergraduate research
Campaign and Legacy
Operating under the tagline "Your Research. Your Future. YoUR USU," the initiative employed the "This is Research" campaign to showcase research diversity across all disciplines. The celebration connected past, present, and future—honoring USU's founding role in undergraduate research while charting the next 50 years of student discovery and innovation.
Special thanks to Emma Wilson and Clint Pumphrey from USU's Special Collections & Archives for their help in getting this information.
This exhibit was created by Kirsten Cox, Jas Lowe, and Sam Schmuhl.
