The Weber State University Student Alumni Association is overhauling the Purple Pak this year and making many changes to the student-run organization that focuses on enhancing student life at WSU.
The Purple Pak will be changing their name to engage more students, help them provide more scholarship opportunities, and to increase the quality of student life on and off campus. Right now, the staff has yet to come up with a new name for the organization but is working to find a more marketable name.
“Purple Pak is changing its name to help WSU students understand that SAA is not just the Purple Pak,” said Lee Naylor, president of the Student Alumni Association. “It’s a lot more than that; it’s a good student group with a lot of opportunities.”
Naylor also said that the program will be expanding and will offer more opportunities for students.
The Purple Pak is most visible at WSU sporting events where they can be found in the front rows, yelling and cheering for the Wildcats. Michael Diamond, marketing and graphics designer, said there will be many opportunities for students who come to WSU games.
“Some huge opportunities that the Purple Pak has besides hangouts, swag and free stuff,” Diamond said, “is we will start giving out food at the WSU games for students that are involved with the Purple Pak.”
The SAA is giving life discounts to the WSU Bookstore to get more students involved in the association; this will include books and hookups at the WSU games.
“And, more importantly, we are reshaping the whole group, so that it will be the best way to get more students involved and enjoy Weber State,” Diamond said. “Purple Pak is the coolest thing on campus.”
Diamond said he encourages students to get involved in the program so they can support WSU sports and have some fun at the same time.
“Another change that we are making for this year is that we are going to bridge the gap between students and athletics,” Diamond said.
SAA Vice President Mark Mandell said the SAA wants to get more students involved in this program so that students can come and enjoy their activities.
“It’s a great way to meet new people and get involved on campus,” he said. “It’s a good way to enjoy our activities and have some fun on and off campus.”
Mandell said they want to try to get everyone involved, and not just focus on one specific activity.
“Most of the WSU students do not know that the Purple Pak has a Facebook page,” Mandell said. “It’s a way for us to network and communicate with students and the community. We are making some big changes, including a brand-new image.”
The Purple Pak staff said they are excited for the upcoming year and are looking forward to the many new changes that are to come.
“This year is going to be an epic year for Student Alumni Association,” Naylor said. “It’s a great time to be a Wildcat.”
