Education

Businessman George Whetman, who managed automobile dealerships in Draper, Utah, between 1931 and 1960, predicted that one day the town would become "the Beverly Hills of the state." His prediction was remarkably accurate. Draper has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the United States with its neighborhoods of luxury homes, a thriving high-tech business sector, cultural offerings, acclaimed schools, and unique opportunities for outdoor recreation. In Whetman's time, however, Draper was a quiet agricultural community where one third of the working population raised chickens or worked for the local egg and feed industry. Dairy farms and fields of sugar beets and many other crops stretched out as far as the eye could see. When population growth and economic change contributed to the decline of Draper's family-owned farms in the late 20th century, the city survived and flourished thanks to the tenacious spirit of the community and the value they placed on education.

Nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, Weber State University has been serving the Greater Weber and Davis County communities for over 125 years. On January 7, 1889, Weber Stake Academy opened its doors for the first time to approximately 100 students. The academy continued to grow and develop through five name changes and several relocations. Throughout this time, the institution survived many financial and political struggles. Today, the university has increased in size to accommodate over 26,000 students. This pictorial history was put together in commemoration of Weber's 125th anniversary, and it provides a compelling look into the struggles and ultimate survival of a historic academic institution.