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OGDEN — The Weber State University Wildcats will be celebrating a big milestone this week as the university turns 125, and administrators have some big things planned.
Weber State Academy started in 1889 with just 100 students. Now, Weber State has grown into a university with more than 25,000 students enrolled this year.
"Weber State University would not exist without the support of the community, and the community would not be where it is today without Weber State University," Weber State President Charles Wight said.
Taking a day to celebrate that relationship is just what the administration is doing. The anniversary will begin in the Shepherd Union Building at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 7.
It kicks off with 125 musicians performing. Then at 1:25 p.m., confetti cannons will go off among 12,500 balloons falling from the ceiling.
"We're going to have a big party all day long on Tuesday," Wight said.
The festivities also include the announcement of the largest fundraising effort in Weber State history.
The campaign, named Dream 125, is a $125 million fundraising campaign aimed at ensuring the university's success for upcoming years.
"Part of what we're trying to do with this celebration is to involve the community and to really renew our commitment to become a college town and really to plan to support our students for the next 125 years," Wight said.
Graduates of the university shared their excitement.
"It seems like it's turning into a big league so to speak," Weber State alum Josh Furlong said. "It's got a lot of potential. It's got a lot of opportunities."
Administrators don't expect much growth in the near future, but instead want to focus on the students' success and preparing them for a career.
The university wants to invite the entire community to celebrate the school's benchmark, and reminds attendees to wear purple in honor of the wildcats.
