'Ignite change'
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Wednesday, March 21, 2007 | 
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No comments [ Add Comment ]By Kelli Palmer-Stephens
Standard-Examiner Staff
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By Kelli Palmer-Stephens
Standard-Examiner Staff
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By Kelli Palmer-Stephens
Standard-Examiner Staff
OGDEN -- Former Utah Gov. Olene Walker urged Weber State University students and faculty to "ignite change" in their community.
Walker's motivational speech Tuesday at Weber State was in celebration of Women's History Month, attracting a crowd of more than 40. Most were women.
"We all have the obligation to get involved in our community, state and country, making it a better place to live," Walker said.
She spoke about women's suffrage and the importance of both male and female perspectives in the political arena. It is the community's responsibility, Walker said, to make a greater effort encouraging women to run for office.
"Never elect a woman into office just because she is a woman," she said, "but always encourage capable women to get involved."
Becky Johns, coordinator of Weber State's Women's Studies Department, invited Walker to speak, primarily to the department's students and professors.
"This was an opportunity for them to see a very successful, local woman who has improved and changed lives," Johns said.
"They need to see role models who are normal, everyday people who weren't born into wealth and who make a real difference," she said.
Walker, 76, was born in Ogden and attended Weber State her freshman year of college. Her dad was superintendent of the Ogden school system for 25 years. T.O. Smith Elementary School is named after him. Her ties to the community are strong, she said.
"I was delighted when they asked me to come speak," Walker said.
Walker was Utah's first female governor, assuming the position after former Gov. Mike Leavitt resigned his office to serve as administrator of the EPA. She took the oath of office in November 2003. The Utah Republican Party, however, elected not to place her on the ballot for the party primary for the 2004 election.
"I was treated very well as governor," Walker said, "however, most people in Utah feel a governor should be male, but eventually that will change."
After Walker's speech, Weber State President Ann Millner presented her with a plaque in honor of her dedication to women and children in Utah.
Lisa Araujo, a Weber State senior majoring in psychology with a minor in women's studies, attended the event and said she was "inspired."
"She seemed very real, casual and honest," Araujo said. "I think she touched everyone in the audience, creating a desire to get out there."
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