Fifth-Generation Aggie Continues the Tradition

From the first day of classes in 1890, women have been actively engaged as students, staff and faculty at Utah State University — then called the Agricultural College of Utah. Their voices have impacted the cultural, scientific, economic and social fabric of the institution for generations. USU student Emma Margetts is one such woman. The fifth-generation Aggie is pursuing a degree in law and constitutional studies in the Department of Political Science and a minor in international studies and plans on becoming a lawyer focused on family law and immigration.

Emma, who is interning in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Congressman Chris Stewart’s office in the 2nd Congressional District, is at USU not only because of her family legacy, but because of generous donors who provide financial donations to fund scholarships.

“Giving to scholarships is the best way to help a student out,” Emma said. “I have been fortunate enough to receive scholarships through USU, and it has allowed me to focus on my studies. The scholarships greatly impact my education as I want to go to law school and not being in debt is a really big deal to me.”

USU’s Institute of Government and Politics runs the internship program that has provided Emma the opportunity to work in Washington, D.C. As an intern, Emma has had a variety of experiences that are adding to the depth and breadth of her education. Whether covering phones, handling constituent concerns, working on policy and research projects, drafting press releases, writing bills or giving tours — Emma’s favorite — the experience has opened up a completely different perspective for her.

“This internship has enriched what I learned about the government in my classes,” Emma said. “I am learning and understanding at a grassroots level how Congress works, how bills are passed and how committees and hearings operate. In addition, it has been an amazing networking opportunity for me — I have made so many connections in my office, fellow Aggies and lobbyists. If, and when, I want to work in a congressional office, I would be able to easily find work because of these connections.”

Emma’s interest in law was piqued in high school when her parents, both Aggies, adopted her brother. At USU, Emma is particularly interested in law as it relates to both current and historical circumstances. She believes that to understand how and why laws are updated to reflect current times, you have to learn why it was created in the first place.

“I have learned so much here at USU,” Emma said. “The professors took the initiative to get to know me and care about my education — you don’t get that everywhere. The academics are top-notch and there are so many fellow USU students and alumni who are willing to help, all because they are Aggies.”

For Emma, the Aggie family is literally her heritage. Her parents, John ’97, ’98 M.S., and Sara ’98, ’20 M.P.H. Margetts, met as USU and were orchestra stand partners. In addition, her grandparents and great-grandparents met at USU.

“My great-grandparents met at Aggie Ice Cream,” Emma said. “While on leave from the U.S. Navy during World War II, my great-grandpa walked into Aggie Ice Cream and there was my great-grandmother wearing her uniform. He immediately wondered who the cute redhead was, and she wondered who the handsome man was. My grandmother said he looked like a million bucks. The rest, as they say, is history.”

As far as USU heritage goes, Emma’s lineage goes back to the very beginnings of the Utah Agricultural College. Rachael Ann Farnes Maughan Wadsworth, Emma’s great-grandma three times over, graduated from the UAC in 1897 with a bachelor’s in elementary education — the third female to graduate from the institution, and one of 14 students to graduate that year.

Rachael’s legacy is important to Emma’s entire family with many regularly giving to the Rachael Ann Farnes Wadsworth Endowed Scholarship that is awarded to undergraduate reentry students with financial need. Endowments, such as the one set up to honor Rachael, are designed to be permanent and perpetual because the funds are in a diversified portfolio, and scholarships are awarded to individual students each academic year over generations.

“USU is the best and I am so honored to be part of an Aggie Family legacy,” Emma said. “So many favorites here — Aggie Ice Cream, lemon custard is my favorite. Logan is just the perfect college town — close to the canyon, evenings of outdoor volleyball, skiing at Beaver Mountain, visiting Bear Lake.”

Emma looks forward to returning to campus after her internship and is thankful to the many Aggie women, including her great-great-great grandmother, who served as trailblazers from the institution’s earliest days. These women paved the way for women like Emma to become the next generation of leaders and innovators.

The Utah State University Endowment Fund consists of endowed gifts that provide perpetual financial support for scholarships, fellowships, faculty chairs and professorships, and other important university programs and services. Make your Aggie Impact by visiting give.usu.edu.