Dr. Richard M. Alston, “Dick,” was born on March 25, 1943. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Utah, graduating Magna Cum Laude in Economics in 1966 and received his Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Economics from Cornell University in 1968 and 1970 respectively. Dr. Alston began teaching in the Economics Department at Weber State University in 1969. During that time he served for six years as Department Chair in Economics (1990-1996), won Professor of the Year in 1974, won Presidential Distinguished Professor in 1981-82, and the Crystal Crest award in 1988 as well as in 1998. He was also awarded the John S. Hinckley Award for exemplary teaching, outstanding scholarship, and extraordinary service in 1992. His areas of research included the economic impacts of roadways in Utah, the National Forest Service, and general economics. He retired from Weber State University on December 31, 2006.