SUU In View Spring 2014
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Transcript of SUU In View Spring 2014
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 1
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY • SPRING 2014
A NEW STARTPresident Scott L Wyatt
takes the reins
2I N V I E W
visit suu.edu/alumni/homecoming for details
Spring semester opened on campus with a definite
feeling of new beginnings when the University
welcomed a new president and simultaneously
marked a successful end to the $100 million The Future
is Rising fundraising campaign.
In addition to generating unprecedented financial
support, The Future Is Rising campaign has helped us
reconnect with many of our loyal alumni and friends.
Your commitment to your alma mater has inspired us.
We are eager to get to work as we move forward with
a refined focus on the many ways we can impact our
students and alumni for good.
To that end, SUU's new president, Scott L Wyatt, has
opened a 100-day Listening Tour, to identify the people
and ideas that will continue to progress the Thunderbird
agenda. We move into this next era with confidence in
our purpose and pride in the many people whose daily
successes continue to define the great value of an SUU
education. We thank you for your loyalty and support as
we step into the future.
Digging into a new era
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 3
4I N V I E W
REGULAR FEATURESSoaring Higher . . . . . . . . . 28-29Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Alumni Photos and News
University Headlines . . . . . . . . 34We Will Remember . . . . . . . . . 35Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
FOUNDERS' DREAMS, TODAY'S REAL ITY
Making a Difference PAGES 24-25
Dressing for Gold PAGES 14-17 T-Bird Alumna Outfits U.S. Olympians
From Classroom to Battlefield PAGES 8-10SUU Alumni in WWII
Ann Romney to Headline Commencement PAGE 13
President Scott Wyatt PAGES 4-7SUU's 16th Leader takes Helm
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 5
The Campaign for SUU PAGES 20-27
Goal exceeded as fundraising effort comes to a close
SUU in View is created twice a year, in the
fall and spring. Past editions can be found
online at www.suu.edu/alumni/magazine.
351 West University Blvd.
Cedar City, UT 84720
(435) 586-7777
email: [email protected]
web: www.suu.edu/alumni
Executive Director Mindy Benson
Production AssistantRon Cardon
Layout & Photography SUU Publications
Contributing WritersLarry BakerJennifer BurtAmy McIffJessica McIntyre
The staff of the offices of Alumni Relations and University Advancement
The Southern Utah University Alumni Association supports and celebrates the University by fostering a lifelong spirit of loyalty, service and fellowship among alumni, faculty, students and friends of SUU.
Branch Normal School class
of 1902 parade
S O U T H E R N U T A H U N I V E R S I T Y
ALUMNIRELATIONS
S O U T H E R N U T A H U N I V E R S I T Y
ALUMNIRELATIONS
IRON COUNTY CHAPTER
S A L T L A K E C H A P T E R
EditorJennifer Burt
Creative Director Derek Payne
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 5
6I N V I E W
President Wyatt on stage at the Campus Forum
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 7
As a boy, Scott Wyatt thought his father was a genius.
Child to a rocket scientist (literally) and college professor, he
remembers a dad who eagerly returned to his research and
writing most nights after the family’s dinner. Even in his free
time — of which there was little — Dr. Clair L. Wyatt was
anxiously engaged, rebuilding a World War II-era Willys Jeep
alongside his son in the family’s garage, with nothing but the
original owner’s manual and a floor full of old parts.
As he grew, however, the young law student began to see his
father’s genius less as prototype and more as good, old-fashioned
hard work. It was a realization that has fundamentally shaped
Scott’s approach to career and, indeed, life.
In what some may call a meteoric rise in higher education,
Wyatt left an auspicious career as Cache County prosecutor and
two-term legislative representative for Cache County, Utah, to
become president of Snow College. He quickly made his mark,
leading Snow to a 40-percent increase in enrollment. Under
his tenure, Snow earned rank among the top 10 junior colleges
in the country, completed the most successful fundraising
campaign in the college’s history, and opened its first four-year
degree program.
Though some may consider his time at Snow as the beginning
of Wyatt’s career in education, he says everything that had come
before was simply his pathway back to college, explaining, “I
started my university studies wanting to spend my life in law
and politics; I left with a complete, 100-percent focus on finding
my way back into higher education.”
Be it his upbringing on a college campus, his time as an
undergraduate student body president and student member of
the Utah State Board of Regents, or simply the innate satisfaction
in learning something new, the further along in his law studies
Wyatt advanced, the more he found he preferred the campus to
the courtroom. He began studying educational leadership while
continuing work toward a law degree and, upon graduation,
immediately started looking for opportunities to remain involved
in higher education.
“There have been lots and lots and lots of times when I've felt like I was not the smartest person in the room. But I knew I could outwork everybody.”
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 7
FORGING AHEADA New President, 100 Days & a Lot of Work
8I N V I E W
He found three. And while most would consider the 50-to
80-hour workweek of a fledgling legal career overwhelming
in itself, he readily accepted adjunct teaching opportunities in
political science, ethics and education law at Utah State, where
he also provided free legal counsel to students. He served
on the Utah State and then Snow College Board of Trustees,
ending 12 years in Snow’s service as trustee chair. He has also
served on Utah’s legislative Higher Education Appropriations
Subcommittee, an appointed position.
Finding value in the long road back into what is now the
career of his dreams, Wyatt again summons a father’s lessons.
“Growing up in a collegiate community, we had a neighbor
who was legitimately brilliant. He was someone who never had
to work hard because everything just came so naturally to him.
My dad said he felt like the neighbor never had to struggle and,
because of that, had a hard time sticking with projects long-
term.”
Conversely, Wyatt remembers, his father took the same
college algebra class three times — once after graduating —
not because he had failed, nor had it been required of him.
He took it again, and again, simply because he wasn’t sure he
understood it well enough to confidently move forward in his
interests as his career progressed.
“My dad had to struggle, but he developed the kind of
discipline that was necessary to be truly successful as an
engineer. What I really gained from my dad was that sense that
the idea is hard work.”
“Struggling and working through difficult things, taking on
projects that might seem overwhelming, that is precisely the
point.”
Clearly not one to shy away from a challenge, Wyatt was a
senior partner in his law firm, a legislator and a scoutmaster,
all at once, before taking over at Snow. His smile reads as
satisfaction when he says that being a college president is more
consuming than all that combined.
“There have been lots and lots and lots of times when I’ve
felt like I was not the smartest person in the room. But I knew I
could outwork everybody,” he says.
Proof of Wyatt’s tireless work ethic lies in a quick overview
of his first month in office, the beginning quarter of a 100-day
“Listening Tour” launched the first day into his SUU tenure.
His goal is to meet with every person who holds a stake in the
future of the institution, to hear their ideas and concerns before
charting the University’s course into the future.
Listening is the key, according to Wyatt, who has learned by
example the value of championing the ideas and work of others.
8I N V I E W
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 9
"I really don't remember a time when my mother put
her interests first. She was always searching for a way
to help those around her succeed, and I believe she has
accomplished far more in her life by helping others reach
their potential than by simply going after her singular
vision."
Reflecting, he adds, "Perhaps I am pausing for this 100
days to listen, like my mother, before I charge forward, like
my father."
Even in this introductory period, however, listening
looks like a lot of work. Wyatt has encouraged his staff to
book every hour of his day, Saturdays included. That time
is filled to capacity, as evidenced by the still unadorned
walls and empty bookcases in his Old Main office. There
is, apparently, little time to unpack when immersed in an
ongoing conversation that spans every corner of campus,
the whole of southern Utah and the offices of colleagues and
counterparts across the state.
“It's not about my vision or my ideas to make this a better
place,” he explains of the impetus for the lengthy listening
tour. “It's about helping to facilitate a conversation and then
together coming up with a refinement of the vision or more
energy for the vision that's here."
He continues, “SUU has a series of pretty good sized
challenges right now. And I bring with me years and years
of comfort in knowing that we can figure out how to do this
and that we will outwork anybody else.”
Among the challenges the new president plans to
address: gaining control over the escalating cost of tuition,
increasing enrollment, and enhancing and better marketing
the University’s distinct advantages.
Wyatt, in his association with schools across Utah, says
the individual attention SUU’s students get is unparalleled
in undergraduate education in the state. His concern,
however, is that people don’t fully understand it.
Not afraid of the legwork that comes with any large-
scale redirection, the president was very hands-on at Snow
College in redirecting resources and messaging to enhance
the school’s hallmarks. It seems clear that same diligence
and vision will mark his role at Southern Utah University.
“Every one of our challenges,” he says, “can be met by
hard work and the fact that we are blessed with the reality
that this is truly an exceptional place.”
He smiles and then adds, “If you can pull a 1952 jeep into
your garage and put all the parts onto the floor and pull out
a manual to fix it, we can do this.”
Accompanying her husband in many of his
travels over the first half of his 100-Day Listening
Tour, Kathy Wyatt is formulating her own ideas
on how to make an impact. Though she, too,
has said she will withhold finalized plans until
the tour’s completion, Mrs. Wyatt’s time at Snow
College speaks to a keen interest in student
support that she is eager to carry forward at SUU.
“I really enjoyed getting to know our students,”
Kathy said of the many student groups hosted in
the Wyatts’ home. “I tried to offer a listening ear,
filling them up with food and laughter. In turn,
they filled our home with their exuberance and
zest for life.”
Those relationships forged over dinners in the
President’s home proved lasting when the Wyatts
first arrived on SUU’s campus to a line of Snow
College transfers excited to welcome them.
Of the many people she has thus far
met, Kathy has been most impressed by the
students’ engagement in the community and
the community’s support of the University. Her
involvement in both civic endeavors and student
support initiatives will surely only strengthen
those relationships.
The Wyatts have four children: Spencer, Allie,
Abby and Naomi. They are looking forward to
welcoming their first grandchild to the family
this July.
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 9
KATHY WYATT
10I N V I E W
Glass and shrapnel rained down
on Lieutenant Kent Dover (’41)
during an air strike on the Japanese
forces during World War II. Flying
over the Palau Islands in his B-24
Bomber, Dover feared there was no
chance for survival.
“I just knew I was going to go
down next. But God had his arms
around me."
Fortunately, Dover survived.
But in a story that could be told
across every 1940s college town: not
nearly enough of the students who
left campus returned home safely.
Though shocking, these stories
of a passing generation are worth
remembering — efforts that felt
anything but heroic in the chaos of
battle but that defined an important
generation among SUU alumni.
Like Dover, hundreds of Branch
Agriculture College students and
alumni faced similar fears, leaving
homes, sweethearts and education
to serve in the U.S. Military with no
guarantee of a safe return.
One of them, Richard Stucki (’36),
recalls the moment he received
word of the Pearl Harbor bombing
with haunting clarity that proves
some memories will never fade. His
company, which had been sailing
toward the Philippines on December
10I N V I E W
BattlefieldClassroom
From the
to the
Kent Dover in the Philippines during World War II (above) and today (lower left)
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 11
7, 1941, rushed back to the California coast in preparation for what they feared
would be a similar attack that, fortunately, never came.
As World War II escalated in Pearl Harbor's wake, many more soldiers left
Iron County to join the likes of Stucki and Dover. One, Bruce Decker (’43),
left the BAC for training to become an Army infantryman, leaving the College
with just five men to sustain the college’s population.
By way of the S.S. Brazil, Decker set sail for Europe and the infamous Battle
of the Bulge, the United States' deadliest battle.
"Man's inhumanity to man became real in that battle, and we learned
what calamity warfare is,” said Decker of his experience.
While carrying out fire missions during the battle, Decker’s
company received an unwelcome Christmas gift by way of an eight-
inch shell, which blasted a hole in the landscape, raining down
fire and rocks.
“In that instant I realized that my life was about to end," said
Decker.
"Time stopped. I looked for a place to lie down for the last
time. I heard a voice give direction to the men; I realized it
was my own. That moment has not been forgotten, nor will
it ever.”
On the other side of the world and thousands of feet off
the ground, Dover faced similar memories. While flying
missions in the Philippines, 13 Japanese war vessels pelted
Dover's plane with every type of gun mounted on the
ships.
“The explosions sounded like a hailstorm,”
recalled Dover. “It was the worst day of my life."
RaVenna Leigh Baker, member of the groundbreaking Women Airforce Service
Pilots (WASP) program
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 11
12I N V I E W
Dover's plane took 26 direct hits
but still came out victorious. The
Japanese fleet retreated and never
returned.
Stories like these are all too
familiar among WWII vets. What's
more, those that are recounted come
from the "lucky" ones.
The soldier's sacrifice took many
forms. Though most received a
hero's welcome, RaVenna Leigh
Baker (’41) had a very different
experience.
As the only female student in
Cedar City's flight program, Baker
received harsh criticism from her
instructors and less support than
her male counterparts. Undeterred,
she loved to fly and joined the
groundbreaking Women Airforce
Service Pilots (WASP) program in
Sweetwater, Texas.
“All of us ladies knew going into
WASP that we wouldn’t get the
same recognition as men, but when
the war ended we were told to go
home with no compensation, not
even a plane ticket home.”
WASP's 1,830 female pilots came
home without fanfare, resuming
the more traditional female roles of
the time. Their service largely went
unnoticed until President Barack
Obama recognized Baker and her
peers with the Congressional Gold
Medal and honorable discharge 66
years later.
As all the BAC's service men
and women began trickling back
to Cedar, they were greeted by an
empty campus. In 1942 the BAC
boasted a graduating class of 63; in
1944 it had 22 graduates, just one
male among them.
BAC administrators supported the
war effort in many ways, including
hosting more than 1,000 Army Air
Corps soldiers on campus from
1941 – 1944. Many of these men
eventually returned to Cedar City
after serving in the War to marry
local girls, bolstering the population
of a town they once believed was at
the end of civilization.
Emphasiz ing educat ion's
necessity even in war, the 1943
academic catalogue stated: “The
war effort itself and the prospects
of lasting peace depend definitely
upon America being able to provide
leadership in science, industry
and in the war.” The BAC's WWII
alumni have proven that standard
true again and again.
BAC's ROTC marching in front of the War Memorial
Fieldhouse in the 1950's
Richard Stucki and a B17 Bomber he flew
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 13
Money may not grow on trees, but $48,000 is yours
for the taking through SUU's Alumni Legacy
Scholarships, which cover the difference between in-state
and out-of-state tuition for the children and grandchildren
of SUU alumni.
We don't think a sticker price should keep out loyal
alumni from passing on their Thunderbird legacy. Alumni
Legacy Scholarship tuition breaks for undergraduate and
graduate students will help ensure the students you care
about receive an educational experience you can all be
proud of.
"Our alumni are the best ambassadors for our school
already, so we hope they take advantage of this great
opportunity," said Alumni Relations Executive Director
Mindy Benson.
The only requirement, aside from being related to an
SUU alumnus: Alumni Legacy Scholarship students must
maintain a 3.0 GPA and may not combine this award with
other institutional awards.
The four-year award, made possible through the Utah
Legislature, allows non-resident students to pay resident
tuition rates — a difference of nearly $12,000 each year
for a full-time student. Please note: time spent in Utah
on the Alumni Legacy Scholarship cannot count towards
gaining residency.
“Now it doesn’t matter where our graduates live,” added
Benson, “We are thrilled to offer this to all our students'
families.”
Alumni Legacy Scholarships are open to prospective
students from all states and countries.
Share your Thunderbird pride by sharing a great
educational experience at Southern Utah University.
Bankrolling a Legacy“Like the Bristlecone Pine, southern Utah's oldest living organism, your SUU legacy can live on indefinitely in Thunderbird children and grand-children across the globe.”
To learn more or apply, visit suu.edu/alumnilegacy or call 435-865-8189
14I N V I E W
THE BESTundergraduate experience in the state
At the end of his first day on campus, President Scott
Wyatt told a room full of Thunderbird students they were
the state’s luckiest undergrads. Not surprising, coming
from SUU’s new commander-in-chief; what followed,
however, has been a thoughtful and ongoing discussion
about the University’s standout merits that he plans to
support and enhance in the coming years.
Said Wyatt, “There is a culture in Utah that says
whatever is the biggest is the best. That is something we
have to disabuse people of because it’s not true.”
According to Wyatt, though it may not be in a big city,
have big research dollars or nationally ranked athletics
programming, SUU is dominant in the one thing that
matters most: the undergraduate experience.
He continued, “Most students in Utah grow up to go to
the school that’s closest to them. I think if more students
really thought through the options and were more
intentional about what they did, we would have a hard
time managing our growth at SUU.”
While tremendous global value and influence stem
from the innovation of Research I institutions, those
larger schools more often than not filter a bulk of its
resources into graduate education, leaving undergraduates
to teaching assistants in auditorium-sized classrooms.
However, "General education," explained Wyatt, "is
not something we slough off [at SUU]. Our level of faculty
engagement makes all four years at SUU as meaningful
an experience as possible."
As for competing undergraduate-focused schools, SUU
remains more broadly focused on the whole of the
student experience, offering more co-curricular and
extracurricular engagement than anyone else. Such
breadth is hard to foster on commuter campuses, where
students are only around for class and then immediately
far removed from any additional learning opportunities.
In fact, in a recent National Survey of Student
Engagement, which measured student satisfaction of
colleges and universities nationwide, SUU students are
more satisfied and engaged in the education they have
received than undergrads at similar schools across the
U.S.
There is no subtlety in superlatives, so we’ll say it
loud and proud: SUU has the very best undergraduate
experience in the state.
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 1 4 15
Ann Romney, former First Lady
of Massachusetts, will headline
SUU’s 115th graduation festivities as
keynote speaker for the University’s
general commencement ceremony
on Friday, May 2, where she will
be awarded an honorary doctorate
degree in public service for her
contributions of time, funding and
support on behalf of children and
families.
Though the spouses of high profile
Republican political candidates are
oftentimes reserved and shy away
from the campaign trail spotlight,
Anne Romney served as a powerful
voice in her husband’s and party’s
cause in the 2008 and 2012 bids for
the White House. She has advocated
for the family and economy with
eloquence and, by example, has
spoken proudly of the importance of
motherhood and family values.
Mrs. Romney places primary
importance on her role as a wife, a
mother and a grandmother. As First
Lady of Massachusetts, she worked
to focus attention on the challenges
facing at-risk youth and continues
to be engaged in that effort. Mrs.
Romney is a strong believer that faith-
based and community organizations
can reach some members of our
community better than government
can and served as the Governor’s
Liaison to the White House Office
of Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives. She has been involved
with United Way of Massachusetts
Bay and Right To Play, formerly
Olympic Aid.
In 1998, Mrs. Romney was
diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
She has volunteered much of her time
to raise awareness of the disease. By
raising the profile of MS, as well
as raising funds for advocacy and
research, she is determined to make
a difference in the lives of people
who suffer from the disease.
The Romneys celebrated their 45th
wedding anniversary this year. They
have five sons, five daughters-in-law
and 22 grandchildren.
Southern Utah University will
celebrate its Class of 2014 on Friday,
May 2, beginning with the University
Commencement Ceremony, in which
Mrs. Romney will speak, at 9 a.m. in
the Centrum Arena.
Ann Romneyto headline 2014 Commencement
16I N V I E W
DRESSING FOR GOLD
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 17
DRESSING FOR GOLDIn the weeks and days before the 2014 Winter Olympics
opened in Sochi, SUU alumna Katie Clifford (’98) worked
with every one of the United States’ 230 athletes. She
did the same in London two years ago for a much larger
summer contingent and, before that, in Vancouver in
2010. She has hobnobbed and helped the greater share of
the greatest athletes of all time; without her, not one of
them would be wearing USA across their chest on top of
a medal podium.
In short: Katie Clifford outfits the Olympians. Though
the logistics of that feat are much more complex, these are
tasks she counts herself fortunate
to take on in the months and years
preceding each Olympic Games.
It turns out it takes much more
than an Olympic village, but also
several overseas shipping containers,
thousands of frequent flier miles
and a small army of eager interns,
to bring a group of hundreds of
specialized athletes and coaches
together as one team for all the
world to see. Clifford oversees it all
as manager of consumer products
and director of team processing for the United States
Olympic Committee (USOC).
Her role within the USOC, which does indeed carry
Clifford the world over, working with everyone from
travel agents and hotel clerks to fashion designers and,
of course, Olympians, involves developing an entire kit
of team apparel — clothes, shoes, sunglasses, jewelry
and even toiletries — for each athlete and coach to wear
as they represent the United States in the world’s biggest
international sporting competition.
She does all of this for the Paralympic and Pan
American Games as well.
And while the Olympics only last two weeks, Clifford’s
job encompasses an 18-month to two-year process of
itineraries, invoices and regulations that together ensure
those 14 days in the spotlight are as flawless as a gold
medal figure skate.
“Everyone asks me what I do when the Olympics
are over, but I am literally already working on the next
Games,” Clifford offers as a glimpse into the amount of
time it takes to gear up for the world’s stage.
That work begins with a focus group of athletes at the
close of each Games to find out what they can do better
next time. Every step of Clifford’s
next two years is then taken in
pursuit of her own victory, in the
form of happy Olympians who are
proud to represent their country
in the gear she and her team have
selected.
“So many of these athletes, when
you talk to them about what inspired
them to become Olympians, mention
seeing an opening ceremony or
seeing an athlete on the podium.
It is definitely not lost on me how
often they say, ‘I really wanted to wear the USA on my
chest.'”
Clifford knows that many of the U.S. Olympic athletes
will never win a medal, which leaves their Team USA
gear as the only tangible evidence of the accomplishment
of a lifetime.
“These are the things they take home to their families
and wear forever. So I feel a responsibility to make sure
that the stuff is cool, that the delivery is smooth, and that
they are very happy when they walk out of processing
and into the Games.”
Under Clifford’s leadership, the USOC sets up a
T-BIRD ALUMNA OUTFITS U.S. OLYMPIANS
18I N V I E W
Behind the scenes with
distribution center in the host country two weeks before
the Games begin, an athlete’s unofficial welcome in
the days preceding the start of each team’s on-location
training. With two overstuffed garment bags, a duffel
and rolling suitcase full of gear, all tailored to perfection,
each Olympian leaves with souvenirs to spare. But more
important than the items themselves, Clifford views the
delivery as the thing that can make or break the Olympic
experience before it even begins.
“Everybody is feeling pressure and excitement and
nerves. We set the tone for the whole Olympic experience.”
She and her team work hard to make sure every one
of the hundreds of U.S. athletes feel and look their best.
“We're all so invested, when they come out in the
opening ceremonies, I just lose it.”
The impact of that moment, as well as the years of hard
work preceding it, is never lost on Clifford. She says if it
ever was, that would be her cue to leave the game.
“I just can’t fathom not getting swept away in the
excitement of it all.”
“It’s definitely not normal, this world that I live in,”
Clifford says of the fever pitch surrounding her day-to-
day.
“I didn’t know this job that I have now even existed
five years ago, much less when I was in college. I’ve just
sort of tried to say yes to things and keep an open mind
on what kinds of opportunities might be something I
didn’t even know would be amazing. I feel really lucky; I
know that doesn’t happen for everybody.”
Not all to luck’s credit, Clifford’s rise to her current
position actually stems from being just as open to
unanticipated opportunities as a student at SUU. It
was there she met Tosh Brinkerhoff (’96), who she
worked with in SUUSA after nearly dropping out of SUU
altogether.
“I went to SUU specifically because I wanted to go
somewhere new and far. But I got down there and I was
homesick and I wasn’t making friends as fast as I thought
I should, and I hated it. So the first week of winter
semester, I didn’t go back.”
While home, and with little intention of returning,
Clifford remembered a story she’d heard in orientation
about a theatre major who dropped out after not being
cast in the first production she auditioned for.
“I just kept thinking about how silly it had sounded to
quit just because you didn’t get what you wanted right
from the start, and I knew I didn’t want to be ‘that girl.'
When I got back down there I decided I was really going
to commit to this place, and I joined a sorority, I worked
for Student Activities, I worked on the radio station and
(right) Putin chatting it up with our CEO. USA House is a wacko place.
(left) That's just gold medalist Derek Parra in
a garbage bin pitching in. One big happy Olympic family.
(below) Finishing up the Nike booth. #teamusaprep
@replikate34Katie's Instagram & Facebook feeds leading up to the Olympic Games
One big giant first day of Processing out of the way and a plane full of athletes on the way to Sochi. Highlight of the day was probably helping Shani Davis pick out which toiletries he wanted to take on the plane and which ones to send home. Gold medalists, they are just like us.
(left) Hats that people all over the US knitted for @usskiteam #believeinus
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 19
(left) SBX cancelled due to fog = major bummer.
Upside was getting to hug these two jokers before they ride tomorrow.
wrote a couple articles for the Journal. I did everything,
made all these friends, and these are the people that I am
still close to.”
One of those friends, Brinkerhoff, got Clifford her
first job out of college, as an administrative assistant
for the Salt Lake City Olympic Organizing Committee.
From there, though she is the first to admit that without
any background in athletics or sports marketing she felt
like a fraud, Clifford has worked her way up with a firm
conviction.
“I’ve been super, super lucky. But at the same time,
I feel like my whole career has been a testament that
networking is real and being a hard worker is the best
thing you can do. People remember you. Almost all of my
jobs have been from people calling me and saying they
heard about me from someone else. I haven’t job searched
since that call I made to Tosh (Brinkerhoff).”
She smiles, “I’m going to run out of that luck at some
point, but so far, still going strong.”
Clifford says that while it is gratifying to work so
closely alongside the people who make their dreams
happen on such a large scale, it is definitely cause for
reflection on her own ambitions.
“My job, watching these athletes, has made me a less
fearful person and more of a ‘well why not?’ sort of
person. I don’t think I was naturally that way but I look
back now, and my life has been an example of, ‘why not.'
In addition to the USOC, Clifford has worked in
commercial sports apparel, has lived across the country
and traveled the world.
“I’ve always been willing to say, ‘Yeah, I’ll try that or
I’ll move there. And I’ve been able to do these amazing,
unreal things.”
Though her plans are now well under way for Rio in
2016, Clifford remains just as open now.
“I always thought, ‘If I ever get a job at the USOC I’ll
never leave.’ Even though this is the coolest job, I know
there are still other challenges that I want, other things
I want to try, and other ways that I want to grow and
stretch.”
“What I’ve been doing here, I support other people’s
dreams. Which is such a cool experience. But I think the
next chapter of my life I’d like to explore what my own
dreams are and not be the team behind the team. But it
would definitely have to be something I love to take me
away from all of this.”
“In the meantime,” she adds, “I know my cool job
doesn’t say anything real about me except that I am
enormously blessed.”
(above) Customer of the day at the store. Spoiler alert: We don't sell these things, he brought it himself.
(left) Might as well wish the thing that I'm
married to a Happy Valentine's Day. I love you Olympics.(above) Pretty
not terrible day at Olympic park.
One report you might have heard that is true—it is straight up warm in Sochi. Like warmer here than it ever was in London. It's crazy.
Day 22 on the road is when you wonder if you ever had a normal life and if you ever will again.
Athletes are tweeting and posting photos of themselves all ready for Opening Ceremony and I'm freaking out about how adorable they are. Lots of hard work for the world to see tonight!!!!!
20I N V I E W
SATURDAY, MARCH 22 Old Sorrel Trail Snowshoe Hike with President Wyatt
TUESDAY, MARCH 25Howard R. Driggs Memorial Lecture
11:30 a.m. Gilbert Great HallSenator Robert F. Bennett • "Conflict Resolution and the New American West."
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 Lunch on the Main • 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Founders stories and lunch for students at Old Main, the Braithwaite Building, Sherratt Library, Old Sorrel and the Centurium.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts Groundbreaking3:00 p.m. • Randall L. Jones Theatre Lawn (see page 26)
The Future is Rising Campaign Appreciation Concert7:30 p.m. • The Centrum ArenaKenny Loggins (see page 27)
Founders Celebration
The Normal has stood for fair dealings, for
individual freedom for both student and teacher;
for love of country and for pure life. Every student who
has been at the school feels that he must live up to the
standard set for him there. Remember as you go forth
into new fields, you shall succeed only when you live a
life of service to your country and your people.”
GeorGe W. Decker
One of the Founding Four faculty at the Branch Normal School (SUU)
2014
20I N V I E W
“
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 21
Support for your alma mater comes in all formsIn every one of our Thunderbird alumni is an ongoing story of SUU's
impact and success. We take great pride in your accomplishments and
stand behind the great potential of each SUU grad. We hope you, too, are
proud to remain a Thunderbird. No matter when you were last on campus
or where you now live, there are many ways to stay connected in support
of your alma mater.
Are You Loyal?
STAY INFORMEDu Follow SUU and SUU Alumni
on Facebook, LinkedIn (SUU
Alumni) Instagram and
Twitter (@suutbirds).
u Keep your contact info
current for the latest updates
and alumni opportunities
suu.edu/alumni.
u Sign up for "News from the Nest," SUU's alumni
e-newsletter.
u Read the SUU In View alumni magazine.
SHOW PRIDEu Purchase an SUU license plate or, if you're
out of state, buy a license plate frame or
window cling.
u Wear your SUU red on Fridays.
u Display your SUU diploma or
memorabilia in your office.
GET INVOLVEDu Come back to campus for Homecoming, the
Utah Summer Games or the Utah
Shakespeare Festival.
u Support T-Bird athletics by attending games
in your area suutbirds.com.
u Attend College of Performing & Visual Arts
events suu.edu/pva.
u Talk to prospective high school students
about your SUU experience and encourage
a campus visit.
GIVE BACKu Register with the SUU Career Mentoring
Network suu.edu/alumni/mentoring.
u Donate to your college or department
through the Annual Fund suu.edu/giving.
u Hire an SUU student for an internship position
within your company.
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 21
P R I O R I T I E S
22 I N V I E W
THE FUTURE IS RISING THE CAMPAIGN FOR SUU
RAISED: $22.1 MILLION
RAISED: $55.1 MILLION
RAISED: $12.1 MILLION
RAISED: $16.3 MILLION
Enriching Student Life
Emerging Opportunities
Academic Excellence
Campus Enhancement & Expansion
THANK YOU!A
dvancing every facet of the SUU experience,
The Future is Rising fundraising campaign has
garnered unprecedented private and public support
for the University, our students and higher education
in southern Utah.
We will never be able to adequately thank the many
individuals, families and organizations who have so
graciously given to SUU's cause. You, our alumni,
friends and benefactors, have truly astounded us with
your great commitment and generosity.
With plans to end the way we began, in grand
fashion and celebration, we invite you all to join us
on campus Thursday, March 27 (see page 18), as we
step into a future of great promise and heightened
opportunity.
• Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science & Engineering
• Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for Innovative Education
• Sargon Heinrich Global Engagement Center
• Eccles Visiting Scholar Program
• Mariner Eccles Library Book Fund
• Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts
• L.S. & Aline W. Skaggs Center for Health & Molecular Sciences
• Cedar Hall Student Housing
• Kenneth L. Cannon Equestrian Center
• Carter Carillon Bell Tower
• 200+ New Scholarships • Leavitt Housing
Scholarships• ALSAM Undergraduate
Research Fund• Cedar Hall Student
HousingCurrent Use Funding for:• SUU’s Greatest Needs• SUU Athletics• Utah Shakespeare
Festival• Utah Summer Games
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 1 4 23
TOTAL RAISED: $105.5 MILLION
$100 MILLION
$90 MILLION
$80 MILLION
$70 MILLION
$60 MILLION
$50 MILLION
$40 MILLION
www.suu.edu/rising
24I N V I E W
CAMPAIGN:
STUDENT IMPACT
24 I N V I E W
THE FUTURE IS RISING THE CAMPAIGN FOR SUU
"Growing up in a developing country and having the opportunity to
go to SUU has been a great opportunity for me. Receiving so much
financial help through scholarships and support of great faculty
has made a huge difference. I am so grateful for that."
Adjila Boubacar — senior, political science, Niger, West Africa
"The opportunity I have to work in the new state-of-the-art
laboratories of the L.S. & Aline W. Skaggs Center for Health &
Molecular Sciences as an undergrad gives me such an upper
hand over my peers at other schools because I am learning the
skills, hands-on, needed in my future career."
Valerie Hammon — senior, chemistry, Centennial Park, CA
"Being an SUU Scholar Athlete has
taught me to work hard and make
goals for myself. I have been able to
achieve those goals on the track and
that flows into the classroom."
Shaye Springall — senior, finance,
Cedar City, UT
"Thanks to funding to the Sargon Heinrich Global
Engagement Center, I was able to study abroad in Nepal
with two SUU professors and meet with Anuradha
Koirala, a CNN Hero. I learned that I can make a
difference in this world."
Shaun Wright — senior, sociology, Lindon, UT
"I want to be a doctor and the community
service opportunities here gave me a new
perspective on how I can help the people,
making me want to be a doctor even more."
Harsh Kansagra — senior, chem & biology,
Ganhinagar, India
From the classroom to the laboratory to the stage, SUU students are doing amazing things, all thanks to alumni and friends like you. Your donations have brought new buildings, endowed scholarships and undergraduate research to campus, impacting every student on some level.
The following marks just a small sample of the students who wish to thank you for your support of an education forever impacted by The Future is Rising Campaign:
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 25www.suu.edu/rising
"My favorite part of living in Cedar Hall is that we are grouped
together by our interest, making it easy to focus on our
academics, which makes success more possible."
Ashley Broadhead — freshman, undeclared, Sandy, UT
"I love the Carter Carillon Bell Tower tradition.
Freshmen walk under the bell tower at the beginning
of their first semester and are welcomed into the
Thunderbird Family by faculty and staff and even
community members."
Jaci Stucky — junior, marketing, Nibley, UT
"Walking under the Carter Carillon Bell
Tower was the moment I realized that SUU
would be home for the next four years.
Being cheered on by everyone there I felt
like an integral part of the Thunderbird
family."
Zach McNaughton — freshman, business,
Heber City, UT
"Having the Utah Shakespeare Festival on campus
enhances what we are learning in the classroom and
provides a springboard into professional opportunities.
I think the addition of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson
Center for the Arts is only going to enhance and amplify
those opportunities."
Grayson Moulton — senior, theatre, Provo, UT
MAKING A
24THE FUTURE IS RISING THE CAMPAIGN FOR SUU
Southern Utah University has always been about
service, and has always concerned itself with the
concept of effective preparation and both the cumulative
and individual future of people.
Appropriately, the same may be said about Dixie
and Anne Leavitt, two of the most loyal and influential
figures in the institution’s history. Their impact has
been wide ranging and has positively entwined with the
destiny of SUU, as well as untold numbers of its students
and graduates.
When they speak of the University, their love for their
alma mater is profoundly evident.
“Southern Utah University is the star in the sky of this
region,” Anne said. “Over the generations countless lives
have been enhanced by this school, and ours are among
those. Each of us came to the then-Branch Agricultural
College, wide-eyed at the adventure that awaited us,
bearing in our hands small enabling scholarships, not
really understanding the wonderful difference it would
make in our lives.
“Looking back now, more than 60 years later, we see
clearly the difference it has made. All aspects of our
society are intertwined with Southern Utah University.
Our families, our communities, our institutions, our
economies all benefit by association with the University.
“In gratitude, we offer our wholehearted affection and
support,” she said.
That support includes the act of paying forward for
the aid that helped them find success in life. As a result,
they have largely earmarked their gifts for scholarships,
in addition to a bevy of other institutional needs.
This generosity has garnered the Leavitt family the
distinction of being among the most generous donors
during the University’s comprehensive campaign.
“Our view is that when you help a young person
striving for education, you help to ensure a vibrant
society of self-sufficient, contributing people,” Dixie
said. “Support, given today, reverberates into the future
I N V I E W
DIFFERENCED I X I E & A N N E L E A V I T T
in terms of families blessed, communities strengthened,
and thereby a nation that thrives.”
The Leavitts’ contributions, however, go well beyond the
monetary.
Those contributions began the moment each hit campus,
Dixie from Bunkerville, Nevada, in 1947, and Anne
Okerlund two years later from Loa, Utah. Dixie was a
popular and charismatic student who served as editor of
the yearbook, student body president, and also became the
school’s first four-year letterman in football and track and
field. Anne, highly effective and engaged in her own right,
dove into all manner of campus activities while working
hard on her education, but she had to delay the completion
of her education not long after she and Dixie wed in 1950,
in order to raise her children. It would be more than three
decades before she could complete her baccalaureate
degree in English and Spanish in 1982 from SUU, this, after
raising the couple’s six sons.
Dixie began teaching fourth grade at Cedar
West Elementary School in 1951 and sold
insurance during the summer. He grew to love
that pursuit and, with Anne’s encouragement
and aid, embraced it as his life’s work, using
the couple’s small basement apartment as his office. That
decision was the genesis of what has become the seventh
largest independently-owned insurance network in the
nation.
Along the way, the Leavitts contributed to their
community and state in great and broad measure.
Anne engaged in a variety of civic causes, including
service on Utah’s tasks forces on drug abuse and higher
education, and as a member of the boards of the Utah
Shakespeare Festival and the Utah Endowment for the
Humanities. She served as chair of the SUU presidential
search committee in 1997, while authoring the definitive
and exhaustive history of the school, Southern Utah
University: The First 100 Years, and over the years was a
highly sought-after speaker in many forums. She has been
awarded the University’s Distinguished Service Award as
well as an honorary doctorate.
Dixie reignited his love for politics in the ’60s and served
a term in the Utah House, in the State Senate for 18 years
and, in 1976, was a candidate for governor.
He was ever known as a man of strong
convictions and his statement that one must
never compromise principles is oft-repeated
and admired.
As a legislator, Dixie served his constit-
uency well and was highly instrumental in
both the granting of independent, four-year status to the
school and its elevation to University status. He also worked
diligently to secure funding for a new business building for
the campus in 1979, an endeavor that, combined with his
long service to the institution and stellar business career,
resulted in the building being named in his honor in 1985.
During the recently-completed The Future is Rising
campaign, Dixie served on the President’s National
Advisory Committee, while Anne worked in behalf of the
Southern Utah Museum of Art and Friends of the Library.
Of course, the Leavitts’ six sons have shared their
parents’ industriousness and dedication to public service.
Three have served on the institution’s governing body.
Eldest son Mike (’78), was its chair for four years, and also
served on the Board of Regents. Second son Dane has served
as the vice chair of the SUU Board of Trustees, while fourth
son Eric is the current chair of that body. Jana Leavitt, wife
to third son Mark, serves the University as a member of the
Utah Shakespeare Festival Board of Governors, and Mark
and younger brothers David and Matt are actively engaged
in service in their communities, as well.
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S p r i n g 2 0 1 4 27www.suu.edu/rising
“Southern Utah University is the star in the sky of this region.”
Anne Leavitt
28 I N V I E W
THE FUTURE IS RISING THE CAMPAIGN FOR SUU
A dream 53 years in the making
will take root in reality when
Southern Utah University and the
Utah Shakespeare Festival break
ground for the Beverley Taylor
Sorenson Center for the Arts,
the largest fundraising project in
the University's Future is Rising
campaign.
The Center, which will encompass
all of the Utah Shakespeare Festival operations in
modernized facilities, has long been a vision of
Festival Founder Fred Adams since he first opened the
regional theatre in Cedar City in 1962.
In partnership with SUU, the more
recent addition of the Southern Utah
Museum of Art will now create a true
center — heart and home — for the
heart of the arts in southern Utah.
Slated to open in 2016 following
this spring’s groundbreaking, the
Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for
the Arts will bring professional
performance and visual arts in world class facilities
to out-of-town guests, community and student
audiences alike.
A L O N G A W A I T E D
Groundbreaking" ‘Tis you must dig with mattock and with spade,And pierce the inmost centre of the earth…"William Shakespeare,
from Titus Andronicus
6
5
3
4
1
2
1 . Existing Randall Jones Theatre2 . Southern Utah Museum of Art3 . Shakespearean Theatre4 . Costume & Craft Workshops5 . Rehearsal/Education Space6 . Studio theatre
UNIVERSITY BLVD. (CENTER STREET)
COLLEGE AVE
300 WEST
BEVERLEY TAYLOR SORENSON
Center for the Arts
MARCH 27, 2014 • 3:00 PM • RANDALL JONES THEATRE LAWN
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 29www.suu.edu/rising
Please join us for a free concert and variety show celebrating the success of the Campaign for Southern Utah University.March 27th • 7:30 p.m. The Centrum Arena
Remember, tickets are FREE, but must be picked up at the Centrum435-586-7872 or tbirdtickets.com
C A M P A I G N A P P R E C I A T I O N C E L E B R A T I O NF E A T U R I N G
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 29
30I N V I E WI N V I E W
S O A R I N GThunderbirds far and wide continue to make their mark. We applaud the heights they’ve reached and look forward to all that is yet to come.
HIGHER
TEACHING TO A SCIENCEM.Ed. and Biology Education alumnus Aaron Kallas (’08, ’06),
who teaches biology and biotechnology at Chugiak High School in
Anchorage received the 2013 Ron Mardigian Biotechnology Teaching
Award from the National Association of Biology Teachers. He is the
first teacher in Alaska to ever receive this award.
MAKING HISTORY, LEADING A CITYMaile Wilson (’10, ’08) was sworn in as Cedar City’s first female mayor
and, at age 27, also its youngest. Among her top priorities as mayor,
Wilson wants to increase transparency in government by utilizing
online communications and social media to inform and enhance public
participation in politics.
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 31
TOP STORY, EMMY NODCommunication alumnus Alan Neves (’92) won an Emmy Award for his work
as cameraman for “English Channel Swimmer,” a human interest news feature
with KSL-TV in Salt Lake City, Utah.
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
ON THE RISE
OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Social science/history alumnus James O. Birch (’88) was named Principal of the Year by the Utah Association of
Secondary School Principals. Birch currently works as the first principal of Herriman High, which opened in 2010,
where he created the Herriman Institute for Teachers to help mentor new educators.
Communication grad Devin Brooks (’09) received a Rising Star Award from the NAACP in recognition
of his work to provide medical support and youth mentoring in underserved communities through
the Brooks Behavioral Health Center he founded in Las Vegas, Nev.
Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower (’87) was named as Officer of the Year for the Utah Peace Officers
Association. Having served as Iron County sheriff for nearly a decade, he came on the force as a deputy in
1993 and has served in several positions, including patrol officer, detective and narcotics task force agent.
WINNING RANGERSSUU ROTC cadets earned first place in the 5th Brigade Region Ranger
Challenge Competition, ending Brigham Young University’s 10-year
winning streak in the physically demanding and mind grueling tournament
among collegiate ROTC programs across the Northwestern U.S.
32I N V I E W
Alumni FocusStay in touch with your former classmates and share in the celebration of your accomplishments through our online Class Notes
BILL & NANCY HONECKBill: ’87, communication. Owner of a race management company and ski shop.Nancy: '86, mathematics. Senior manager with Electronic Data Systems. Collinsville, Conn.
How were you involved on campus?
Nancy: I was a member of the
SUSC gymnastics team and a four-
year academic All-American.
Bill: I was involved with the debate
team and student government. My
senior year I was the academic vice
president and part of a ticket that
swept all seats in student government
that year.
Who at SUU made a lasting impact?
Nancy: Kathryn Berg was a
wonderful mentor and coach who
welcomed me to the team and I never
felt like I was far from home. Math
classes from Prof. James Cotts were
always challenging.
Bill: I have Marlynn Smith to
thank for coming to Cedar City and
SUU. Brad Bennett, M.L. Smith, Sage
Platt and many others shaped me into
who I am today.
CARMA CARRICK’96, communication. Preschool owner and operator. Saratoga Springs, Utah.
What are you doing now?
I am the queen bee of the Bee
Academy preschool. I developed an
innovative curriculum emphasizing
individual learning styles to help
prepare children for success in
school. I’m also writing a book about
my experience fostering and adopting
a child.
How did SUU extra-curricular activities shape you?
I got to know, love and appreciate
people from different backgrounds.
Each had unique interests and
goals, and I learned to respect those
differences and became a better
person for it.
Which SUU professor made an impression on you?
John McCann. He was known for
being hard but fair. I still hear him in
my head mentoring me and guiding
my decisions, both personally and
professionally.
EARL PHILLIPS’67, elementary education. CFO for a furnishings enterprise LLC. Las Cru-ces, N.M.
What have you been doing since graduation?
Worked for 36 years as a public
school teacher, administrator and
higher-ed administrator. I also
owned and operated an electronic
parts distribution company;
was CEO/CFO of an educational
consultant company; and am now
CFO of a government and educational
furnishings company.
Do you have a favorite SUU memory?
Yes, my freshman English
class from Bonnie Hobbs. I lacked
confidence and had a history of low
grades in English. But I received
a “B” on my first paper. What a
surprise! The paper had a lot of red
marks, but her written comments
made my day. She wrote that even
though my grammar was weak, I had
potential and we would work on the
other part. After that, I took every
class she offered.
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 33
MARY HEYBORNE’50, general education. Professional potter and poet. Sedona, Ariz.
How were you introduced to ceramics?
I was living in Lander, Wyo. and
took an evening college course taught
by my close friend and fine artist
Mary MacDonald of SUU. I knew
immediately there would be clay under
my fingernails from then on. Since
then I have taken several workshops
and master classes from some of the
world’s best-known potters – Toshiko
Takaezu, Carlton Ball, Robin Hopper
and Don Reitz.
What about your poetry?
Reading and writing poetry have
given me pleasure all my life. While
at the BAC I won a prize in a poetry
contest that gave me encouragement
for many works that were yet to come.
I have published three books of poetry
and have been a frequent reader at
poetry venues throughout northern
Arizona.
Do you volunteer?
Yes, with the Sedona Arts Center
and for Chamber Music Sedona. I
have actively participated in Sedona’s
Great Books Discussion Group since its
founding more than two decades ago.
ROB & RACHEL NIELSONRob: ’11, nursing. OR nurse at Central Valley Medical Center.Rachel: ’09, family and human development. Homemaker. Nephi, Utah.
Did you meet at SUU?
Yes, mutual friends were dating
and introduced us. We went on a
blind date as part of a big group date.
It was magical and we have never
looked back.
What was a favorite dating activity at SUU?
One night while construction was
underway on the new education
building, we decided to long board
from upper campus to the rotunda.
It was such a blast. We ended up
star gazing across from the rotunda.
We also loved to attend institute
together. It was a great way to get
to know each other better and the
classes offered were awesome.
Do you have favorite SUU-related activities?
We love coming to Cedar City for
the Utah Summer Games. We have
family attending SUU and keep our
eye on the track and field team and
how they are doing.
JOHN CURTIS’79, communication. Semi-retired TV and radio journalist. Los Osos, Calif.
Where has your career taken you?
I worked in TV/radio journalism
and still do voice-over and narration.
I own three investment corporations
and am the founder of the Johntrak
Meteorological Institute, which is a
private research group. I also hold
several FCC radio technical licenses,
including amateur radio general
class. Call sign: W7RAQ.
Who were your favorite professors?
Dr. Frain Pearson in
communication because he was a
great communicator and wonderful,
but tough, instructor. The other was
David Nyman in music. He taught me
so much and made classes fun and
exciting.
How do you keep your Thunderbird pride alive?
I read the e-newsletters with
interest and keep an eye on Cedar
City’s weather, of course. I apply the
same disciplines to my work today
and thank God for the gifts and
talents I learned to cultivate at SUU.
34I N V I E W
Class NotesWe’d love to feature Thunderbird adventures far and wide in the next Class Notes. As you reconnect with your college pals, snap a pic and send it our way: [email protected].
(LEFT) Melissa Powell Corry (’00), Marlo Madsen Ihler (’99), Nate Wilkey (’00) and Jodi Lee Simmons (’00) served together in SUUSA 1998-1999 and enjoyed reconnecting at the Pancake Breakfast during Homecoming 2013.
(ABOVE) The Kimball and Janet Weaver family are steeped in SUU tradition as both parents and all seven children are alumni - five of seven spouses graduated from SUU too! Pictured left to right: Amyanne (’96), Kim (’89), Chris (’93), Heather (’00), Kimball (’60), Janet (’61), Cleve (’92), Wendy (’92), and Michael (’97).
(ABOVE) A Thanksgiving feast in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Left to right: Justin Nelson (’11), Kelsey Nelson (’11), Liz McNaughtan (’09), Jon McNaughtan (’07), Preston Leavitt (’11) and Kelsi Leavitt (’09).
(ABOVE) Rich Murray (’97) and his kids Carlie and Jake were among the tailgaters and boosters who cheered the Thunderbirds on to a 27-21 victory at Weber State on November 9.
(ABOVE) Left to right: Jay Dixon (’04), Ashley Pitcher (’00), Justin Pitcher (’02), Tom Compagno (’98) and Todd Compagno (’94) during Homecoming 2013.
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 35
(LEFT) This group of CSU Alumni have made Homecoming a yearly tradition. Front row left to right: Janice Marriott (’68), Linda Rowley (’71), Dennis Rowley (’70); Middle row: Vanez Butler (’68), Vicki Gomez (’69), David Gomez (’69); Back row: Danny Linares, DeAnn Linares (’68), Judy Sceili (’68), Scott Sceili (’68).
(RIGHT) Officers from SUUSA 2003-2004 were one of many reunions held during Homecoming this past fall. Pictured left to right: Michelle Malie (’03), Steve Kiisel (’07), Jessica Kiisel, Paul Shakespear (’04) Kaydee Shakespear (’04), Jay Dixon (’04), Jesse Leach, Ashley Dixon (’05), Mindy Benson (’94), Lindsay Fullerton (’06) and Brian Fullerton (’08).
(ABOVE) Alpha Phi Sorority sisters and now sisters-in-law Monica Jensen (’98) and Mandy Whitaker (’97) at Forever Red on the Upper Quad.
(LEFT) Dave and Carol Ann (’59) Nyman enjoyed a beautiful Homecoming Saturday morning with pancakes and a parade. Many of you will remember Dave as an SUU professor of music and longtime Sigma Nu adviser.
(RIGHT) Thor, Brian Cameron (’12), Jenna DeGering (’13) and Marci Jones at the SUU vs. Weber State Tailgate Party.
(LEFT) The SUU music department initiated a wonderful new alumni tradition this past Homecoming with a band concert comprised of alumni and current student-musicians. Take a look at a few of the alumni who participated and see who you recognize. Choir alumni stay tuned . . . your turn is coming!
36I N V I E W
RE DU N I V E R S I T Y H E A D L I N E S W O R T H R E A D I N G
JAN 22 – PAST T-BIRDS JOIN FOOTBALL STAFFSUU Football Coach Ed Lamb added four new coaches to his staff. SUU Alumni Rob Takeno (’09) will coach the linebackers and Sam Lutui (’97) will coach the running backs. New to the Thunderbird fold, Gary Crowton will take over as offensive coordinator, and Ken Miller will assume duties at offensive line.
JAN 16 – NATIONAL NOD TO OUTDOOR PARTNERSHIPSUU’s Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative received the Partners in Conservation Award from the U.S. Department of the Interior for the University’s partnership with regional public land agencies, offering diverse opportunities for student engagement with land management agencies.
NOV 15 – LEAVITT CENTER'S CRYSTAL YEARThe Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service marked its 15th year and great strides in a community celebration that showcased the many ways in which the Leavitt Center has become the hub of civic engagement in southern Utah.
DEC 10 – GYMNASTS FLIP CONFERENCESSouthern Utah University gymnastics announced plans to join Utah State, Boise State, Denver and Brigham Young in the newly-formed Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference in 2014-15, when the league is anticipated to be fully recognized by the NCAA.
OCT 23 – PROF. SIMON PENS BEST NOVEL IN STATEDr. Julie Simon’s The Ghost Town Preservation Society won first place in the Utah Arts Council’s 2013 Original Writing Competition. The judges’ praise for the historical fiction: “A quiet but strong story that gets at the heart of what it means to be a person who comes from somewhere.”
BESTREGIONAL UNIVERSITIES
WEST
SEP 10 – SUU IS AGAIN BEST IN THE WESTSUU was named one of the top universities in the West in the 2014 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges guidebook. Receiving a first-tier nod, SUU has moved up yet again in the rankings; this is the University’s10th and highest appointment to the regional list.
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 37
ALUMNIHelen O’Connor (’47), age 93,
passed away July 5, 2013Wayne Hopkins Robinson, age 77,
passed away July 10, 2013Robert Lamond Stratton (’50), age 86,
passed away July 11, 2013Eric Flynn Freitas (’88), age 49,
passed away July 16, 2013LaVeeda Sprague (’39), age 92,
passed away July 26, 2013Boyd L. Mitchell (’42), age 90,
passed away August 2, 2013Arlene White Williams (’62), age 86,
passed away August 3, 2013Mary Ann McKee Williams Myers (’79), age 77, passed away August 15, 2013Ronnow L. Bunting (’49), age 86,
passed away August 24, 2013Doug C. Peterson (’67), age 75,
passed away August 30, 2013T. Elwood Bladen (’50), age 84,
passed away August 27, 2013Ina S. Norton (’62), age 96,
passed away August 22, 2013Robert D. Dix (’57), age 76,
passed away September 07, 2013Martin B. Haynie (’09), age 46,
passed away September, 17, 2013Duane D. Simon (’92), age 76,
passed away September 26, 2013Naomi D. Lunt (’41), age 92,
passed away October 10, 2013 Mac Neil Boyter (’62), age 71, passed away October 12, 2013 Cheryl Heaton (’99), age 48,
passed away October 20, 2013Patrick R. Hayden (’76), age 59,
passed away October 19, 2013
Winston H. Seegmiller (’38), age 93, passed away October 31, 2013
Lynda F. Riffle (’83), age 66, passed away November 1, 2013
Gary W. Munn (’92), age 61, passed away November 9, 2013
Neal R. Curtis (’77), age 66, passed away November 8, 2013
Cathryn R. Headman (’64), age 70, passed away November 14, 2013
Douglas I. Liston (’32), age 93, passed away November 20, 2013
Jack S. Sullivan (’72), age 70, passed away November 25, 2013
Charles C. Esplin (’36), age 95, passed away November 23, 2013
Luna Diane S. Mitchell, age 81, passed away November 30, 2013
Stephen E. Palmer (’76), age 61, passed away December 7, 2013
Clark T. Rollins (’51), age 80, passed away December 23, 2013
Easton D. Blackburn, age 81, passed away December 27, 2013
FRIENDS&SUPPORTERSWallace Garth Heap, age 77,
passed away August 9, 2013Renn Zaphiropoulos, age 86,
passed away August 19, 2013Steven Tyler Pickering, age 26,
passed away August 22, 2013Dona B. Cooley, age 92,
passed away August 27, 2013James E. Bowns, age 81,
passed away September, 14, 2013Raynold Dennett, age 78,
passed away September 25, 2013Marilyn Manning, age 87,
passed away September 21, 2013DeVon Andrus, age 85,
passed away September 21, 2013
Joan Mortensen, age 76, passed away September 25, 2013
Harold F. Hinton, age 70, passed away September 27, 2013
Donald C. Whittaker, age 86, passed away October 14, 2013
Louann E. Hardy, age 78, passed away October 12, 2013
Terrall O. Benn, age 54, passed away October 6, 2013
Andrew T. Strand, age 33, passed away October 10, 2013
Glen Ewell, age 64, passed away October 24, 2013
Lorin Sperry, age 76, passed away October 28, 2013
Adelle H. Evans, age 82, passed away November 15, 2013
Wallace K. Smith, age 79, passed away December 09, 2013
Gayle P. Wood, age 83, passed away December 10, 2013
Evalyn Roe, age 89, passed away December 19, 2013
Walter A. Edwards, age 86, passed away December 25, 2013
Veda C. Cox, age 69, passed away December 28, 2013
Willis A. Hall, age 62, passed away December 29, 2013
When you learn of the passing of an SUU alumnus or friend, please contact Ron Cardon by phone (435-586-7776) or by email ([email protected]).
rememberWE WILL July 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 37
38I N V I E W
Last Word
38I N V I E W
Last fall, SUU bid farewell to some of its oldest and
most faithful residents. In a recent windstorm of epic
proportions, eight majestic blue spruce trees were blown
down (see above right).
The spruce that fell atop South Hall and its nearby
companion were aged 91 years, but the two were not the
oldest of the campus’ trees. At 117 years, the American
elms that line present-day 300 West are the University’s
longest standing trees.
Unlike so many students who have come and gone,
touting the colors of BNS, BAC, CSU, SUSC and SUU, the
aged trees have ever remained. Standing as silent and
steadfast witnesses, they have served as the backdrop
against which thousands of lives have been enriched and
countless memories have been made.
The fallen trees will eventually be replaced with the
scores of saplings planted each year in an ongoing campus
effort, but they take with them nearly a century of history
and, most notably, a legacy of service to which we owe
their existence.
That legacy began in 1910 when William Flanigan
became facilities supervisor for the BNS. At that time, the
campus hosted just ten trees.
Desirous of beautifying the somewhat barren campus,
Flanigan led numerous tree-harvesting expeditions
throughout the region, traveling as far as 35 miles by
wagon to unearth saplings for transplant on the school’s
grounds. A portion of each yield was sold to help fund the
expeditions. Collecting $100 per wagonload of Colorado
Spruce and borrowing teams of horses and wagons from
local residents, Flanigan slowly populated the campus,
tree by burgeoning tree.
In keeping with the legacy of the founders, the campus
and its stately trees are another manifestation of the
sacrifice of area residents who endeavored not only to
secure educational opportunities for the region’s youth
but also to cultivate a beautiful environment in which
they could learn.
A Wind-Blown History
From Sapling to Toppling
Portrait of William Flanigan
S U U A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 39
Here’s to Alumni Days at Shakespeare!View all six plays of the Utah Shakespeare Festival 2014 season, plus attend exclusive events with Festival staff & cast!
Photo: Leslie Brott (left) as Mistress Alice Ford and Victoria Adams-Zischke as Mistress Margaret Page in the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s 2006 production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. (Photo by Karl Hugh. © Utah Shakespeare Festival 2006.)
Come back and enjoy the beauty of campus, renew friendships and create new memories. Visit suu.edu/alumni to learn more and to purchase your six-play ticket package, or call (435) 586-7777
• Henry IV Part One• Measure for Measure• The Comedy of Errors• Sense and Sensibility• Into the Woods• Twelfth Night
A L U M N I D AY S A T S H A K E S P E A R ES O U T H E R N U T A H U N I V E R S I T Y
ALUMNIRELATIONS
S O U T H E R N U T A H U N I V E R S I T Y
ALUMNIRELATIONS
IRON COUNTY CHAPTER
S A L T L A K E C H A P T E R
June 23-25, 2014
It’s not too late! Make your annual fund gift for the year by June 30th. YOUR ANNUAL FUND GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
suu.edu/giving
40I N V I E W
Alumni Association
351 West University Blvd.
Cedar City, UT 84720
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PAIDCEDAR CITY, UT. 84720
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If the addressee no longer lives
at this address or for name and
address corrections including
duplicate magazines, please call
435-586-7777
S O U T H E R N U T A H U N I V E R S I T Y
ALUMNIRELATIONS
S O U T H E R N U T A H U N I V E R S I T Y
ALUMNIRELATIONS
IRON COUNTY CHAPTER
S A L T L A K E C H A P T E R
ALUMNIEVENTS
We invite you to join your Thunderbird Family at the following events:
MARCH 25-27 - FOUNDERS CELEBRATION
APRIL 8 - FESTIVAL OF EXCELLENCE
MAY 2 - GRADUATION
JUNE 6-29 - UTAH SUMMER GAMES
JUNE 23-25 ALUMNI DAYS AT SHAKESPEARE
JUNE 23-OCTOBER 18 - UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
AUGUST 2 - SUU DAY AT LAGOON
SEPTEMBER 11-13 - HOMECOMING WEEKEND
SEPTEMBER 12 - INAUGURATION
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THESE AND
FUTURE EVENTS, VISIT WWW.SUU.EDU/ALUMNI
OR CALL (435) 586-7777
Stained glass windows in the Emma Eccles Jones Education Building