Friday, December 20, 2013

Student Alumni Association Serves Others

Two outstanding projects this past semester by the SUU Student Alumni Association provided its members the opportunity to reach beyond themselves and make a difference for others. The first was an annual project in a nearby neighborhood and the second was with children at Cedar City's North Elementary School.

A tradition for the past several years, Student Alumni once again combined forces with the Community Engagement Center and raked leaves at the homes of a few of SUU's more "seasoned" alumni, friends and emeriti. The project has become one of the most anticipated by both organizations and this year about 50 students performed service and enjoyed homemade soup afterwards.


 






The second project, and a new one for Student Alumni, was a talent show at North Elementary School, which happens to be an SUU Partnership STEAM School where science, technology, engineering, arts and math are emphasized in the curriculum. The talent show was called "NES Follies" and provided nearly 20 North Elementary students the opportunity to be on stage and share their talents while building connections with SUU students. The children's talents included singing, karate, piano, musical cups, dancing, gymnastics, a poem and Tae Kwon Do. Our Student Alumni talents featured a fiddle group, soccer juggling, vocal duet, juggling and cheerleading & stunts. It was a wonderful, heart-warming evening for our Student Alumni members as they saw the faces of young children light up with excitement and pride as they shared their developing talents and watched those of university students.











Thursday, October 17, 2013

Homecoming 2013 Outstanding Alumnus - Max Rose

Growing up in tiny Henrieville, Utah, population 160, Max Rose was fully immersed in education, as his father taught the town’s children, including Max and his 13 siblings, in a one-room schoolhouse.

Thus, it was not surprising that education became his own life’s work, as upon his graduation from Bryce Valley High School in 1963, Max enrolled at the College of Southern Utah, just as would a dozen of the Rose children. Max had excelled in mathematics—always in advanced courses—and he yearned to educate others. He determined to teach math at the college level and wished to return to teach at what is now SUU.

Max was an ardent student, greatly involved and a leader in the full spectrum of campus life and activities. He learned at the feet of a galaxy of revered SUU faculty members. In fact, he says, he liked his teachers so much that whatever course he took from them, he thought he might change his major to any one of those disciplines. Such SUU legends as Bessie Dover, Kim Jones and Paul Burgoyne were among his mentors, but it was Harl Judd who exercised particular influence over Max.

Following his graduation in 1969, Max married schoolmate Kathryn Duncan and the couple moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where Max would teach math. However, a sudden opening on the SUU faculty prompted Professor Judd to summon Max home on a one-year contract to teach at his alma mater. Afterward, Harl promised him that if he would go on to earn an advanced degree, that he’d be first on the list for any new position. Max took his master’s degree from USU and a doctorate from BYU and accepted what he thought would be an abbreviated position at Dixie College while awaiting an opening at SUU. However, through his hard work and talent, he soon became entrenched at Dixie and in St. George and somewhat reluctantly gave up his long-held dream of teaching here.

He went on to a stellar career at the St. George school, including tenure as a professor of math and chemistry and as vice president of academics. He capped his career with a decade’s service as the superintendent of the Washington County School District. Along the way, he served in a great variety of impactful civic positions, including a stint as the chair of the Dixie Regional Medical Center Governing Board. Today, he sits on the Dixie Board of Trustees and he and Kathy enjoy their four children and four grandchildren.

Through most of his years at Dixie, Max always sought to guide students to SUU to complete their education as, he has said, Dixie students tended to fit in well here. His own SUU experiences are treasured and he readily confirms that his years in Cedar City were truly important in shaping his life. He has, despite his ties elsewhere, always been a proud and exemplary son of Southern Utah University.

Homecoming 2013 Distinguished Service Award - Ted and Melinda Whitaker

It’s clear that the SUU experience becomes a family affair for many, as lives tend to entwine serendipitously and enduringly around the shared wonders of the University. Ted and Melinda Whitaker stand as prime examples of that thesis.

While each made a truly significant mark on campus life while students at SUU, the couple has joined to support the University in a variety of ways over the years as alumni. Ted’s tenure in service to SUU and its alumni spanned more than a decade, and he was an instrumental building block in the alumni chapters movement. As a true partner, Melinda dove right in with her husband to do all she could to further the causes of the institution and its alumni operations.

Each was born in Cedar City, but lived a couple of hundred miles apart through their youth. In 1965, Ted graduated from Granger High School in southwest Salt Lake County and came to SUU first. Melinda joined him from Beaver High in 1967. They worked together in student government, sharing an office, as Ted served as secretary of social affairs and Melinda as secretary of cultural affairs. She reigned as homecoming queen in 1969 and went on to the Miss Utah pageant while Ted saw his days at SUU interrupted by an LDS mission to Brazil and a semester abroad in Europe. Although they were dance partners in SUU’s International Folk Dance team, it was some time before Ted and Melinda embarked on the romance that has now lasted more than 40 years and produced four children and 10 grandchildren. They married shortly after their mutual graduation from SUU in 1971, Ted with a degree in languages and Melinda in elementary education. They proudly confirm that their years at SUU changed their lives and each readily points to Ken Benson as a seminal figure in their development as leaders, while Ted also credits Rod Decker, Gary Giles, Al Tait, Dixie Leavitt, Anne Leavitt and Mike Leavitt as notable exemplars and Melinda calls Laveve Whetten, Bessie Dover, Kent Myers, and Georgia Beth Thompson great influences on her life.

Through their life together, they have lived in Mesa, Arizona, Fillmore, Utah and now, Orem. Melinda has taught school for many of those years while Ted largely found his calling in the insurance business, having retired in 2011 from a long career with Allstate after beginning with Dixie Leavitt. Melinda, who earned a master’s degree from BYU in 2006, has been repeatedly recognized as an exceptional educator and still teaches today. Ted, who has been honored on many fronts, was a leader in the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Fillmore and for the State of Utah and has been a city councilman, a pilot, a volunteer fireman and a commander of search and rescue teams. His service to SUU includes a stint as the president of the Utah County Alumni Chapter and more than five years as the National Alumni Vice President of Chapter Relations.

Throughout the years, Ted and Melinda have ever been committed to the University and dependable and steadfast in their service. They have steered countless students to campus and have always epitomized the type of alumni that any institution hopes for.


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Homecoming 2013 Young Alumnus Award - Jasen Wade Nielsen

When he graduated from Bonneville High School in Ogden as Jasen Nielsen in 1992, our 2013 Young Alumnus of the Year was unsure of what career he wished to pursue or just where he might prepare for it. Sandwiched around an LDS mission to Moscow, Russia, he bounced around to all of Utah’s other public universities with such disparate courses of study as psychology, history, forestry, and Russian. He longed for a place where he could find himself.

Fortunately, his brother-in-law had a place in mind, and told him he would love Cedar City and SUU and offered to pay for his gas for the trip if he were wrong. Of course, he wasn’t and when Jasen came to town and campus he immediately felt as if home. He reverted to a childhood hope to become a small-town veterinarian, and his new major at SUU was animal science. However, his plans again changed when presented with the opportunity to live at the entrance to Zion National Park. The only problem was that it involved taking a singing and dancing role in the timeless musical Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at Springdale’s Bumbleberry Inn and Grandma’s Playhouse. When not roaming Zion, he waited tables during the day and performed at night, 83 times. It was his first experience on any stage and, as it has many a fledgling performer, it hooked him. He immersed himself in the University’s acting and film curricula, ultimately earning a degree in communication with a minor in theatre.

He was called upon often for his ruggedness on stage at SUU and strikingly showed his acting chops playing multiple roles in A.R. Gurney’s The Dining Room before making a significant mark as the lead character, the Englishman Charlie Baker, in The Foreigner just prior to his 2001 graduation. His successes here cemented his plan to become an actor and he is now well on his way to a solid film career. His 13 acting credits thus far, with his screen name Jasen Wade, include Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story, 17 Miracles, Amber Alert, and Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed. It is Jasen’s continuing desire to tell compelling and inspiring stories. He finds satisfaction from roles that feature strength of character and his work has included portraying individuals who represent those who founded southern Utah and this University.

His diverse SUU training has helped him work behind the camera as well, and he credits Jon Smith of the communication faculty for providing him with a solid technical education. Chuck Metten, then dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, was Jasen’s acting mentor and champion.

Today, in addition to his acting career, Jasen teaches a film course at Dixie State, and fights wildland fires for the BLM when free during the summer. He is married to the former Holly Green, who was a member of the SUU gymnastic squad, and they live in Washington County with their two children.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Alumna Creates Thor Quilt - Homecoming Drawing

I was just tickled when I found I could use my passion for quilting to help out the SUU Alumni Association. I made a Thor Rally quilt for myself last March and just loved the way it turned out. I was so happy to return to this pattern to make one for SUU. The pattern of the quilt is my own design. I wrote all the designing of this pattern on my blog. The Thor symbol on the quilt is a layered applique. That is taking lots of pieces of fabric, cutting them to the desired shape, and then sewing them all together. Sounds complex but not really, just a little time consuming. I spent about 6 hours making the logo alone. You can see how I made it step by step right here

I started quilting about 12 years ago. I asked my mother to teach me the basics before my husband and I and our oldest son moved across the country for medical school. I figured I would have lots of quiet nights to fill my time while Jacob studied. I enjoyed making baby blankets and an occasional large blanket for friends. In 2010 I discovered the "online" world of quilting. My hobby quickly turned to a passion. Since that time I have grown my blog to reach thousands of readers, shared so many tutorials, been published in magazines and books, and even started my own pattern line. I can't wait to see what the next years hold.

Submitted by Melissa Powell Corry ('00).

Melissa's Thor Quilt will be given away during Homecoming 2013. Suggested donations for the drawing:

3 Tickets for $5
8 Tickets for $10
20 Tickets for $20

Get your tickets by calling the Alumni Relations Office at 435-586-7777 or at Homecoming events on Thursday, Friday or Saturday (October 10-12).


P.S. Congratulations to Vanez Butler ('68) - winner of the Homecoming 2013 Thor Quilt!

SUUSA Memories 1993-1994

These were great times . . .

In 1993-94 we had some spectacular events take place such as the now Gerald R. Sherratt Library was completed and dedicated that year. I would say our student association was the first of its kind to actually receive a large donation proposed by Steve and Cindy Gilbert of $50,000 towards the SUU Rodeo Club to ensure its survival for years to come. 

In wake of a new student center soon to be built, myself and a team of students traveled to Colorado and California gathering many ideas of what we though students would enjoy for the now Sharwan Smith Center. Unfortunately, Sharwan's untimely passing led to the eventual naming the building after her. Many of us who associated with Sharwan and knew her smile and grace personally as her statue stands in the middle of the rotunda. She was not just a student, she was an inspiration.

Also that year, many dances and events were put on by Brian Green (SUUSA Activities Director) and his crew. Many can look back at the countless hours that were dedicated to having fun. Last, what I consider another tremendous accomplishment by SUUSA at that time was the design for the now "The Student Body" Fitness Center (now located in the Sorenson PE Building). The legacy of students having a vision and making sure that vision is complete was definitely a highlight.

So with that I raise my glass of milk and salute you all during that time and say "Carpe Diem" as Pierre Mvemba our Academic Vice President would say and seize the day...I know we did.

Submitted by Jason White ('98), SUUSA President 1993-1994.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Alumni Spotlight: Kim Bonniksen

Kim Bonniksen (’93, Communication & ’96, Education) is using her SUU experiences to advance online learning organizations and school accreditation.
As the owner and operator of Visions Consulting, an educational consulting business, Kim works with for profit education corporations, smaller online learning organizations and individual schools to develop curriculum, assessments, evaluate corporate policy and strategy, facilitate school improvement planning and support accreditation efforts. She has been fortunate to work with industry leaders in virtual education and has served on national committees to improve the state of online learning throughout the world.
The educational industry has in turn recognized Kim for her leadership and expertise. In 2005, she presented at the National Indian Education Association’s annual conference in Alaska on the value of technology in expanding educational opportunities for Native American students. In 2008, she was recognized as the Elluminate Hero of the Year for her work in online teaching, professional development, instructional design and work with at risk students. And in 2009, Kim worked on the International Association for K12 Online Learning Committee for the Development of National Standards of Quality for Online Learning Programs, which were released early this year.
Kim values SUU for the education she received. “I appreciated the intelligence and compassion of my instructors as well as their ability to relate to my ambitions,” she explains. “I was given the security of learning in a safe environment, encouraged by professors who knew and cared for me.”
Her favorite SUU memory is of being surprised as a freshman to wake up in her dorm room after a long debate team trip to see Eric Bonniksen (her future husband) sitting at her desk. “I hurried from my dorm room in Juniper to the bathroom, cleaned up and got dressed and we went to play pool . . . which of course, I didn’t know how to play. We dated, became engaged, married our senior year and have lived happily ever after.”
Kim and Eric (’93, Social Sciences) have three sons, Nicholas (13), Derek (10) and Caelan (7) and reside in Camino, California.

Alumni Spotlight: Anna Turpin Crowe

Anna Turpin Crowe (’04 Communication) is a graphic designer and web manager in the regional marketing and research department of Grubb & Ellis, a large commercial real estate company in Los Angeles, California.
Following SUU graduation, Anna lived in downtown Salt Lake City and worked in the marketing department of a regional health insurance company.  She did event planning and communications analyzing – which consisted of designing, writing and editing marketing materials and web sites.
While in Salt Lake, Anna’s passion for the stage found a professional, post-college outlet in theaters across the valley including Hale Center, Off-Broadway and Roger’s Memorial.  In all, she performed in 11 musicals and sang with 250-voice Sterling Singers.  Currently, she is part of a regional choir that will sing back-up for The Kinks in November of 2009.
Favorite SUU memories involve roommates and late night trips to Quail Lake, silly escapades, practical jokes, long talks and hours of laughing.  “College is an incredible time for playing and learning.”
Anna is married to Steven, who incidentally in 2008 was one of 12 people accepted into the MFA program at UCLA for Producing for Film and Television.

Alumni Spotlight: Beverli Jo Dewalt

Beverli Jo Dewalt (’98, Communication) is a Foreign Service Officer and Diplomat for the Department of State in Washington D.C. where she works in the Secretary's Office for Coordination of Reconstruction and Stabilization. 

Currently, she is on a temporary tour of duty in Afghanistan working in two provinces north of Kabul. She assists local government leaders, line ministers and local people improve the stability and security through reconstruction and regular engagement.  Beverli spent three months earlier this year assisting with the Kosovo transition from a U.N. protectorate to an independent state. 
Beverli also served a tour in Brussels, Belgium at the U.S. Mission to NATO, working as an Executive Officer to the Ambassador for a year and a political officer on Iraqi issues. She reveals, "The most interesting part was working with our 25 NATO Allies. In one day I would have lunch with the Germans, afternoon hot chocolate with the Dutch and an evening meeting with the French."
Her first tour with the Foreign Service was in Islamabad, Pakistan as a Vice-Consul interviewing Pakistani citizens wishing to visit the United States. She met people from every walk of life -- poor farmers, famous Bollywood stars, political figures and businessmen. She loved the job and fell in love with the country. 

Beverli credits her SUU education, specifically her Communication training, for providing her with a strong background for service as a diplomat.  She values having learned the importance of relationships, politics and economics. Reflecting on her classroom experience and still using what was taught, she remembers Suzanne Larson opening class by saying, "Persuasion is manipulation with ethics," and Les Jones repeatedly stating, "Why do we do the things we do?" 

Alumni Spotlight: Mvema Phezo Dizolele

Mvemba Phezo Dizolele (’94, Political Science and French) is a W. Glenn Campbell and Rita Ricardo-Campbell National Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. He has been an international business advisor, radio broadcaster, columnist and foreign policy analyst, which has allowed him to bring a distinctive perspective to African economic and political development. 
Prior to Stanford, Mvemba was Vice President for Business Development at GoodWorks International, LLC, a global advisory firm in Washington, D.C.  While there, he initiated new public-private partnerships between African State-owned enterprises and U.S. companies. 
As a fellow at the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, Mvemba covered the 2006 historic elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was also embedded with United Nations peacekeepers in the war-torn Ituri and South Kivu regions.
He was a policy analyst at the Center for Global Development and managed the Millennium Challenge Account Monitor. While serving as a global analyst at Thomson Financial Institutional Shareholder Services, he advised U.S. and British fund managers on investment transactions that included the $2.5 billion Norsk Hydro-Saga merger and ISS International’s $417 million share issuance.
He earned an MBA from the University of Chicago, served eight years in the Marine Corps and speaks English, French, Norwegian, Spanish, Swahili, Kikongo and Lingala, and is proficient in Swedish and Danish.
For Mvemba, SUU was his first home in the U.S. and he still considers it as such. "I enjoyed the fellowship I received from the faculty and student communities. SUU professors Rodney Decker, Craig Jones, Michael Stathis, Jim Harrison and Jim Mills all had a profound impact on my education. They laid a foundation of how I came to look at things in my world and how I analyzed my political thought.  I still remember those classes."

Alumni Spotlight: Sherri Smith Dodgson

Sherri Smith Dodgson (’94, Education) is grateful to SUU for preparing her to join the workforce, facilitate her own classroom and develop the minds of her students.
With a mission to make smart cool, Sherri founded Discover Science 4 Kids and Miss Science in 2009 as a way to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education for children Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade in the greater Phoenix area. She is spreading her wings nationally through a partnership with Biz in a Boxx (a youth entrepreneurship program). She is also a contributor on Arizona Midday (NBC 12-Phoenix) sharing with families how to make the connection between home, school and science.
She volunteers in her community by serving on several committees that promotes quality education and programs.  Currently she serves on the Arizona SciTech Festival Advisory Committee, the Scottsdale Workforce Committee, the Scottsdale Unified School District Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee and the Scottsdale Unified School District STEM and Afterschool Sub-Committee. She is also a former legislative liaison for the Scottsdale Parent Council.
Sherri credits SUU for peaking her desire to learn, something she had not experienced growing up. Professor Richard Dotson had a profound on her education. Chemistry was not her forte but Professor Dotson worked with her and held multiple study sessions to help her get through the class.
Husband Joe played football at SUU and Sherri fondly remembers cheering the team on victory at the 1993 conference championship in Sacramento. Other favorite SUU memories include dancing with Orchesis and Zoology field trips that cultivated her love of “critters”.
The Dodgsons live in Scottsdale, Arizona and are the parents of two children, Alex (16) and Cassidi (14).

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

No Better Place: President Kendell's Welcome Back to Faculty and Staff

Interim President Rich Kendell welcomed faculty and staff in a special assembly greeting employees new and old and setting a course for the 2013-2014 academic year. 

A special welcome was extended to the University’s new employees, including 19 new faculty and 64 new staff members.

“I see nothing but a fabulous future for Southern Utah University,” Kendell said to the hundreds of faculty and staff in attendance, poised for direction as fall semester quickly approaches.

Kendell put forth the following two-part challenge: in the next five years, increase student enrollment to 10,000 and establish the highest rates of retention and graduation in the state. While lofty goals, Kendell believes both are well within reach and most importantly, are vital to the sustainment of the University. 

“Tuition and fees will be the most reliable and consistent source of revenue in the short term,” Kendell said, noting that funding for higher ed. from the Utah Legislature has perpetually decreased. Because SUU does not have other routine funding sources, Kendell views enrollment income as the University’s proverbial bread and butter.

According to projections by SUU and the Utah Board of Regents, population growth alone is expected to raise enrollment numbers to 10,124 by the year 2022. Kendell’s challenge to reach that mark within five years would place SUU ahead of the curve, bringing in an additional $6 million annually from tuition and fees. 

“Growth without losing our vision and the qualities that have made this place great will be the real trick,” Kendell said. “Planning will be an important part of the culture of this University in order to get us where we need to be in five years."

Kendell’s outlook is a pragmatic one and given his extensive background in higher education, having served as commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education and in numerous other posts, his vision and insight are invaluable as SUU begins a new chapter in its history.

Following an expression of gratitude to the recently departed Michael T. Benson, Kendell acknowledged that the University is in a state of transition but reassured all that great things are in store. “Don’t worry, be happy,” he quoted. “Everything will be alright.”

As the search for SUU’s new president continues, Kendell encouraged faculty and staff members to carry on as usual, maintaining momentum and building on the progress of the last administration.

“There is no need to slow down during this period of change,” Kendell said. “Do not pause, keep going. Bring your issues to me. I am your friend and ally in this process.”
As for the presidential search, Kendell reported that the Utah Board of Regents has identified several outstanding candidates and that every possible consideration will be taken into account. “I am confident that your new president will be remarkable,” Kendell said.

As SUU looks toward a new future, Kendell issued another challenge—increased engagement. “How many young lives can we touch over the course of a decade?” he asked.

Kendell added, “Engagement is a big part of our accreditation. And, while we are in the middle of a tremendous transformation in our economy and workforce, engagement becomes incredibly important.”

To the credit of faculty and staff, Kendell believes that on this point, SUU is doing a lot of things right. “I love our engaged learning,” he said. “We deliver on the promise here at SUU. But, as the University continues to grow, so must its engagement endeavors."

In a broader sense, Kendell spoke to the need for increased support of higher education, noting the role that SUU employees must play. “In Utah, we do not have enough true believers in the power of education,” he said. “The value of a university education is not self-evident; it has to be explained, articulated, illustrated in some way. Somehow, we have to bridge that gap.”

As indicated by a lengthy list of accomplishments from the 2012-2013 academic year, Kendell believes there is much to be proud of at SUU and credits those successes, in large part, to the tireless efforts of faculty and staff.

“I love how people here play up to the next level,” he said, specifically referencing the University’s move to the Big Sky Conference and the artistic courage of the Utah Shakespeare Festival. “Our employees have truly committed themselves to the University and it shows.”

Kendell went on to explain that that commitment is evidenced by the financial support that, year after year, SUU faculty and staff generously provide. Compared with other schools in the nation where roughly 20 percent of employees give back, 70 percent of SUU employees make financial contributions each year.

Not the least of SUU’s successes, Kendell noted, is its unprecedented fundraising campaign that has ensured construction of the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) –set to break ground this year – and a major expansion of Utah Shakespeare Festival facilities.

“SUU has a tremendous sense of place,” Kendell said. “We’ve got so much going for us here. I can’t think of a better place.”  

Friday, July 26, 2013

Building Naming Ceremony - L.S. & Aline W. Skaggs Center for Health & Molecular Sciences

L.S. & Aline W. Skaggs Center for Health & Molecular Science
Building Naming Ceremony, June 27, 2013
The Skaggs family and The ALSAM Foundation were major contributors to what is now and will forever be known as the L.S. & Aline W. Skaggs Center for Health & Molecular Sciences at Southern Utah University. The building dramatically enhances the educational offerings of the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science & Engineering at SUU and provides profoundly grander vistas to students of today and of the future.

New, state-of-the art laboratory space crucial to SUU's highly prized undergraduate research and experiential learning model ensures that students gain the essential hands-on experience to prepare them for careers in the sciences or for post-baccalaureate education.

The Skaggs Center provides a greatly improved learning space for all students and faculty. Nursing students, for example, now may practice what they will actually be doing in a hospital. One classroom includes a bed and a bathroom so students can practice transferring patients.

The ALSAM Foundation also endowed a much-needed undergraduate research program to better train students in research principles and practices, preparing them to compete for openings in graduate programs. Today, thanks to The ALSAM Foundation, SUU students are engaged in exciting research projects that also invigorate attached faculty.

Also endowed by the Foundation is a scholarship fund for pre-pharmacy students, enabling the University to recruit and retain greater numbers of students working toward a degree in pharmacology. These include students who do not otherwise have the resources to devote to this course of study or perhaps are unable to attend the University at all.


Robert L. Eves ('84), Dean of the Walter Maxwell
Gibson College of Science and Engineering.

Kezia Brown ('13) will be attending the
University of Utah's School of Pharmacy this fall.

Dr. Nathan S. Werner ('05) is an assistant
 professor of Chemistry at SUU.

Darin Hunsinger and Marshall Miller perform
"Tango Suite No. 1" by Astor Piazolla.

Susie S. Balukoff, daughter of L.S. and
Aline W. Skaggs and ALSAM Foundation
Board Member.

SUU President Michael T. Benson.


This beautiful portrait of L.S. and Aline Skaggs graces the first floor of
the Skaggs Center. Pictured left to right: Ben Sowards (painter),
A. J. Balukoff, Susie S. Balukoff, Claudia S. Luttrell,
Lindsay Cutshall, Ronny L. Cutshall. 

L.S. & Aline W. Skaggs Center for Health & Molecular Science

Monday, July 1, 2013

Alumni Spotlight: Chris Crawford

Chris Crawford is an SUU alumnus, war veteran and now a Vice-Consul at the U.S. Embassy in Paris France. Since graduating from SUU, Chris has been deployed to Iraq, graduated law school at William and Mary College in Virginia and joined the Foreign Service with the State Department.

As a vice-consul, Chris is responsible for helping Americans while in France with lost passports, imprisonment and other needs they may have. Chris, his wife Kelly and their four children (two boys and two girls) live on the outskirts of Paris. His boys attend an international school, and his oldest daughter goes to a local French school.

Crawford credits Professor Walser as very influential in his career decision. “His stories about his experiences as a Legal Attaches at the Embassy in Mexico was what first peaked my interest and prompted me to research international career opportunities with our government,” he states.

When asked about his most memorable accomplishments professionally, Chris notes his time in the military. He describes, “Serving my country as a soldier in Operation Iraqi Freedom was a life shaping experience. The camaraderie forged during that activation will last a lifetime.” Chris has many other accomplishments; Some are passing the Virginia bar, getting accepted to the US Foreign Service and welcoming his third child all on the same day as the most exciting day of his life thus far.

Scholarship weekends that Chris organized during his time as a Presidential Ambassador are some of his favorite SUU memories. He says, “These were always an incredible amount of fun and provided a fantastic opportunity to brag about SUU and all it had to offer, along with the benefits of living in beautiful Cedar City. Meeting young potential Thunderbirds from all over the country kept each weekend unique and fresh.” Crawford tries to return to Cedar City any time he is in the United States and plans to hold a recruitment event for the State Department at SUU. He keeps his Thunderbird pride alive by wearing his SUU hat whenever he is out and about.

Alumni Spotlight: Tami Compagno Whisker

Tami Compagno Whisker (’89) is the Vice President of Operations for Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, a mother and Southern Utah University alumna.

Tami and her husband Mark have been married for 21 years, and they have one daughter who was recently accepted into the radiology program at Weber State University. The Whisker family also includes two dogs.

Tami was instrumental in launching the Phi Alpha Beta sorority during her time at SUU and continues to keep in touch with many of her sorority sisters. She also served as the student government director of clubs & organizations.

When asked to describe what she does in her profession, Tami says, “We provide the marketing, photography, and transaction management services needed to allow our agents to be successful.” Whisker has also served as president of the Park City Board of Realtors and says that the position was a huge accomplishment and provided many networking opportunities. Tami has a long list of awards and recognitions for her work including serving as president on a number of different boards, being a member of a leadership council and many other achievement awards.

Tami enjoys golfing, camping and spending time with her friends and family in her spare time. And for the last three years, she has been in the Egyptian Theater’s annual productions.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Alumni Days at Shakespeare 2013

Backstage Tour Group
Alumni Days at Shakespeare, now in its third year, was held June 24-26 and it was wonderful to see familiar faces back on campus.

Alumni and friends were treated to six amazing productions by the Utah Shakespeare Festival (King John, The Tempest, Love's Labour's Lost, Peter and the Starcatcher, Anything Goes and Twelve Angry Men), along with an exclusive dinner with USF Founder Fred C. Adams and Executive Director R. Scott Phillips ('76) and an ice cream social with the cast & crew from the production of King John. Other activities included an educational seminar with Michael Bahr ('89), a special backstage tour and play orientations.

It was a great three days!


Dinner in the Whiting Room of the R. Haze Hunter
Conference Center.  SUU Alumni Relations Executive
Director Mindy Benson ('94)addresses the group. 
Seminar with USF Education  Director Michael Bahr ('89). 

Festival Founder Fred C. Adams shares news, information and  plans
about the new Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts.
He can't wait until ground is broken for the new center.

Ice Cream Social  . . . look at all those toppings!

USF Executive Director R. Scott Phillips ('76) talks about the 2013 season.

Michael Bahr ('89) leads the Backstage Tour, which also included
interesting views from the front-of-house.

Karlene Humphrey Bauer ('73) and her family,
Bill Humphrey ('71), Sharla Humphrey, Chad Humphrey
and Ruth Humphrey Wilder ('76), have attended all
 three years of Alumni Days at Shakespeare.

Happy to be an  "R. Scott Phillips" impersonator
(the back of his name tag reads "Scott Phillips).

Alumni Days at Shakespeare is a family affair for the Swensons:
Paul, Amanda ('10), Dan and Trisa.