SUU Alumni: Students Reflect on SUU's Rich History

President Scott L Wyatt and Emeritus Faculty Member Richard Dotson
at the Founders Monument (Old Sorrel) during Lunch on the Main

During SUU's annual Founders Celebration, students participate in Lunch on the Main, an interactive campus history walk that has become a welcomed tradition, with stations at Old Main, the Founders Monument (Old Sorrel), the Centurium and two at the Library. Each station provides a different food option for lunch (walking tacos, hot dogs, nachos, soup & rolls, and birthday cake), and SUU Emeriti Faculty & Staff graciously give of their time to mingle with students and share historical stories about our alma mater.

Students are given "passports" to encourage visiting all five stations, and upon receiving a stamp at each, they are eligible for prize drawings of SUU swag. A second drawing, sponsored by the Grace A. Tanner Center, asks students to submit a one-page reflection of their experience during Lunch on the Main and become eligible for the drawing for one of five Kindle Paperwhite e-readers. Below are three reflections we think you'll enjoy reading.

Rhiannon Jack, a senior Integrated Engineering major from St. George, UT, writes:

As an engineering student I had seen the state of Old Sorrel many times before I knew what it meant. It was just a statue, like many of the beautiful statues around campus. It was a pleasant thing to look at, hurriedly passed by while on the way to class. It wasn't until the promise of free food lured me back to the statue that I ever gave it a thought. Honestly, it wasn't until my first "Lunch on the Main' that I gave any of SUU's history much thought. But it was the story of Old Sorrel and what it represented that really resonated with me. Perhaps it is because I am an engineering student that the story of overcoming incredible odds, persevering in the face of terrible tribulation, and ultimate victory hits so close to home. To me, that is the story of any education. It is the story of life. Where Old Sorrel plowed through the daunting drifts of snow in order to facilitate education in southern Utah, we must plow through our own trials to achieve our own educational goals. And this is the truth for everyone, whether they're aiming to be an actor, educator, or an engineer. Pushing ourselves to triumph in the face of tribulation is the ultimate legacy. To me, this is the story, not just of Old Sorrel, but of every SUU graduate. It is the story I hope to one day tell.

Tevan Valtinson, a junior Accounting & Finance major from Nephi, UT, shares:

The more I learn about the sacrifices that were made by the founders of SUU, I quickly realize that Cedar City would not have a university if it weren't for the founders . . . I have loved my time here and owe it to those who made it possible.

On a personal level, I am the first in my family to go to college and I can relate my efforts to those who gave much dedication towards this school and its future. I am certain that they had the future generations in mind during their struggles. This has been my case as well. I keep in mind my younger siblings and my future generations that will see the efforts I have set forth as motivation and a sense of determination for those who follow.

Breanne Edgel, a senior Biology major from Las Vegas, NV, writes:

While going around to the different areas listening to the many speakers talk about the history of the area, I was really impressed with the history of Old Main. I was amazed at how the community came together to create something that they knew the community needed. They knew that their community needed the school to have higher education available. Even at the time that the school needed to be built by a certain date, they had to start building at the worst time during the winter. They were determined to get Old Main done on time. Later on, when Old Main burned down, the community yet again came together to build back Old Main to be able to have higher education in the city and surrounding cities. While learning about Old Main, I cannot help but feel proud that our community recognized the importance of education and were willing to sacrifice their all to bring education to the city. I love how these people have sacrificed their all, with all odds again them, they pushed as hard as they could to get past the struggles they faced. Now every time I pass Old Main, I am forever reminded of the history of SUU and how it is today. Knowing the history of SUU and how it became the school that I know today, I now have a sense of pride about SUU and want to leave something behind so the future will be able to look back and know that our age worked hard with what we were given.

Lunch on the Main is sponsored by the Grace A. Tanner Center, SUUSA, Alumni Relations and the Advancement Office.