Quinn Mortensen - Why I'm Grateful for SUU

From the onset of my relationship with SUU, gratitude for the University fast became a life-time experience. I have had the great pleasure to be involved with SUU as an undergraduate and graduate student, as well as a University professional, adjunct professor and now as an alumnus. As a student, I am grateful to the professors, students, staff and advisers...especially those in the communications department. Now in my life, during professional meetings and personal outings, whenever discussions turn to collegiate background I am often asked "What attracted you to SUU?" I typically begin listing several factors and benefits; most of which sprouted from the deep relationships that were forged during my time as a student and professional at SUU.  
I also worked for the University in a professional setting for five years after graduation. I am grateful for the training, friendships, mentoring and business experience I gained during that time. I didn't understand the depth and importance of those years until after I had moved on to different opportunities; some of which stemmed from both my educational and professional time at SUU. Now I am even more grateful to the many departments, teams and individuals with whom I was able to work in such an enjoyable and informative environment.

I attribute some of the best decisions and opportunities in my professional and personal lives to the University and Cedar City. I am proud to wear my SUU hats here in Texas, hang my SUU diplomas in my office and to say thank you to the University that helped me to become who I am today. Simply stated . . . I am grateful for SUU.

Quinn Mortensen is a 2004 and 2008 graduate of SUU where he earned his bachelor's degree in communication and a master's degree in professional communication. He and his family live in Houston, TX, where he works for a global software/safety company.

Marilyn Knoffsinger - Why I'm Grateful for SUU

Southern Utah State College provided a solid education for me and helped me sort through all available options. It helped me to select the major and minor that set me on a career in theatre, English, and education. It took some time for me to focus on classes and to complete assignments, but the faculty and staff members never gave up on me. They always supported and encouraged me; even my accounting professor who hounded me right up to graduation!

I loved the social aspect of SUSC! I gained lifelong friendships at the College. Some of my favorite memories of being involved in activities at SUSC include: breaking my arm in a production of Love’s Labour’s Lost on closing night, and being recognized with the Best Actress Award and the Student Achievement of the Year. I’ll never forget spending a solid week in the auditorium preparing for the Hall of Enchanted Trees. I don’t think anybody went to class that week!

A student’s four years extends beyond classrooms and text books, and SUSC provided many opportunities for extracurricular activity. There was always a place for any student to become involved, whether it was academics, athletics, the arts, student government, or clubs and committees. Every possible interest for every possible student was available.

I spent 25 years as a high school teacher, and I cannot tell you the number of times my professors’ words have spewed forth from my lips, much like the way we repeat the same things our parents said when we were younger! During an Advanced Placement Literature course I was teaching, I could hear Dr. David Lee’s poem analysis coming from my mouth. I still have Gary McIntyre’s handouts on drawing perspective scenery, which I made copies of and used for my technical theatre classes. I have also told and retold many of Fred Adams’ stories to my students in Pennsylvania.

I graduated in 1977 with more credits than required and still try to visit Cedar City as often as possible. I share my love of the city by bringing groups to the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Camp Shakespeare, and the national parks. It is my dream to continue sharing my memories and experiences of SUSC for as long as possible.

Marilyn Allen Knoffsinger is a 1977 alumna of SUU where she majored in Theatre Arts. She lives in State College, PA, and taught in the Bellefonte Area School District.

Gerald R. Sherratt - Why I'm Grateful for SUU

It was in my freshman year at the Branch Agricultural College, now Southern Utah University, that I took a class in the Great Books. One of them was the Dialogues of Plato which in turn introduced me to Socrates, the Athenian philosopher who argues that “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates revolutionized human history, urging his fellow citizens to think, and to think hard, ask many questions and seek many answers, so that in the end, truth becomes apparent. Ordered to abandon his quest to seek truth, he forfeited his life.

I’m indebted to the BAC for making that acquaintance for me, as I have used the Socratic method (we call it today “critical thinking”) in approaching all of life’s many facets. And many times I have discovered––through questions and answers–– that what I thought was true, wasn’t. It has saved me from many a mistake.

The BAC was a special place. Even then, it was a liberal arts and sciences school. The teachers were well prepared and dedicated, and interested in their students. Some of them became life long friends whom I admired for their total commitment to quality teaching. Fortunately, the tenacity and hard work the faculty exhibited then still prevails at SUU, which is why the institution is gathering so many accolades and its graduates being so successful. 

Gerald R. Sherratt is a 1951 alumnus of SUU and resides in Cedar City, Utah.

Janice Marriott - Why I'm Grateful for SUU

Back row left to right: Dave Gomez, Terry Leavitt and
Doug Bishop. Front row left to right: Janice Marriott,
Laura Bringhurst, Kay Henderson, Susie Traasdahl,
and Karen Bybee

I attended CSU – as it was then known – in the mid to late 1960’s. I am from a small Utah town, my uncle was a professor there, the second president of the college was from my home town, and my older sister was attending CSU during the time I was making my decision. It came down to two choices actually: Utah State University and CSU. Maybe I was coerced a bit, but it all turned out for the best.

Our classes at that time were not gigantic, which I was grateful for. We were able to get one-on-one help from teachers, actually became friends with them, and created friendships with other students in our classes.

I had the opportunity to be a Thunderette, a cheerleader, be in a sorority (Chi Sigma Upsilon) with leadership opportunities, and actually be a “queen” for a day. These opportunities gave me confidence in attaining leadership positions during my career.

But far and away the most important aspect of attending CSU is the friendships I cultivated while there. And after 50 years, I can attest that these friendships continue as close and as important as ever. If not for CSU and these friendships, my life would not be as fulfilled and enriched as it has been.

Pictured left to right: Vanez Butler ('68),
Ada Carpenter ('35 and former faculty member
DeAnn Linares, Vicki Gomez, Janice Brown
and Linda Rowley

I am grateful that my friends and I are able to return each year to Homecoming to see lots of old friends and make new memories. I am grateful to the Alumni Association team for all they do to keep us connected.

I will forever be grateful for my CSU experience.





Janice Brown Marriott is 1968 alumna of SUU where she majored in Business Administration, Family Life and Fun! Janice lives in Layton, Utah.

Juliann Jenne - Why I'm Grateful for SUU

With Thanksgiving coming up, I am happy to give pause to remember how attending Southern Utah University helped mold and shape me into the person I have become and has truly blessed my life. “My Favorite Things” is a song from “The Sound of Music" that is often sung at Christmastime (which I never understood), so to be festive, here is my rendition and tribute to my alma mater:

Personalized instruction with top-rate instructors

Who knew my name and were really great mentors,

Building a resume that really sings - 

These were a few of my favorite things.

S-U-U-S-A, G-H-A, and STAB,

A-S-B (Alternative Spring Break), shows, games, and dances were fab.

Getting involved and the friendships it brings - 

These were a few of my favorite things.

Living in Juniper and College Ave,

So many roommates and fun to be had.

Making new best friends from falls into springs - 

These were a few of my favorite things.

When the kids cry,

When the alarm rings,

When I'm feeling sad -

I simply remember my SUU days

And then I don't feel so bad.

An institution that is just the right size to feel like home, in an intimate setting - nestled in beautiful red hills and close to many of earth’s natural wonders - with quality instruction, wonderful peers, staff, and professors, SUU is a bit of heaven on earth. I’m grateful every day for the opportunities it afforded me and the lasting relationships I have had with truly quality individuals because I made the fateful decision to attend that marvelous university. Happy holidays to all of you and may you also reflect upon your golden days at SUU with joy and gratitude.

Juliann Smith Jenne is 2004 alumna of SUU where she earned a BA in English Education. She and her husband Aaron and their three children live in Salt Lake City.

Meet Our New Alumni President

Swearing in of Sandra Thomas as President of the Alumni
Association and member of the SUU Board of Trustees

On August 22, 2014, Sandra Lord Thomas ('93) became president of the Southern Utah University Alumni Association and was sworn in as a new member of the SUU Board of Trustees. She replaces Mark Russell ('74) who provided eight years of tremendous service to SUU and the Alumni Association.

Sandra holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership with a cognate in Public Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Her Masters in Education and Bachelors Degree in Communications are both from Southern Utah University.

Currently, Thomas is a senior facilitator for Strategic Planning Seminars. As such,
she evaluates all types of organizations and identifies primary strategic planning
processes to advance organizational directions, optimize future potentials, and
improve organizational relationships and interpersonal interactions with
stakeholders. As well, Thomas manages a small investment organization which
capitalizes on current trends in areas such as real estate, venture capitalism, and
business acquisition.

Thomas has been an instructor of the Department of Educational Leadership at
Northern Arizona University and continues to be an active member of the
Association for the Study of Higher Education, American Association for Higher
Education, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Her
research interests include public policy and practice, organizational theory and
leadership, strategic planning and organization, governing boards and
presidencies, and educational recruitment, retention and persistent patterns.

Before moving to Mohave County almost fifteen years ago, Thomas served as
Southern Utah University’s Director and Associate Director of School Relations for
over 7 years. During that time she was responsible for enrollment management
processes including recruitment, marketing, and public relations. She directed
and founded the Admissions Adviser Program, the Sanctuary Scholarship
Competition, Quest Leadership Seminars, and the Spring Leadership Competition.
Thomas also served as the Director of the Utah Governor’s Honors Academy at
SUU. She worked closely with former Governor Michael O. Leavitt and organized
and facilitated the overall planning and fundraising of the academy.

In her personal world, Thomas is an avid photographer, writer, and reader. She
loves to spend time with her family and tries to live up to a recent comment made
by her teenage son, “Mom, you rock!”

Homecoming 2014 Outstanding Alumnus - Stan Parry

While thousands upon thousands of Cedar City boys and girls have used the campus of this university as their personal playground over the years, Stan Parry—honored tonight as the alumnus of the year—had, and has, a special bond to the institution. His great grandfather John Parry aided immensely as a state representative in establishing the school. And, Stan’s uncle, Forrest Parry of the class of 1941, and the inventor of the magnetic stripe card virtually everyone has in their wallet, ever proudly announced his status as an alumnus of the Branch Agricultural College.

Young Stan enjoyed his youth in the town, chasing after lizards and horny toads in what he called the wilderness of Leigh Hill, loved the night sky and glimpses of the Milky Way, and recalls fondly his attendance at the first performances of the Utah Shakespeare Festival in 1961—seated upon the grass—an experience he would repeat yearly. Following his graduation from Cedar High in 1967, he decided to stay home to study. After a year, he served an LDS mission to Germany before returning. Along the way at Southern Utah State College, he married Carol Lynne Wright, a 1971 graduate in English with a teaching certificate, and Stan shined as a Thunderbird, graduating with highest honors in 1974 in political science with a minor in German. He was elected vice president of academic affairs of the student body and was the Outstanding Student of the College of Social Sciences before heading off to law school at BYU. While there, he served as an intern for Senator Frank Moss in Washington, D.C. Just last year, he earned an LLM degree in International Business Transactions at Lazarski Faculty of Law in Warsaw, Poland.

His career has been and continues to be a diverse and colorful one, as his successes in 12 years as a prosecutor for both the Clark County District Attorney and the U.S. Department of Justice brought him both satisfaction and renown. He won convictions in a bevy of high-profile federal criminal cases, including trials involving public corruption, racketeering, tax fraud, and loan-sharking. Among his most notable cases was one that involved mobster Tony Spilotro. It was the basis for the 1995 film “Casino,” with Joe Pesci portraying the character based on Spilotro.

Stan entered the private practice of law in 1989, was a partner in several law firms, and in 2006 became a litigator and partner in Las Vegas office of the prodigious national firm of Ballard Spahr, specializing in representing companies in a wide variety of disputes, largely in the business and construction domains. Annually, he is among the very highest-rated attorneys in the state of Nevada.

He has also served as chairman of the City of Las Vegas Ethics Review Board, and as legal advisor to the Clark County Planning Commission. He has been a visiting professor at several universities in Eastern Europe, and will serve as such at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, this November. He is a member of the SUU National Advisory Board and the Lazarski University Council of Experts, and thoroughly enjoys his work as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, and as the president of the World Affairs Council of Las Vegas. The latter two functions will keep him particularly busy as he heads to retirement in the years ahead, he says. He and Carol plan to serve a mission for their church, and Stan keeps his hand in now, teaching an early morning seminary class.

One may well ask how he finds the time for all that.

Stan and Carol have four sons, Mathis, Joseph, Tyler, and John, an SUU alumnus, and a daughter, Heidi Parry Stern. They have eight grandchildren, all of whom enjoy spending time together at the Parry cabin at Brian Head. 

In all ways, Stan has distinguished himself as among the finest and most accomplished and loyal of Southern Utah University alumni, and has brought immeasurable credit to himself, his family, and his alma mater.