Homecoming 2011

Homecoming officially got underway on Saturday, September 17, with the annual Alumni Luncheon in the Gilbert Great Hall. Alumni from all eras gathered to remember and celebrate the ties that bind us all together as alumni of Southern Utah University.
Honored at the luncheon were Outstanding Alumni Gail ('51) and Jane Bradshaw, Distinguished Service Award Recipient Lee Fife ('72) and Young Alumnus Tommy Burr ('02).

The Bradshaws have been stalwart supporters of Cedar City, our region and of Southern Utah University. Fueled by their own spirit of service and through the family business, Bradshaw Chevrolet Buick, they have aided their community and SUU in profound ways.

Lee Fife recently completed an eight-year tenure on the SUU Board of Trustees, serving as chair of the Audit Committee, and the University greatly benefitted from this lifetime of experience in finance. He is the founder and senior lending officer for SunFirst Bank in St. George.

Tommy Burr is the senior Washington correspondent for The Salt Lake Tribune, covering Congress, the White House and federal agencies. He is past-president of the Washington-based Regional Reporters Association and chairman of the Congressional Standing Committee of Correspondents. In 2010 and 2011 he was named the National Press Club's Regional Reporter of the Year.

Prior to the Alumni Luncheon, several SUUSA Administration Reunions were held. Included in that mix were Steve Kiisel ('06-'07), Ryan Richey ('01-02) and Kimber Heaton ('91-'92). Take a look and see who you recognize.

Steve Kiisel Administration Reunion

Ryan Richey Administration Reunion

Kimber Heaton Administration Reunion

Later that day, the Homecoming Parade made its way down University Boulevard with entries from across campus and the community. This year's theme was "Kickin' It Old School" and the Agriculture Club took home first prize in the float division with its large cowboy boot kicking a football.

Bands make all the difference at a parade and we were thrilled to have three SUU Alumni enter their high school marching bands: David Jordan ('97) from Canyon View High School, Steve Shirts ('87) from Cedar High School and Carylee Foremaster Zwang ('05) from Parowan High School. All three directors have long supported and participated in the SUU Homecoming Parade and we appreciate their continued efforts.

Following the parade, large crowds gathered at Thunderbird Village and tailgated in preparation for the big game. And Thunderbird Football did not disappoint! Junior quarterback Brad Sorensen completed 20-of-28 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns as we rolled to a 45-22 win over UT-San Antonio in front of 8,683 fans. 

It was a fantastic Homecoming celebration. Thank you to everyone who attended and let's do it again next year!