Alumni Spotlight: Dawn Ann Bailey

Dawn Ann Bailey attended the BAC (now SUU) in 1944, graduated in 1946, and describes her experience here as “a good start to a long journey.”

During the 1944-45 school year there were less than 90 students enrolled at the BAC, the majority of which were girls. Dawn recalls, "We were all pampered somewhat because the school needed enrollment for its state appropriation." She also remembers snow sledding days at the college ranch, banquets at the El Escalante Hotel and has kept the BAC acquired tradition of a yearly trip to Zion.

In the 1945-46 school year, WWII service men began to return home and were anxious to continue their education. Consequently, that also brought more students and activities like dances and sports to the BAC. Dawn enrolled for the 1946-47 year so she could once again be in school with her brother, who had recently returned from serving in the Navy.

The BAC made a lasting impression on Dawn as she reflects on it being “a great experience in getting to know people from other areas.” She still has fond memories of the Phi Alpha Beta Sorority activities and friendships formed there, as well as outstanding teachers such as Dr. Wayne Driggs, Lee Liston, Burns L. Finlinson, David L. Sargent and Parley Dalley, who all taught her great things.

After graduating from the BAC, Dawn worked at Mountain States Telephone Co. in Cedar City as an operator and service representative, and with Dial Finance Co. in Salt Lake as a bookkeeper for 11 years. She then took a job as the staff assistant to the dean at the University of Utah’s College of Mines and Earth Sciences from 1963-1993. Dawn loved her work and association with the U of U faculty and staff, as well as with young scientists and engineers who have remained long-time friends. She was part of the Phi Kappa Phi Honorary society in 1981 and the president of the U of U Women’s Club from 1998 to 1999. After retiring, Dawn volunteered at Uintah School where she participated in a program whereby grandparents assisted youngsters with their reading.

Dawn grew up in an illustrious family of 10 children (she is the youngest), all of whom attended the BAC. She loves knitting, needle point, gardening, reading and traveling. While her travels have taken her all over the world to places like China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, England, France, Italy, Austria and Germany, she still loves travelling to the mountains above Cedar City and the parks of southern Utah.

Dawn is the mother of two “lovely accomplished women,” four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She resides in Salt Lake City, UT.