Commencement Memories from Alumni

From SUU Commencement 2014

Prior to SUU's 2014 Commencement festivities, Mindy Benson, executive director of alumni relations, asked alumni via Facebook what they remembered about their graduation. More than 170 likes and 40 comments came in throughout the day. Enjoy the memories and impressions:

Linda Milianta: I graduated from Southern Utah State College it was 1977. The ceremony was held outside on the"Quad".

Tina Calamity: When I received my masters degree in 2010 we had slight snow!

Cyndi W. Gilbert:  In 1980, I graduated on my birthday and it was one of my last official events as a member of the Utah State Board of Regents! A very memorable day capping off an amazing run at SUSC aka SUU!  Congratulations to all the graduates. May your memories travel in your heart for a lifetime!

Jessica Burr:  I graduated in 2007 and it was soooo cold! But the ceremonies were awesome!

Kristian J Olsen:  I remember thinking some school administrator was going to walk up to me during graduation and say, "I'm sorry, but you missed a class as a Freshman. You'll need to take that in the Fall. So no graduation for you."

Regan Wilson:  It was 1996 and I was running late. My then boyfriend (now husband) said, "seems appropriate, it's just like your whole college career."

Kristen Labrum Warden:  I graduated in 1995. I walked to get my diploma carrying my 6 month old baby Katie Warden who just finished her freshman year at SUU yesterday!!!

Andrew Barnett: That it was two days instead of one...haha.

Chandi Goodwin Allen: Happy graduation day! I "graduated" with my fake Associate's in 2006 and Dean tried to get me to walk and I refused. Sticking it to the man. 

Deniece Allred: Exciting day in the Allred household. Thank you for all your hard work. Good luck today going great so far.

Troy Meeks: I was asked to leave before graduation. My fault but great memories!

Jenna DeGering: That was probably close to the best day of my life. SUU gave me so much! And Rabbi Shmuley was amazing. Love being at graduation now.

Jason Petrovich: I remember a marathon day -- Full Commencement, then PVA graduation, then Business graduation. Musicians lead a great, but busy life...

Shane Lamb: Hard to believe that it's been 20 years. Right Mindy Benson and Clinton Painter.

Nikki Nicholas: The sound of the bagpipes made me start to cry in the lineup. Quite a few of us snapped photos with Professor Challis. As we entered the Centrum I forgot I had my sunglasses on and had to hurry and ditch them. I was the first class that had individual commencements and the main commencement ran over, partly due to the power going out. All the photos with friends and mentors out on the quad. I do have a photo taken right after graduation with you (Mindy) and Jamie. Went with the family to Vegas to celebrate after. Have a great day. Graduations are magical.

Clinton Painter: Shane Lamb and Mindy Benson, that picture was in my office for 15 years. I treasure my time at SUU and experiencing graduation day with my best friends cemented SUU in my heart forever. Good luck to all graduates.

Brad Lambeth Commencement was in the Quad and it was burning up hot.

Payden Adams: : D and : ( at the same time.

Carol Wright Parry: I remember family coming down from northern Utah, excitement, a beautiful sunny day, posing on the steps of OLD MAIN for photos, and the most BORING and long-winded commencement speaker of all time (I won't name names.) Congrats to the 2014 graduates!

Sally Hunter: After graduation, Robin Bishop and I were in back of the Adams on the patio, on opposite sides of the area, back then, temporary outdoor stage. We had just removed our gowns and were making preparations to leave for the last time. She had on a light pink suit, and I a cinnamon colored kimono dress. We exchanged glances, That was the last time I saw her. That moment has been etched in my mind. .It was a lovely moment.

Virginia Wilcock Evans: A memory for my brother... ;..) PRIDE!! It was such a great day and moment for him... This sissy was so proud and excited for him.. I love and miss you Evan G. Wilcock II!!  Congrats to all who work so hard to get there!! 

Gwen Knight It was truly the happiest day of my life shared with family, friends and wonderful professors. It was so exciting and humbling to be the Valedictorian. I will never forget the joy I felt ! Love my alma mater SUU!

Casey Smith: I remember standing in line waiting to get my diploma and getting all of my fellow HRHM students to cut in line so our department could get their diplomas at the same time.

Sherstin Sutherland: I remember walking through the line of faculty clapping. It was so cool. And Matt Schmidt shook my hand and said congratulations Sherstin. I had one class from Matt when I was a freshman. And he remembered my name! I also remember Mario Capecchi speech was not at all the message I wanted to hear at my graduation haha. But sure did have some fun times!!

Michael S. Kartchner: I started in 1989 and 16 years later in 2005 I finally had a chance to walk the walk! I have loved SUU and it's community ever since I first stepped on its campus.

Alexis Waldron: Stephen Covey's first words at commencement - Make the decision now that YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Anita Camp Waugh: Singing a song I wrote for the Education department's proceedings. I still have the program with my name on the schedule. . I also silk screened my own invitations and announcements. Recently I just taught that song to some kids here in Australia with an arrangement a friend did on the piano for me with my guitar.

Newell Leavitt: My brother and I went fishing on Assay Creek...we don't look good in robes.

Sherrin McHenrie: I will never forget walking through the faculty and staff as they warmly congratulated and encouraged us; just like they had all along. That moment was so special and has remained with me. It takes a shared effort and I have never forgotten that special day. It was truly a shared celebration.

Brady Peterson: I bear hugged Gerald Sherratt. He wasn't prepared for that.

Ted Whitaker: Graduating with my soon to be wife, Melinda G Whitaker.

Cameron McLean: I graduated in 1982 and I still remember walking through the faculty line. It was an amazing day- miss the Benson family and Dave Taylor.

Megan Eccles: Payden spoke at mine, and he did amazing! Also, I had chocolate in my purse which I kept on my lap for some reason. The chocolate melted all over everything in my bag... Oops!

Steve Yates: Class of 1987. David Birney (who is not to be in any way ever confused with Talking Heads frontman David Byrne) was our Commencement speaker. He told us that most of us were probably going to fail at life. Seriously. Most inspiring speech ever, and one I've never forgotten.

Janalee Peterson Benson: I remember feeling like I had accomplished something so wonderful...the bagpipes too...love the bagpipes!

Dave Taylor: I graduated way back in the 70's with some of the greatest people I have ever known. My family and friends were there, beautiful day. Super memories. I probably relive those times in my mind far more than I should. I think it was a foundation of sorts for many successful events that followed. Congratulations to all who are graduating this year. May you look back someday and be as grateful as I have been. And Cameron, those were special days!

Ted Whitaker: I am on campus, right now! Beautiful as always! But, just passing thru. Memories!!!!!!!

William Heyborne: I graduated the centennial year of the University. Gerald Sherratt really knows how to throw a party!

Heidi Renate Reinhardt: Wish I could have been there! I'm sure it was amazing !

Lola Copeland: I remember a LOT about the day. Especially because I wasn't sure I passed this particular class and when we walked through the line of teachers clapping for us (tears!) that particular professor just nodded at me. I knew what it meant and it gave me a bounce in my step. 

Thank you everyone for sharing! Wonderful memories with which we can all relate