Keala Settle Wins Over Broadway Critics

CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Keala Settle for her hilarious and critically acclaimed performance as Madame Thenardier in the new Broadway revival of “Les Misérables,” which opened March 23, 2014, at New York’s Imperial Theatre. Read some of the outstanding quotes for Keala and her partner in crime actor Cliff Saunders (pictured together with the ensemble):

• “A masterful "Master Of The House" led by the ribald Cliff Saunders and Keala Settle.”  – Associate Press
  
  
• “Cliff Saunders and particularly Keala Settle (Hands on a Hardbody) prove hilariously bawdy scene-stealers as the shady, dog-eat-dog Thénardiers.”  – Entertainment Weekly
  
  
• “Tony-nominee Keala Settle (“Hands on a Hardbody”) is a scenery-chewing Madame Thenardier.”  -- NBC New York
  
  
• “Keala Settle (“Hands on a Hardbody”) and Cliff Saunders are fantastically funny as the Thénardiers.”  – New York Post
  
  
• “Keala Settle toys impressively with the line between cruel and just horridly coarse.” -- Newsday

Cliff Saunders and Keala Settle as The Thenardiers.
Photo by Michael Le Poer Trench.

Generous Donors Help Learning Live Forever

Meskerem "MK" Wallebo, scholarship recipient and student speaker

In one of Southern Utah University’s most meaningful events, students and donors were brought together on March 5, for a celebration of generosity and education at the annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon.

Now in its fifteenth year, the event gives scholarship recipients the opportunity to meet and thank the donors who have paid for their education.

In turn, the University’s benefactors have a chance to see the difference that their support makes in the lives of students, their families and even their homelands.

Making a difference is precisely what Meskerem Wollebo intends to do, once her education is complete and she returns home to Ethiopia where her brave example has already begun to change the lives of others.

Wollebo was one of four scholarship recipients who spoke at the luncheon.

Her moving story of leaving everything behind at the age of 14 to pursue an education in America epitomizes what scholarships and their life-changing impact are all about.

Were it not for the support of SUU’s generous donors, Wollebo would have returned home long ago.

“Growing up in a small town in Ethiopia, I knew that without an education there would be no hope for me,” Wollebo said.

Wollebo’s journey began with the help of a non-profit foundation committed to providing education for young Ethiopian girls who customarily do not attend school. Instead, they are groomed for marriage, reserving educational opportunities for boys.

After five years of study in her homeland, Wollebo was accepted to Wasatch Boarding School in Mount Pleasant, Utah and made the courageous journey to America, alone.

Meskerem "MK" Wallebo

While attending Wasatch, Wollebo learned to speak English - her sixth language - and set her sights on college. She would later be accepted to six colleges but a visit to SUU made her choice clear: Wollebo would be a Thunderbird.

Now in her third year at SUU, MK - a nickname given to Wollebo by her American friends - recently completed her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and this spring, began her graduate studies in SUU’s Master of Public Administration program.

“I just wasn’t ready to leave SUU,” MK said. “I love it here.”

But times were not always easy for MK and despite working two jobs and taking as many credits as possible to finish more quickly, she eventually was unable to afford her tuition and faced the possibility of dropping out.

With just 22 credits left to complete her degree, MK was determined to find a way to stay at SUU. With the help of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, she received a scholarship that would see her through to graduation.

“MK’s education means that she has beaten a life of poverty,” said Jim McDonald, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “She’s incredibly driven and smart but what’s most impressive about her is that she is determined to give back.”

And give back she most certainly will.

“I want to challenge the traditional education system in Ethiopia,” MK says. “Education is not just for boys, it’s just as important for girls. I want to change that mentality for future generations.”

That effort, in which she believes so passionately, has already begun. As a result of her valiant example, MK’s three younger sisters are now attending school in Ethiopia, the eldest one in college.

“If you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” MK says, noting how the African proverb has continued to push her forward, knowing the impact that her education has had - and will continue to have - on her family, her friends and her culture.

“The girls look up to me. I want them to know that if I can do it, they can do it too.”

For her education and the chance to realize the American Dream, MK credits SUU and its generous donors who made her journey possible.

“You have made a huge difference in my life,” she said to the audience of University supporters. “What you have given me is priceless. I cannot repay it but I promise to give back.”

For the 2013-14 academic year, nearly 4,000 students were benefited by institutional scholarships. Of those scholarships, more than 1,500 were funded by private donors.

President Scott L Wyatt

Nate ('98) & Lindsay ('98) Esplin at the Scholarship Luncheon
speaking on why they support scholarships

Samae Smith, performing "Crossword Puzzle"

Grayson Moulton, scholarship recipient and student speaker

Paige Gunn, scholarship recipient and student speaker

Denton Whipple, scholarship recipient and student speaker

HSS Dean Jim McDonald presenting the
Rondthaler Prize in Psychology to James Cowser

Coaching Factory Hall of Fame 2014

Several years ago, a former SUU student and a Salt Lake City newspaper reporter coined the moniker "The Coaching Factory" about Southern Utah University, because of the amount of success SUU alumni were having while coaching high school sports. This current year over 33% of all head football coaches in Utah schools are SUU alumni - more than any other Utah university. In addition, several alumni have made the transition from coaching to administration with 28 serving as principals and five as superintendents.

New to "The Coaching Factory Hall of Fame" and inducted during ceremonies held February 1, 2014, were two individuals that represent the wide spectrum of academic preparation at SUU in the physical education and science departments, and also represent successful coaching careers in high school athletics. They epitomize all that is praise worthy about high school sports.

Robert Corry ('71)

Dr. Bob Corry was born and raised in Cedar City, shined as a middle-distance runner at Cedar High and at Southern Utah University, and returned to his hometown after completing medical school at the University of Utah and serving a residency in Georgia. For 34 years he was a leading family practitioner in Cedar City, but also found time to share with Cedar High's youth his love of running and competing. 

He began as a volunteer assistant girls cross country and track coach from 1985 to 1992, then took over as head girls track coach from 1993 to 2003, and as head coach of the girls cross country team from 1993 to present. Since 2003, he has fulfilled the duties of assistant girls track coach as well. His Cedar cross country girls won the state crown each year from 1993 through 2000, and again in 2007, to provide nine state championships. His team also finished second in state in seven years. His track teams won Utah titles five times, from 1998 thorugh 2001 and again in 2011, and picked up four second place trophies. He coached relay teams to five state records and produced more than a half-dozen record-holders in individual events. 

In 2000, he was the Western United States High School Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year as well as Utah State 3A Coach of the Year. He was an Olympic Torch Bearer in 1996, and won a gold medal in the 800-meter run in the inaugural Utah Summer Games, while adding a handful of other medals over the years. 

Saluting his lifetime of commitment to youth and athletics and his dedication to excellence, Southern Utah University proudly inducted Dr. Bob Corry in the Coaching Factory Hall of Fame.

Ginger Webster Whipple ('75)

Some five years after graduating from Southern Utah University with a bachelor's degree in physical education, Ginger established the first volleyball program at Alamo, Nevada's, Pahranagat Valley High School, which had been educating students since 1921. In providing athletic and competitive opportunities for girls in Lincoln County, she expanded the breadth of their worlds and fostered great personal growth. In so doing, she put the school, and the volleyball program, on the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association map, by running up an unmatched chronicle of championships.

Her Panther girls won their first state crown in 1985, and in 1995 began a run of historic and unprecedented proportions, with 19 consecutive years in the finals of the Division IV finals. They won 15 first-place trophies during the period through 2013, including a nine-year streak from 1997 through 2005. As perennial champions of the Southern League, nearly always with undefeated regular seasons, the Panthers have registered an overall winning percentage that is well above the .800 mark. Along the way, Ginger has developed scores of all-state team members and sent a good proportion of players off to collegiate ranks from the school with an enrollment of fewer than 70.

In recognition of her outstanding career in coaching, characterized not only by her record-breaking successes on the court but also by her exemplary guidance and empowerment of young women, Ginger Webster Whipple is indeed a worthy inductee into the Southern Utah University Coaching Factory Hall of Fame.

Special Award and Acknowledgement

During last year's high school football season, one Utah high school coach, Matt Labrum ('95) from Union High School, suspended his season and with it his entire team and had them turn in their jerseys. He did this to inform his team that they were doing things that responsible people should not be doing. This coach stood his ground with his team against poor performance in the classroom, bullying outside the classroom, and included disrespect of teachers and students. So according to remarks made in the Desert News, " . . . this coach stopped playing football and started discussing character."

SUU and "The Coaching Factory" recognized Matt Labrum, an alumnus coach, for the values he exhibited with this community, peers, and his own team.

Also honored that night were alumni coaches who either won Utah state championships or were runners-up during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Alumni Spotlight: Marsha Rowley

Marsha Rowley (’10, university studies) is an area supervisor with SUU’s Facilities Management. She worked for 15 years in the Sharwan Smith Center supervising student cleaning crews and coordinating event set-up and take down. This past fall she moved to the Sherratt Library to oversee that student crew, as well as crews and coordinators in other campus buildings.

She recently realized her goal of completing her undergraduate degree. “I feel my degree was mostly for me,” she explains. “I loved the professors and the concern they showed me, a non-traditional student, and the help I received in areas where I struggled.”

Relationships formed and memories made at SUU are important to Marsha and have helped develop her into a better person. “I have enjoyed each and every phase of being part of the SUU community. The good, and the bad, have taught me that I am capable of much more than I imagined,” she states.
Who can forget the students? In her 15 years in the Sharwan Smith Center she worked with hundreds of students and student-sponsored events. “Each day I learned new principles of living and created new memories. The important thing is I loved the students and the lessons that came with each involvement.” Marsha is still amazed as she reflects on how “her” students juggled work, school and social pressures with grace and ease. Whether it was helping with the infamous Halloween Howl, student elections, or watching students spend countless hours cramming for finals, she remains in total awe.

Marsha’s work with students has extended beyond her role with Facilities Management. She served as the advisor to the crochet club, which made blankets for Primary Children’s Hospital, as well as the advisor to the paint ball club.

Graduation is a bitter-sweet time as she watches her students leave SUU. Of graduation Marsha says, “I feel satisfaction knowing that I had a small part in their college experience. I miss each one as they leave, but I am equally excited when I receive pictures and messages from them after graduation.”
What is her greatest accomplishment at SUU? Marsha says building relationships. No doubt that hundreds of former students would agree and would count Marsha as an important mentor and friend during their SUU experience.

Marsha lives in Parowan, UT, and has done for more than 50 years. She and her high school sweetheart Craig have eight children and 15 grandchildren.

Alumni Spotlight: Matt Barton

Dr. Matt Barton (’95, communication) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at SUU and serves as the director of the master’s program in professional communication. He completed a PhD at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2002 and earned tenure at SUU in 2007.

What does Matt enjoy most about working at SUU? “It’s definitely the students,” he states. “There are so many intelligent, motivated and inquisitive students who pursue education on this campus. They force me to think in new ways and help improve in my job performance.” Another aspect of his job that he values is the personal relationships he develops with his students and the opportunity to watch them mature, get married, have families and start careers. “When some students graduate I feel like I’m saying goodbye to my own kids.”

Matt has been recognized for his work both in and out of the classroom. He was named SUU’s Outstanding Educator in 2005 and was named a Faculty Fellow for his efforts to create a service learning initiative. At professional conferences he has received Top Paper Awards for his research in communication education and instruction, rhetoric and public address, and health communication.
Two of Matt’s favorite SUU memories while a student were meeting his wife Carlynn (’94, communication) and working at the campus radio station. Being involved on campus was key for him in getting the most out of his college experience.

SUU professor Art Challis had the most impact on Matt’s success, and has remained a friend and mentor. Matt explains, “Art saw something in me early on and gave me some opportunities to excel. Consequently, when the current job I have was open, he called and encouraged me to apply. I really couldn’t have asked for a professor more invested in my success than Art.”

Southern Utah University runs deep in Matt’s blood as his parents met at SUU when it was the Branch Agricultural College (BAC). While they were unable to finish their degrees due to military service, Matt, the youngest of five, is proud to say he is a first generation college graduate and that education was always a priority in his home while growing up.

Incidentally, Matt and Carlynn met in an interpersonal communication class. He reflects, “I guess it was fate.” They are the parents of three children.

Alumni Spotlight: Sue Houston

Sue Houston (’80, elementary education) is the Program Coordinator for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program at Southern Utah University where she is the lead professional development partner to 19 specialists that serve 26 schools in Iron, Washington, Piute, Sevier and Beaver counties.

At the conclusion of each spring semester, Sue puts on a second hat as the assistant director for ArtsFUSION, a program offering professional development to classroom teachers, students and an interactive art camp for children.

What does she like best about working at Southern Utah University? “The people,” she responds. “We have an opportunity to reach out from the Education Department and work with every college on campus. I find it extremely interesting to speak with others from different backgrounds and find that employees here are willing to go the extra mile.” She also loves being around university students because, “They are full of hope and enthusiasm.”

Sue started her undergraduate work in the fall of 1973, took time off to start a family and returned as a single parent to complete her degree in 1979. She readily recognizes the encouragement and personal attention from her SUU professors and other staff members, including help from the financial aid office, for making it possible to earn a bachelor’s degree. One professor in particular, Dr. Kent Myers (’51), made a lasting impression with his stimulating and difficult classes. “But his actions were louder than words. His integrity was impeccable,” she states.

When it comes to accomplishments, Sue is most proud of her family. But professionally, she cherishes the times she watched her elementary school students make small improvements in overcoming hurdles. During her SUU experience, personally knowing Beverley Taylor Sorenson was a life-changing event that continues to inspire her.

Sue is married to Dennis, a chemical engineer that makes her laugh more than once each day. She is the mother of three daughters and one stepson, and grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren.

Alumni Spotlight: Wes Brinkerhoff

Wes Brinkerhoff (’89, business administration & Spanish; ’11, MBA) is the Bursar at Southern Utah University, and has been since 1995, where he manages the team in the cashiers office that oversees all student and University receivables, the T-Card system, meal plans and billing.

In 2001, Wes was recognized as the Outstanding Male Staff Member during that year’s graduation ceremonies. His colleagues nominated him for the award and said of Wes, “He is always positive, friendly and anxious to help. He is an extremely hardworking employee and one who makes SUU a better place to be because of his concern for others and enthusiasm for life.” Wes continues to exemplify those same qualities today.

What does he like about being an employee at SUU? “I love the spirit of this campus and the learning environment,” he says. “My coworkers are fantastic and I love our students because of the youthful energy they infuse in me each day.”

Learning Lives Forever is a motto Wes embraced not too long ago when he re-enrolled at SUU, this time as a graduate student in the master’s degree in business administration. While he lamented not earning a master’s degree earlier, he appreciated his classroom experience. In particular he acknowledges Dr. Steve Harrop, professional in residence in the department of economics and finance. Wes explains, “Dr. Harrop brought it all into focus. His investment class was very hands on with real money, real situations and real people. It was awesome!”

Wes has been active on campus working with the Iron County Alumni Chapter, participating with the SUU Staff Association and serving as president of the Utah Higher Education Staff Association during the 2000-2001 school year.

He enjoys volunteering with the Boys Scouts of America, and has done for nearly 20 years. He also coached little league baseball and Jr. Jazz Basketball for eight years.

Wes and his wife Kathleen (’89, business and office management) are the parents of three children.