Alumni Spotlight: Megan Grover

Megan Grover (’06, Elementary Education) is putting her SUU education and experiences to great use as a 5th/6th grade elementary school teacher at Grantsville Elementary School, in Utah’s Tooele School District.

Her duties are many and varied, she says, and she is primarily responsible for teaching the state core curriculum, making sure her students enjoy learning, collaborating with team members and maintaining good rapport with parents and people in the community.

From her earliest years, Megan always wanted to be a teacher, as she watched her greatly admired father set the example as he touched the lives of his students. 

“I want to make a difference in the lives of other people,” she says. “Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs around, in my opinion.”

Megan says that while at SUU she learned how to be confident in the person she is, and to go after her dreams. SUU gave her a lot of opportunities to be herself, follow her dreams, and accomplish what she wanted to get accomplished.

One thing she learned, she says, is that “It is OK to fail as long as I have tried my best.”

The education that she received at SUU thoroughly prepared her to be a teacher because while she was in the education program at SUU, she was given a lot of hands-on, in-classroom experiences. During her practicum, also known as, “the block,” she was able to work in the classroom and really experience what it was like to be a teacher, rather than just learn about it in a textbook.

What Megan is most proud of professionally is her ability to interact and work well with others, and touch the lives of those she teaches.

“I feel like in my 11 years of teaching that I have really made a difference in the lives of other people,” she says.

 
Originally posted on suu.edu in October 2016

Alan Neves - Homecoming Outstanding Alumnus

Alan Neves’ desire to enrich the lives of others might well have been forged in a distant past by genetics and by circumstance, but his path of fusing performance and photojournalism to benefit an audience has brought him success, acclaim and happiness.

What is clear is that a generous sampling of talent was key in the career of the SUU Alumni Association’s 2016 Alumnus of the Year.

Alan, a multi-Emmy award-winner, spent more than two decades telling stories as a photographer for Salt Lake City television stations with a reach and impact of uncommon dimension, and has augmented his mainstream work with a busy slate of freelance projects that have allowed him to expand his reach.

Now, he is excited to be on a new course of service in his very first week as the broadcast lab production manager for Brigham Young University’s School of Communications.

He’s teaching, mentoring and guiding BYU students to tell stories as he has and still does: with the goal of enlightening and elevating lives.

He grew up in several locations around the country with his journalist parents, Les and Gay Neves, who raised a large family and also sponsored refugee families. Alan learned well to give back as he landed in Tooele, Utah, for high school, and grew in an all-purpose fashion, playing saxophone in the Buffalo band and filling the lead role in a number of school stage productions, displaying a talent that won him a theater scholarship to SUU.

As a freshman in 1985, he dated fellow theater student Glynis Adams a few times before leaving to serve an LDS mission to Ventura, California. Upon his return he gravitated to journalism as he performed on-camera and production work for SUTV. But, he also trod the boards, as they say, in a number of SUU theatre productions. That placed him in proximity to Glynis, daughter of SUU icons Fred and Barbara Adams, and the couple married in 1990 upon her graduation. Living in Alpine, Utah, they are parents to five children, including Katie, an SUU sophomore majoring in English and Shakespeare Studies.

Alan’s own SUU career portended great things. Vocal coach Doug Baker, then of the theatre arts department, says, “Alan always demonstrated the cornerstones of a fulfilling life and career: integrity, strong ethical behavior, sincerity and generosity.” Jon Smith, who taught him in television work, says, “We are extremely proud of Alan and his achievements and how he has carefully polished his storytelling and photography skills to a masterful level.”

And among his colleagues at KSL Television over the years is Carole Mikita: 

"Alan Neves is one of the good guys. We have been colleagues for more than 20 years and whether its news stories or traveling the country or the world for special projects, he has been superb. Whether it is shooting, or editing, coming up with creative ideas, I know that I speak for anchors, reporters, photographers, editors, he's the number one go-to-guy and everyone's favorite. Not only is his work ethic superior, but he's a man of good cheer. Always delightful to work with. So from all of us to you, congratulations dear friend."

Following his 1992 graduation from SUU in communication with a minor in theatre arts, Alan spent a year on the studio crew at KUTV Channel 2 before moving over to KSL where he relished being out-and-about, taking people places they could not themselves go.

His travels included work in Jerusalem, Japan, Great Britain and Europe, and the White House. He has filmed inside a nuclear submarine and the tombs that held the Dead Sea Scrolls and has covered earthquakes and the Olympics. And, in KSL’s unique role in the LDS Church, he has crafted more than 30 documentaries.

Alan found time to earn a master of fine arts degree along the way, as well. While his fruitful career marks him as an exemplary SUU graduate, his stated desire to tell stories that make a difference, that inspire people to be better, truly cements him as such.

Derrick Haslem - Homecoming Distinguished Service Award

Oncologist Derrick Haslem, a member of SUU’s class of 2000, has dedicated his life to steering people through the devastation of cancer and today provides all-encompassing treatment of the dire disease.

His Intermountain Precision Genomics provides a personalized approach to testing, diagnosing, and treating cancer, analyzing the genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer and joining a team of skilled specialists to determine how to most effectively treat that case with a customized, targeted plan.

It’s not just a clinic, but a program, he says, and from a St. George base, Derrick and his team reach through Cedar City and throughout southern Utah. He draws upon more than seven years treating cancer in IHC’s clinics in the region.

It is indeed distinguished service, which makes him ideal for that Alumni Association honor, one that he likely did not envision growing up in Vernal, Utah, before moving to St. George while a fourth-grader. His early life had been characterized by running though the alfalfa fields between the Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and by tagging along with his father, a building contractor. He was encouraged to take that line of work a bit further and become an engineer. He had an eye out even then, however, to put one foot into health care and toyed with the idea of biomedical engineering, perhaps designing artificial limbs, as he was intrigued, he says sheepishly, by Luke Skywalker’s prosthetic arm.

Later, though, he found that working directly with people and improving their lives satisfied him more than the thought of sitting in some cubicle somewhere. He determined he would work closer to the human condition and when his mother’s cousin succumbed at an early age to breast cancer, he first had the thought of combating the disease.

Following his days at Pine View High School where he first met future wife Amy, Derrick spent a year at Dixie College before serving an LDS mission to the Dominican Republic, where one-on-one work serving others changed his life. Continuing his education at SUU, he became the first intern in the University’s fledgling AHEC program and traveled to area schools encouraging students to pursue occupations in health care.

While a Thunderbird, he also courted Amy Lundin (lun-deen), whom he married in 1997. She earned an SUU degree the following year in business education and computer information systems. They now have five children ranging in age from 17 to four.

Also at SUU, he was a member of the intramural flag football championship team and the Pre-Med Club. He earned his degree in mathematical science with a minor in Spanish, and gives thanks to the school’s strong core of teachers and mentors, including Marty Larkin, Bob Eves, Michael Donovan and the late Jim Bowns. He, like so many, has vivid memories of Ty Redd’s Organic Chemistry course, which he says was one of the toughest experiences in his life but was invaluable preparation.

As a member of one of SUU’s renowned perfect classes of graduates accepted to medical school, he earned his degree from the University of Utah. While there, his now-cancer-free mother contracted colon cancer and he was highly impressed by the work of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Thus, his specialty was revealed to him as he went on to complete his fellowship there.

Derrick’s practice, based on the personal approach, is committed to helping patients through the entire process connected with their disease, arranging for all aspects of treatment. In addition to fighting cancer, he and his team also help patients face the reality of their situation and to deal with it with dignity, he says. Encouraging the stricken to take advantage of time remaining is a vital aspect of the program.

As he goes about his daily duties caring for others, Doctor Derrick Haslem evinces the care and concern instilled by his family and by his teachers and mentors and in doing so, provides truly distinguished service. 

Brooke Ulrich - Homecoming Young Alumnus

When Brooke Tuttle Ulrich was growing up on her family’s alfalfa farm in Holden, Utah, she was a typical farm girl and—she says—never wore shoes. She did some coloring and drawing; she dressed her cats up in doll clothes, but maintains she never thought she had a creative side at all.

Today, that creativity has burst forward resoundingly, as she is a bright star in the world of Internet bloggers on craftwork, design, renovation and restoration, and more, as well as for saving money in the process. Her blog “All Things Thrifty” draws more than a half-million viewers each month, and she boasts nearly 80,000 followers on Facebook and a like number on Pinterest. Clearly, Brooke is a not only a product of the digital age, but a key component of this medium in empowering individuals in their home life.

It’s true that, as is the case with all three of our homecoming honorees, this 2016 Young Alumnus of the Year’s work is all about improving the lives of others. All Things Thrifty’s goals are to inspire and equip readers to tackle their own projects confidently, to provide easily understood tutorials, and to share information to positively impact readers’ lives.

As a Sterling Scholar in art at Millard High School, where Brooke also excelled in track and field and on the drill team, she first started to realize what she calls her “visual brain” when she painted a mural on the school’s weight room wall. But, it was her career goal to teach communication and advise a dance group at a school somewhere. A scholarship to SUU set her on that path, with suitable courses and extracurricular work as an SUUSA leader, a Presidential Ambassador and a member of the Waukeenyans. She was granted her bachelor’s degree in 2004 and stayed on to earn a master’s degree in corporate communication in 2007, and while a severe ankle injury ended her dance dreams, she did teach communication both at SUU and at Dixie College.

She met and married her husband Dan while at SUU and had the couple not decided to buy a home in St. George in 2009, her destiny may well have been what she had earlier planned. What came to pass, however, is indeed a charmed confluence, as she thoroughly enjoys being a largely stay-at-home mother to her four children and, also, conducting her own satisfying and rewarding career as well as exercising her creative gifts.

It all began when she surveyed her new house, which she termed “beige” from top to bottom. Despite having put the family savings into the down payment, she decorated the home herself through her imagination, her artistic talent and an eye for stretching a dollar. Soon, it was “by-bye beige.” Her brother, Court, encouraged and coached her to share her progress with online photos and “All Things Thrifty” was born to almost instant popularity, spurred by her ample network of friends.

Although she is quick to credit her husband, a multi-talented craftsman, for his abilities in creating whatever she can imagine, her talents have made her a frequent guest on many Salt Lake City television feature programs, and landed her a spot as a Home Depot trainer hosting Do-It-Yourself workshops all over the country, including teaching women how to use power tools. Virtual workshops over the Internet are now in her portfolio and she sees video as the prime tool for the future. She has shown a marvelous ability to adapt with the rapidly changing digital world.

Other partnerships of Brooke’s include Proctor & Gamble, Better Homes & Gardens, Rust-oleum and Shaw Carpets. A current tribute to her abilities and success has come with her being featured on the current cover of Welcome Home magazine.

In all that she does, Brooke Ulrich embodies that true Thunderbird spirit borne of an experiential education. Knowledge, ability and vision, coupled with a desire to aid others, are the mainstays of her success.

Alumnus Assumes New Role at the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games

Pace Clarke, growing up in the tiny town of Tropic, on the periphery of Bryce Canyon National Park, enjoyed the quintessential rural Utah life. He rode horses, went four-wheeling, hiked, fished, swam, shot guns, and worked on the family farm and in its tourist-related businesses.

At Bryce Valley High, he competed in every sport offered and relished history and P.E. classes leading to his 2006 graduation. After working in construction for a spell, serving an LDS mission to Chile and earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUU in 2014, he and his wife Amanda, along with their newborn daughter Rome, returned to Tropic as Pace became the branch manager for State Bank of Southern Utah. It was a position his father, Wes, had earlier held for nearly nine years.

Today, he is the operations and development coordinator for the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, and his background makes him perfect for the post.

“We are thrilled to have Pace on our staff. It’s always a good day when a T-Bird returns to campus and we are excited with the experience and skill set he brings to the Games” says USG Executive Director Casey McClellan of his helpful and friendly new hire.

Pace replaces Steve Ahlgreen, who labored energetically for the Games for 18 years before his retirement this spring and who continues to serve as a volunteer.

While an SUU student, Pace worked on the construction and repair crew for Facilities Management under Ben Johnson, officiated at countless basketball and baseball games, and was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Games, adding to his cachet of know-how and connections that will serve him well in his new job.

“My varied experiences have allowed me to build a strong network that is helping me in my new position,” he says, “and this network has opened a lot of doors that will aid the Games as we go forward.”

Pace, in his new occupation, is charged with fostering and developing sponsorships and with developing new ideas on how to better serve and aid those who support the Games, and he says that his people skills will aid him in that endeavor.

“We so appreciate the sponsors we have and want them to know that’s true year-round, not just during the events,” he says. “I am excited to work with them and to find others who want to be a part of what we do.”

Pace also helps manage the budget of the Games and works with the USG team on the strategic plan for the 30-year-old sports festival that wrapped the 2016 edition up June 19. He says he thrives on the excitement engendered by the Games.

“I love the energy of the athletes and find that the Opening Ceremonies are a special look at the excitement of the Games in total. It’s fun to see the spectators join in that feeling,” he says.

Alumni Spotlight: Herbert Stinson

Herbert Stinson (’75, history) is the head assistant coach and chairman of the board of directors at Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., and was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame on June 28, 2016, at the Galt House in Louisville, KY.

Stinson was introduced to wrestling as a high school sophomore at Aztec High School when coach Jerry Parker persuaded him to try out for the wrestling team. He made the team, went on to wrestle  at Southern Utah University (SUU), and from there the stage was set for his high school coaching career.

“College life and wrestling for what was Southern Utah State College (SUSC) was a great experience for a small town boy from Aztec, N.M.,” said Stinson. “My short stay at SUSC was one of the best years of my life and proved to be great preparation for me toward my life-long calling of coaching and teaching.”

Twelve wrestling state championships, three runner-up and three third place teams later, Stinson retired from New Mexico schools. He coached at Bayfield High School in Colorado for the next twelve years, building a solid competitive wrestling program there.

“There were so many people at SUU who played a role in molding me into the coach I am today,” says Stinson. “Some of these individuals include Coach Joe Lapour, Coach Kathryn Berg, Coach Tom Kingsford, Dr. Bruce Osborne, Dr. Morris Shirts, Dr. Steve Lunt and Dale and Suzanne Brinkerhoff.  All of my team mates, but especially captain Ladd Holman, Ralph Harrison, Scott Teeples and Richard Tree.” 

Stinson boasts 65 individual wrestling state champions, 208 individual place winners, 18 district championships, 19 High School All Americans, and 12 Academic All Americans. He ended with a 535-92-5 life time record. His teams of the 1990’s were ranked in the top 25 in the nation nine times and as high as number three in 1995 ending that season number seven.

He’s been inducted into four coaching hall of fames including SUU’s. He was selected as National Coach of the Year, in 1991, 1995 and 2000. In New Mexico he was AAA-A Coach of the Year six times and Coach of the Year three times. He was Teacher of the Year twice, once in Aztec and once in Bayfield.

“Helping coach Lapour with Wayne Ritter, a teammate from Aztec, who played football and wrestled at SUU was memorable,” said Stinson. “Ritter is now the school board president in Aztec.”

Stinson also coached football for 39 years. He was the defensive coordinator for 10 head coaches. His defenses had 57 shutouts, and in his 33 years as a defensive coordinator, he helped put the football teams into 25 seasons of playoffs for a total of 50 extra games and 3 state finals. He coached baseball for 10 seasons and in all coached in 20 state final events combined in three different sports winning 12 state titles.

As Aztec’s chairman of the board, Stinson is currently working to raise the money to build a new 100’ x 50’ top of the line wrestling room for the future wrestlers of Aztec High School. His wife, Terry, is a second grade teacher.  They have three grown children together, Tonya, Jeremy and Travis.

SUU License Plates Support Students

When an alumnus or community member buys an SUU license plate, it does more than allow free parking on campus; it also helps fund needed scholarships that change the lives of students.

One such student is Alexis Molnar, a senior graphic design major from Las Vegas, Nevada, who came to Southern Utah University and worried about making ends meet. At one point, she worked two jobs while going to school full-time and maintaining a 3.91 GPA through 76 credits.

Molnar said her scholarship allowed her to gain new experiences by serving in the graphic design club and volunteering as a graphic designer for the SUU Admissions Office, and less time worrying about making ends meet.

“When I found out that I had received this scholarship, I was brought to tears,” Molnar said. “I have been able to work less and focus more on my upper division coursework. During this time, I also received scholarship housing which helps my husband and me even more. This scholarship is a blessing to our lives and I am forever grateful!”

A shock came to Kelton Chapman, a junior communication major from Oak City, Utah, when he received a scholarship that was solely funded by SUU license plates. Chapman said he is grateful for alumni and community members for supporting SUU.

“It means a great deal that other people are willing to sacrifice something to help me in my schooling,” said Chapman, who plans on graduate school after he graduates from SUU. 

Another student who has her sights set on graduate school is Hadlie Visser, a sophomore elementary education major from Layton, Utah. Visser loves to read, be outside and plans on becoming an elementary school teacher after her SUU graduation.

“Not only does it (the scholarship) help me pay for school, but it also gives me confidence in myself,” Visser said. “Knowing that someone else believes in me enough to help me through school makes me feel more able to achieve the things I want to in college.”

Single mother of one and full-time student, Heather Gow, a freshman from Hampton, Virginia, came to SUU even though odds were against her finishing her education after she was divorced. 

Gow said she is willing to do anything to provide for her child who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, which meant going back to school. 

“The scholarship showed me that I have support here at SUU and there are people willing to invest in my future,” Gow said. “When all the odds seemed stacked against me, having the support makes all the difference!” 

“All of us at SUU are so grateful for the support alumni and community members give our students,” said Mindy Benson, vice president for alumni and community relations. “Scholarships funded through the SUU license plate program do make a difference, and your support is vital to our students’ educational success.”

Alumni and community members wishing to purchase an SUU license plate and assist a student with his or her education, can do so for $25 at your local Utah Department of Motor Vehicles office. For more details, call the Alumni & Community Relations Office at 586-7777.