Carmen Rose Hepworth Award

Carmen Rose Hepworth (’53, elementary education) dedicated her life to public education, civic engagement and Southern Utah University. She and her husband Mel ('50, elementary education) never had children of their own, but they influenced the lives of hundreds of students by serving as strong role models and loving mentors.

In memory of Carmen Hepworth, this award is presented by the Alumni Relations Office at Thunderbird Awards to an individual who demonstrates commitment to bettering the lives of others and strengthening SUU. 

Past Recipients

2022 Gail Harris ('74 & '98)
2021 Mona Woolsey ('80)
2020 Not Awarded
2019 Mary Jane Seaman ('41)
2018 Clair ('52) & Suzanne ('71) Morris
2017 Bud ('61) & LaRee Garfield
2016 Sally Hunter Jensen ('81)
2015 Ravenna Baker ('41)
2014 Mary Seaman ('44)
2013 Doug Bonzo ('56)
2012 Naomi Lunt ('41) & Paul Lunt ('41)
2011 Dee Cowan (‘35)
2010 June D. Thorley (‘48)
2009 Homer S. Jones (‘29)
2008 Linda Wilson
2007 Kent “Red” Dover (‘41)
2006 Steve Hodson (‘79)
2005 Conrad Hatch (‘42) & Elva Hatch (‘43)
2004 Haymer Morris (‘48)
2003 Mary Ewing Anker (‘42)
2002 Charles Cooley (‘55) & Donna Cooley
2001 Cyndi Gilbert (‘80)
2000 R. Kenneth Benson (‘56)
1999 Peg Thorley (‘49)
1998 Ada Carpenter (‘35)
1997 Roy “Pug” Urie (‘38)
1996 Maude Halverson (‘29)
1995 Carmen Rose Hepworth (‘53) & Melvin Hepworth (‘50)
1994 Randy Phillips (‘76)
1993 Michael O. Leavitt (‘78)
1992 Brad Steinke (‘83)
1991 Not Awarded
1990 Not Awarded
1989 Not Awarded
1988 James M. Miller ('59)
1987 RaNae Naegle Morris (‘49)
1986 Fred C. Esplin (‘71)
1985 Ellis L. Armstrong ('32)