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
| 2024 | Rex Burton ('79) |
| 2023 | Gail Harris ('74 & '98) |
| 2022 | Deon Robb ('89) |
| 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) |