Beverley Taylor Sorenson to be Inducted into SUU Hall of Honor, Founders' Day

Published: March 16, 2006 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Beverley Taylor Sorenson’s love for learning and teaching were major factors in her decision to become an educator and to pursue and receive a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah. Receiving an Honorary doctorate of Humanities degree from Southern Utah University in 1998 is but one of many evidences of the esteem in which she is held for her numerous contributions to her community, family and state—reasons why the University is moved and delighted to induct Mrs. Sorenson into its Hall of Honor during the annual Founders’ Day celebration, March 25.

Mrs. Sorenson’s compelling interest in education and the arts led her to establish the Art Works for Kids Foundation, an organization that helps facilitate innovative and sequential fine arts education for children in Utah’s public elementary schools through dance, music, visual art and drama. The Sorenson Legacy Foundation, established by her and her husband James,
and dedicated to promoting charitable, religious, educational, literary and scientific endeavors, has given more than $5 million to the SUU in the past six years. Throughout her own life, she has shared her artistic talents as an accomplished musician, vocalist, and dancer with numerous community groups, including first and foremost, her family. Those who know this energetic and gracious woman, consistently speak glowingly of her charm and strength of character and of her commitment to the things in life that matter most. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her dedication to the success and well-being of her family and her passion for learning have been instilled in her children and grandchildren and recognized and appreciated by those who have come under the purview of her influence.

Over a half-century, Beverley has extended her ardor for service to the community and state in immeasurable ways. She has been a successful member of Utah’s business community, providing her considerable financial skills and management ability to a number of regional companies and ventures, for which she received the Utah Outstanding Business award in 1986.

Just recently, the Sorenson Family Legacy Foundation donated to SUU a generous gift to establish a Beverley Taylor Sorenson Endowed Professional Chair in Elementary Arts Education, the first endowed chair in SUU history. It will fund a new permanent faculty position to promote the teaching of art, music, dance and theater and visual arts in elementary schools. Mrs. Sorenson’s gift comes at a key time in the University’s history as construction of a new Teacher Education building is about to begin in the heart of campus, and will be tied to the original structure for this purpose--Old Main. These combined homes for the hallmark program of SUU will be unarguably enhanced because of Mrs. Sorenson’s concern about education and regard for SUU.

Tickets are available to the Founders’ Day Banquet, at which Beverley Taylor Sorenson, along with James, and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt, will be inducted into the University’s Hall of Honor. The event will be filled with a wonderful menu, entertainment and special recognitions and announcements. For reservations, call Colleen at 586-7775. And, for complete details on all of the events occurring for Founders’ Day, see www.suu.edu/news.

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