John Yardley to be Inducted into SUU’s Hall of Honor

Published: March 19, 2007 | Read Time: 2 minutes

Southern Utah University’s Founders’ Day will take place on Saturday, featuring entertainment, brunch, and an awards ceremony. The annual event is held in memory and celebration of the people who gave their time, money and physical labor to establish the university.

During this year’s celebration John Yardley will be honored for his contributions to furthering the ideals and efforts of the university. For his humanity, his strong, but still modest leadership, his wisdom, and his exemplary service to the university Yardley, along with three others, will be formally inducted into the SUU Hall of Honor.

Yardly descends from an ancestral background of rugged pioneers who crossed the plains, leaving a legacy of hard work. In keeping with the values established by those hardy ancestors he has lived a life of honesty and integrity, exhibiting caring concern for all those he associates with.

Yardly stands tall in both stature and admiration in the community. A very straightforward and genuine man, those that know him personally know that ‘what you see is what you get’ with John. Over the countless years of service he has evolved into a not so common man, filled with an extra measure of common sense.

He began his lifelong love affair with Southern Utah State College as a student in the fall of 1969. And has continued to use his talents to assist SUU ever since, as he has lobbied legislators, advocating for increased funding—both for salaries and structures alike.

In 1994 he was appointed to the Board of Trustees, where he served tirelessly for 11 years, eight of which were in a leadership role, as either the chair or vice chair. His daughter was able to serve as a member on the Board with him for one year, while serving as SUU’s student body president.

After serving as an LDS missionary, Yardley married his high school sweetheart, Pam, a decision he says, was the best he ever made. Together he and his wife raised five children, all of whom attended SUU.

It has been his willingness to serve his fellow man, his diligence in giving his all to the university, his friendliness with all who crossed his path that has allowed him to build support for the university as few others could have. And for that he has the thanks of many gratefully community members and University personnel alike.

For more information regarding Founders’ Day visit http://suu.edu/events/07founders.html

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