SUU Inducts Five into Old Main Society

Published: November 30, 2007 | Read Time: 4 minutes

The pink and orange evening sky welcomed guests as they arrived at Southern Utah University’s annual Holiday Gala. But the real standouts were the five new inductees into SUU’s Old Main Society, an elite group of donors who have contributed to the University’s many programs and initiatives.

Included in this year’s inductees were the Dahle, Davies and Clark families, as well as the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation and Bonneville International Corporation. While this was their night to shine, all the inductees claimed their accomplishments were a reflection of the families, friends and communities that have helped them succeed.

A common theme of giving back emerged as each donor’s story unfolded.

Cline & Jane Dahle
Cline Dahle from Weston, Idaho and Jane Osborn Dahle from Danville, California, come from opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to the academic experiences that have drawn them to SUU. Cline, a retired car dealership owner who opened his first dealership just 6 months after he began his professional career, struggled with school from a very early age and lived “in constant fear of being called on to read in class.” He persevered, however, and credits much of his success to those early challenges that taught him both patience and tenacity. While Cline felt distant from his education, he never questioned its importance. On the flip side, his wife Jane earned a graduate degree in nutrition before beginning to work in the Utah State office of Education. Both have served in numerous professional and charitable organizations, and both work hard to make education a positive experience for students. Among other gifts, the Dahles’ generosity has provided scholarship opportunities for SUU students. The Dahles currently live in Holladay, Utah.

David & Jolynn Davies
David and Jolynn credit SUU for bringing their lives together. While David was born and raised in Cedar City—gaining early fame as a Cedar High football and track star, Jolynn Swenson spent her childhood in Lindon, Utah. The couple met as elementary education students at SUU (then Southern Utah State College), and have continued to work together in their pursuit to provide every student with knowledge and opportunity. The Davies are known across the southern Utah region for their generosity and willingness to serve, and it could easily be said that they improve the lives of everyone they meet. The many students who’ve benefitted from their scholarship fund would agree. Amidst all the recognition for a job well done, the Davies’ most treasured accomplishment is their family. The Davies family lives in St. George, Utah.

Val & Marilyn Clark
Val Clark, originally from Newcastle, Utah, served as both freshman class president and student body president at SUU (then Branch Agricultural College) many years ago. This marked the beginning of ongoing civic engagement as Val went on to serve in the student government of his dental school and as a soldier in the Army. The military took Val to Oklahoma, where he met his wife, Marilyn Estes. The two share similar interests, including sailing, wind surfing and community development, and together, they’ve founded and served on many boards and committees. The Clarks have split their last 47 years together between Cedar City and Hollywood, California, and relish in the opportunity to give back to the institutions they credit for their success. An example to so many, the Clarks and their two grown children all strive to improve each community in which they’ve lived. Their selfless giving to SUU has benefitted everything from academics to athletics.

George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation
The Eccles Foundation is the largest philanthropic foundation in Utah supporting the arts and culture, the community, education, health care, and preservation and conservation. Established in the 1950s by its namesakes, the Foundation is led today by trustees Spencer F. Eccles, Lisa Eccles and Robert M. Graham, who continue to carry on the goal of improving the quality of life enjoyed by the people of Utah. At Southern Utah University, the Eccles Foundation has generously supported programs for nearly two decades.

Bonneville International Corporation
Founded in 1964, Bonneville International Corporation currently owns and operates 31 radio stations across the United States. Bonneville’s motto is “Do good, do well, make a difference and have fun,” and the company has structured its business on the three principles of building its people, making a difference in the community and meeting aggressive financial goals. Bonneville has a commitment to the communities it serves, and SUU is no exception. The company’s generosity and vision are to credit for much success on the campus of Southern Utah University.

The Old Main Society at SUU is modeled after the Cedar City community of 1897 who gave all they had to help build a school out of nothing. The group of members continues to grow, and the University stands as a testament to the success of those founders. Much like last night’s sunset, SUU strives to stand out and to shine as it continues its mission of providing a quality, personalized education to every student who fills the school’s halls. Donors like those honored at the Holiday Gala are to credit for all the school and its students accomplish.

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