SUU Shines at Governor's Celebration

Published: April 15, 2008 | Read Time: 1 minutes

The ballroom in the Governor’s mansion was filled with college students from across the state at the Governor’s Scholars Program this afternoon in Salt Lake City. Along with four of SUU’s brightest young students, President Michael T. Benson joined in the festivities as the Governor’s appointed keynote speaker to discuss academic excellence and civic engagement.

This year marks the third such annual celebration, intended to honor college students who have demonstrated academic excellence during their freshman or sophomore years. SUU’s four honored scholars were selected by the University’s Deans’ Council and the President on the basis of academic performance and engagement.

In addition to the President’s address, which he dubbed as his “best attempt to inspire young students to think early and often about the academic and professional opportunities beyond the standard undergraduate experience,” this year’s SUU representation included integrated engineering sophomore Logan Butt from Henderson, NV; elementary education sophomore Lacee Coleman from Richfield; pre-chemistry and pre-pharmacy sophomore Spencer LeCorchick from Cedar City; and accounting sophomore Aubrey Peacock from St. George.

Of these honorees, President Benson commented, “All four are very bright and capable students with the capacity to broaden their academic perspectives far beyond what they’re currently doing.”

According to the Governor’s Office, this program was designed to encourage students early in their academic career to remain committed to academic excellence and scholarship by applying for prestigious national scholarships and pursuing opportunities for graduate studies.

Of his own Oxford experience, Benson reflected, “It was a transitional period in my life when I connected with a lot of new ideas and a nexus of talented people.” Benson hopes more students across the state have opportunities to step beyond their scholarly comfort zone and into a life-altering academic experience.

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