SUU Celebrates President Mindy Benson’s Inauguration During Homecoming Week
Published: September 09, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Southern Utah University's annual Homecoming Week features two historic and memorable events; the inauguration of SUU’s 17th President, Mindy Benson, and the celebration of the institution’s 125th anniversary. SUU invites its students, staff, faculty, community, alumni and friends to celebrate its rich history while preparing for a bright future. Join the University for a week of traditions, old and new, happening September 19-24, 2022.
For more information and a full schedule of events visit suu.edu/homecoming or suu.edu/inauguration.
Inauguration of President Mindy Benson
The Presidential Inauguration will be held Friday, September 23 at 3 p.m. in the America First Event Center. Confirmed participants include Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, former SUU professor and Utah’s first poet laureate Dr. David Lee, Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Dave Woolstenhulme, and SUU Board of Trustees Chair Jodi Hart Wilson. Grammy Award-winning artist The Oak Ridge Boys will participate via video.
Leading up to the main event, an academic convocation and community service project will be held on Thursday to commemorate the occasion.
Academic Convocation
The Academic Convocation; Power of Place tells the story of five of SUU’s founders whose bright vision, dedication, and hard work shaped the University and transformed it into the place it is today. The convocation will be held on Thursday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Gilbert Great Hall of the Hunter Alumni Center.
Community Service Event
Join President Benson and the Community Engagement Center in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Ballroom Thursday, September 22 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Service opportunities will be available for participants of all ages and will support local organizations including Iron County Care and Share, Iron County Holiday Assistance, and local educators and first responders.
Homecoming at SUU
Homecoming is a celebration of collegiate life, and at SUU, the community built around it. This is a time for traditions, both old and new, and a place to renew the sense of belonging that comes with college life. Whether you were a student of the Branch Agricultural College, College of Southern Utah, Southern Utah State College, or SUU, or are a current student today, parent of a Thunderbird, descendant of a founding family, or another treasured friend of the University, you share in the rich and singular heritage of SUU. Come celebrate SUU during Homecoming 2022:
Homecoming Banquet and Awards
The annual Homecoming Banquet will be held Thursday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gilbert Great Hall of the R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center. Four alumni will be recognized for their accomplishments and service. Daril Magleby will be given the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Kay Anderson and Virgil Johnson will receive the Distinguished Service Award. And Whitney Mulaj will receive the Young Alumnus Award.
To attend the event, please RSVP to Camaree Staheli at (435) 865-8656 or staheli@suu.edu.
Forever Red
One of the newer traditions at SUU, Forever Red originated in 2011 and continues to offer the perfect opportunity for alumni, students, and community members to gather in celebration. Held on the Upper Quad, the night features live music and food and culminates with a firework display that you won’t want to miss. This event is free to all and brings everyone together for a night of dancing, fun and T-Bird pride. Join the fun on Friday, September 23 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on SUU’s Upper Quad.
Pancake Breakfast and Homecoming Parade
A family favorite, stop by the Hunter Alumni Center Parking Lot the morning of September 24 to watch SUU Emeriti flip approximately 1,000 pancakes and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Breakfast is served from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
After breakfast, settle in along University Boulevard to watch the SUU Homecoming Parade. Starting at 10 a.m., the parade combines floats from different clubs and organizations across campus and local businesses and organizations.
Homecoming Games
Reigniting the historic rivalry, the SUU Thunderbirds will take on Utah Tech in two games on September 24. First, join T-Bird Nation to cheer on the volleyball team at 12 p.m. in the America First Event Center. Then later that day, head to Eccles Coliseum for the Homecoming Football Game. Kick-off is at 6 p.m. Tickets for both games can be purchased at tbirdtickets.com.
Southern Utah University
This year marks 125 years of fortitude, determination, and community triumph at Southern Utah University. Founded in 1897, the University is celebrating its rich history and preparing for a bright future with a yearlong celebration. Learn more at suu.edu/125.
Tags: Cedar City President Homecoming