Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
In 1897, Cedar City was a growing rural community with a population of under 1,000 people. That's the year the state legislature cemented Cedar City's influential role in southern Utah. It didn't come without sacrifice though. The founders of what would become Southern Utah University believed so strongly in the power of education that they risked their lives and finances for the privilege of building and hosting an institution of higher education in rural Cedar City. Their goal was to enhance the access and educational quality for underserved populations. That vision lives today and in many ways our founders' determination and grit are still woven into the cultural fabric of SUU.
To commemorate the past, present and future, Southern Utah University has begun a year-long celebration of its 125th anniversary. The festivities start the week of March 21 during SUU's annual Founders Week. The week-long event celebrates SUU's founders, the impact our alumni make in the world, and preparing today's students to be the next generation of leaders.
"This will be a commemoration of our past, a celebration of our current success, and an opportunity to focus on our future," said Mindy Benson, SUU's interim president. "From our founders' steadfast determination to build this campus to a thriving university of over 14,000 students, we've come a long way in 125 years."
In SUU's 125 years, it has had many names—Branch Normal School, Branch Agricultural College, College of Southern Utah, Southern Utah State College and since 1990 Southern Utah University. Its mission, however, has remained the same – to provide greater accessibility to affordable higher education opportunities to the region. For the past eight years, SUU has seen unprecedented growth and has led all other Utah universities in the percentage of growth. SUU offers the most affordable bachelor's degree in the country—a $9,000 start to finish online program giving students the flexibility and affordability to fulfill their career goals. In addition, SUU has also driven innovation in higher education by offering the first 3-year degree in Utah.
"We're clearly different at SUU. Our faculty are committed to an individualized focus on each student, which better prepares them for their career field. We try to make this to feel like home as much as possible," said Benson. "I grew up on this campus and am proud of the tremendous growth over the past 125 years. I know, however, that our best days as a university are still to come. It's an exciting time at SUU."
Launching the celebration at Founders Week is just the beginning of special events throughout the next year. On April 29, the annual 2022 commencement ceremony will feature the 66th United States Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Spring 2022 events include a concert featuring country music superstars Midland on April 5 and this year's annual commencement ceremony on April 29. Other commemorative events are still being planned. All special activities surrounding SUU's 125th celebration can be found at suu.edu/125.
