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For many students at Southern Utah University, attending college is the ultimate tradition. In fact, out of the 2,800 new freshmen on campus this fall, more than 600 are legacy students. These students are at least the second person in their family to attend the institution and for some, that means having ties to the university that go back generations.
Traditions not only allow students to connect to the history of an institution, but they also create a unique shared experience for those that attend the university. Traditions, old and new, help to establish common values, build a sense of community and give students pride for their place in the university community.
From walking under the Bell Tower and wearing red on Fridays to seeing the ghost of Virginia, new and returning students participate in dozens of SUU traditions to get involved and build up the campus community.
This fall, SUU is celebrating its rich history by marking 125 years as an educational institution and preparing for a bright future with the inauguration of President Mindy Benson. Join the University for a weekend of Homecoming traditions and Inauguration festivities this September as we continue to celebrate 125 years of SUU.
Inauguration of President Mindy Benson
Honoring both the past and future of SUU, the Utah Board of Higher Education selected Mindy Benson as the 17th president of SUU in July. Benson is a Cedar City native with ties to the university that go back generations and the first female to serve in the presidential role for the institution.
"I'm thrilled to serve in this leadership role and continue working with our extraordinary faculty, staff, students, community and alumni," said President Mindy Benson. "SUU is a remarkable place built on 125 years of transformative educational experiences and community partnership. I'm so grateful to those who came before and am excited to be a part of SUU's bright future."
The presidential inauguration will be Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. in the America First Event Center. Leading up to the event, an academic convocation and community service project will be held on Thursday to commemorate the occasion.
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:
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 Sept. 23 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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 Sept. 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.
Timeless SUU traditions
Traditions build the campus culture and provide students, faculty, staff, alumni and community with a sense of belonging. Whether or not you fly home to SUU this fall, celebrate T-Bird Nation and your university pride from anywhere with these SUU traditions:
Wear red on Friday
At SUU, wearing red every Friday shows your pride and passion for the University. It's a big part of the visual identity of the University and more than school colors and face paint. Red defines us and unites us to live and celebrate together. Wearing red on Friday is more than a tradition, it is who we are.
Learn the fight song
A source of pride for any T-Bird is the SUU fight song. At every athletic event, the fight song is a crucial part of hyping up the crowd and making sure every T-Bird is heard loud and proud. Regardless of when or where the song is played, you can't help but swell with school pride and passion for our university. Go, Go, Go...Fight, Fight, Fight...Win T-Birds!
Tradition Keeper
SUU's Tradition Keeper shares 50 traditions for students and alumni to participate in. Not only does it provide a great opportunity to get involved on campus, but it's a fantastic way to participate in the legacy of SUU and previous tradition-keeping students. Here's how students can get started as a Tradition Keeper.
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.
