Alumni & Friends

HOMECOMING 2003

Four of Southern Utah University's finest examples of service and dedication to the institution and their community will be honored at Homecoming 2003 at the annual Alumni banquet. Those to be recognized are Jack H. Carter who will receive the Outstanding Alumni Award while William Mark Russell will receive the young Alumni Award, and Louise Jones and Mark Stephensen will be honored with Alumni Distinguished Service Awards. These individuals exemplify the spirit of the founders in their commitment to furthering the mission of SUU.

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI

Jack H. Carter, a 1947 graduate of BAC has remained true to his allegiance of the University. Through the years since graduating, Jack has continued to be supportive of the university through many areas of service and support. Following a successful career in the construction industry he has turned much of his energy to the betterment of SUU. Serving many committees and advisory boards he has been a driving force in the recent success of the University's fundraising campaign. He remains a constant source of information and ideas that consistently encourage the development of SUU and its programs. His love for the institution is ever present. He is a great an ambassador of good will in the community for the university. He has served as an essential member of the recently completed successful Capital Campaign exceeding the $42 million goal, and currently serves as a member of the university's Board of Fellows.

ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

When you examine the contributions of Louise Jones to SUU, the history of her loyalty speaks volumes.

Louise was raised in Monroe, Utah, graduating from South Sevier High School as valedictorian of her class. Following her marriage to Kim Jones, they raised three children - graduates of SUU. Her association with the university is long and very active. She has served on no less than 8 different committees and organizations of the University. Of special note is her participation for 42 years with the Faculty/Staff Associated Women of SUU, including service as President.

Louise also worked as the bulk mailing coordinator for the Utah Shakespearian Festival (USF) for 27 years. Additional associations with the university include Board Member for the USF guild, Utah Summer games, Courtesy booth for the USF, and Fantasy in Frost. She has also been an active supporter of SUU athletics, currently serving as a member of the NCAA Steering committee for SUU Athletics.

Jones' contributions extend also to the community where she has actively participated with the Cedar Arts committee, Cedar City Music Arts committee, Cedar High school booster club and the Cedar national little league baseball organization.

ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Mark and Nedra Stephensen met while they were both students at College of Southern Utah now SUU. Mark is from Henderson, Nevada and Nedra (Thornton) is from Las Vegas, Nevada. Mark graduated from CSU in the class of 1968 with a degree in secondary education and a minor in Industrial Arts. Nedra received her MRS degree in 1966 and they have raised four children. All but one of their children has attended SUU at one time or another. They have five beautiful grandchildren, Mark and Nedra have lived in Las Vegas most of their married life with the exception of one year while Mark taught high school in Blanding, Utah.

Mark taught school for two years, one in Blanding, Utah and one in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following his second year teaching at Western High School in Las Vegas, he went into the concrete business. The Stephensen's are the owners and operators of MS Concrete, in Las Vegas, a business they started over 30 years ago. Beginning with just four employees, the business now employs 500. All the family members are involved in the business and other related enterprises. Mark and Nedra are very active in their church and Mark currently serves as an LDS bishop in Las Vegas. Their hobbies include four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and traveling. Additionally Mark is a rodeo team-roper and Nedra enjoys playing tennis.They are excited about working with SUU to help future students attain their goals, and are both active SUU volunteers. Mark serves as a member of the SUU Board of Fellows while Nedra is a member of the SUU Scholarship Jubilee Planning Committee.

YOUNG ALUMNI

William Mark Russell ('74 Accounting) currently serves as the President of the SUU Alumni Chapter in Salt Lake City.

Following high school graduation in Rockford, Illinois, Mark returned to his native Utah to attend SUSC. He obtained a degree in Business Administration in 1974, and went on to earn an MBA from the University of Utah in 1975. While attending SUSC, he served in student government as Attorney General, and was the recipient of the "Outstanding Student in Business" award in 1974.

Currently a financial advisor with American Express Financial Advisors, Mark has earned his firm's "Advanced Advisor" designation, and serves as a director/trustee on several boards.

Mark and his wife Jeri (also an SUU alum) have spent several years representing the University as Admissions Advisors, sponsoring open houses and assisting in student recruitment in the Salt Lake area. They are the proud parents of four children, three of whom have also attended SUU.

50 year club to feature class of '53

One of the great traditions of Homecoming 2003 will be the annual gathering of the 50 Year Club of the graduates of this great institution (in this case graduates of BNS and BAC). The Class of 1953 will be featured as the Club meets on Friday October 10, 2003. Activities begin at 10:00 a.m. with a social hour/reception in the Whiting Room of the Hunter Conference Center. A light lunch will be served in the Gilbert Great Hall beginning at 11:00 a.m. Tradition calls for some entertainment reminiscent of the era as well as a featured graduate who will represent the class of '53 and provide comments on the adventures of his or her career as well as cherished campus memories of college life in the good old days.

The cost for the luncheon is $15.00 per person. Please make your reservation with the Alumni Office by calling toll free 1-888-586-1997 or 435-586-7777. Reservations must be received by October 5, 2003,

All Alumni of the BNS and BAC, who were on campus 50 years ago and before, are extended a special invitation to come back and join us for this wonderful activity.