Alumni & Friends

Distinguished Service

Dr. Hal Campbell
Few Southern Utah University professors have made such an indelibly positive impact on the campus and the larger Southern Utah community than has Dr. Hal Campbell. As a professor of music, an administrator and musician, he filled the halls of this campus and the lives of our students and community members with the joy of appreciating wonderful music. His energy, enthusiasm and dedication, coupled with a love for students was rewarded with the University's recognition of his superior accomplishments by awarding him the Distinguished Educator, Outstanding Educator and Teacher of the Year awards. Dr. Campbell was also recognized for his untiring service to the community by being awarded the Outstanding Service to the Arts award by the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce. His efforts in developing the music program of the University as it moved to four-year and University status by serving as Department Chair and Dean, was a labor of love which did not go unnoticed by many admirers in the University and in the community. Dr. Campbell's service as conductor of the Orchestra of Southern Utah in annual performances of "The Messiah" truly helped to establish this community as an oasis for the arts and as a center for cultural refinement. His efforts as a father in working with an equally talented and devoted wife Joan in rearing children and teaching them to appreciate and love music has been most commendable.

Antone ('50 Biology), and Fern Hunter together have dedicated their lives to serving others and have quietly and humbly forged a legacy of unsurpassed civic involvement in helping to build a better community. As a team they have not only enjoyed much success as owners of Antones interiors, but have been shining examples of the biblical adage that it is much better to give than to receive. Antones' service to the community as a member of the Cedar Lions Service Club for over 47 years has had a major impact on the lives of students and residents of all ages. His gift for interior designing and decorating has beautified not only SUU but the homes of many residents in the tri-state area. Additionally his willingness to share his talents and skills with student employees has been of immeasurable assistance to them in the beginning of their fledgling careers. Fern's demonstrated love for people, education and the arts has endeared her to thousands of students, SUU Alumni and patrons of the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Ever enthusiastic, gracious and helpful, her example of love and acceptance of all of humanity, and a great desire to help them, have been hallmarks of a shining example for fellow Southern Utahns.

Dr. Steven O. Laing's singular contributions to the State of Utah and its people throughout a distinguished career in public education for over 30 years as a teacher, coach, principal and now as State Superintendent of Public instruction have marked him as an individual of rare insight, abilities and energy. Dedication to seeing that the children of this state have the best education possible reflects his unwavering commitment to providing for the educational health of all the children in a society of tremendous diversity. Recognizing the importance of educating all students to higher standards in providing for the general welfare and vitality of a robust society, Laing has provided sound leadership for the State in accomplishing this important goal.
As a graduate of Southern Utah University in 1976, he has brought honor to the alma mater through distinguished service to the educational profession and the communities in which he has lived. Dr. Laing has truly been a beacon to all Utahns and has made a profound and positive difference in the educational accomplishments of the students of this great state.
Laing and his charming wife Debbie, a 1982 graduate of SUU, are the parents of five children.