2007 Commencement Report

Nothing more aptly symbolizes change on a college campus than its commencement ceremonies. SUU’s spring 2007 Commencement was no different. Even the weather—it was cold and snowy the day before—changed Saturday morning as both the sun and eager graduates arose early for the long-awaited walk to the Centrum where they would soon become SUU’s newest alumni.

Among this year’s changes was the largest graduating class ever—1,343 graduates—a new university president, Michael T. Benson, the first ever web cast of commencement, and the use of audio-visual technology in highlighting this year’s honorary degree recipients.

As President Benson looked out over the graduates to greet them and their families, he described the scene as having a “‘Lord of the Rings’ Middle Earth feel to it.” Quoting George Plimpton and Thomas Friedman he praised both the graduates and the institution of which he has recently taken the helm. Remarks Benson, “Yes, the good word about SUU is getting out and more and more employers are taking note of the exceptional graduates this campus is producing.”

Beginning with the oft-repeated childhood rhyme, “no more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks,” Greg Barnett, giving the student graduation address, reminded us just how much pencils, books and teachers have come to mean in our lives. “We should have come to realize through years of schooling and study that the very things we pretend to despise have become our greatest allies, truest friends, and most trusted counselors,” says Barnett.

This year’s commencement address was delivered by Governor Jon M. Huntsman and marks the first time in SUU history that a sitting governor of Utah has spoken at the university’s commencement. Drawing on many pop culture references—Bono, Britney Spears, Myspace--, Huntsman endeared himself to graduates by joking that “what happens at Brad’s Food Hut, stays at Brad’s Food Hut.” He instructed graduates on seven important lessons from the importance of dreaming, to listening, to serving.

Three outstanding community members were awarded honorary doctorate degrees this year. Huntsman, as this year’s commencement speaker, was recognized for his work as a diplomat, ambassador, business leader and governor. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Public Service.

Marie “Ree” Zaphiropolous was awarded an honorary doctorate degree of Humane Letters. Her exhaustive list of involvement includes serving in such disparate places as the Cedar City Arts Council to the SUU Rodeo Team Fundraising Committee to the SUU Old Main Society.

Mayor Gerald R. Sherrat was recipient of an honorary doctorate degree of Public Administration. During his 15 and a half years as SUU president, Sherratt guided the school’s enrollment from 1,800 to nearly 6,000 students, attained university status, adopted master’s programs, oversaw the construction of 10 major buildings and upgraded athletics to NCAA Division I status.

Three SUU students were recognized as co-valedictorians. Ashley A. Crum, Nicholas Gower, and Trina Lloyd all maintained a 4.0 GPA while being involved in numerous extra-curricular activities.

Commencement Webcast Archive
- Benson at 41:31
- Barnett at 53:03
- Huntsman at 1:18:50