To all who have come to love Southern Utah University, the story of the founding of the institution has long stood as a source of pride and of inspiration. It is a story of heroism and selflessness, and serves as a constant reminder of the precious value of higher education. Watch the docudrama Back Up the Mountain, and read Fae Decker Dix's poem Tribute To the Founders.
Each March, our Founders Celebration salutes our rich past and promising future with a variety of events. Importantly, it pays tribute to the steadfast and visionary men and women who sacrificed greatly to establish the institution and to the enduring spirit of those founders, as it honors, as well, those who have devoted comparable service to the building of the University over many decades.
2025 Founders Week
Monday, March 24
Catch Carter
Cater Carillon scavenger hunt at various locations on campus. Learn more.
Tuesday, March 25
Howard R. Driggs Memorial Lecture
11:30 a.m. in the Gilbert Great Hall, Hunter Alumni Center. Dr. Kurt Graham, president of the Adams Presidential Center. Tradition Keeper.
Catch Carter
Cater Carillon scavenger hunt at various locations on campus. Learn more.
Wednesday, March 26
Lunch on the Main
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Old Main, ELC Plaza, Library Plaza, Centurium, Founders Monument, Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), and the Sharwan Smith Center Rotunda. Enjoy food and stories from SUU's founding. Tradition Keeper.
Catch Carter
Cater Carillon scavenger hunt at various locations on campus. Learn more.
Thursday, March 27
Fossil Find
Noon to 1 p.m. at the Svoboda GeoScience Building. Learn more.
Catch Carter
Cater Carillon scavenger hunt at various locations on campus. Learn more.
Friday, March 28
Donuts & Back Up the Mountain
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Living Room. Learn more.
Founders Banquet
6:30 p.m., Gilbert Great Hall, Hunter Alumni Center. Terri Hartley and Lee Byers will receive Distinguished Service Awards.
Red Friday
All-day. Wear Red and show your T-Bird pride. Tradition Keeper.
Catch Carter
Cater Carillon scavenger hunt at various locations on campus. Learn more.
Saturday, March 29
SUU Service Day
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join T-Bird Nation in a day of service to our local community. Contact Val Olson for more information.