SUU Day of Service with Amber Gower
Published: February 27, 2026 | Author: Kierstin Holloway | Read Time: 2 minutes
Cedar City, UT – Southern Utah University’s Day of Service is an annual volunteering event held in conjunction with the University’s Founders Week. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 28. Traditionally, alumni, students, and community members are invited to join in service projects hosted throughout Cedar City. Though designed to benefit the local community, SUU’s Day of Service benefits T-Birds who participate themselves. One such T-Bird who experienced this is SUU alumna and Headstart family advocate, Amber Gower.
Over a decade ago, Gower began attending college as a non-traditional student. Her business had recently collapsed, her children had started school, and she was looking for a new career. That year, all freshmen students were required to do a day of service as part of their onboarding; something Gower found herself frustrated about, given her limited time and the precious nature of her Saturdays.
That day, Gower was assigned to a large project with a few hundred other students working to move cinder blocks to help with the construction of a park in Enoch.
“ Once I was out there helping alongside others, I realized how meaningful service could be and how connected it made me feel,” said Gower. “From that point on, volunteering became something that I would seek out rather than something I was required to do.”
Since then, Gower has volunteered with SUMA by helping children with art projects, making lunches for the “Lunch in the Park” summer feeding program, and even participated in the Storybook Parade as SpongeBob. Her favorite experience volunteering has been with the Holiday Assistance Program.
“My experiences in service have shaped not only my education but my values and career path, and they continue to guide how I engage with people and the community today,” Gower said.
Gower also believes that service is a powerful way to create connections and encourages students to give it a chance.
“Many students and people in general come to Cedar [City] feeling nervous or disconnected in a new place, and I've seen how community service can bridge that gap. Service creates a connection, you can find a sense of belonging and worth,” said Gower. “Just try it and see how you feel at the end of the day; you really have nothing to lose.”
SUU Day of Service
The SUU Day of Service is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to make a meaningful impact by participating in service projects across campus and the local community. Whether you're cleaning up parks, assisting local organizations, or lending a hand on campus, your efforts help strengthen the spirit of service at SUU. Visit SUU’s Founder’s Week website to learn more, or sign up early to reserve your t-shirt.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu