Southern Utah University’s Student Alumni Association began the school’s first-ever Tradition Week on Monday, March 11, at 2 p.m. with their Dino-Mite Kick-Off at the south doors of the Mark and Julie Svoboda Geosciences Building. Students took pictures with dinosaur statues and completed several other SUU traditions.
“Before SUU was a thing, Utah raptors literally roamed this campus loud and proud,” said SAA assistant to the president Mia Vazquez. “We think it’s very important to show off our celebrities!”
In addition to the dinosaur photo-op, SUU’s mascot, Thor the Thunderbird, made an appearance to take selfies with students. Attendees were also entered into a raffle for tradition-themed prizes, $25 bookstore gift cards and even a free trip to Vernal, colloquially known as “dinosaur land.”
A few feet south of the dinosaur display is a patch of grass where Gunther the Rock can be found. Gunther is painted multiple times throughout the school year to advertise different events. By taking a picture with Gunther, students can mark off another tradition.
During the event, it was easier than ever for students to take a picture with the leadership spoon and, while they were in the library, rub the head of Gerald R. Sherratt’s statue for good luck on an exam.
“The leadership spoon is normally in the garden level [of the library], but today it’s in the first floor, being showcased in all of its glory,” said Vazquez.
Tradition Week coincides with Founders Week, an annual celebration of SUU’s founding. Over the course of the week, students will have the chance to complete 25 of the 50 SUU traditions through events planned by SUUSAA, from listening to a guest lecture to attending Casino Night.
Once students have completed and documented 25 traditions, they can visit Suite 103 of the R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center and receive a Tradition Keeper t-shirt. More information on the events and tradition keeping opportunities offered this week can be found on SUU’s Tradition Keeper Instagram as well as their website.
Author: Heather Turner
Photos: Heather Turner
Editor: Nick Stein
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