In the rotunda of the Sharwan Smith Student Center, the Southern Utah University Student Alumni Association held a tradition keeper event entitled High 5’s & Fries, on Wednesday, Jan.15. Being one of the university’s 50 traditions, students were invited to high five Sharwan Smith’s statue and earn free Chick-fil-A fries.
Running from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., a long queue formed in the building’s hall, and around 200 students were present. Participants had the opportunity to take photos of the high five from all angles with the “tradition completed” boards.
“It was fun to see people interacting and completing the tradition,” said attendee Yaede Jo.
Established in 2020, the tradition keeper initiative encourages students to participate in SUU and Cedar City’s many traditions, while honoring some of the great figures in the university’s history, such as alumnus Stanlie Sharwan Smith.
Emblematic figure at SUU for her involvement and good humor, Smith’s statue was raised in 1997 after she died in a car accident. Smith’s pose —her arm outstretched in greeting— was chosen as a tribute to her demeanor on campus, always waiving and smiling.
“(Students) are learning about the cherished traditions and they’re able to bridge that gap of community, history of SUU with current day students,” said SAA President Jeremy Walker. “(It) brings a sense of community and creates a memorable experience for students.”
The program’s next event is Bread and Soup Night, which is held the first Monday of each month. Students will have the opportunity to complete two traditions simultaneously: the soup eating competition and the leadership spoon.
As students participate in traditional keeper events, they receive awards and can pick them up in Suite 103 of the Hunter Alumni Center.
T-Birds who complete five traditions receive a Carter Carillon Bell Tower sticker, while those who complete 25 traditions earn a Tradition Keeper T-shirt. The grand reward for completing all 50 is a Tradition Keeping stole to wear at graduation.
For more information on SUU’s history or upcoming events, visit the SUU Traditions website and Instagram.
Author: Fanny Felixine
Editor: Heather Turner
Photos by Anna Mower
life@suunews.net
