The Student Alumni Association hosted a watch party for the short film, “Back Up the Mountain,” on Friday morning, March 28 in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Living Room. Students celebrated Southern Utah University’s history with this Tradition Keeper event.
This event is an annual part of Founder’s Week, the university’s birthday celebration. The SAA provided drinks and donuts for those attending the screening.
“Back Up the Mountain” is a drama-documentary directed and produced by SUU Communication Professor, Jon Smith. The film tells the founding story of Old Main — SUU’s first building — and the challenges southern Utah residents endured during its construction.
Part of SUU’s Founder’s Week is remembering the history and the people of SUU. This film was written to tell this story, and the watch party event was designed for students to learn about and be involved in the university’s past.
“These traditions are really what tie us to the past and help us celebrate the future events coming up with SUU,” said SAA President, Jeremy Walker.
On top of celebrating SUU’s Birthday, traditions can also be a fun way to be involved with the school.
“I think Tradition Keepers encourage students not only to mark off traditions and have a good time, but to also feel more like a T-Bird while they’re at it,” Walker added.
While the 2025 Founder’s Week concludes this weekend, SUU Tradition Keeper events will continue year round. Not only is participating in traditions a way to earn prizes, it is a great way for students to be involved in their community here in Cedar City and at SUU.
Tradition Keeper events take place throughout the entire school year, and some even go into the summer season. Upcoming tradition keeping opportunities can be found on the Tradition Keeper Calendar.
For more information on Founder’s Week and the history of SUU, students can watch “Back Up the Mountain” or visit the SUU Website.
Author: Briar Adams
Editor: Heather Turner
Photos courtesy of SUU
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