Students gathered in Southern Utah University’s Sharwan Smith Student Center Living Room to mix sodas and meet President Mindy Benson on Thursday, April 10. This event was hosted by the Student Alumni Association to create an opportunity for students to complete one of SUU’s 50 traditions: Meet the president.
Those in attendance had their choice of soda and additional flavors. While Dr. Pepper remained a popular choice, some participants enjoyed Sprite with strawberry flavoring or Diet Coke with coconut and lime flavorings. President Benson’s favorite is a cherry Coke.
SUU’s traditions encourage students to get involved both on and off campus. This event in particular allowed students to meet the university’s president and enjoy their campus experience.
Lizzy Ensign, an attendee who has completed 35 traditions so far, chose to attend the event to meet new people and reconnect with those she’s met at previous Tradition Keeper events.
“Making those connections is a big part of the SUU experience,” said Ensign. “These events are a good way to meet people that you can then go to future events with.”
Averi Pace, the SAA’s Legacy Chair, encourages people to attend these events, even if they’re not seeking out traditions.
“We do lots of events throughout the year — some big and some small — but we have a variety so there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” said Pace.
President Benson can often be found at events like these. Her job as president keeps her busy, but she works hard to make time to connect one-on-one with students.
Benson said, “The opportunity to spend time with students reminds me of why we do what we do and why we fight for the things that we care about.”
The next Tradition Keeper event will be the 75th Annual Thunderbird Awards, an event dedicated to highlighting the hardest workers at SUU. It will take place Friday, April 18
Author: Rory Quill
Editor: Heather Turner
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
Photos by: Rory Quill
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