SUU’s Student Alumni Association hosted its annual High 5’s & Fries event Thursday, March 26. The event promoted high-fiving the statue of Stanlie Sharwan Smith in the Student Center, with free Chik-Fil-A fries for anyone who participated.
High-fiving Smith’s statue is part of a series of 50 items titled “Tradition Keeper.” Its goal is to help students become more connected with their community, explained SAA President Leah Crossley.
“(It’s) just a way to get them involved, try to get them out and doing things, try to create more of a connection for them,” added Crossley.
Sadie Sandusky, an attendee at the event, said she came for the free food, but also to try and have a more meaningful graduation.
“I didn’t have anything at graduation, not even a tassel or any of that,” said Sandusky, referring to her high school experience. “So I want to try and complete the Tradition Keeper program so I can have something when I graduate here.”
The program, originally established in 2020, includes 50 traditions that range from high-fiving the statue, to meeting President Mindy Benson, to visiting a national park. As students complete traditions they can upload proof to the SUU app, earning prizes the more traditions they complete.
At five traditions completed, students can earn a sticker of the Carter Carillon. At 25 traditions, students get a “Tradition Keeper” t-shirt. Upon completing all 50 traditions, students receive a “Tradition coin” as well as a special stole to wear at graduation. Regardless of which prize students earn, they can contact the Alumni Relations Office in suite 103 to pick it up.
Crossley hopes students will continue keeping traditions, especially during Founder’s Week.
“There’s more than 20 of them you can do this week, so it gives you a great jump on the traditions,” she said.
One of SAA’s next events is Pay It Forward on Saturday, March 28t., Participants will serve in various ways throughout the community Students will help those they don’t know.
For more information about Founders week or upcoming SAA events, visit the SUU Traditions website and the SUU News website.
Author: Nathaniel Buck
Editor: Fanny Felixine
Photos by Nathaniel Buck
life@suunews.net
