Angelina Tipiani is a first generation college student completing her fifth year as a cheerleader at Southern Utah University. She will graduate Friday, April 24, with a major in psychology and a minor in family services, and is also a certified behavior technician.
Tipiani made the cheer and stunt team in 2021, it was life-changing and became the deciding factor in her choice to attend Southern Utah University.
The cheer team became Tipiani’s family during her time in Cedar City. She said that although she started as a gymnast, she never truly enjoyed it.
“I always loved watching videos of cheerleaders,” she explained. “When I made the high school cheer team I wasn’t expecting the support and team unity that came with being a cheerleader. After that I fell in love with the sport and knew it wasn’t something I could give up.”
For Tipiani, cheerleading is more than just an activity — it is about connection and support. Though the team is small, the impact was immeasurable. Being a member of the team introduced Tipiani to lifelong friends and kept her involved with the school.
“It means being part of something bigger than myself and always having people I can rely on,” she said.
While cheerleading makes Cedar City feel like home, forever red is her favorite event at SUU. Tipiani loves attending school events and has completed all 50 tradition keeper activities.
Tipiani chose psychology as her major after taking a class in high school. She enjoyed it and realized she wanted a career helping families and children in need. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in social work aiming for a position in the Department of Children and Family Services.
“I want to do social work to help support families and kids who struggle mentally, physically and emotionally,” she said.
She discovered social work through an elective course at SUU and said she was immediately drawn to helping others.
“I am currently doing an internship at the Family Support Center here in Cedar City, and it is so rewarding to help families in need,” she stated.
From finding her place on the cheer team to discovering her passion for helping others, Tipiani’s journey at SUU has been defined by growth and purpose. As she steps into her career in social work, she carries forward the same dedication to community that made Cedar City feel like home.
Author:Emelia Montgomery
Editor: Fanny Felixine
Photos by Gabi Brooks
life@suunews.net
