Utah Tech University to honor pioneers at annual Founders’ Weekend celebration
Utah Tech University is planning to take a trip backward through time this week, to the heart of Utah's academic legacy. The St. George-based institution, formerly known as St. George Stake Academy, is gearing up for its annual Founders’ Weekend celebration, marking the day that first iteration of a Washington County college first flung open its doors in 1911.
The party is set for Sept. 15 and 16, with a variety of events scheduled for each day. All these events are should offer some educational opportunities, and they're also open to everyone, absolutely gratis.
First up, on Friday at noon, head to Room 330 of Utah Tech's Holland Centennial Commons for the Special Collections Showcase. The event is set to feature a treasure trove of rare books, ancient newspapers, vintage photographs, and more, all neatly documenting the rich history of Utah Tech and the southern reaches of the state.
Later that same day, Utah Tech students will pay homage to the pioneers of yore by camping out on the North Encampment Mall. This is the very spot where those intrepid pioneers first set up camp, covered wagons and all, and where they held their early school sessions.
On Saturday, Founders’ Weekend marches on with the Heritage Cove Ribbon Cutting ceremony. The festivities kick off with a hearty breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at the North Encampment Mall. It's there that school officials will unveil Heritage Cove, a special area boasting monuments chronicling the storied history of this region.
The events are planned to include remarks from a number of big names among state politicians and Utah Tech alumni, including Utah State Sen. Don Ipson; Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson; the eminent General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Emeritus, Steven Snow; local historian and author Lyman Hafen; Utah Tech President Richard “Biff” Williams; Chair of Utah Tech University Board of Trustees Tiffany Wilson; and Visiting Librarian for Heritage, Culture & Regional History Chloe Batt.
Right after the ceremony, attendees can catch the premiere of "Preservation & Progress: The Story of Utah’s Dixie" at Utah Tech’s Dunford Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. This documentary, directed by Emmy-winning director and retired Utah Tech professor Phil Tuckett, delves into the unique history of Southern Utah. For those unable to attend, the film will be posted online at utahtech.edu/heritageprojects.
Last but not least, Utah Tech University Alumni Association is sponsoring a Scavenger Hunt Rock Challenge slated to take participants all over Southern Utah. It starts with the first clue dropping at 1 p.m. on Sept. 16. Follow @utahtechalumni and @utahtechu on social media to stay in the loop and maybe snag some hidden prizes scattered throughout the community.
"Utah Tech University has grown into an amazing comprehensive university offering active learning experiences in all academic disciplines, career preparation, and the traditional college experience thanks to the dedication, commitment, and hard work of countless pioneers over the course of a century," said Richard "Biff" Williams, the Utah Tech president. He extended his gratitude to the Utah State Legislature for their steadfast support in sharing this rich history far and wide, both on campus and across the community.
For the full scoop on Founders’ Weekend activities, visit utahtech.edu/foundersweekend.
This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Utah Tech University to honor pioneers for Founders’ Weekend
