DSU Magazine Fall 2015

ON THE COVER

Registered nurses Miquelle Baynham, left, and Rosemary Jackson provide care to a patient in Dixie Regional Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit. Jackson and nine other nurses from Tanzania spent seven weeks studying at Dixie State and Dixie Regional. Photo by Scott Garrett

CONTACT US

To suggest a story for an upcoming issue of Dixie State University Magazine, email Jyl Hall at jylhall@dixie.edu, call her at 435-652-7547, or send a letter to 225 S. University Ave., North Admin Building, St. George, UT 84790. To make changes to the mailing list, contact Kalynn Larson at 435-652-7535 or larson@dixie.edu.

Dixie State University Magazine is published biannually by the office of Public Relations and Publications in cooperation with the DSU Alumni Association. To view the magazine online, visit www.dixie.edu/alumni/alumniandfriends/alumni_magazine.php.

ABOUT US

Editor

Jyl Hall

Designers

Josh Bodell

Scott Garrett

Jyl Hall

Spencer Smuin

Photographers

Scott Garrett

Jared Madsen, ’06

Stan Plewe

Danielle Poulsen, ’15

Tori Wikin, ’15

Copy Editors

Steve Johnson

Marilyn Lamoreaux

Deborah Wirth, ‘03

ROCK THE RED

Celebrate Homecoming 2015 with traditional and new activities

HONORING INDUCTEES

The institution’s Hall of Fame display receives a much-deserved facelift

08

DIXIE 2020

University to unveil strategic plan that maps out Dixie State’s next five years

Jared Madsen, ’06

Alumni Director

Kalynn Larson, ‘94

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 16

06 23 26 28

GLOBAL OUTREACH

DSU IN THE NEWS

Faculty and staff receive recognition; Student crowned Miss Utah

CAMPUS UPDATE

Tanzanian nurses learn new skills and practice techniques on the DSU campus 11 20

Administrators are planning new construction and renovation projects

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Women’s softball team slides into Commencement in the nick of time

ALUMNI NEWS

Get reacquainted with classmates and make new friends

CAMPUS CALENDAR

Check out concerts, lectures, and games you won’t want to miss

Marketing Coordinator

Board of Trustees

Dr. Christina J. Durham, Chair

David L. Clark, Vice Chair

Julie B. Beck

Larry G. Bergeson

Alumni Association President

Hal Hiatt, ‘93

Alumni Marketing and Publications Coordinator

Chet Norman, ’15

Elisabeth Rhodes Bingham

Matt Devore

Hal P. Hiatt

Jon Pike

Gail Cooper Smith

Thomas E. Wright

2015Alumni Banquet

A member of the Dixie State University Board of Trustees, Julie Bangerter Beck’s steadfast involvement with the institution started when she was a student here. While studying at Dixie College, Julie was a member of the Program Bureau, marched with the Rebelettes, performed in “Show Boat,” and served on the Executive Council. After graduating from Dixie, she married Ramon P. Beck and completed her education at Brigham Young University.

A native of Granger, Utah, and graduate of American Fork High School, Julie has been a leader in parent teacher associations, school district advisory councils, music teacher associations, community celebrations and local politics. Additionally, she was inducted into the Dixie State College Hall of Fame in 2007.

Julie has served in leadership roles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, most recently as the Relief Society general president. As part of her responsibilities, she was a member of the Church Board of Education and the board of trustees of four church universities and was on the executive and general councils for Welfare and the Perpetual Education Fund of the church. In addition, she served on the church’s Young Women General Board and as First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency. Residents of Alpine, Utah, Julie and Ramon have three children and 10 grandchildren.

A Dixie supporter through and through, Penny Rae Hafen Barben was born and raised in Santa Clara, Utah. She graduated from Dixie High School and Dixie Junior College, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen and performed in several of Marion Bentley’s musicals. She was also crowned as Utah Dairy Princess and Miss Utah while she was a college student.

After Dixie, Penny went on to major in English and minor in French and art at Utah State University. The English teachers at Dixie and USU were an inspiration to her and, as a result, Penny became an English instructor, teaching off and on for 40 years.

Penny and her husband, Gordon Barben, have seven children, six of whom graduated from Dixie, and 28 grandchildren. While raising her family, Penny completed her master’s degree at Southern Utah University. She also found time to get involved in the community, serving as the chairwoman of the Miss Washington County Fair contest, an officer for Republican Women, and a longtime member of Red Hills Reviewers literary club. Additionally, on the Dixie campus, she was a member of Dixie Scholarship Associates and helped plan the group’s fundraiser, Dixie’s Got Talent, and served as chairwoman of Musical Memories, an invitational concert band comprised of Dixie alumni and local musicians.

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Alumni Banquet Speaker

Julie Bangerter Beck

Penny Rae Hafen Barben

Even though she’s not a native of southern Utah, it didn’t take Pat Roper long to catch the Dixie Spirit. Raised in Mapelton, Utah, Pat graduated from Springville High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical education and dance from Utah State University and a master’s in recreational management and youth leadership from Brigham Young University. Upon graduating, Pat taught tennis, elementary physical education, social dance, and aerobics. In 1971, Pat moved to St. George, where she began her storied career with Dixie College. While at Dixie, she served as the cheer coach for 16 years and the dance advisor for 28 years. In this role, Pat was pivotal in creating the Dixie Spirit at athletic events. Her squads traveled to the men’s basketball NJCAA National Championships in 1985 and 2002. Then in 2012, she was inducted into the Dixie State Athletics Hall of Fame. Additionally, Pat was an assistant professor of physical education and dance at Dixie and was named Dixie College’s Teacher of the Year for the 1996-97 academic year. Pat and her husband, Marlan, have three sons, 11 grandsons, and three great-grandsons. Pat loves to read in her free time and has been a member of the same book club for more than 30 years.

A pillar in southern Utah’s education scene, Dr. Max H. Rose began teaching math and chemistry at Dixie College in 1972. He went on to be the institution’s vice president of academics. After decades of service to Dixie, he was named superintendent of the Washington County School District in 2003 and served in this capacity for 10 years. Additionally, he was a member of the Dixie State University Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2014.

Born and raised in the small town of Henrieville, Max graduated from Bryce Valley High School and went on to earn degrees in math and chemistry. He received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University, a master’s from Utah State University, and a doctorate from Brigham Young University.

Dr. Rose has served as a leader in his church in many capacities and has been involved in the community in multiple roles. He served as chairman of Dixie Regional Medical Center’s governing board during the construction of the current hospital, was the chairman of the Dixie Center while it was located on the Dixie State campus, and served on the St. George Water and Power Board.

Dr. Rose and his wife, Kathy, have four children and eight grandchildren.

Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, 6 p.m., Gardner Center Ballroom

To purchase banquet tickets, call 435-652-7535

Pat Roper

Dr. Max H. Rose

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

University Installs New Display for Hall of Fame

By Deborah Wirth, ‘03

An exciting new display will greet community members as they enter the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center on the Dixie State University campus this fall.

Since 1998, plaques etched with biographies and photos of the university’s prestigious Hall of Fame inductees have resided on the lobby wall next to the box office. Now, the plaques will get the attention they deserve as part of a beautiful display.

“We were definitely out of space to sufficiently display the 90 plaques and growing,” Brad Last, vice president of advancement, said. “The new look will give proper recognition to those who have been honored while providing an enhanced visual experience for our patrons.”

Plaques honoring those inducted into the Dixie College Hall of Fame from 1998 to 2012 are framed by a traditional-style wall piece emphasizing the college’s unique history. Cherry wood flanked by columns and crown

Juanita L. Brooks

Andrew Karl Larson

Otto F. Jones

molding with architectural bronze lettering carries the theme.

be an alumnus, member of Dixie’s faculty or staff or Dixie State University award winner.

Prince

Sears

Leland “Coach Lee” Hafen

Bruce V. Hurst

Stanley W. Watts

Sarkis “Coach Sark” Arslanian

Around the corner and on the other side of the box office, those inducted after Dixie became a university in 2013 will find their plaques highlighted by silver tones and etched zinc. The style transitions the display to a more modern, contemporary look indicative of university status.

Dr. W. Rolfe Kerr

Hugh McCurdy Woodward

Jerry C. Atkin

2000

Val A.

Beginning with the Hall of Fame’s initial member, business mogul Steven UdvarHazy, after whom the Udvar-Hazy School of Business building was named, every member of the elite academy has satisfied meritorious criteria in order to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Each inductee must have earned distinction in his or her field of study and made a positive impact on the state, nation, or world. Additionally, each honoree must have made significant financial contributions or gifts of service to Dixie State’s educational mission and

Garth L. Milne

John C. Riding

Dr. M. Kenneth Bowler

Bruce Clark Hafen

Glenn E. Snow

Arthur

Joseph Kelly Nicholes

For their contributions to Dixie, honorees are inducted into one of seven different categories: Athletics, Business, Education, Fine & Performing Arts, Public & University Service, Science & Technology and Social Science & Humanities.

“We at DSU are incredibly fortunate to have such distinguished individuals represent our campus through their varied talents, service and achievements. Their contributions to Dixie State are incalculable,” Last said.

The 2015 Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the annual Dixie State Founders’ Day Assembly on Saturday, September 26, at 11:30 a.m. in the St. George Tabernacle. Detailed information about the Hall of Fame along with inductee’s full bios can be found online at www.dixie.edu/development/hall_of_ fame.php.

Dr. R.J. Snow

Blair Wellington McDonald

Alton Lavar Wade • LeRoy N. Nisson

Dona Kirkham Parkinson

Marion H. Bowler

Montrue Larkin

Dr. Edward H. Snow

Lyman Hafen

Dr. Craig Lang Booth

Emil (E.J.) Graff

Sue Stout Cox

Rodney F. Savage

Russell C. Taylor

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy

Jeffery Bentley

Earl J. Bleak

Roene Bigler DiFiore

Joseph Crane Simmons • Dr. Andrew H. Barnum

Lionel E. Hollins • John Ashworth “Cat” Thompson • Leland “Coach Lee” Hafen

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Excitement is in the air as the campus community prepares for Homecoming 2015. Last year’s Homecoming festivities were special to my family and me because it was our first year to experience the Midnight 5K, Homecoming Parade, and all the other activities that make the fall so special in Dixie. This year, another monumental event defines the weeklong celebration of the Dixie Spirit: the unveiling of Dixie 2020: Status to Stature.

As most of you are aware, we started working on this strategic plan during the last few months of 2014, and it will guide Dixie State University’s growth for the next five years. I must say, I am thrilled about the direction we are headed and am excited to share it with all of you. Be sure to check our website, www.dixie.edu, for all the details of the launch of the plan. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn about the future of DSU.

Before we can celebrate, though, we have to receive formal approval of the plan from Dixie State’s Board of Trustees. Dixie 2020 will be presented to the board for approval in mid-September.

To get the plan ready for execution, the Strategic Planning Stakeholder Summit was held June 1. There, stakeholders set priorities and assigned responsibility for implementing the strategic plan to different campus employees. Goal leaders have been identified and are working with faculty and staff to create implementation plans and funding requests for Dixie 2020’s priorities.

As the strategic plan’s name suggests, Dixie 2020 will guide us as we secure university stature now that the institution has enjoyed university status for about two and a half years. To accomplish this, the strategic planning committee has identified six goals to which the university will dedicate time, energy, and resources.

Our first goal is to promote student success and increase retention and completion rates at all degree levels. To successfully reach this goal, we will develop academically focused recruitment approaches, increase faculty members’ roles in student retention, and create processes that provide students with access to more educational opportunities. As part of goal number two, we want to broaden and enhance academic programs to facilitate growth. We plan to do this by developing new areas of study, creating the School of Interdisciplinary Innovation to promote excellence, and improving the quality and method of course delivery.

To attain university stature and accomplish our third goal, we will invest in faculty and staff recruitment, retention, and development. The university will accomplish this by improving compensation packages and the hiring and retention procedures of faculty and staff while maximizing professional development opportunities.

For goal four, we seek to promote the success of underrepresented faculty, staff, and students by enhancing support for inclusion and equity. To accomplish this, the university will provide accessible and equitable educational opportunities and resources to minority and underrepresented students and provide yearly workshops and training opportunities to faculty, staff, and administration.

Another key to our long-term success is engaging with the southern Utah region to strengthen civic, cultural, and economic life. To successfully reach goal five, Dixie State will create an entity that will oversee all of the university’s community service efforts, take stock of our efforts, identify ways to better serve the community, and host an annual community service fair.

Through highlighting the unique characteristics of the university’s academic programs and location, strengthening the athletics program, forging alliances with businesses, alumni, and community members, and developing a communications and marketing strategy, we are confident we can achieve our final goal, which is to establish a strong brand and identity for the university.

Formulating these goals and going through the strategic planning process in general wouldn’t have been possible without all of your input and the tireless dedication of Dixie State’s faculty and staff. The strategic planning committee, made up of representatives from across campus, has gone above and beyond the call of duty to produce an action plan that will elevate Dixie State University to the next level and make its community and alumni proud of their institution. Now is the time for us all to do our part to execute the plan that has been so ably produced. I look forward to working to that end with you.

Great things are in store for Dixie!

President, Dixie State University

“We

“We

Healthcare with Heart Tanzanian Nurses Study at Dixie

Story by Jyl Hall

Photography and Page Design by Scott Garrett

They traveled 10,000 miles from their homes in eastern Africa to study in southern Utah. Once here, they intently listened to lectures and participated in classroom discussions. They even worked side by side with nurses at Dixie Regional Medical Center to hone their skills in the clinical setting.

Ten registered nurses from the United Republic of Tanzania certainly achieved a lot when they were on the Dixie State campus for seven weeks this summer, but what they are achieving now that they are back home is even more remarkable. With determination to improve Tanzania’s healthcare system, these nurses are

sharing the lessons they learned here with their colleagues and patients.

“Being a nurse, you are a teacher,” Nazahed Mkiramwemi, one of the nurses who studied at Dixie, said. “We are happy and we are ready to disseminate what we learned to our coworkers because they are key players in ensuring we reduce the maternal and neonatal mortality rate.”

An Educational Mission

Before returning home to teach, the nurses received advanced training on topics pertaining to community health, labor and delivery, and mother-baby care while participating in the Dixie State University Tanzania Nurses Educational Experience. The

exchange’s topics support Tanzania’s national health goal of reducing maternal, neonatal, and childhood deaths. For every 100,000 live births in Tanzania, 450 mothers don’t survive childbirth. Comparatively, in the U.S., 28 of 100,000 mothers don’t survive.

Made possible by a partnership between the university, the Colom Foundation, nursing educational programs in Tanzania, and Tanzanian National Nursing Association, the exchange taught nurses skills that will improve the health of all Tanzanians, especially those who are the most vulnerable: women, girls, newborns, and children younger than 5 years old.

In a country where there is a severe shortage of nurses, tutors, and nursing school resources, it isn’t uncommon for a nurse to be charged with the care of 40 patients. Comparatively, for nurses in America, caring for five to eight patients is a heavy workload. “The challenges are many because we have many patients,” Tanzanian nurse Emily Sasi said. “Sometimes, there are two patients in one bed.”

To reduce the number of patients even walking through hospital doors, the nurses learned preventative medicine techniques.

“I learned a lot I can share with mamas. When they go home, they have to prevent their babies from infection and diseases,” Fidea Obimbo said. “I have to prepare a lesson to teach them how to prevent their babies from dying and how

to assist their babies when they go through complications at home. This is important knowledge I have to trust to my moms, who can disseminate it to their families and the whole community.”

In an effort to educate the entire country, the nurses plan to teach what they learned to community health workers who will share the information with the communities they serve.

“We need to transfer this knowledge to the rural areas, where a majority of the people there are very disadvantaged,” Mary Chuwa said. “They come far from where they live to visit the hospital, and transportation, affordability, and access are a problem.”

While in southern Utah, the nurses

participated in the hands-on learning experiences common to American students. They practiced techniques in skills labs and took part in clinicals at Dixie Regional.

“In Tanzania, students have a difficult time learning because we are learning through theoretical study and by imagination. We don’t get to practice,” Edson Sungwa said. “It’s not that we don’t have skill labs in Tanzania, but they are not well equipped.”

Many of the visiting nurses were amazed by the technologies available in the American medical field, but they aren’t dependent on those advancements. In fact, the instruction focused on what the nurses can do with the resources available right in front of them when they return home.

“Being a nurse, you are a teacher. We are happy and we are ready to disseminate what we learned.”

“There are some issues we can handle without the technology. We can use the maneuvers we have been taught and we can teach those to others,” Rosemary Jackson said. “We know our country. We can’t manage to have those big technologies. I know we are far behind, but we can use the knowledge we have to make it work for the people back in our country.”

International Philanthropy

The exchange started when Kathy Rasmussen, associate professor of nursing, traveled with a handful of other

DSU professors to Tanzania during the spring of 2014. Jim Parkinson, a Utah native, asked the university to help him and Wilbur Colom, his Nashera Hotel business partner, spread the Colom Foundation’s philanthropic mission of educating the country’s citizens. While on the trip, sponsored by the foundation and individual philanthropists, Rasmussen learned about the country’s healthcare system. Upon returning to southern Utah, Rasmussen worked with Dr. Carole Grady, dean of DSU’s School of Health Sciences, to formulate a plan to offer nurses some training at Dixie. “They just are so hungry for things to do for

“In Tanzania, students have a difficult time learning because we are learning through theoretical study and by imagination.”

their country,” Rasmussen said. “It is better for us to train someone who can train others in their own country than take ourselves over there again.”

Rasmussen and Grady invited registered nurses who were fluent in English to apply for the exchange, and 70 professionals from throughout the country did so. From there, they had the difficult task of whittling the qualified and eager-to-learn delegation down to 10. As a result, the nurses who came to Dixie were the cream of the crop, Rasmussen said. Members of the group of eight women and two men have bachelor’s, master’s, and midwifery degrees.

The exchange is just one piece in the university’s outreach to Tanzania. Sandy Wilson, assistant professor in DSU’s Dental Hygiene Department, also traveled to Tanzania. She is helping set up outreach programs to educate residents about the benefits of flossing, brushing, and using fluoride, an important task, as the country’s overloaded dentists don’t practice preventative medicine and only see patients when they are in pain. The approach is at least partially influenced by the lack of practicing dental professionals; the dentist to resident ratio is 1 to 347,273, compared to United States’ ratio of 1 to 1,719. Plus, Tanzanian dentists don’t employ the services of dental hygienists.

In an effort to help the country transition from a socialistic economy to more of a capitalistic one, Dr. Eric Pedersen, dean of DSU’s School of Science & Technology, met with business owners and deans at the University of Dodoma, located in the country’s capital city.

Situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean, home of Mount Kilimanjaro, and a popular spot for tourists eager to go on safaris, Tanzania has a growing economy. However, the country still has one of lowest per capita income rates in the world. Pedersen offered pointers on how to manage the economic challenges the country is facing.

Two other members of Dixie’s delegation to Tanzania, Dr. Matt Morin, assistant professor in DSU’s Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Department, and Dr. Glenn Webb, chairman of DSU’s Music Department, worked with Chamwino Arts Center in Dodoma to help communities preserve fading cultural traditions. By recording

and archiving examples of traditional music and dance, the team is helping the country establish a single-nation identity after gaining independence in 1961. In another effort to keep the country’s cultural roots alive, the team is helping the University of Dodoma, established in 2007, build its humanities department.

A year and a half after visiting Tanzania, the group is maintaining its relationship with the country by facilitating student and faculty exchanges with several Tanzanian universities. As for the nurse exchange, Rasmussen said, the foundation is working on sending Dixie nursing students to Tanzania to help in a clinic there — a partnership that will quickly flourish, thanks to the relationships built with ten nurses who spent a summer in Dixie.

“When we go back, we’ll have a good message of U.S. people, that you are so good, you are so kind, you are so loving and now we know the meaning of being compassionate, helpful and loving,” Sungwa said.

DSU NEWS IN THE

By Steve Johnson and Jyl Hall

CIT SUMMER PROGRAMMING

Thanks in part to a $280,000 appropriation from the Utah State Legislature for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, DSU’s School of Science & Technology added another offering to its lineup of summer programs.

New this year, Design School taught design software and technical skills to the high school juniors and seniors and college students who were selected to participate in the eight-week intensive course. Code School also returned this summer, offering instruction on computer programming and web development for the second year. Taught by DSU faculty and professionals from the private sector and free to the students, these programs teach material with real life-applications — a method that translated to more than 70 percent of last year’s Code School participants landing internships or jobs.

The department also continued to offer its beginning, intermediate and high school computer classes as well as Girls Go Digital, acquainting 8- to 18-year-olds with programming and design skills. This training proves vital, as there are some 20,000 open positions for professionals with technology backgrounds within 300 miles of St. George.

“Industry experts say the number one reason why the industry is not growing is because they can’t find enough talented labor,” Dr. Eric Pedersen, dean of the School of Science & Technology, said. “We are offering camps to younger students to get them interested in technology so we can fill the pipeline moving forward and try to meet the huge demand.”

The schools and camps will return next summer. More information is available at camps.dixie.edu.

Dixie State Adds Four-Year Chemistry Degree

Now offering two baccalaureate degree programs, the Department of Physical Sciences added a Bachelor’s of Science degree in chemistry to its program this fall. The new degree is offered alongside the program’s Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Science Composite Teaching.

The chemistry program is housed in the Snow Science Center, which features renovated classrooms and laboratories. This facility, supported by Edward and Idonna Snow, provides the facilities necessary for students to work on research projects with faculty members.

DSU Athletics on National Landscape this year

Carves Its Name

The Dixie State Women’s Softball team was not the only program to advance to NCAA postseason play this past spring. (Turn to page 23 to read about their run.) In all, five DSU programs took part in national championship tournaments.

Under the direction of Head Coach Jon Judkins, the men’s basketball team appeared in its sixth-straight NCAA Tournament, while the Storm Men’s Golf program won the PacWest title and earned its seventh-straight NCAA West Region bid. DSU’s baseball team repeated as PacWest Champs and went to the NCAA Regionals for the fourthconsecutive season. DSU women’s golfer Haley Dunn was a medalist in the 2015 PacWest Women’s Golf Championships and advanced to the NCAA Super 4 Regional for the second time in three years. She finished T-26th.

On the football front, former DSU All-America tight end Joe Don Duncan signed a free agent contract with the NFL’s Denver Broncos in March. Duncan, who served as an assistant coach at DSU last season, has been working primarily as a fullback during the Broncos’ OTAs and spring drills.

In addition, DSU pitchers Porter Clayton and Evan Parker signed contracts with Major League Baseball organizations over the summer. Clayton was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 19th round of the 2015 MLB First-Year Player Draft on June 10, and Parker signed a free-agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on June 25.

Porter Clayton

Evan Parker

1,720 Students Graduate with Degrees, Certificates

Dixie State conferred 1,827 degrees and certificates, including 621 baccalaureate degrees, 1,039 associate degrees, and 167 vocational and technical certificates, to 1,720 graduates at its 104th Commencement Exercises on May 8.

While 26 foreign countries, 39 states, and Puerto Rico were represented in the Class of 2015, 84.6 percent of DSU’s graduates this year call Utah home. Washington County natives made up 54.9 percent of Dixie’s graduating class, with 25 of the state’s 29 counties being represented. Female graduates constituted 56.3 percent of the class and graduates’ ages ranged from 17 to 66.

&Recognitions Awards

Sears Art Museum Gallery

Curator Kathy Cieslewicz was presented with the 2015 Utah Governor’s Individual Leadership in the Arts award in May for her advocacy on behalf of Utah artists. Cieslewicz was recognized for her efforts in the development and promotion of artists and the art community in southern Utah.

DSU academic advisor

Chris Gifford was named the 2015 Advisor of the Year by the Utah Advising Association. Gifford, who graduated Magna Cum Laude in mass communication from Dixie State in 2010, has served as an academic advisor at DSU for four years. He provides advising for secondyear general education students as well as students seeking career and technical education certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees.

DSU Executive Director of Enrollment Management Dr David Roos and Director of Advisement Michael Olsen received the Alan E. Hall Innovation for Undergraduate Student Success award for the 2014-15 academic year. Presented by the Utah System of Higher Education, the award supports efforts to improve student retention and success. The duo’s proposal requires sophomores who are on academic warning or probation to take a risk survey so an action plan can be created to address identified challenges.

Chair of the Department of Physical Sciences

Dr. Kelly Bringhurst’s article

“The impact on nutrient cycles from tropical forest to pasture conversion in Costa Rica” was the first paper published in the first edition of the new international journal “Sustainable Water Resources Management.”

Dr. Richard Featherstone took over the role of dean of the School of Humanities on July 1. Featherstone replaced Dr. Donald Ray Hinton, who retired last December after nearly 40 years of service at Dixie State. Featherstone served as coordinator of outreach and community engagement for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa. In addition to teaching, he has served as an interim department head and an associate dean at UNI.

DSU Films won the Rockstar Video Contest at the OrgSync Connect conference in Dallas, Texas, in June. The winning video, “One Account to Log Into Them All,” promotes the Dixie ID project. The $250 prize money will be awarded to an IT student work study in the form of a scholarship.

There She Is, Miss Utah

On June 20, Krissia Beatty became the first Dixie State student to be crowned Miss Utah, besting a field of 50 candidates to earn the coveted honor at the annual pageant in Salt Lake City. The St. George native will represent Dixie at the 2016 Miss America Pageant this September in Atlantic City, N.J.

The senior human communication major will spend the next year taking her platform, Live Well – Change the Focus, across the state and will represent Utah as part of the Miss America Organization’s national partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network. Along with the title, Beatty won a $10,000 scholarship, housing stipend and new car from Murdock Hyundai. Beatty is the second Dixie State student to compete at the Miss America pageant. In 2012, DSU alumna Alana Lee represented

Intermountain Healthcare Sponsors Scholarship

Dixie State’s nursing program received a $100,000 contribution from Intermountain Healthcare to create a scholarship initiative for diversity in nursing. The donation was awarded to the university in March.

“This is a wonderful gift that will provide us with the opportunity to increase student diversity in our program,” Dr. Carole Grady, dean of DSU’s School of Health Sciences, said.

Dixie State and Intermountain have enjoyed a long-standing partnership. In 2008, DSU opened the Russell C. Taylor Health Sciences Center on the Dixie Regional Medical Center campus. The center houses all of the university’s health science academic programs and serves as a training facility for the medical center.

Legislature Funds Purchase of University Plaza

During its 2015 session, the Utah State Legislature allocated $3 million for Dixie State to purchase University Plaza from Dixie College Foundation.

The transaction will free up funds the foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the university in its educational mission, and Dixie State can use for other projects.

The four-building complex is located at 1071 E. 100 South, just east of Dixie State’s main campus. In addition to housing classrooms and various departments within the School of Humanities, University Plaza includes office space that is rented out to entities such as the University of Utah.

Building the Future

Projects underway to Provide growing student body with new oPPortunities

Hansen Stadium Renovation

Amenities

The new grandstand will likely include locker rooms, restrooms, ticket offices, and concession stands. The existing grandstand will be renovated to include an updated press box, Dixie State Storm Club seating, and rooms that can accommodate special events.

Funding Status

The state does not fund athletic facilities, so the university is working to raise the entire amount needed, about $20 million.

Estimated Completion Date

Construction will begin once the funds have been raised.

Purpose

The stadium will host Dixie State football games, community events, and high school band contests and state football playoffs.

Size

A new grandstand on the east side of the football field will increase seating capacity from 5,000 to 10,000.

History

The stadium was constructed in 1984 and while the field was resurfaced in 2010, the grandstands have not been remodeled.

Human Performance/Student Wellness Center

Purpose

The proposed center will support academic programs in health and human performance, including Bachelor of Science degrees in exercise science, health promotion, recreation & sports management, athletic training, and physical education teacher education.

Expected Size

The center will be approximately 150,000 square feet.

Estimated Completion Date

DSU is working toward gaining approval from the State of Utah for this project.

Amenities

If approved, the facility will house specialized classrooms, labs and exercise facilities that will support student success. Additionally, the center would include an Olympic-size swimming pool complete with a spectator gallery, three full-size basketball courts that convert to indoor soccer venues, a fitness center, running track, climbing wall, intramural offices and locker rooms.

Proposed Location

The building will likely be on the corner of 300 South and University Avenue, where the tennis courts are currently situated. New tennis courts will be constructed on the west side of the East Elementary property.

Funding Status

Students are contributing $10 million from student fees toward the $49.5 million project. The university is seeking $5 million in private funding and support from the State of Utah to cover the remainder of the cost.

Burns Arena North Addition

Size

The two-story structure adds 20,000 square feet to the Burns Arena.

Estimated Completion Date

Construction of the addition is scheduled to be finished in December of 2015.

Purpose

The addition will house employee offices.

Funding Status

The project is fully funded.

Amenities

The addition will include offices, break rooms, and a large conference/banquet space that has a great view.

Student Housing Complex

History

Faculty and staff offices were added to campus when the Holland Centennial Commons was built in 2011, but with the necessary addition of more faculty members to attain university status in 2013, even more office space is needed today.

Possible Amenities

The complex will feature suites that accommodate six students each and include single- and double-occupancy bedrooms, a comfortable living room space, larger kitchenette and eating space, and bathroom with sinks separate from shower and toilet rooms. The facility also will include a full kitchen, computer area, and laundry room on each floor and activity/lounge areas, an exercise room, a conference room, and outdoor courtyards.

Funding Status

Expected Size

The new student housing facility will include 90,000 square feet on four stories. It will accommodate approximately 350 students.

Estimated Completion Date

The complex will open in August of 2016 before the fall semester commences.

Get Involved

Location

The new complex will be built immediately west of Nisson Towers, which will stay open.

History

This complex will be the first addition of student housing since 1968, when Nisson Towers were built.

A bond from the Utah State Legislature and institutional funds are financing most of the project. To cover the remaining cost, the university is seeking private contributions. Naming opportunities are available for potential donors.

Additional Information

The facility will be co-ed and parking will be available near the complex.

To learn how you can help bring these exciting projects to fruition, please contact Vice President of Advancement Brad Last at 435-652-7858 or blast@dixie.edu.

DIAMOND TO Diploma

TEAM CAPTIVATES CROWDS at Commencement, NCAA Finals

Overall 52-8 at Karl Brooks Field 25-0

PacWest Mark 31-1

Graduation Day — it is an occasion many alumni remember with fondness and a sense of pride and accomplishment. For five senior members of the Dixie State Softball team, and for the thousands in attendance inside the Burns Arena, the university’s 2015 commencement exercises contained a moment of pure magic.

As the 2015 regular season came to a close, Dixie State had once again asserted itself into the national conversation as one of the best, if not the best, softball programs in the country. The Storm won the Pacific West Conference title in dominating fashion and were awarded the No. 2 seed in the NCAA West Region playoffs.

However, for the team’s five seniors — Nikki Chavez, Bailee Freeland, Courtney Hine, Marla Reiter and Courtney Sherwin — the news was nothing short of

in the Storm’s dugout knew that if there were to be a shot at getting the seniors to the Burns Arena in time for them to walk through the “D,” this second game would need to last less than two hours. The best way to ensure this would happen was for DSU to own a lead of eight runs or more after five innings of play.

Luckily for the Storm, the best-case scenario happened. After plating a single run in the opening frame, Dixie State exploded for eight runs in the second, with the exclamation point being served by Sherwin, who blasted a grand slam over the fence, giving Dixie a 9-0 lead. The Storm padded the lead with a pair of insurance runs and when the final out was recorded, Dixie State advanced to the regional final with an 11-0 victory.

Ushered by DSU Athletic Director Jason Boothe, the seniors rushed across the street and down the ramp into the bittersweet. They were ecstatic that the team had earned another NCAA tournament berth and a shot at the national title. But on the flipside, if they won their first game, their second game would begin right when Commencement was scheduled to start.

Now, you’ve heard of “the gods” in all sports, and on that morning at Karl Brooks Field, you could argue that the “softball gods” were on Dixie’s side. Having won the first game, everyone

Burns Arena. Then, as if it was scripted in a Hollywood movie, the five seniors arrived just in time to be the last five graduating students to hear their names called. In fact, they received their diplomas to a deafening ovation from everyone inside the arena. After Commencement, Dixie State swept through both the NCAA West Regional and Super Regional at home en route to their second-straight NCAA Division II World Series appearance,

and the program’s third trip to the World Series since 2009. The Storm blew through the competition all the way to the national championship game, where they faced the University of North Georgia. Hwever, the magical run came to an end, as Dixie was defeated 5-0 in the finale.

Although DSU fell just short of bringing home the first national title in the school’s four-year era, this team may go down as the single-greatest team in Dixie’s rich athletic history.

For the five seniors, after the sting of that final loss subsides, they will look upon that magical month of May 2015 with a pure sense of accomplishment. What they accomplished as athletes may go unmatched, what they achieved as students will last a lifetime, and the way they represented Dixie State University as student-athletes may be considered legendary.

“Our seniors all played a vital role in elevating the softball program to national prominence over the last four years,” Boothe said. “Watching them cross the stage was a highlight of my career and illustrated very clearly that our student-athletes are students first and place a very high level of importance on their education and their ultimate goal of graduating.”

NFCA Division II All-Americans

FIRST TEAM

Janessa Bassett, Outfielder

(2015 NFCA/Schutt Sports National Freshman of the Year)

Marla Reiter, Catcher

SECOND TEAM

Michelle Duncan, Pitcher

THIRD TEAM

Nikki Chavez, Second Baseman

NFCA Division II All-West Region

FIRST TEAM

Janessa Bassett, Outfielder

Nikki Chavez, Second Baseman

Michelle Duncan, Pitcher

Courtney Hine, Outfielder

Marla Reiter, Catcher

NFCA Division II West Regional Coaching Staff of the Year

Randy Simkins, Head Coach

Justin Buchanan, Associate Head Coach

Maggie Christianson, Assistant Doug Rogers, Assistant Dean Winningham, Assistant

Story by Steve Johnson • Photos by Stan Plewe

CLASSNotes

» Logan Aitken, ’15, is the co-founder and administrator of Journey of Hope In-Home Care.

» Clifford I. Alldredge, ’50, worked on many water projects in Utah and its surrounding states as a civil engineer for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for 32 years. He has been retired for 27 years and lives in South Jordan.

» Erica Bailey, ’15, is a charge nurse at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George.

» Amber Basile, ’98, is a program specialist for the state of Utah.

» Krissia Beatty, senior, was crowned Miss Utah 2015.

» Kyle Buttle, ’14, is a retail store manager with Go Wireless.

» Brock Bybee, ’09, recently was hired as a professor at Louisiana State University.

» Connie Childs, ’13, will graduate from Southern Utah University with a master’s degree in public administration and criminal justice. She will continue her education

at Northern Arizona University, where she will work on her doctorate in politics and international affairs.

» Kenny Davis, ’93, is a sales director at Zebra Technologies.

» Cheryl Dearing, ’85, has spent the last 30 years teaching science in the Tooele County School District.

» Brooke Gibson, ’97, teaches in the Washington County School District.

» Jordyn Hanevold, ’14, is the account development manager at PrinterLogic.

» Andrew Hansen, ’15, is a tax Intern at Ernst & Young.

» Joannie Hill, ’13, is the inbound supervisor at Orgill Inc.

» Bob Horn, ’15, was named an operations analyst at Goldman Sachs.

» Cedric Johnson, ’14, is a management accountant for InnoMark Inc. in St. George.

» Chris Cru Jones, ’81, is the global brand manager for Cannondale Bike Company.

FURTHER

» Shaelie Knutson, ’15, was crowned Miss Washington County 2015.

» Sarah Kolar, ’08, is a dental hygienist at All Valley Dental in Salt Lake City.

» Tony Nackos, ’14, is a registered nurse at Intermountain Healthcare.

» Mikey Nelson, ’15, is the Latino advisor in the Multicultural/Diversity Center at Dixie State University.

» Bryan Poulsen, ’14, is the lead support technician for the Dixie State University math lab.

» Dennis Sampson, ’67, is the president of Sampson Insurance.

» Jim Seely, ’14, is a registered Nurse at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City.

» Mike Sheffield, ’13, is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Inc.

» Brooke Snow, ’15, is the executive manager at Summit Security Solutions.

» Karman Wilson ’13, is the community relations and special event production coordinator for DOCUTAH at Dixie State University.

» Woody Woodbury, ’09, is the vice president/chief business development officer at Anderwood Ventures.

» Gabriela Young, ’13, is a fourth-grade teacher at Crimson View Elementary. In 2014, Gabriela and her husband went from zero to three kids in eight weeks when they adopted two daughters and gave birth to a son.

Did you know when you purchase a DSU license plate, the proceeds support Dixie State University Scholarships?

get Dixie plates

show o your school pride!

» Elizabeth Cottam Adams, ’41, passed away Feb. 18, 2015. She was born on July 19, 1919, and resided in St. George.

» Tony Atkin, ’70, passed away May 21, 2015. He was born on June 18, 1950, and resided in Santa Fe, N.M.

» Michael Bain, ’88, passed away Jan. 13, 2014. He was born on May 11, 1968, and resided in Oceanside, Calif.

» Darla Kai Blake, ’58, passed away April 9, 2015. She was born on Jan. 2, 1938, and resided in St. George.

» Joseph Truman Blake, ’46, passed away March 1, 2015. He was born on April 20, 1924, and resided in St. George.

» La Vere Roundy Brinkerhoff, a Dixie faculty member, passed away May 4, 2015. She was born on Dec. 31, 1926, and resided in St. George.

» Thomas Stephen Camp, ’67, passed away Feb. 18, 2015. He was born on June 21, 1947, and resided in Grantsville.

» Lloyd Cannon, ’54, passed away May 28, 2015. He was born on April 14, 1932, and resided in St. George.

» Virginia L. Cannon, ’39, passed away Feb. 18, 2015. She was born on May 19, 1942. Virginia was a Dixie State faculty member and resided in Washington City.

» Brent Crosby, ’60, passed away Feb. 9, 2015. He was born on Nov. 3, 1939, and resided in St. George.

» Susan DeWitt, ’05, passed away Jan. 12, 2015. She was born on Sept. 12, 1942, and resided in St. George.

» Olive Brooks Esplin passed away March 20, 2015. She attended Dixie Junior College and created costumes for Marion Bentley’s shows. She officially joined the faculty of Dixie College in the fall of 1970 as a costumer and instructor. She was deeply committed to serving the community. She had six children, 19 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

» Harold Martin Friedel, ’69, passed away Jan. 13, 2015. He was born on Aug. 13, 1946, and resided in St. George.

» Marie Lund Garrick passed away Jan. 19, 2015. She was born on Sept. 8, 1919, and resided in St. George.

» Robert Bart Gines, a DSU custodial supervisor, passed away June 1, 2015. He was born on June 21, 1960, and resided in St. George.

» Darwin Gubler, ’38, passed away Feb. 28, 2015. He was born on Nov. 11, 1917, and resided in St. George.

» Lenore Heaton, ’50, passed away June 20, 2015. She was born on Sept. 25, 1931, and resided in Panguitch.

» Gary Holt, ’59, passed away Jan. 31, 2015. He was born on March 14, 1931, and resided in Enterprise and St. George.

» Leon K. Johnson, ’45, passed away April 17, 2015. He was born on Oct. 19, 1926, and resided in Blanding.

» Catherine Jones, ’52, passed away May 6, 2015. She was born on Oct. 24, 1931, and resided in Enterprise.

» Scott Jones , ’15, passed away Jan. 27, 2015. He was born on March 23, 1996, and resided in St. George.

» James Grey Larkin , ’55, passed away March 18, 2015. Grey's capacity to serve others was one of his defining characteristics. As co-owner of L&L Mechanical, he was known for his work ethic and honesty. He served on the St. George City Council and later as mayor of St. George. He was involved in the banking community, UDOT Commission, and Thunder Ridge Boy Scout Camp. As the father of five children, Grey was a hands-on family man.

» Fred Jack Lundin, ’53, passed away March 21, 2015. He was born on Oct. 13, 1932, and resided in Pine Valley.

» James McCullough passed away April 4, 2015. He was born on Nov. 18, 1924, and resided in St. George.

» J. Bevan Ott, ’53, passed away March 27, 2015. He was born on July 21, 1934, and resided in Highland.

» Dona Kirkham Parkinson passed away May 21, 2015. She was a member of the Dixie State faculty for 31 years. She served as president of the DSC Faculty Association and the DSC Women’s Association and founded the college’s preschool and weaving program. Dona married Kenneth J. Parki nson and they had four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

» Dr. George Rampton passed away April 11, 2015. He lived and breathed the Dixie Spirit during his employment at Dixie from 1969 to 1995. During his tenure here, George served as a history professor, the dean of arts and sciences, and the assistant to the president. He received the Dixie Distinguished Service Award and raised private funds and federal grants in excess of $50 million. He was the father of five sons, all of whom graduated from Dixie College.

» Mary Richmond,’93, passed away May 19, 2015. She was born on Nov. 10, 1958, and resided in LaVerkin.

» Maggie Brooks Stucki, ’33, passed away May 20, 2015, at the age of 103. Prior to her death, she was Dixie State’s oldest living alumna. She taught first through third grades in Santa Clara, Springdale, Gunlock, Veyo, and St. George. Maggie was known for her artistry in flowers and was the owner of Brooks Floral. She is survived by two children, 21 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

» Jason Lynn Thiriot, ’97, passed away in Las Vegas on June 21, 2015. He was 40. His infectious laugh and sense of humor could not be denied. He is survived by his wife, the former Crystal, Whitehead, five children and his band of brothers, Bryan, Nathan, Bryce, Jarren, and Jon, many of whom are also Dixie alumni.

» Lois Doran Thomas passed away June 27, 2015, at the age of 90. She worked in the Dixie College library and received her associate degree from the same institution. She went on to teach at Dixie College for 20 years before retiring in 1986. She then served a mission for her church with her husband, Vern. She has eight children, 29 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and one more greatgrandchild due in October.

» Merlin Webb, ’54, passed away May 16, 2015. He was born on Aug. 9, 1934, and resided in Apple Valley.

DON’T MISS OUT

FREE LECTURES

Dixie Forum: A Window on the World is held from noon to 12:50 p.m. each Tuesday Sept. 1 through Dec. 8 in the Dunford Auditorium in the Browning Resource Center. The series seeks to widen attendees’ world views by introducing them to diverse ideas and personalities.

President’s Colleagues of Dixie State meetings are held from noon to 1 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, October through May, in Room 156 of the DSU Russell C. Taylor Health Science Center on Dixie Regional Medical Center’s River Road campus. The Colleagues meet together to hear presentations from each other and invited guests on a variety of local and national topics.

The Social and Behavioral Sciences Brown Bag Lectures will be at noon on the third Thursday of September, October, and November in the McDonald Center, room 105.

ATHLETICS

Cheer on Dixie State athletes this fall and winter as they compete in men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s tennis, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball. For a complete listing of game times and locations, visit www.dixieathletics.com

CULTURAL ARTS

ART DEPARTMENT

DANCE DEPARTMENT

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

THEATRE DEPARTMENT

Tickets are available at www.dsutix.com.

*Event free of charge