Eight recognized at Founders Day
USU alumni and friends gathered to celebrate the 120th birthday of the university on Founder’s Day, March 8.
Four alumni were presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award, and two couples were given the Distinguished Service Award. Both awards are the highest in their category, said Paul Parkinson, Alumni Association president who presented the awards and was the master of ceremonies.
Distinguished Alumnus Awards were presented to Kent and Donna Alder for their involvement and distinction in the business world. The Alders have helped build two successful companies and continue to give back to USU, according to their biography. Kent credited his wife for their success in life and said they were deeply honored to receive the award in his acceptance speech.
Charles Denson, president of Nike, was also presented the award. Denson said in his biography that the things he learned at USU have influenced him all his life and make up part of his life as a leader of a corporation.
Dick Motta was the last Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient. After receiving his degree from USU, Motta coached basketball at the high school, college and NBA levels. Motta said he felt out of his class with the others who were given the award but that his experiences at USU opened avenues to a boy raised in a small Utah town who didn’t know anything about college.
Merrill and Betty Daines received the Distinguished Service Award for their influence in the Logan community, according to the couple’s biography. Merrill worked as a physician while Betty volunteered more than 7,000 hours at the hospital. They also continue to be involved supporting USU. Their motto for life is service above self, they said.
T. Peter Thomas and Jacqueline Steward were also presented the Distinguished Service Award. Peter serves as a managing director with ATA Ventures, and both he and Jacqueline are strong advocates for education to improve lives and society, according to their biography. They have also been supporters of USU since Peter received his degree at USU. They accepted the award, saying they were humbled.
Celebrating the 120th birthday of USU, a slide show of pictures throughout its history was accompanied by several USU students playing and singing songs from the different eras.
USU President Stan Albrecht also announced USU’s comprehensive campaign has raised $202.8 million to date.
-alison.baugh@aggiemail.usu.edu