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Needham family gives more than engagement rings

KELLICE BRADLEY, staff writer

 

 

Despite the Needham’s family business being 117 years old, their enthusiasm and energy for supporting the Logan community has only grown.

“We like working with people and like the attention of the students,” said Gene Needham IV, owner of S.E. Needham Jewelers. “Though we’ve been around for a long time, we like to do youthful things. In our business we sell engagement rings and that’s a heavy part of our business, therefore the student economy is very important to us. It’s important to have a good connection with the staff and the professors and the students.” 

The Needhams show their appreciation and support for students through donations toward varied events and causes. This week, Miss USU will be crowned with a sparkling tiara, courtesy of S.E. Needham Jewelers.  

“We are either asked to donate, or if we learn of something, we go about to contribute,” Gene said. “The kiss cam is the more notable one that’s been going for the last four years. The athletic department said, ‘Hey, this seems like a good promotion – it makes sense that a jeweler does it,’ so we’ve been the sponsor throughout the years.” 

Not only do they donate to USU causes, but they are also devout Aggie fans.

“We’d probably be four generations attending Utah State at this point, and all 11 children of my family have attended Utah State,” Gene said. “What’s notable about my dad is he has been going to school for basically 40 years. He’s got a master’s in arts and English and foreign languages and has actually taken more credits, more classes, than anyone who’s ever attended Utah State. It’s a very interesting commitment that he’s made to education.” 

Eugene Needham, former owner of S.E. Needham Jewelers, is the man of whom Gene speaks. Although Eugene is not currently taking classes at USU, he and his family still enjoy the beautiful campus atmosphere. 

“Every year we have an annual kickball contest on the quad. We bring food and play on the lawn,” Eugene said.  

On top of sponsoring USU, the Needham name has been known as a faithful contributor in the Cache Valley community. 

“A lot of our contributions are single-handedly done through service throughout the community as well,” said Joe Needham, service department manager and goldsmith at S.E. Needham’s Jewelers. “It’s probably where the larger areas are, in general. You just do it because that’s what you do as a citizen.” 

One donation supporting both USU and Logan is found in the Caine Lyric Theater.

“We donated a beautiful grandfather clock to the lobby,” Gene said. 

Eugene Needham expressed his desire to continue to add to the overall appearance of Logan. 

“I think now in my old age, the things I wish I could do more for the city is help both the downtown and the residential areas,” Eugene said. “We’ve got old buildings downtown that don’t have liable businesses in them. We need to take down some housing and expand others.” 

When asked what kind of influence his family name has in Cache Valley, Joe said,  “I think people are always watching and I think all of us observe, but I wouldn’t say there’s a lot to live up to. We are just a small family; at least we feel small. We just aim for different, good things. That’s what we work for, at least.”

 

– kellice.b@aggiemail.usu.edu