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Show 41 0 TIHIJE (C&JOOJFTUJ§ - -------=--,------=---F_RID_AY_,_M_AY_29_._19_98_·THE __ u_N_IVE_R_s_nY_Jo_URN __ AL_·_s_o_ uTH_E_RN _ UT _AH _ u_NNE_·_Rs_n_"Y Bennion is 'smitten' ... . SUV President Steven D. Bennion University president reflects on his first year here By VERONICA GARNER ASSOCIATE EDITOR "It has been exciting, challenging, and full of great accomplishments," said President Steven D. Bennion of his first year at SUU. He said that so many great things happen and continue to happen to make him love it here at SUU. "The people, programs, community, carnpus, and the area are so wonderful, I am smitten by them all," he said. On the average day, Bennion is up by 4:30 a.m. to spend one or two hours working before his morning run . "I am a morning person. I do most of my best work in the morning, when I am not consumed by meeti ngs and other things. " He mentioned how different it is to be at a public institution rather than a private coll ege. "There are so many more people and groups to be accountable to. It has been very hard to get used to, but it is a very important pan of how this university is ru n." Bennion, whose grandfather, Milton Bennion, was the institution's first chief executive, came here last summer after eight years as president of Ricks College, a junior college owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said he relishes the challenges presented by the operation of the university. "As this university continues to grow, we are challenged to provide to the needs of the students and continue the personalized learning climate that the students are accustomed to. The students are our most valuable resource, and we have a great faculty and staff to help lead them in the right direction." Bennion is currently revising the mission statement to help the administration focus on what is most important. Many accomplishments this year will greatly benefit the students, he said. "We spent a lot of time and effort trying to figure out how to expand our landlocked campus. The solution came when the bond election passed a few weeks ago allowing for a new high school to be built. Now, our campus will be able to purchase the existing middle school and expand the education program, as well as have new physical education and possibly a visual and perfo rming arts facility." According to Bennion, several private donations have been made to help the university raise the necessary $4.6 miLlion to expand the campus. Monies fo r the expansion, as well as improvement of scholarship and grant support, have come from many donors. Bennion said he is hugely thankful for this support. "The support from these people is helping us become the best university we can be for the students," he said. Many other accomplishments of the school year include the creation of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, plans for implementing an honors program, and enhancement of scholarships and grants. "I am thoroughly excited to continue in the trend we have started this year," said Bennion. "It has been a great first year." SUUans to be honored at Commencement for the honors were solicited from the degree from Ohio University and an Friday, June 5 as SUU President Steven Robert Behunin, an assistant D. Bennion hosts a 3 to 4:30 p.m. entire campus community. M.S. degree from the University of professor of English, language and reception for graduates, parents, Nominations were also sought Missouri at Rolla. He has been at SUU literature, will be recognized with campuswide for the two staff awards. since 1993. Vlasich earned bachelor's friends, faculty and staff. That event SUU's outstanding educator award degrees at both Southern Illinois will be followed by a 6 to 8 p.m. An SUU Staff Association committee during graduation exercises June 6. University and Fort Lewis Graduation Buffet in the Steve L. made the final selection of the staff Distinguished educator winners. College. His M.A. and Gilbert Great Hall. Tickets for the awards and outstanding Behunin, who joined the Ph.D. were awarded by buffet must be arranged for in advance female and male staff the University of Utah. by calling the Centrum Box Office SUU faculty in 1994, member awards will also be during regular business hours at 586received his bachelor's He joined the SUU noted during the 9 a.m. degree from SUU. Both faculty in 1981. 7872. ceremonies in the Centrum his master's degree Bulloch And finally, the Centrum Arena Arena. and his Ph.D. became a will once again serve as host on Distinguished educator v1'\'' were awarded by <04;, member of the Saturday, June 6 as a record recognition wilJ go to Artis ~ ie\\ the University of ~ T L q • ' SUV staff in 1988. number of graduates lines up to Grady, assistant professor of foods 0 io Nevada at Las Vegas. c~ She has served as receive their diplomas at and nutrition; Stanley C. Hatfield, "Dr. Behunin's students comment president of the SUU Staff Commencement 1998. The assistant professor of geology; and Dr. on his outstanding teaching ability and Association and the State 9 a.m. ceremonies will James A. Vlasich, professor of t(}~1 include the commencement methods, and they also praise his Staff Association, and she was history. tl..'-s G address of G. Donald Gale's, the genuine concern and his_dedication instrumental in the creation of Lois L. Bulloch, administrative to their success," Sterling R. SUU's Centennial Garden. f>-.: presentation of honorary doctorate assistant to the vice president Bussio, a graduate of Brigham degrees to Gale, James Sorenson and Church, vice president for for student services, will student services, said. "His Young University, has been an SUU Beverley Sorenson, and the receive recognition as the colleagues praise his employee since 1986. "In addition to introduction of what is expected to outstanding female staff willingness to be all of his farm and ranch be the largest number of member; and Kirt Bussie, involved in responsibilities, he finds time to bachelor's, master's and manager of the work closely with students associate degree activities outside the university's Valley Farm, and share his agricultural · candidates in the classroom that benefit will be honored as the students and promote the experience with them," institution's history. outstanding male staff q0; university." Church said.. ,, The graduation member. e,q Grady is completing her ,:,.~'!:-In other ceremonies will be followed Each of the faculty recipients was eighth year as a member of the .,.-'" commencementl at noon by the traditional selected by a committee comprised of SUU faculty; she holds a B.S. ~ ' i;~\O related activities, ~ h iz i q Alumni Reception on the students, an SUU graduate, an degree from Brigham Young j.\~ the President's ~s.,c4 lawns south of the Centrum emeritus faculty member, current Residence at 302 South 1100 arena. The reception is hosted by faculty members, and recent winners of University and an M.Ed. from Utah West will be the focus of activity on I the SUU Alumni Asspciation. one of the faculty awards. Nominations State University. Hatfield holds a B.S. I l t / i I |