Alumni support making the University’s growth possible
Alumni support making the University’s growth possible
As Dixie State University transitions from gaining university status to securing university stature, the institution’s alumni have showed support for their alma mater, collectively contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to propel DSU’s growth.
One donation came from 2010 Alumnus Tony Christensen and David Harris, co-founders of Statera Wealth Management. Together, the business owners sponsored the remodel of the newly named Financial Education Center — formerly the Boeing Auditorium — in the Ernö and Etel Udvar-Hazy School of Business building.
“I believe that knowledge is power, and I owe a lot to DSU for the lessons learned, life experience gained and connections made,” Christensen said. “I’m passionate about this donation. Everyone with a passion should determine how to be a bigger part of it; Dixie has so much to be involved in.”
The back wall of the lecture hall, which is complete with stadium seating, was removed and replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a light-filled, open layout more synonymous with the newer buildings on campus.
Also located in the Hazy building, the Idea Room was similarly renovated to add floor-to-ceiling windows in addition to glass study rooms. The entrepreneurship center for students that has produced numerous new patents, trademarks and copyrights was made possible by donations from DSU alumni Brandon and Becky Staples, co-owners of Sun American Mortgage. The study rooms were created with the help of alumnus Anthony Morris and his business partner Jeff Monson, both of Wells Fargo Advisors.
Morris, and his wife, Ashley, have also established a scholarship fund benefitting STEM and business students.
“I am so grateful for the relationships I made with my professors and fellow classmates as they have flourished into invaluable resources,” Morris said.
Brandon Staples, a member of the class of 2010 and a former student government senator for the school of business, and his wife, Becky, the 2011 valedictorian for the school of business, also have a passion for the arts. Consequently, they also contributed to bring up-and-coming artists to the Dixie State campus to inspire and mentor art students.
Brandon and Becky “feel like the education and relationships made at Dixie have been crucial to our success, so we give back in hopes that it will allow more students to have an experience similar to ours and help springboard them into success as well.”
Supporting Dixie State Athletics, Class of ’03 Alumnus Dustin Schofield and his father, Rick, of Schofield Wealth Management, contributed to the creation of the Director’s Club, the new exclusive level of DSU’s booster club, the Trailblazer Club. The funds provided will go toward renovating the club suite in the M. Anthony Burns Arena and adding a club tent to Trailblazer Stadium until the final phase of Trailblazer Stadium will add an exclusive suite.
“Dixie State University has been a staple in our community for over 100 years, and we look forward to seeing its continued growth,” Dustin Schofield said. “Donating to the school is a way to give back, knowing that these current and future students will help pave the way to continued success in our community.”
Also benefitting athletics, luxury home builders Markay and Ashley Johnson have contributed to the program over the last few years, particularly to the volleyball and men's basketball teams. Johnson, who played basketball for Coach Doug Allred in 1974, has demonstrated his commitment to Trailblazer athletics by contributing to teams’ needs and enhancing the student and fan experience.
“Of the three schools I attended, Dixie was by far the best,” Markay Johnson said. “It offered superior education and an outstanding atmosphere. We were treated like royalty there, so whatever we can do to give back, we absolutely do it.”
Offering the details of the generosity of these alumni and other supporters, President Richard B. Williams will share about the progress the institution is making on its strategic plan at his annual State of the University Address. The address is set to take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 19 in the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center on the Dixie State campus. The community is encouraged to attend, and complimentary lunch and birthday cake in celebration of Dixie State’s 107th birthday will be served immediately following the address.
To contribute to the growth of Dixie State University, please visit giving.utahtech.edu.
