Founders Day Banquet
Photos by Madison Hajeb and Nathan Sweet
The University of Utah Alumni Association celebrated 162 years since the university's founding with a reception honoring four outstanding graduates and one honorary alumnus at the Little America Hotel on Feb. 22. Interim University of Utah President Lorris Betz gave his remarks on the honorees, and guests enjoyed dinner and a video presentation on the recipients. This year marked a new attendance record for the annual ceremony with 600 guests. Betz also presented U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Randy Cardon with a $6,000 scholarship for overcoming difficult circumstances and serving the university and community. The event's ticket sales and table sponsorships supported the Alumni Association's General Scholarship Fund, which awards more than $400,000 to incoming and continuing students each year.
This year's distinguished alumni: Actress, Klea Blackhurst, BFA 1985; Businessman, H. Roger Boyer, BS 1965; Former U of U Vice President, J. Michael Mattsson, BS 1960; Scientist, Arthur L. Ruoff, PhD 1955
Local entrepreneur Gary Crocker, president of Crocker Ventures and chair of Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, received this year’s Honorary Alumnus Award.
