USU Eastern Joined USU Logan in Founders Day Celebrations

Grab the fire extinguisher. Utah State University’s birthday cake had 128 candles - plus 79 from USU Eastern and another 39 from USU Eastern Blanding. It was all part of the March 4th combined celebration of the founding of three institutions March 4.

Festivities commenced with Price hosting its own traditional celebration and recognitions prior to linking with the Logan campus via satellite. In addition to Price and Blanding, USU’s regional campuses at Moab, Uintah Basin, Tooele and Brigham City also joined the broadcast.

The founding of Carbon College 79 years ago was celebrated by USUEastern and included the presentation of awards to Edward Salzetti, “Gold Circle Donor;” Jan L. Young and Larry W. Severeid, “Upon Their Shoulders” recipients; Kirk Sitterud, “Lifetime Achievement Award;” April Hatch Cooper, “Athletic Hall of Fame;” and Chris Ashton, “Outstanding Alumnus Award.”

Salzetti, 94-years-old, was honored for his gifts to USU Eastern. He was born in Sunnyside, Utah, where, as a boy, he helped his father load coal into the town’s coke oven. He and his bride, Paula, were married in 1947. She died in 2014. Together they founded the Polar drive-in franchise that allowed them to branch off into hotel and real estate investments. Salzetti, who resides in Salt Lake City, says he relishes the opportunity to give back in some small way to the community that has meant so much to him. 

Young was honored with the “Upon their Shoulders” award. In December 2015, she retired from USU Eastern. Her 35-year career, beginning with the College of Eastern Utah in 1981, involved many responsibilities including records technician, college registrar and director of records and registration where she played a key transition role during the college’s merger with USU. 

Severeid also received the “Upon their Shoulders” award. He started his teaching career at CEU in 1976 after earning a master of arts degree in English from the University of California,
Los Angeles. He taught courses in composition, technical and vocational writing, English and American literature, nature literature, poetry and drama. 

Sitterud, superintendent of the Emery County School District, was given USU Eastern’s “Lifetime Achievement” award in recognition of his 44-year-career commitment to education in Eastern Utah. Born and raised in Orangeville, Utah, he graduated from Emery High School and earned an associate degree from CEU in 1970. 

Cooper was inducted into the school’s “Athletic Hall of Fame” in recognition of her basketball prowess. She played forward and center for CEU and later for USU. Cooper is ranked in the top 10 all-time for scoring, shooting and rebounding. 

Ashton was given the “Outstanding Alumnus” award. He earned a graphic arts degree in 1996 from CEU and financed his education working as a graphic designer for the college and as an artist for its prehistoric museum. For the past 20 years, he has created video games and is at the forefront of the interactive game industry.

~ John DeVilbiss