SUU is full of exciting history, and if you know where to look, you might be able to add to your list of what makes SUU unique from any other University. By visiting the many different statues and features placed all throughout Campus, you will learn of the great culture at SUU that has been developed over the years. The many different, fun, and exciting items in this tour will help you get accustomed to what it means to be a part of Southern Utah University.
Thunderbird Statue
The Thunderbird Statue was dedicated in 1998 and sits just inside the Football stadium on the South West corner. The statement written on the plaque attached to the statue reads "May this Thunderbird monument inspire courage and invoke protection on behalf of the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community as it watches over Southern Utah University."
Cauldron
Two large obelisks rise on the north side of the Jay Dee & Alice C. Harris Center, where the Utah Summer Games cauldron is located. In 2002, the cauldron burned with the Olympic Flame and was dedicated as an Olympic Legacy Monument, honoring past, present and future athletes of the Utah Summer Games.
Centurium
The Centurium is located just south of the Centrum Arena on 800 West and was created in 1997. Dedicated at the Centennial of SUU, this outdoor rotunda of bronze figures celebrates 12 of the great thinkers of western civilization.
Savage Rose
The Savage Rose is located in front of the Centrum Arena and was created in 1976. It’s the first contemporary sculpture to be placed on SUU’s campus, this brushed aluminum creation originally stood next to the old science center, but after that structure was rebuilt the sculpture was moved to its present location.
The Founders Monument
The Founders Monument, also known as “Old Sorrel” is located between the Centrum Arena and the Technology Building, on 800 West and was created in 1986. The stirring account of the founders can be found on the base. (Modern-day students become “True T-Birds” by gathering at the monument to share a kiss at midnight.)
Bowerman Award
The Bowerman, which is essentially the Heisman Trophy of the collegiate track & field world, is given annually to the most outstanding male and female track & field athlete of the year. It is located on the far south side of the Centrum in the Hall of Fame.
The Founders' Wagon
The Founders' Wagon is located in the hallway in front of the SUU Bookstore, in the Sharwan Smith Student Center. It's a fitting companion to the Founders Monument which is a restoration of the actual wagon that hauled wood for Old Main. It is exhibited with a small bronze sculpture showing a familiar scene from pioneer history: the tender burial of a loved one on the journey West.
Hall of Flags
Students from all over the world attend SUU and each flag that sits in the hallway between the Rotunda and the SUU bookstore is a representation of what countries are represented by International students attending SUU.
Sharwan Smith statue
The Sharwan Smith Statue is located in the rotunda of the Sharwan Smith Student Center and was created in the year 2000. This larger than life bronze figure is a symbol of the enthusiastic spirit of SUU’s students. It depicts Sharwan Smith, a talented 1994 graduate whose energy and compassion touched many lives before her own was taken in an automobile accident in 1995. The Sharwan Smith Student Center is the only major college building in Utah that is named after a student.
Gerald Sherratt bust
You might recognize the name from SUU’s Gerald R. Sherratt Library, which was named after the former SUU president. A fun SUU tradition is to rub the head of former President Gerald Sherratt's bronze bust in the lobby of the Library prior to a test for good luck. This is located on the first floor of the library in the lobby just as you walk in the doors.
Garden of Symbols
The Garden of Symbols was created in 1996 and is a fascinating combination of ancient and modern symbols with southwestern materials. It can be viewed from outside or from the basement level of the Library.
Gunther
Gunther the Rock is located outside of the Sherratt Library, where clubs and organizations are able to stake their claim for a short while when they reserve and paint it however they please.
Nellie Pucell Unthank
Nicknamed "Nellie," this statue was created in 1991 and is located just off 200 South, between the Music Building and New South Hall. This bronze figure and pedestal commemorates the spirit of the pioneer settlers of Cedar City, as embodied in the story of Nellie Pucell Unthank, a young girl who endured staggering hardships to come west and help found this community.
The Probe
The Probe was created in 1993 and is located in the front lobby of the Science Center. This 25-foot three-dimensional mosaic contains images that are symbolically related to the various areas of study in the College of Science.
The Starmaker
The Starmaker was created in 1994 and is located in the walkway between the General Classroom Building and the Science center. It's a graceful and elegant metal and stone creation, this photo-favorite is tucked away in one of the most beautiful spots on campus.
The Waterfall
The Waterfall is located just East of the General Classroom Building and is a common place for students to go and get a small glimpse of nature's beauty without having to leave campus.
Carter Carillon - Bell Tower
The bell tower stands at a proud 76 feet tall and includes 25 bells. It’s centered between Old Main, the Emma Eccles Jones Teacher Education Building and the Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center. SUU students walk under the Carillon during ThunderU and then not again until their graduation. During the school year only those who have graduated from SUU are allowed to walk under the tower.
The Zone
The Zone is located in the front lawn of the Sorenson Physical Education Building and was created in 2001. These striking metal forms with laminate prism on top were created as a visual metaphor for the athletic union of body, mind and spirit that results in peak performance.