President Albrecht Thanks University Donors

President Stan Albrecht thanked members of the Old Main Society during a dinner program that saw the induction of 27 new members into the society. The new members were recognized at a private reception at the President's Home, where they received an Old Main pin and an oak gavel, a commemorative symbol for the society.

Old Main Society Members are individuals who have made substantial financial contributions to Utah State University.

"This is a time for people who care deeply for the university, and everything t stands for, to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year," said Utah State University Foundation director Jim Laub in his introduction. "It's a time to acknowledge the commitment and generosity of some of our university's most loyal supporters. It's also a time to recognize some of the university's finest students."

Scholarship students were guests during the evening and sat with society members. Biographical information on each student appeared on the table. One scholarship student, Lucy Mungai, addressed the gathering. She is a second-year student majoring in dairy science and comes to Utah State from Kenya, Africa. She is a single parent of a 6-year-old daughter. Mungai volunteers as a peer facilitator at the Women's Center/Reentry Student Center and is the recipient of two scholarships, the Dr. W.C. Swanson Family Foundation Scholarship and the Women's Center Advisory Board Scholarship.

"Lucy's pursuit of her dreams would not have been possible without the generosity of some of you here in this room tonight, who have seen the wisdom in providing scholarships for deserving students at Utah State University," President Albrecht told the gathering.

"We come together tonight to welcome the 27 new members of the Old Main Society, friends and alumni of Utah State whose devotion to their alma mater makes a real difference in the lives of students at USU and of others whose lives are touched by the work that begins right here on University Hill," Albrecht continued.

"We also honor more than 1,900 total members of the Old Main Society, 1,358 living and 560 deceased, who have demonstrated over and over such generosity and dedication to Utah State University's students and programs. Since the Old Main Society was created in 1967 — to serve as the symbolic cornerstone of the venerable building that lies at the heart of Utah State — Old Main Society members have given more than $30 million in gifts and endowments, plus much more in planned gifts and pledges."

Read President Albrecht's full remarks in the "Presidential Remarks" section.