EXHIBITS
Where the Sagebrush Grows: A History of USU Homecoming Traditions: Grand Marshals
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Grand Marshals
A parade led by a grand marshal is one of the longest-standing traditions of Homecoming. Grand marshals are often notable community members and are sometimes USU alumni. Each year the selected grand marshal leads the Homecoming Parade and is honored at the Homecoming Game. In addition to selecting grand marshals, the Alumni Association has recently begun honoring an Alumnus of the Year and a Young Alumnus of the Year. Both traditions began in the 1980s but were not consistently awarded until the 2000s.[1]
Notable Grand Marshals
1930: Heber J. Grant and George H. Dern
The first grand marshals, although they were not referred to by that title, were President Heber J. Grant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and George H. Dern, governor of Utah. Together they led the very first Homecoming Parade at UAC.[2]
1992: Stanford and Shirley Cazier
Stanford served as the president of USU from 1979 to 1992. He and his wife, Shirley, were honored as grand marshals during the Homecoming of his retirement year, although he continued as a professor emeritus of history until 1997. Stanford was a major benefactor of the Merrill-Cazier Library, constructed in 2005.[3]
2010: The Football Team of 1960–1961
For the fiftieth anniversary of the 1960 championship football team, the entire team was invited back to participate in Homecoming as grand marshals, including the star of the show, Merlin Olsen. This Homecoming also marked the official dedication of Merlin Olsen Field and the grand reveal of the Merlin Olsen statue that stood at the entrance of Romney Stadium. Unfortunately, Merlin passed away in March of that year was unable to witness the festivities. However, many of his family members and teammates were there to honor his memory.[4]
