Utah State Today press release: October 08, 2018

Where the Sagebrush Grows: Grand Opening

Beginning with alumni reunions, Utah State University has a long tradition of inviting graduates back home to campus. As part of the 2018 Homecoming celebration at USU, the University Libraries present Where the Sagebrush Grows: A History of USU Homecoming Traditions. The exhibit opening is Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 4:30 p.m., in USU’s Merrill-Crazier Library Atrium. This exhibit draws on material from the library’s Special Collections and Archives to illustrate the rich history of Homecoming on campus. Join university archivist Robert Parson and student curator Frankie Urrutia-Smith for the exhibit's grand opening.

Historian Ross Peterson will keynote the event with a lecture entitled, “Homecoming at USU: Why Homecoming Makes a Difference to Aggies.”

Peterson began teaching history at USU in 1971, serving as department head from 1976–1984, and as director of the Mountain West Center on two occasions through 2003. After three years as president of Deep Springs College, he returned to USU in 2007 as vice president for Advancement. In 2011, he became special assistant to President Stan Albrecht. He continues as an emeritus history professor; is the author of numerous books and articles and is an acknowledged expert on the history of USU. Students and alumni selected Peterson and his wife, Kay, as Grand Marshals for the Homecoming Parade following his retirement in 2015.

Writer: Maren Aller