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Supporting Our Community from Generation to Generation

USU Eastern Library & Learning Commons

Ben Dupuy, Library Marketing Specialist ben.dupuy@usu.edu

This promotional graphic for USU Eastern Library & Learning Commons features a bright cyan-blue banner at the top with bold white text reading “USU Eastern Library & Learning Commons.” Below it, over a scenic background of rugged, forested canyon cliffs under a clear sky, the message “Supporting Our Community From Generation to Generation” is displayed. The overall tone is uplifting, emphasizing longevity, community support, and a strong connection to place.

USU Eastern celebrated local legacy and learning with a heartfelt display honoring families whose educational roots run deep in the community.

A multi-tiered black metal display shelf stands in the center of a well-lit room with large windows and a stone wall in the background. The display features framed photographs of individuals from various decades, arranged by family groups with name cards such as "Powell Family" and "Burdickson Family." The photos represent multiple generations of students who attended Carbon College, College of Eastern Utah, and Utah State Eastern. Historic black-and-white portraits sit beside modern color photos, emphasizing the generational legacy. Memorabilia, including decorative frames and a few historical documents, are also visible on the shelves.

As part of the Night of Giving, Elevate Eastern Dinner" on June 7th, the USU Eastern Library & Learning Commons hosted a unique display titled Supporting Our Community from Generation to Generation. The event welcomed donors and community members to explore Eastern's lasting impact on the region.

The exhibit spotlighted six local families with generations of graduates spanning from Carbon College (1939 - 1965) to College of Eastern Utah (1965 - 2010) to Utah State University Eastern (2010 - present). Historic memorabilia and family photos brought these legacies to life, including commencement programs from the 1940s, diplomas from the 1930s and yearbooks as old as 1917.

"Watching our community members recognizing members of our community, and for some, their own families, was so satisfying."

Guests were visibly moved. "It was amazing to watch the faces of the guests as they were ushered into the building and brief on the events of the night and directed to the display," said Aimee Lauritsen, Archives & Special Collections Manager, "Watching our community members recognizing members of our community, and for some, their own families was so satisfying."

Ms. Lauritsen hopes to continue to collect information and add new families to the research. A binder highlighting this display with all the pictures used is available to view in room 108 in the Eastern Library & Learning Commons.