Carter Carillon Tradition
As a rite of passage to becoming a Thunderbird, new students walk from the America First Event Center at the conclusion of their Welcome Assembly to the Upper Quad and pass underneath the Carter Carillon where they are officially welcomed to the University by returning students, administration, faculty, staff and alumni. The ground under the Carter Carillon is considered hallowed and walking underneath the Carillon is a privilege reserved for SUU Alumni.
The Carter Carillon Tradition turns full-circle for students on graduation day when they participate in the traditional Commencement Processional and pass underneath the Carter Carillon as they march from Upper Campus to the America First Event Center for the University Commencement Ceremony.
The direction of each march is significant and symbolic. New students walk east through the Carillon signifying the sunrise of a new chapter in their lives and graduates walk west signifying the sunset or close of a chapter.
Alumni and Friends of Southern Utah University are invited to attend the next Carter Carillon Tradition: Monday, August 28, at approximately 11:30 a.m.