U Through the Decades

This year, the University of Utah proudly celebrates 175 years of excellence. To mark this milestone, the College of Humanities is excited to highlight our alumni across the decades!

Our remarkable alumni and supporters have propelled us to become the #1 Public University in the West. Over the past 175 years, our humanities graduates have excelled as marketing specialists, doctors, professors, journalists, thought leaders, politicians, lawyers, and so much more! Our shared humanities background and passion for the university unite us all.

Join us in celebrating by sharing your story and graduation picture

B.S. in Communication, 1965

Sharon’s Memories:

"This question challenges me to dredge memories from 60 years ago. I don't remember about new buildings … although the Union was only a few years old and was widely respected as a shining example of the best for a university union. Orson Spenser Hall was pretty new, too. Utah didn't make it to the Rose Bowl. Girls always wore skirts or dresses, even on cold, wintery days, except maybe during finals week when it was acceptable to show up in blue jeans to an early morning test.

Two courses were incredibly popular during that time, and everyone took them no matter your major: Political Science 5, taught by J.D. Williams, and Philosophy 101, taught by Monson. I don't recall his full name. Could it have been Thomas Monson, who later became President of the LDS Church? He was wildly popular and very thought-provoking on questions that encompassed a diversity of religious beliefs."

B.A. in English, 1973

Mary Jane’s Memories:

"In 1973, Professors William Slager and Zaki Abdel Malek enabled my return to the Middle East and a successful career teaching English as a Second Language - thank you!"

On the left, a picture of Becky Jo in 1989 wearing a flower crown with a pipe in her mouth. On the right, a current picture of her.

B.A. in English 1984, Ph.D. in English 1996

Becky Jo’s Memories:

"Kathryn Stockton rocked my world! In a Feminist Literature class, her powerful performances--they were not mere lectures--inspired me to bring my whole self to every class I teach."

On the left a picture of Josh in 2006 wearing a red t-shirt with sunglasses on top of his head. On the right, a current picture of Josh at a conference holding an award

B.A. in Mass Communication, 2006

Joshua’s Memories:

"In 2006 there was this new app called "The Facebook" changed its name to "Facebook" and opened up to everyone with an email. Most of the pundits told us that it was a fad that would burn out in a couple of years. I had one professor who told us to pay attention to it and don't overlook how it will change things forever. A year later I was working in Washington, DC, spending most of my time helping brands deeply entrenched in traditional media build their first social media plans. For the next 20 years I would spend most of my time helping brands on the agency side find new and creative ways to tell their stories across earned and traditional media. I feel like we were kind of building the plane while it we were flying it trying to keep up with each new platform that would pop up. It has been a very exciting, never boring 20 years."

On the left, a picture of Nicholas graduating in 2007. On the right, a current picture of Nicholas in a suit and tie. .

B.A. in International Studies, 2007

Nicholas’s Memories:

"I remember the campus was just at the start of a major reconstruction phase with several new and modern facilities just starting construction. When I look at the campus now, it is hardly recognizable from 20 years ago and I'm envious of all the new facilities."

On the left, a picture of Karen graduating in 2011 with cherry blossoms in the background. On the right, a current picture of Karen in a blazer and white blouse.

B.A. in Linguistics 2006, M.A. in Linguistics 2011

Karen’s Memories:

"When I graduated in 2011, I remember Adele's song "Rolling in the Deep" was top of the charts, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 was popular in theaters."

On the left, a picture of Cameron graduating in 2011 behind a small block U. On the right, a current picture of him with students graduating in the background..

B.A. in Communication, 2011

Cameron’s Memories:

"In 2011, our football team entered the PAC-12, which was very exciting! 2011 was also full of advocacy: the 'We are the 99 percent' movement began, and same-sex marriage was being contested in court. I actively participated in protests both on campus and around the city."

On the left, a picture of Joshua graduating in 2016 in front of a red background. On the right, a current picture of Joshua in a navy blue button down.

B.S. in Communication, 2016

Joshua’s Memories:

"2016 brought a lot of memorable moments in my life. From traveling to the bowl games, Pac-12 and NCAA tournaments in the band, to graduating with my bachelors, and building relationships that continue to this day. Go Utes!"

On the left, a picture of Newsha in 2020 with graduation regalia and cherry blossoms in the background. On the right, a current picture of her in a white lab coat.

B.S. in Philosophy, 2020

Newsha’s Memories:

"Pandemic year so we didn't get an in-person graduation"

B.S. in Communication, 2020

Angelina’s Memories:

"I definitely think the most memorable moment that year was Covid hitting and having to navigate school and the post-graduation job hunt during that time, definitely a crazy time!"

On the left, a picture of Daniel graduating in 2021. On the right, a current picture of Daniel holding a mug wearin a navy button down with a black tshirt. He is standing in front of a brick house with a red door.

B.A. in English, 2021

Daniel’s Memories:

"If I remember correctly, spring break was canceled and classes had to be fully online for 2 weeks in March of 2021."

On the left, a picture of Lida graduating in 2023. On the right, a current picture of Lida smiling at the camera with a light blue background.

Ph.D. in Philosophy, 2023

Lida’s Memories:

"I was a research fellow in Tanner Humanities Center and it was great to spend time with the staff there."

On the left, a picture of Heidi graduating in 2024. On the right, a current picture of her smiling at the camera in front of a gray brick background

B.A. in Latin American Studies, 2024

Heidi’s Memories:

"I had great Professors, discovered a new course I really enjoyed and was able to take all my classes online from my home in Texas!"

U Through the Decades

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