USU Eastern Honors Legacy Dinner Award Recipients

Utah State University Eastern honored esteemed community partners, alumni and former staff at its Legacy Dinner on Oct. 6.

The ceremony took place at the Jennifer Leavitt Student Center at USU Eastern in Price, and other USU leaders — including President Noelle E. Cockett and Matt White, the university’s vice president for advancement.

“We’ve had many amazing people and organizations add to our community in the 85-year legacy of USU Eastern,” said Greg Dart, senior associate vice president at USU Eastern. “This Legacy Dinner is an opportunity to honor some of those who devote their time and effort to help our community thrive.”

Castleview Hospital was given the 2022 Giving Heart Award, which recognizes service, dedication to the community (including USU Eastern and its students), and philanthropy. Castleview Hospital has been proudly serving Carbon and Emory counties for more than 40 years and is the leading health care provider of the surrounding areas. While the award was accepted by CEO Greg Cook, there are many people who work to ensure Castleview provides safe, high-quality care through its services and clinics, and USU Eastern is proud to honor their efforts.

The Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Curt P. Crowther. Even while earning his associate degree at USU Eastern (née College of Eastern Utah), Curt Crowther was invested in the campus community. He worked as a janitor at Geary Theatre, in the bookstore, and was a resident assistant. Now, as owner, president and chair of Serta Mattress Company’s board of directors, Crowther continues to make an impact on USU Eastern and numerous other Utah communities.

Ruth Whiteside received the Upon Their Shoulders Award. Whiteside was a fixture of Bunnel-Dmitrich Athletic Center who made a mark on every student, faculty, staff and community member who walked through the doors when she worked the front desk. Her love of the campus and community was evident in every interaction, and she continues to give back now.

“It takes a village of people who care about this community for us to continue our mission of bringing higher education opportunities to better lives throughout the region,” Dart said. “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for people and organizations like those honored here who contribute to the university’s great legacy.”