Utah State University to Host 10th Annual Connections Luminary

Utah State University will celebrate the start of a new academic year with one of its most treasured traditions — the annual Connections Luminary — on Friday, Aug. 22. Events will be observed at USU’s campuses in Logan, Price, Blanding and Tooele, inviting students, faculty, alumni and community members to come together to celebrate the incoming class.

At the center of the celebration are students in USU 1010: Connections, Utah State’s signature first-year experience course. Each student will carry a lantern inspired by the iconic Old Main tower, joining a moving procession that marks the official start of their journey as Aggies.

“The Luminary is a powerful symbol of belonging and purpose,” said Jennifer Grewe, the director of the Connections program and associate professor of psychology. “It invites our newest Aggies to see themselves as part of something bigger — a community that values learning, connection and impact. It’s the first step in a journey that leads not just to graduation, but to meaningful lives beyond USU.”

In Logan, students will walk from the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to the historic Quad, following the reverse path they’ll take during their future commencement ceremony. The evening will conclude with a welcome address from Interim President Alan Smith, delivered live in Logan and broadcast to the Eastern, Blanding and Tooele campuses. In a powerful moment of unity, each campus will light the “A” blue — a visual symbol of students’ official welcome into the Aggie family.

Faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community are invited to attend and help celebrate the incoming class. The events are free and open to the public, and more details are below.

For more details about the Luminary, contact Student Orientation & Transition Services at (435) 797-0283.

Community Participation

Logan Campus

Arrive on the east side of the Quad at 8 p.m. The events in the Spectrum will be broadcast to a large screen on the Quad. Lanterns will be distributed for attendees to hold as they cheer the new students along the processional route before listening to President Smith’s speech and lighting the A on Old Main tower blue around 9:35 p.m.

Blanding Campus

Arrive at the Friendship Amphitheater at 8 p.m. Lanterns will be distributed, and students and attendees will process to the BAEC for speakers and cultural performances before listening to President Smith’s speech and lighting the block A blue around 9:35 p.m.

Eastern Campus

Arrive at 8:30 p.m. at the Geary Events Center. After a short program, lanterns will be distributed, and students and attendees will process to the Fountain Field. The event will conclude with President Smith's speech and the Eastern campus version of the lighting of the A blue around 9:35 p.m

Tooele Campus

Arrive at 8:30 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Park located at 15 Vine St. in Tooele. Lanterns will be distributed, and students and attendees will process to the pergola for speakers and activities before listening to President Smith’s speech and the lighting of the A blue around 9:35 p.m.