Utah State University to Host 11th Annual Connections Luminary

Utah State University will celebrate the start of a new academic year with one of its longstanding traditions, the annual Connections Luminary, on Aug. 28. Events will take place at USU campuses in Logan, Price, Blanding and Tooele, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to welcome the incoming class.

At the center of the celebration are students enrolled 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 and participate in a procession that marks the beginning of their journey as Aggies.

“The Luminary gives students a chance to reflect on their goal of being part of the graduating class of 2030,” said Jennifer Grewe, the director of the Connections program and associate professor of psychology. “As the USU community members throughout the state participate in these celebrations, these students have a tangible reminder that they are not alone in this journey. They have a community behind them to support and challenge them through their college experience and beyond.”

In Logan, students will walk from the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to the Quad, following the reverse route they will take during commencement. The evening will conclude with a welcome from President Brad Mortensen, delivered in Logan and broadcast to the Eastern, Blanding and Tooele campuses. In a shared moment across the state, each campus will light the "A" blue as a symbol of students' official welcome into the Aggie community.

Faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community are invited to attend and celebrate the incoming class. Events are free and open to the public.

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

Logan Campus

Community members should arrive on the east side of the Quad at 8 p.m. Lanterns will be distributed for attendees to hold as they welcome students along the processional route before Mortensen’s remarks and the lighting of the "A" on Old Main tower blue at approximately 9:35 p.m.

Blanding Campus

Community members should arrive at the Friendship Amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. Lanterns will be distributed before attendees walk to the Blanding Arts & Events Center for speakers and cultural performances. The evening will conclude with Mortensen’s remarks and the lighting of the Block "A" blue at approximately 9:35 p.m.

Eastern Campus

Community members should arrive at the Geary Events Center at 8:30 p.m. Following a brief program, lanterns will be distributed and participants will walk to Fountain Field. The event will conclude with President Mortensen’s remarks and the Eastern campus lighting of the "U-State” at approximately 9:35 p.m.

Tooele Campus

Community members should arrive at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 15 Vine St. in Tooele, at 8:30 p.m. Lanterns will be distributed before participants walk to the pergola for speakers and activities. The evening will conclude with Mortensen’s remarks and the lighting of the "A" blue at approximately 9:35 p.m.