SUU President Joins Bryce Canyon National Park Centennial Celebration

On June 8, Bryce Canyon National Park celebrated its 100th year. The Centennial Celebration included a special ceremony with Utah Governor Spencer Cox and other dignitaries, birthday cake in the Visitor’s Center, and a special concert with The Piano Guys on the rim of the canyon.

For over a decade, SUU has referred to Bryce Canyon National Park as its east campus. And every five years, the two entities renew the Alliance for Education, a partnership to conduct research, create transformational learning programs and engage students through conservation crews and internships.

This partnership furthers both entities in serving the region by protecting park resources and providing enhanced visitor opportunities while educating students about park resources through high-impact experiential learning opportunities.

During the celebration, SUU President Mindy Benson recognized Gayle Pollock, executive director of the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association. Pollock was instrumental in creating the partnership between Bryce Canyon and SUU and has a long history with the University including serving on SUU’s Board of Trustees and being an alumnus of the University.

Known as the “University of the Parks” President Benson indicated that SUU is committed to furthering ties with Bryce Canyon National Park for centuries to come.

Bryce Canyon was originally established by President Harding on June 8, 1923 and administered by the U.S. Forest Service to preserve the “unusual scenic beauty, scientific interest, and importance.” On June 7, 1924, Congress established Utah National Park with the stipulation that all state and private land within its boundaries must first belong to the United States.

On February 25, 1928 "Utah National Park" was changed to "Bryce Canyon National Park". Conditions of the 1924 congressional bill were met later that year, and Bryce Canyon National Park was officially established on September 15, 1928.

A multiplicity of virtual and in person activities are planned in Bryce Canyon National Park for the rest of 2023. The events will celebrate the park and the surrounding area. You can see some of the events planned for the rest of the year by clicking here or by following Bryce Canyon National Park on social media.