C A M PA IG N U PDAT E
Old Main Society Bestows Highest Honors Utah State University’s Old Main Society capped off its annual gathering this fall by bestowing its highest honors on three more couples who have once again deepened the meaning of what it is to be an Aggie. Established in 1967 to recognize alumni and friends who bring to pass the fulfillment of Utah State’s mission, the Old Main Society celebrates the university’s philanthropic support at the highest levels. Its honorees this year include Fred and Sharon Hunsaker, who received the Spirit of Old Main Award; Gene and Ruth Miller who were presented the Spirit of Old Main Emeriti Award; and Paul and Rebecca Parkinson, the recipients of the Spirit of Old Main-New Generation Award. We’re humbled by both gesture and commitment.
2010 Spirit of Old Main Award Fred R. and Sharon W. Hunsaker It might be difficult for fellow Aggies to remember where they first met Fred and Sharon Hunsaker, recipients of the 2010 Spirit of Old Main Award, because both have been such an integral part of the university for so many years, making generous, lifelong commitments to USU along the way.
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Fred was a first-generation college graduate after having been raised on a farm in Box Elder County and helping to support his mother and two siblings. After graduating in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in finance from USU, Fred continued with post graduate studies at USU and the University of Utah. He received a master’s degree from the University of Washington’s Graduate School of Banking. He spent 26 years in the banking industry, starting off as a loan officer and ascending to CEO of First Federal of Logan. He came to USU in 1991 as vice president of Administrative Affairs. From 1997-99 he took leave to work as the associate commissioner for Finance and Facilities for the Utah System of Higher Education. He returned to USU in 2000 picking up where he left off. He has also served in the Utah State House of Representatives for over 14 years. Fred received the 2002 USU Leadership Award, the 2004 USU Robins Achievement Award and the Innovation Campus Contribution to Development Award. Fred has served in numerous community and church functions, including the Cache Valley Council Boy Scouts, the Cache Valley Health Foundation, the Sunshine Terrace Foundation and the American Cancer Society. He also served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark and enjoys golfing, fishing and farming. Sharon received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education at USU and spent much of her career as an advisor to elementary education student teachers. She has been a member of the A.C. Women’s Club, USU Community Associates, and with Fred is a Performance Hall seat donor. Sharon also is a past PTA president. Sharon’s father, Elmer “Bear” Ward, was an extremely loyal Aggie. He was USU’s first football All-American. Fred and Sharon knew each other during high school and were married in the spring of 1963. They have three children, all graduates of USU’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. Sharon and Fred are members of the Big Blue Touchdown Club and the Old Main Society-President’s Circle and have made gifts to USU every year for as long as we have been keeping records.