ST. GEORGE — To show their appreciation for everything that Dixie State University alumni and community partners do to make Dixie a great place, the Dixie State University Alumni Association is hosting the seventh annual “Evening of Dixie” on Saturday at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend and will be held in the Zion Room on the fifth floor of the Holland Centennial Commons on the Dixie State campus.
Evening of Dixie was established in 2010 to bring alumni, students and the community together to thank them for their involvement and dedication not only to Dixie State University but also to the community.
“This year, the DSU Alumni Association is honored to recognize Ron and Nora Axton, Kevin Ence, Mace Jacobson and Coach Greg Croshaw,” Kalynn Larson, Dixie State University director of alumni relations, said. “They have been an intricate part of Dixie State and the community for many years.”
The Dixie Spirit Award will go to Dixie super fans Ron and Nora Axton, a couple who became acquainted with Dixie when the soccer team helped them with yard work. The Dixie Spirit Award is a perfect fit for these two people who are part of the Dixie State Athletic Alliance, attend all the athletic events they possibly can and are committed to contributing to Dixie State scholarships.
Dixie State University academic adviser Mace Jacobson will be given the Big D/Roene DiFiore Award. Named after Roene DiFiore, who taught at Dixie for more than 20 years and emanated the Dixie spirit in all she did, the Big D award is given to an alumnus who was part of the Program Bureau, now known as Raging Red. Jacobson accepted a position with Dixie State Registration and Admissions in 2000 and joined the TRiO Student Support Services team as an academic adviser and tutoring coordinator in 2012. She is being awarded this honor for her love for helping students develop their strengths and passions.
Legendary football coach Greg Croshaw will be honored with the Rebel Award, which is given each year to an alumnus who has the Rebel spirit of compassion and determination to achieve their goals despite difficult challenges. Croshaw was named the head football coach at Dixie College in May 1982 and served in that capacity until February 2005. In 24 seasons, his team won 17 conference championships, made 20 bowl game appearances — winning 15 of those matchups — and ranked nationally 20 times. Additionally, Croshaw received the Western States Football League and Utah Collegiate Coach of the Year awards 13 times during his career.
Given to a member of the local community who has given back to Dixie State Univeristy and St. George over the years, the Community Service Award will be presented to entrepreneur Kevin Ence. After earning an associate degree from Dixie College in 1976, Ence followed in his father’s footsteps, working in the real estate profession. He has been involved in several Southern Utah hotel developments. Currently, Ence and several partners are renovating the George Town Square Apartments located just east of campus to create the new off-campus student housing, The Stay.
“Evening of Dixie is a great way for the alumni association to recognize more of our outstanding alumni and friends for their time and dedication to others,” Larson said. “Over the years, it has become a fun tradition, and we look forward to it each and every year.”
In addition to the presentation of awards, Evening of Dixie will include performances from the current D-Queen, Dixie Idol winner and Raging Red. Following the program, fireworks will be launched from the “D” on the black hill overlooking historic St. George.
For more information about the Dixie State University Alumni Association, visit their website.
Event details:
- What: “Evening of Dixie” presented by the Dixie State University Alumni Association
- When: Saturday, April 16, at 7 p.m.
- Where: Zion Room on the fifth floor of the Holland Centennial Commons on the Dixie State campus, 225 S. 700 E., St. George
- This event is free and open to the public
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