D-Week has been an annual tradition for 110 years. With the university name changing from Dixie State University to Utah Tech University, students can still expect to continue celebrating the same traditions.
In the voting process, when changing the school name to Utah Tech, D-Week was voted on to keep as it is a tradition and maintains the school’s history. It has always been named D-Week and will remain that way for now. It is possible that the executive council on Utah Tech Student Association and President Richard “Biff” Williams’ cabinet will change it in the future if needed, but currently, the week’s name will stay the same.
Sarah Ramaker, the Assistant Director of student involvement and leadership, reminisces on the week’s impact for her as a student: “D-Week for me as a student was where I grew my love and passion for this university. It’s the first time I ever felt like I belonged on campus and I got to learn the deep history of our school. The school makes people feel so welcomed and loved.”
The planners for D-Week on UTSA have worked diligently to plan a week of events that appeal to everyone. Starting with April 3, the D-Week kickoff will happen at 8:30 a.m. where the campus will be decorated and interactive booths will be set up. Later on that night will be Brooks’ Block Party. The Trailblazer Queen Pageant will take place on April 4 in the Cox Auditorium. The Spring Fest that happens yearly at Utah Tech will also be a part of the D-Week Carnival. Events will continue throughout the week and end April 8 by whitewashing the “D” on the hill.
Students and community members are welcomed and encouraged to participate in D-Week. D-Week is a time for everyone to come together and honor the history of Utah Tech. Although there was a name change, the week will still feel the same and have activities for all ages.
The Chief of Staff on UTSA, Alijah Caskinette, a senior history education major from West Valley City, said: “Our goal as UTSA is to get the community super involved this year in several events. We are really encouraging our community to come see how amazing our student body is and how inspiring our university’s growth can be by participating in all events at this year’s D-Week celebration.”
One specific part of D-Week, as mentioned priorly, is the Trailblazer Queen Pageant. The Trailblazer Queen Pageant’s name was changed from D-Queen because the people in UTSA who voted on it wanted a name that represented the winner in the best way possible. The pageant process and show will remain the same.
Ramaker said: “This pageant is meant to celebrate people of academic success and success outside of the classroom as they are getting involved in the incredible organizations we have around campus. It is meant to celebrate people who have the trailblazer spirit in them. We decided to transition the name so people can be proud of the title they are receiving.”
Alumni, faculty, community members and students have the opportunity to make D-Week what they want it to be. It can positively affect everyone in St. George when they attend and get involved.
“D-Week is a celebration of our tradition, community, and trailblazer spirit,” Caskinette said. “I think this week serves as a reminder that our roots run deep in St. George, and that no matter what walk of life we come from, or where we end up in our futures, we will always have a home here at Utah Tech.”
Ramaker said: “As a staff member, I get to pass this down to our students. As I help them plan events and as I help coach the Trailblazer Queens, I get to pass on that love and safety that someone gave me.”
This D-Week has tons of events lined up and everyone is invited to attend. Even though the university’s name changed, the school’s leaders will always recognize the history and the growth being made daily.
