Utah State University will celebrate the start of a new academic year with one of its most treasured traditions – the annual Connections Luminary – on Friday, August 22. Held at USU’s residential campuses in Logan, Eastern, and Blanding, inviting students, faculty, alumni, and community members to come together for an evening of light, symbolism, and Aggie pride.

At the heart of the celebration are students enrolled in USU 1010: Connections, the university’s first-year experience course. These students will each carry a lantern modeled after the iconic Old Main tower as they join a symbolic procession marking the beginning of their journey at Utah State.

“The Luminary event is a beautiful tribute and welcome to our new Aggies,” said Harrison Kleiner, an associate professor of philosophy and the vice provost who oversees the Connections program. “Their Connections experience prepares them to be successful while at USU, and the Luminary reminds them of their goal of being USU graduates who are prepared to go into the world to make a positive contribution.”

In Logan, students will walk from the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to the historic Quad, following the reverse path they’ll take during their future commencement ceremony. The evening will conclude with a welcome address from Interim President Alan Smith, delivered live in Logan and broadcast to the Eastern and Blanding campuses. In a powerful moment of unity, each campus will light the “A” blue – a visual symbol of students’ official welcome into the Aggie family.

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

For more details about the Luminary, visit usu.edu/connections or contact Student Orientation & Transition Services at (435) 797-0283.