In past years, almost no one would have associated Ogden's famous Browning family with Dixie College. But all that changed Friday with the dedication of the Val A. Browning Learning Resource Center.
Browning and his son, John Val Browning, attended the dedication of the building named in his honor. Browning contributed about $1.3 million toward construction of the building located northeast of the Student Union Building.Gov. Norm Bangerter said Val A. Browning's contributions in the Ogden area and throughout the state ". . . have enriched the lives of many and placed him in a benevolent class by himself.
Touching briefly on his attendance at the education summit, Bangerter said, "Just as Thomas Jefferson envisioned an unparalleled educational system for all Americans and laid many of its foundations, we are blessed in Utah to have the leadership and vision of men like (Dixie College) President Alder, Commissioner Wm. Rolfe Kerr, and Val Browning."
When introducing Bangerter, Dixie President Douglas D. Alder referred to him as Utah's "education governor," characterizing Bangerter as a governor who "stuck his neck out for education and authorized a large tax increase several years ago."
"Sticking your neck out is the easy part," Bangerter quipped. "It's getting it back sometimes that's the trick."
Jack Lampros, a trust officer at First Security Bank and friend of the Browning family, said while Browning's name is "world renowned for significant contributions to the defense of the United States," Browning has a "gentle side, which is exemplified in the interest he has in improving the quality of life for his fellow men."
Max Rose, Dixie College's academic vice president, said the new building will be used for a variety of purposes, including instruction in math, English and reading.
He said the building also holds a computer center and a 225-seat auditorium, named the Alma Dunford Auditorium. Members of the Alma Dunford family contributed toward the seating and furnishings.