A celebratory event for former professor Roene DiFiore is scheduled from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 7500 S. 97 West in Midvale.

In honor of what would have been her 100th birthday, her former students, and all who loved her will join together for An Evening with Roene where songs will be sung and stories told.

DiFiore, affectionately known as Mrs. D., taught music performance at Dixie College (now Utah Tech) for 25 years.

“I don’t know anybody that had an effect on young people like Roene did,” said Richard Whitehead, former head of development at Dixie.

DiFiore was best known for instituting Program Bureau at the college in 1967, the concept was created to promote friendships, loyalty and provide self-value, fun and fellowship.

Former Dixie President Douglas Alder said, “Her concept seemed so old fashioned that it was doomed to fail, but her charisma gave it vitality. It was catching.”

Alder explained that DiFiore’s strategy included “capturing the lonely freshman, the awkward sophomore, the left-out struggler, and mix them with the student leaders to create a unity of friendship.”

DiFiore was even recognized by then-Gov. Michael Leavitt in 1997 when he declared Nov. 1 Roene Bigler DiFiore Day.

The former music educator passed away in 1990. Former students and others can find more information on the event at difiorecenter.org.