Utah Tech University

Mia Cesarek, a sophomore on the Utah Tech women's golf team, won the UGA Women's Winterchamps Championship. The tournament consisted of 12 teams and 77 women competing at Copper Rock golf course. Cesarek's win was a special one and allows her to move onto the EPSON Tour's Copper Rock Championship. The Copper Rock Championship is a stepping stone in qualifying for the LPGA tour. Cesarek's win from the Winterchamps tournament gives her an exemption to play in the professional tournament. Cesarek, along with her fellow teammate, will compete in this championship at Copper Rock golf course May 15-17.

Six Utah Tech students spent their spring break participating in a service project in Cambodia, making a meaningful impact in the community. Participating students built a house from the ground up in just four days. They began by demolishing the old house on the first day and ended with a couple moving in on the final day of the trip.

Lilliana Rogers, a student at Utah Tech, published a book - "The Dead Dads' Club Workbook" - to help herself and others deal with the grief of losing a loved one. After losing her father to cancer at 16, Lilliana set her mind to creating not only a book but a workbook to help others who have gone through similar scenarios. She had read many other books on the market. They were all very clinical, very sterile and plain. The pages were boring, there was no color and overall, they just seemed very cut and dry. "I didn't think those books encapsulated the human experience of grief," she said. "That's kind of where the grief humor came from. When you're going through something like loss, you need a little bit of humor." "The Dead Dads' Club Workbook" is full of bright colors and a little bit of humor-everything a grief book should include to get you through those tough times. The book also includes interactive activities and places to put pictures and create memories of your loss. Lilliana wanted to make it a little more interactive and more engaging. "If you are struggling with grief or you're struggling with memories, just know that you're not alone," Lilliana said. "The biggest message in this book is to interact with not only yourself but to create community and know that you're not alone."

Talented voice students from Utah Tech University recently competed at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) regional auditions, with five advancing to the first online round of nationals. Students compete in categories based on age, experience and vocal style, performing in front of experienced judges. Advancing to the national rounds is a remarkable achievement, as Utah Tech students had a 62.5 percent advancement rate-more than double the overall regional advancement rate of 27 percent. These five students, if they pass through the online national preliminary and quarterfinal rounds, will travel to Philadelphia, PA, this June for the remaining rounds.

Last month, four Utah Tech University students traveled to Atlanta, GA, to compete in the National Collegiate Sports Sales Competition. Over 90 organizations participate in this competition, including the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls. The National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship is a great example of Utah Tech University's "active learning. active life." mantra, giving students an opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain some exposure to the demands of the industry.

Utah Tech University's cheer team took first place at the USA National Collegiate Championship. The competition took place on Feb. 15 and 16 in Anaheim, California. The team won in two categories, including College Band Chant and D1 Small Co-Ed Show cheer Advanced. This was the first season in school history that UT competed for a national championship. In her first season as head coach, Marcie Sharp watched one of her biggest goals become a reality as her team won two titles. "This win is huge for our cheer program," said head cheer coach, Marcie Sharp. "This will help get Utah Tech's name out there to be able to bring in more talent and more donors so we can continue supporting and cheering on our Trailblazers, as well as win many more national championships in the future."

The 2025 Utah Tech Mr. Trailblazer event was a huge success, with Warner Carson, Kybin Al-Mosawi and Noah Rowley being crowned as the new royalty. Mr. Trailblazer is a longstanding tradition at the university. It takes about eight weeks to plan and perfect. Contestants compete in four categories, including an opening number, a question-and-answer panel, a special talent and a final walk in their best dress.

After researching how 3D scanning and mapping technology at crime scenes helps with the investigative process, Utah Tech University student Emma Mancuso will present her results during a poster session at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences conference this month. Mancuso's research began in the Spring 2024 semester and ended at the conclusion of the Fall 2024 semester. She observed law enforcement professionals who use the equipment regularly in cases. All participants were either current or formerly employed crime scene investigators, police officers, detectives and several other occupations. Her research findings showed that including 3D scanning and mapping technology helps with the accuracy, efficiency and volume of data collected.

Utah Tech University's Blaze Dance Team recently competed at United Spirit Association Dance Nationals, bringing home a first-place finish in D1 Collegiate Hip-Hop and second-place in D1 Collegiate Jazz. The Blaze Dance Team will have their final showcase on Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at Burns Arena on Utah Tech's campus. Blaze alumni are invited to attend to celebrate the new national champions as well as to be honored as alumni of the 70-year-old program. The public is also invited to this event.

Utah Tech University's ROTC program honored five cadets who will be the first class of officers commissioned out of the program. The officers who are commissioned out of the program are given the opportunity to have a head start in their future, including having a higher status when going into the United States Army.

As part of Utah Tech University's commitment to hands-on learning, students Rhys Ward and Natalia Cervantes conducted a two-semester project monitoring the developing aquatic environments in the ponds at Black Desert Resort. Ponds were included in the construction of the Black Desert golf course, creating an environment for many species to develop and flourish. The research conducted by UT students points to how to effectively keep these special and growing insect populations safe. The research also helps Black Desert plan for the future of its outdoor nature center to protect native plants and animals in the area. Dr. Bryan Stevens and Dr. Joseph Platt gave students the opportunity to conduct research on the aquatic insects that were living in the Black Desert Resort ponds. Dr. Platt has continued to work other projects at Black Desert Resort by sanctioning the endangered Virgin River chub fish and creating a partnership with the Utah Department of Agriculture to landscape Black Desert Resort with Utah's native plants.

Utah Tech University students celebrate an educational milestone at their White Coat Ceremony, symbolizing the beginning stages of a student's journey to becoming an occupational therapist. The white coat ceremony is considered the second major milestone for these students. The first is the presentation of a certificate of acceptance and enrollment into the occupational therapy doctoral program during orientation. This is Utah Tech's first doctoral program, making this the school's first white coat ceremony.

Students at Utah Tech University in the Fall 2024 semester demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, with 1,208 students earning Dean's List honors. To qualify, students had to attain a semester GPA of 3.5 to 3.89 and complete at least 15 credits. "Congratulations to our exceptional students whose dedication and hard work have earned them a well-deserved place on the honor roll," Dr. Michael Lacourse, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Utah Tech, said. "Seeing our students embrace opportunities at Utah Tech and achieve excellence is truly inspiring. Their personal achievements exemplify the perseverance and resilience that define our educational community."

The dental hygiene program at Utah Tech provided comprehensive oral healthcare services at no cost during their annual Children's Dental Health Day. Under faculty supervision, students delivered dental hygiene therapies, radiographs, fluoride treatments and sealants. This initiative targeted children and families facing barriers to accessing dental care, helping address critical oral health needs in our community. Participating students gained invaluable clinical experience while providing essential preventative services to 38 children, helping reduce dental disease and promoting lifelong oral health.

Students at Utah Tech University in the Fall 2024 semester demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, with 1,049 students earning President's List honors. "Congratulations to our exceptional students whose dedication and hard work have earned them a well-deserved place on the honor roll," Dr. Michael Lacourse, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Utah Tech, said. "Seeing our students embrace opportunities at Utah Tech and achieve excellence is truly inspiring. Their personal achievements exemplify the perseverance and resilience that define our educational community."

Students in Utah Tech University's Physical Therapy Assistant program and the University of Utah's Physical Therapy program gave the gift of mobility this holiday season by customizing and gifting electric kids' cars to area children with mobility disabilities through the Go Baby Go initiative. "Go Baby Go is a way that we, as a program, can give back to the community," Burke Jorgensen, an instructor at Utah Tech, said. "As we modify these cars, we are providing a way for these children to choose to move instead of passively being carried or pushed all day. That independence makes all the difference in that child's development and it changes the family's life."

In November, Utah Tech University Marching Band performed twice at the Red Rocks State Championships and Bands of America Regionals at Greater Zion Stadium. Performing in front of thousands of high school students from across six different states, the band performed classic rock tunes "Immigrant Song" and "Born to be Wild," the theme to "Phantom of the Opera," pep tunes "Hey Baby" and "Land of 1000 Dances," and Utah Tech's fight song, "Rise Up Trailblazers."

Utah Tech University's wrestling team completed the UT Tech Stampede Wrestling Invitational with 12 students placing first and 25 students finishing in the top 3 in their respective weight classes. Utah Tech's wrestling team is a campus club sport that has podiumed multiple times within the past year and has also had a nationally ranked third-place title by a former student. The club competes with larger schools, including UNLV, the University of Southern California, and Grand Canyon University, making it experienced and ready to compete against anyone. As a team, the women are ranked 4th, and the men are ranked 8th in the nation.

Zach Felts recently became Utah Tech University's first active golfer to earn the 2024 UGA Men's Player of the Year award. "Zach is very deserving of this award," Brad Sutterfield, head coach of men's golf at Utah Tech, said. "He had an incredible summer on the golf course and has worked very hard on his game to get to the next level."

Utah Tech University's pickleball team recently became the DUPR Collegiate National Champions and finished the competition undefeated. The championship team included Averee Beck, Liam Duffin, Kamryn Kolb and Benson Parry competing for the title. Held Nov. 1-3 in Dallas, Texas, the DUPR Championship hosted 64 collegiate teams. Trailblazers secured the championship title from their combined wins in the women's, men's and mixed doubles matches. Other teams included in their bracket were University of Texas, Austin, Indiana University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the team they dueled in the final, the University of Virginia.

The Utah Tech University Art Department had seven juried students representing the Art Department at the All About Arts Festival held in Southern Utah recently. As part of this experience, Utah Tech students learned how to market their intentions and establish their brand as artists. "It was a wonderful experience where the students were able to stand in front of their pieces, discuss their artwork and project their opinions on why it's important for someone to purchase their armor," Utah Tech Art Advisor Van Mangus said. "So it was kind of a big deal for them. It was a very practical experience for students." A combination of mediums was represented at the event, including ceramics, sculpture, watercolor and oil painting. Forty-one curated pieces of art were sold by Utah Tech students, mostly more functional ceramic pieces but also some two-dimensional wall art.

As a part of Homecoming week, Alyssia Johnston was crowned as Miss Utah Tech University along with four attendants: Brooklyn Leifson, Ava Aiona, Kynda Cullimore, and Kennedi Drake. The Miss Utah Tech University pageant was held on Sept. 23 and eligible students participated in a comprehensive competition involving multiple areas. These include talent, interview skills, public speaking, community service, and overall poise.

Graduating from Utah Tech University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice earlier this year, Pryce Seely is already making a splash in the world of cybersecurity and has begun working with the NCIS, or the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. Pryce will be working for the NCIS in the state of Washington until November, when he'll report to Glynco, Georgia, to begin a five to six-month training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

The ninth annual Cello Festival of Southern Utah was held at Utah Tech University recently, giving music students a large-scale active learning opportunity. This two-day festival included various workshop sessions and a regional competition for cellists, along with concerts and lectures open to the general public.

Students from Utah Tech University's Dental Hygiene Program studied abroad over the summer in Central America, changing the lives of several residents there. Six students and two instructors traveled to Honduras for ten days to expand their skills and make a difference in the lives of the people in Roatan.

Utah Tech University's "active learning. active life." philosophy provides students with engaging opportunities every day, setting them up for success in their future careers and endeavors. Thanks to the hands-on practice that he has had so far pursuing a master's degree in athletic training at Utah Tech, Alex Foster was able to shine as an athletic training intern at the Tennessee Titans summer camp from July 16 to September 1.

Bausten Rasmussen, a second-year athletic training master's student at Utah Tech University, had the opportunity to intern for the National Football League's Miami Dolphins team throughout the summer of 2024. This opportunity, facilitated by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Association, is highly competitive and requires a portfolio of information to even be considered. Students are required to have a resume, cover letter and letters of recommendation. They also must be accepted into a CAATE Accredited Master of Athletic Training Program.

Chandler Jones, a second-year master's student in Utah Tech's athletic training program, experienced the opportunity of a lifetime interning for the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars this summer. Jones spent much of his internship at the field making sure things ran smoothly. He set up the practice fields, stocked the athletic training room and helped the staff wherever needed.

Utah Tech University held a ceremony for the 11 students who graduated from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy on August 17. Several of these graduates will be serving as full-time law enforcement officers as a result of this achievement.

For some students, the grind doesn't stop once summer hits. Six dance students and a photography student from Utah Tech University spent three weeks in Florence, Italy, this summer as a part of Utah Tech's Florence Dance Study Abroad Program. Utah Tech's students modeled the University's "active learning. active life." approach to education in Italy, spending at least six hours a day dancing, learning, and observing dancers and instructors from cultures all over the world.