Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University Alumni Association recently honored eleven exemplary bachelor's degree graduates with the presitigous Elite 11 Award. Honorees were selected for excelling in academics as well as University and community involvment. The number 11 in the name Elite 11, connects back to the university's founding 1911, tying the award to a long standing tradition. These eleven graduates have made an unforgettable impact at the University. To qualify for Elite 11, students must demonstrate involvement, earn academic achievements, maintain a GPA of 3.65 or higher and be graduating with a bachelors degree.

Utah Tech art students recently showcased and sold their work at the annual St. George Arts Festival, marking the third year of Utah Tech representation at the event. All participating students prepared at least 15 pieces they had worked on during their time at Utah Tech. Among the achievements: - Jon Sanders sold 24 functional ceramic pieces - Brittany Cowley sold 22 ceramic necklaces - Keanna Campbell sold 13 sculptural ceramic vessels - Brandon Raabe sold 8 oil paintings Buyers from previous years continue to return to the Utah Tech student booth to purchase multiple pieces. The Art Department's representation at this event each year is a strong example of the University's "active learning. active life." approach to education. To learn more about the Utah Tech Art Department, visit art.utahtech.edu/.

Cheever, the owner of Hooray! Engraving Shoppe is a St. George local and will be graduating in May of 2026 with a bachelor's degree in graphic design and a minor in art. Outside of her academics, Cheever loves creating, especially arts and crafts like crocheting. This year, she took her passion for creation and translated it into her business. She has officially been running the business since January. In the beginning, balancing the business along with her course load at Utah Tech was difficult. All of Cheever's current employees are Utah Tech students. She's even working with professors in the graphic design department to offer an internship to a student over the summer, and is hoping to create more internship opportunities for future students. Cheever attributes a lot of Hooray! The Engraving Shoppe's success to the things she learned at Utah Tech, both in her academics in the graphic design program, and her work experience in the Makerspace at Atwood Innovation Plaza.

Utah Tech University has selected seven valedictorians to represent their peers at graduation. These individuals demonstrated excellent academic achievements, maintaining impressive GPA's and dedication to their respective areas of study over the course of their time at Utah Tech. These selected students will represent the entirety of their individual colleges, as well as the University as a whole. As valedictorian, these have been honored at a presidential dinner and will be invited to the robing ceremony prior to graduation. They will also deliver a speech to their peers during their respective commencement ceremonies.

Utah Tech Ballroom students put on a show at the Eccles Fine Arts Building Main Stage last week, performing their entertaining show "MOTION!" Through hard work, the stage came to life in a way that blended traditional ballroom styles with innovative choreography. From elegant waltzes to high-energy Latin numbers, "MOTION!" highlighted both the diversity of ballroom dancer and their passion. Throughout the academic year, these student performers have committed hours upon hours perfecting their technique, artistry, and performaces skills. "MOTION!" is the culmination of months of this rigorous training, creativity, collaboration.

Students at Utah Tech University partnered with the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department to diversify pollinators in a campus desert garden. Originally renovated in October during a drop-in service project, the garden, located in the courtyard of the College of Education building, was updated with new plants designed to attract pollinators. Students volunteered to help plant a variety of species that support bees, birds and other beneficial insects. The initiative is part of an ongoing research project led by the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, focused on increasing pollinator activity and biodiversity across campus. Introducing new plant life enhances biodiversity but also creates a more colorful and sustainable habitat. The added greenery and color have already transformed the space into a more inviting environment for students and pollinators. A follow-up cleanup event was held on April 17 to prepare the garden for an upcoming Earth Day reception on April 22. The event is open to the public and will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the garden, the research project, and the importance of pollinators.

This March, FUSION and Blaze Dance Team traveled to Spain to perform on the Utah Tech Entertainment Alliance Recruiting Tour. From March 4-13, students had the opportunity to go to different facilities and schools across Spain's capital city, Madrid. Showcasing Utah Tech, the goal of the trip was to inspire the community as well as recruit potential students through nine total performances which took place across different high schools, elementary schools, and community centers. These highly rehearsed performances not only let the audience know what UTEA does, but these musical numbers reminded people that they are not alone, and they matter.

Utah Tech University FUSION students who took the Eccles Fine Arts Center Mainstage on March 27 and 28 to perform this year's spring finale. With this show's theme being "Back to Broadway," students perfromed songs from beloved musicals such as Wicked, Hamilton, and The Great Gatsby. With six freshmen, six sophomores, and one junior making up FUSION, a variety of talent comes to life on the stage through their musical and theatrical skills. The training is rigorous, with students rehearsing Monday through Firday for hours on end, perfecting each number.

Utah Tech University students, staff, faculty, and community members were recognized for their commitment and service to the institution during the annual Trailblazer Awards ceremony held on campus recently. Focused on celebrating the extraordinary impact of people on campus and in the community, this yearly event has been a tradition on campus since the 1950's. The following students were honored in their respective Trailblazer Award categories: - Student of the year: Abigail Schmidt - Entertainer of the year: Logan Rawson - Personality of the Year: Kybin Al-Mosawi - Stafford Student Involvement Award: Sophia Haughn - The Grit Award: Jhonny Druding Award winners across multiple categories were honored highlighting the strong involvement and community at Utah Tech.

Business students at Utah Tech University are making a meaningful impact in the community through their participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The initiative allows students to assist qualifying community members and fellow students with completing their tax returns, free of charge. As part of the accounting major, participation in the program is required, giving students both class credit and volunteer hours. Participating students are trained and certified to help clients navigate tax forms while gaining practical, hands-on experience. Throughout the process, accounting professors are available during appointments to guide students and answer questions. By the end of the semester, students are well equipped and more confident completing tax forms independently. By the end of tax season, Utah Tech students will have collectively filled out 1,500-2,000 tax forms. Their efforts provide valuable experience and save clients an estimated $400 in tax preparation fees. The VITA program strengthens students' skills and reinforces the value of serving the community through real-world experience. To learn more, go to accounting.utahtech.edu/vita-free-tax-prep/.

Creating an inclusive prom experience for individuals with disabilities across the community, Utah Tech University's Accessibility and Disability Center hosted Prom of Possibilities in partnership with the Student Accessibility Board on campus last weekend. Prom of Possibilities sprung from an idea by Olivia Wolff, the head student officer for the Student Accessibility Board. Over 150 people attended the event, which featured everything from a live DJ and red carpet to a Chill Zone, an area where overstimulated participants could take a moment to regulate themselves. This quieter area had earplugs, candies, fidget toys and sunglasses as a way to help people calm down.

Utah Tech students opted for an alternative spring break last week, traveling to New Orleans for a service trip where they got to aid in a park clean-up, a garden restoration and event preparation in partnership with Swift Hands. The group of 15 participating students saw the trip as an opportunity to serve a community together while creating lasting memories. The Utah Tech Student Association service branch organized the trip in collaboration with Camp Hope and Swift Hands, allowing students to support multiple local initiatives during their stay. On the first full day of the trip, students helped de-litter and beautify a local park, ultimately protecting wildlife habitats. The second day, the team partnered with a local plant restoration organization to help plant trees and the last day concluded with helping a community garden to grow fresh produce. Outside of service work, students experienced the city's culture, including a swamp tour to observe Louisiana wildlife and visits to Bourbon Street, which is well known for its music scene. Each year, UTSA organizes two to three alternative breaks trips, giving students opportunities to travel, serve communities and earn service hours.

Utah Tech University recently announced its new student body leaders for the upcoming academic year. Each student leader works to gain student feedback, support the Utah Tech Student Association, engage volunteers and build traditions on campus. Each of these positions is elected by student voting. The newly appointed students are as follows: Beau Kendrick - Student Body President Maya Christopherson - Vice President of Academics Lily Leggat - Vice President of Clubs & Organizations These students will work together to make campus a more connected, engaging and student-focused environment. "I want to be a leader who is actively learning and taking the time to hear feedback and apply it," Kendrick said. "I'm also excited to help bridge the gap between campus and the local community and continue building St. George into true Trailblazer territory." For more information about the UTSA President's Cabinet, visit utahtech.edu/utsa/prescab/.

Utah Tech students are leaving their mark on the St. George community, one brushstroke at a time. As part of a larger regional initiative known as the Canyon to Canyon Mural Project, students are contributing to a vibrant visual experience that will connect Snow Canyon to Zion National Park through a series of murals placed along a developing bike path. The project features 20 individual panels, each representing a different segment of the trail and telling a unique story of the surrounding landscape. Utah Tech's student design team was selected to create the panel representing the university's section of the path, located near Riverside Drive behind a local business complex. The mural, measuring roughly 18 feet wide and 7 feet tall, incorporates bold blocks of color and imagery inspired by the natural environment, including animals commonly found along the trail. The project is being completed through Utah Tech's Studio Node, a student-run design and development studio that provides hands-on, real-world experience. Students involved in the studio operate as paid junior designers, working with clients, meeting deadlines and collaborating on professional-level projects. The design process for the mural was highly collaborative. Students began by brainstorming and sketching ideas together, experimenting with different concepts before narrowing down key elements. At one point, the team even used virtual reality technology to visualize their design on a full-scale wall. After finalizing the concept, the team projected the design onto the wall to create an outline, preparing them for the painting phase.

The Utah Tech University cheer and stunt team took home a back-to-back national titles for band chant and a third-place finish for their show cheer routine. The team traveled to Anaheim, California to compete in the United Spirit Association's Collegiate Championships, bringing two routines to the two-day competition. The small coed team competed in the band chant division and the show cheer division.

Utah Tech University's Institute of Politics chose three students to represent the University at the Utah State Legislature from late January to early March this year. The students participated in a competitive application process which included recommendation letters, transcripts, interviews, writing samples and cover letters. Although this process might seem daunting, these students were more than just qualified - they were passionate for this new experience and for what they would be contributing to their community. A few of the responsibilities of this internship include running schedules and constituent services, assisting in legislative tracking, as well as markup and negotiation for a bill. These students are able to develop relationships with key state leaders and those close to elected officials. They are able to gain hands-on experience with the political system and witness the behind-the-scenes aspects of the work. At the conclusion of the internship, the UT students will be more qualified to seek careers while building off their newly acquired set of skills.

Utah Tech University senior Miles Kindred won the annual Mr. Trailblazer competition alongside two runners-up - Kyle Dorius and Sam Sharp. Hosted by the Utah Tech Student Association, the competition was held on Feb. 11 on the Utah Tech campus. The students participated in a comprehensive competition with scores from an opening number, introductions, a talent portion, onstage questions, head-to-head rounds, and a red carpet walk. Contestants prepared for two weeks to show off their talents and hard work. Some of the talents performed that night included, playing instruments, singing, doing magic, and a water show from winner Miles Kindred. Following Miles Kindred as the winner, each runner-up was awarded as follows: 1st Runner-up: Kyle Dorius 2nd Runner-up: Sam Sharp

The Dental Hygiene program at Utah Tech University provided comprehensive oral healthcare services at no cost during their annual Children's Dental Health Day on January 31. Under faculty supervision, UT students delivered dental hygiene therapies, radiographs, fluoride treatments and sealants to children, helping address critical oral health needs in the community. Participating students gained invaluable clinical experience while providing essential preventative services to 47 children, helping reduce dental disease and promoting lifelong oral health. This event exemplifies Utah Tech's commitment to community-engaged learning and demonstrates how UT programs contribute to both educational excellence and community well-being.

Students at Utah Tech University showcased exceptional academic performance during the spring 2025 semester, with 1,071 students earning Dean's List honors. To qualify, students had to earn a 3.5 to 3.89 GPA and complete at least 15 credits. "Congratulations to our outstanding students whose dedication and sustained effort have earned them a place on the honor roll," said Dr. Chris Guymon, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. "Their achievements reflect Utah Tech's commitment to 'active learning. active life.' - where students learn by doing, apply knowledge in real-world contexts and prepare for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. We are proud of the perseverance, adaptability and resilience our students demonstrate as members of our polytechnic community." Over the past ten years, Utah Tech University has experienced tremendous growth and now offers nearly 300 academic programs. Known for its affordability, it ranks among the most cost-effective universities in the Western U.S. and emphasizes hands-on education that encourages students to thrive both professionally and personally.

Utah Tech students from the Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program completed their bachelor's degrees and received their pin at the Utah Tech Nursing Pinning Ceremony last week. At the end of each semester, Utah Tech recognizes nursing students who have completed their program by honoring their achievement with a symbolic pinning. Each student receives a pin that represents the passing on of knowledge. "We get to honor all their hard work," said Judy Scott, chair of the Department of Nursing in the College of Health Sciences, said. "They are all going into the world to care for people in all walks of life, and I am so excited to see what they do."

Students at Utah Tech University in the fall 2025 semester demonstrated remarkable academic talent, with 951 students earning President's List honors. To qualify, students had to attain a semester GPA of 3.9 or higher and complete at least 15 credits. "Congratulations to our outstanding students whose dedication and sustained effort have earned them a place on the honor roll," said Dr. Chris Guymon, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. "Their achievements reflect Utah Tech's commitment to 'active learning. active life.' -- where students learn by doing, apply knowledge in real-world contexts and prepare for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. We are proud of the perseverance, adaptability and resilience our students demonstrate as members of our polytechnic community." Over the past ten years, Utah Tech University has experienced tremendous growth and now offers nearly 300 academic programs. Known for its affordability, it ranks among the most cost-effective universities in the Western U.S. and emphasizes hands-on education that encourages students to thrive both professionally and personally.

Utah Tech students from the Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing programs earned their associate's degree and received their pin at a Utah Tech Nursing Pinning Ceremony last week. At the end of each semester, Utah Tech recognizes nursing students who have completed their program by honoring their achievement with a symbolic pinning. Each student receives a pin that represents the passing on of knowledge. "We get to honor all their hard work," Judy Scott, the chair of the Department of Nursing in the College of Health Sciences, said. "They are all going into the world to care for people in all walks of life, and I am so excited to see what they do."

The Utah Tech University course Design for Additive Manufacturing has a unique approach to finals week. Students spend the semester designing, manufacturing and producing rings fit for a wedding. They also create ring boxes to accompany their rings. After all the work is said and done, professor David Christensen invites members of campus and local jewelers to judge the designs, with a catch. Any student whose designs were judged higher than Christensen's would get extra credit in the course.

Each semester, Utah Tech University honors several students to be recognized for their academic pursuits, involvement, and attitude toward their educational careers. Each student is nominated for the award by their peers, professors, or staff on campus. Nominations are sent to the department chairs, who then pick the winner for their department. Students of the Semester must have a 3.5+ GPA, demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities, and be career-ready.

Through a collaborative effort to benefit children in the community, Utah Tech University held its seventh annual Go Baby Go event on Saturday, Dec. 6. Utah Tech's Physical Therapist Assistant Program offers mobility and independence to young children with disabilities through the Go Baby Go Program. This year, they served a record-breaking 11 children with customized toy cars. "This program is really important for the families of these children because they don't always realize how much the community cares about them," Burke Jorgensen, assistant professor of physical therapy, said. "I think we need more of these of events because there are so many generous people in this community and they just don't know how to help. We all love these kids and the families can see it at this event." Through this hands-on learning project, students adapt toy cars to function as powered wheelchairs and then teach local children in need how to use them, making a difference in their lives for years to come.

Recently, more than 20 Utah Tech University students traveled to Salt Lake City to participate in the annual 47G Summit. 47G is an organization dedicated to building Utah's aerospace, defense and cyber ecosystems. The 47G Summit is a multi-day conference that brings together innovators, policymakers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs. This year's conference was held at the Salt Palace Convention Center and featured panels and speakers focusing on Utah's role in global innovation.

The Utah Tech University club pickleball team recently made history as the first Collegiate World Champions. In an event hosted by the Professional Pickleball Association and Adidas, Utah Tech stood among other student-athletes from across the globe for a three-day championship held in Dallas, Texas, to determine the winners. The following athletes competed at the tournament to bring home the championship title.

Utah Tech University freshman golfer, David Liechty, was the first player in program history to receive a PGA Tour exemption. Liechty played alongside the pros on Thursday and Friday of the competition, totaling four birdies over the two days on the course. Men's golf coach Brad Sutterfield explained how Liechty's competitive record and reputation within amateur golf earned him the opportunity to play in the PGA Tour. Over the summer, Liechty reached the finals of the Utah State Amateur competition, proving his ability to compete at a high level.

Utah Tech University senior Katie Walker won the annual Utah Tech Homecoming royalty last week alongside four runner-ups - Ella Cox, Olivia Wolff, Sydney Healy, and Analee Hall. The competition was held on Oct. 21 as a part of the 2025 Utah Tech Homecoming week. The students participated in a comprehensive competition with scores from a private interview, fitness, talent, evening wear and an onstage question. Contestants prepared for a month to show off their talents, poise and hard work. A few of the talent portions included dancing, poetry, instruments and more. Following Katie Walker as the winner, each runner-up was awarded as follows: 1st Runner up - Ella Cox 2nd Runner up - Olivia Wolff 3rd Runner up - Sydney Healy 4th Runner up - Analee Hall

Created by Utah Tech University students and faculty, the film Waves recently won best short film at the Vienna Independent Film Festival. The film was written and directed by Utah Tech assistant professor Hans Glasmann and brought to life by a team of Utah Tech students. Following the grief journey of a man who is dealing with a family loss, Waves is a narrative short film that showcases an important conversation about mental health as well as political issues.