Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University celebrated eleven students this week by presenting them with the prestigious Elite 11 Award. First introduced in 2014 by Taylor Topham Twitchell and Joel Glauser, two former members of the Utah Tech Alumni Ambassadors, the Elite 11 Award recognizes 11 senior students who have excelled in academics and have been heavily involved in both University and community service. The number 11 signifies the year Utah Tech University first began in 1911. "This special and unique Elite 11 award is just one way to highlight and honor these amazing students at Utah Tech University," Betty Barnum, President of the Alumni Association Board, said. Students must have a 3.65 or higher GPA to apply and their in-depth application must describe all of their volunteer and service activities including their involvement in athletic or music programs. This year's recipients of the Elite 11 Award attended an honorary dinner, received a letter of recommendation from the University President, and will have their picture displayed on a plaque in the Stephen and Marcia Wade Alumni House.

Utah Tech student Noelle Fuller took her artistic ability to new heights by transforming a plain red piano into an art piece showcasing Utah Tech University's beautiful Southern Utah surroundings. Fuller's piece was unveiled at a Utah Tech event in downtown St. George and will be placed in a prominent location in St. George for the community to enjoy. Fuller transformed the piano by adding a 3D bison head made out of spray foam and wood chips, painted several Southern Utah landscapes, and burned petroglyphs into the wood sidings. Fuller shared it took her roughly 1,100 hours to completely transform the piano but she said, looking back, it was completely worth it and a transformative experience. "It took a lot of research and planning time - creating mockups and different ideas to see which one would be approved, and then figuring out how to have those ideas come to life," Fuller said. "I am so happy I was able to do this and have this experience. I know so much more now because of this and I am so excited. I can't wait to keep exploring and sharing with the world."

Utah Tech students enrolled in the Literature and the Land course recently spent their Saturday volunteering with Conserve Southwest Utah at Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area. Working with CSU volunteers, these students recorded the locations of 20 tortoise burrows, 13 mammal burrows of interest, and they located one tortoise that was still hibernating in its burrow. Professor Theda Wrede, who teaches the course, believes that providing students with volunteering opportunities offers them multiple learning experiences that they can easily transfer back into the classroom. Volunteering with local environmental organizations like CSU also enables students to feel like active members of the community while at the same time, allowing them to bond with their peers. "In this class focusing on environmental literature, I encourage students to have first-hand experiences with nature to gain a better understanding of the ideas, processes, and concerns expressed in the texts we read," Wrede said. "Course contents become more meaningful, I believe, through experimental learning activities like these."

Austin Burns, a senior at Utah Tech University, created a visually stunning light display for Utah Tech's annual Fire & Ice Gala. With a Benson Boone concert to take place the next day, Burns flipped the light display 180 degrees in order to feature the singer and his set. Burns found his passion for lighting after getting involved in his high school theatre program and working at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, and has since continued to find opportunities in the lighting world by working at the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center at Utah Tech University.

As part of Utah Tech University's D-Week festivities, the Trailblazer Queen pageant provides students with the opportunity to showcase their talents, personalities, and passions on stage. Alijah Caskinette was crowned this year's Trailblazer Queen, wowing the judges with her talent of a self-choreographed contemporary dance routine. Caskinette was crowned alongside her four attendants: first attendant, Kimberly Querales; second attendant, Marinn Duncan; third attendant and congeniality queen, Madison Jackson; and fourth attendant and congeniality queen, Evie Barfuss. Every contestant who participates in the pageant is scored based on a resume, essay, private interview, talent, evening wear, and an onstage question. Trailblazer Queen contestants spend six weeks leading up to the pageant preparing and perfecting their talent and quick-thinking skills to ensure they're ready to impress the judges. As Caskinette steps into her new role as Trailblazer Queen, she wants to continue supporting and uplifting the campus community.

In March, the Utah Tech student body held the 2023 Student Body Elections. Utah Tech's students elected Jose Toral-Martinez as its new student body president, along with Aileigh Hansen as vice president of Academics and Evie Barfuss as vice president of Clubs & Organizations. Over campaign week, the candidates found themselves on Utah Tech's campus answering questions, meeting students, and discussing the needs of the University.

Utah Tech University's Blaze Dance Team recently made history at the USA National Finals competition held in Anaheim, California. The only collegiate team to earn medals in both of their categories, the team placed second in Jazz and third in Hip Hop. The team dedicated hundreds of hours to learning their routines and preparing for the competition, which required them to have an immense love for the sport along with a lot of heart. Unlike many of their competitors, the Blaze Dance Team didn't have an entire season to prepare for the competition because the team serves as one of the main forms of entertainment for two sports, football and basketball. "My main purpose this year was to instill in them the belief that they can accomplish anything they set their hearts and minds to," Head Coach Kori Esplin said. "It was really special to see them overcome so much and be able to end up doing and performing their very best." As the team grows and continues to work hard and dream big, they hope to earn a national title at next year's competition.

Six Utah Tech University students were recently honored at Utah Tech's Black Excellence Gala, an annual event created to celebrate and honor Trailblazers for excelling in various areas or making a difference in the community. This event is also an opportunity for students to nominate other students for their successes and accomplishments. At the event, students were recognized for accomplishments that make the community proud. Select students, faculty, staff, and community members also received Drum Major Awards for being an agent for change and diversity in their field or community.

Over the 2022 holiday break, a group of Utah Tech University students and faculty participated in a study abroad trip to Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. While there, the students immersed themselves in the artisanal culture of the potters of northwest Mexico. The participating group embodied Utah Tech University's tagline "active learning. active life." on this trip with hands-on learning and had a greatly positive and productive experience. The students also all benefitted academically from the trip, even with a wide variety of majors.

Most students competing in college intramural sports wouldn't expect it to take them out of town or even off campus, but a group of students from Utah Tech University playing co-ed intramural flag football traveled to both Lincoln, Nebraska, and Round Rock, Texas, to compete with other college intramural teams. The students, after playing at the University and winning overall, were able to travel and stay in Lincoln, Nebraska, and compete in the regional tournament. After winning three games over the weekend and claiming the regional title overall, the team had the chance to fly to Round Rock, Texas, in January and compete in the national championships.

Senior students from Utah Tech University's Dental Hygiene program recently became laser certified after Ultradent Products Inc. donated six Gemini Dental Lasers to UT's public dental hygiene clinic and Department of Dental Hygiene. Laser certification enables the program to provide students with more opportunities to be prepared for clinical practice and expands services available to patients treated at the clinic. "Being laser certified in the field of dental hygiene opens the door to many clinical opportunities," Alyse Crosby, a senior dental hygiene student, said. "This has fueled my passion for the profession, inspired me to pursue further learning and provided me with a deeper understanding of oral health." As part of the certification process, 23 dental hygiene students, along with 15 faculty members, underwent 12 hours of continuing education and an exam, which prepared the clinicians to use dental hygiene laser therapy in any state that requires certification. The state of Utah doesn't currently require certification to use these lasers, but for students looking to be employed out of the state, this certification makes them more marketable.

Participating as a team, Utah Tech University students received the Meritorious Award in SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling 2022, an international mathematical modeling competition. From all over the world, 327 students sent in their solutions to an open-ended problem, which were reviewed by five judges worldwide.

Helping spread the message of kindness, Utah Tech University design major True Jarrel recently illustrated "Let Kindness Grow: A Bison's Tale" as a part of the Semnani Family Foundation's One Kind Act a Day campaign. Earlier this summer, Jarrel also redesigned UT's Brooks the Bison character while interning at Utah Tech University's Marketing & Communication office. This redesign led to them to creating the illustrations for the children's book. The One Kind Act a Day initiative is intended to make kindness a daily habit. This inititiave was born from the Semnani Family Foundation and is rooted in the belief that one small act of kindness, when done by many, can lead to big changes in our lives and world.

Two teams from Utah Tech University received the Outstanding Award in the SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling, an international mathematical modeling competition. From all over the world, 327 students sent in their solutions to an open-ended problem, which were reviewed by five judges worldwide. In total, 27 teams received the Outstanding Winner designation.

The Utah Tech Pickleball Club competed in the first National Collegiate Pickleball tournament recently and placed second overall. This was the first-ever collegiate tournament where all the college teams met in one spot to play for a championship under the same Major League Pickleball rules and regulations. The Utah Tech team consisted of players Matt Morgan, Dylan Ciampani, and Max and Kate Nadauld, with Hunter Aiono, Kylar Lemmon, and Brandon Chesley attending as support staff.

Every semester, the Utah Tech University Student Association Student Senate hosts the Student of the Semester banquet to recognize and celebrate student achievements within every academic department across campus. "Each recipient is selected by the department chair in collaboration with the faculty within their department," Karson Ray, UTSA vice president of academics, said. "It is extremely special to be the one student selected from the department and that deserves to be celebrated." The banquet serves as a way to congratulate students for the dedication and passion they have demonstrated toward their studies throughout the semester. This year, UTSA Student Senate recognized 44 individuals - 43 students and one professor.

Earlier this month, students in Utah Tech University's Physical Therapist Assistant program and University of Utah's Doctor of Physical Therapy program provided customized electric kids' cars to eight children with mobility disabilities. This is the fourth time that Utah Tech has participated in the Go Baby Go program, a project that primarily focuses on giving children with mobility disabilities an opportunity to develop, grow, and play with their peers more easily.

As a part of Homecoming Week festivities, the Miss Utah Tech University pageant provides students with the opportunity to showcase their talents, share their social impact initiatives, and compete for the chance to win a series of scholarships. Zoe Sewell was crowned Miss Utah Tech University for the 2022-2023 school year. Sewell impressed the judges with her social impact intiative, Healthy Habits, and her performance of "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman. Sewell was joined on stage by her three attendants: first attendant, Katherine Walker; second attendant, Gracey Fowers; and third attendant, Samantha Bartholomew. The Miss Utah Tech competition consists of participating in a private interview with the judges, pitching a social impact initiative, answering an on-stage question from the judges, and demonstrating a talent. The winner of Miss Utah Tech University also earns the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Utah. Along with the crowning of Miss Utah Tech University and her three attendants, several contestants received special awards at the end of the night to recognize the unique strengths they demonstrated throughout the competition. The Team Player Award was given to Tessa Welch for her willingness to support and uplift the other contestants. Kate Backus was awarded the Service Award for her social impact initiative focusing on uplifting individuals with special needs in the community. The Trailblazer Spirit Award was given to Elizabeth Martin for her positive attitude throughout the competition, and Trinity Altena was honored with the Woman Empowerment Award.

Southern Utah's canyon tree frog population is dropping, and dropping fast. Curt Walker, a professor at Utah Tech University, took it upon himself in 2008 to raise awareness and get to the bottom of the mysterious, growing absence of the once thriving population. Nearly 15 years later, and Walker still ventures out to places like Zion National Park and Quail Creek State Park each week with various students from Utah Tech University. The group has come to two conclusions - one, that the consistent drought in St. George is affecting the water-dependent species; and two, a fungus called chytrid is common in the local communities of canyon tree frogs.

This summer Utah Tech students Ethan Allen and Janna Brown, along with Dr. Ka-Wai Yu of the UT Music Department, visited Saarburg, Germany to perform in the Saarburg Music Festival. Allen performed a total of four times and Brown performed five times at the festival. Additionally, the experience of mingling with others who had already established a career path in music was valuable to both students, helping reinforce what they wanted to pursue as well as push them to new levels.

Sophie Phelps, a 19-year-old sophomore at Utah Tech University, claimed her second motocross national champion title in August at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Phelps made her first nationals appearance at age 13, finishing in 17th place, and steadily improved until she won first in the women's division last year in 2021 and defended her title this year. Phelps is studying mechanical engineering at Utah Tech, stating that she would like to use what she learns to someday design helmets or parts for bikes.

Utah Tech University student Dusty Hart recently competed in the SkillsUSA national competition in Atlanta, Georgia where he was awarded first place for his screen-printing ability. Hart won a small printing press, an ink mixing system, a ticket to a MADE Lab class in Texas, and 500 dollars. Initially, Hart participated in the screen-printing competition at the post-secondary level. He entered the state competition, held at Salt Lake Community College, where he also won first place for his quality screen-printing work.

Seven Utah Tech students, led by Professor Robert Kagabo, took just over three weeks of their summer to travel to Uganda, participate in humanitarian work and learn more about health and social challenges there. The students, majoring in degrees such as pre-med, nursing, biology, and population health, were able to fully immerse themselves in the country and the various cultures found within. In Uganda, the students conducted community-based participatory research, letting the local community make decisions and the group assisting with those decisions. The group also learned about the public health challenges that affected the area, like malaria, the West Nile Virus, Ebola, and a rise in teen pregnancy since the instating of a quarantine to protect the public against COVID-19.

Sebastian Hotalen, a member of Utah Tech University's Rodeo Club, is hitting the road to compete in the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. Hotalen, who is from of Belgrade, Montana, said he is "feeling pretty confident" about competing as a bareback rider in Casper - and with good reason. This will be Hotalen's second appearance at the CNFR, missing his freshman year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he made it to the National High School Rodeo Finals three times, and in his senior year was named Top 15 out of high schoolers in the world. Outside of the arena, Hotalen is studying management at Utah Tech and is working toward becoming the first person in his family to earn a college degree.

Dixie State University theatre students participate in the first-ever Student Playwrights Festival, a nine-day event featuring 15 plays written, directed and performed by DSU students. Of the plays performed, ten were short plays, around ten-minutes long, and five of them were full-length plays. A total of 24 students either wrote or directed the plays and all worked hard to make the shows a success.

Dixie State University Physical Therapist Assistant students participated in the Go Baby Go program, offering community children the gift of mobility through customized cars. "Through this program children with disabilities, as young as 7-9 months, are able to learn to control the cars and experience the world in a way the rest of us take for granted, choosing which direction to go and what to explore," said Drew Wilcox director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program. "This allows them to interact, to learn, to grow and to develop an awareness of their world that isn't possible when your entire world is reliant on others." DSU students met with the parents and their participating children to learn about each child's unique disability, their favorite color, the type of car they wanted and other things that make each child unique so the cars could be completely customized.

As a formal event patterned after the Academy Awards, Dixie State University's Dixie Awards ceremony has been a traditional part of student life at Dixie State for decades. This annual ceremony recognizes the accomplishments of Dixie State students, faculty, staff, community members and business who have shown a remarkable commitment to either DSU, particular programs, or organizations. The Dixie Award ceremony was held on April 29 and included a variety of categories with the top five finalists in each. The categories include: Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year - Rising Star, Part-Time Faculty of the Year, Distinguished Staff Member of the Year, Distinguished Staff Member of the Year - Rising Star, Student of the Year, Club of the Year, Stafford Student Involvement, Entertainer of the Year, Dixie Spirit, Heart of Dixie, and Commitment to Diversity.

Mechanical engineering students showcased their skills and hard work at Dixie State University's Engineering Design Day held this week. Hundreds of community members, families, and students gathered on campus to enjoy the numerous projects created by DSU's engineering students. Activities at Engineering Design Day included a series of mini golf courses designed by the freshmen, carnival games made by the sophomores, and a "turbo regatta" race, which involved a bundle of races between a normal, human-powered pedal boat and modified, battery-powered pedal boats built by the juniors. Seniors also had the chance to showcase their capstone projects, which included a bottle-flip simulator and a computer numerical control wire bender that was built at less than ten percent of the size of industrial wire benders. David Christensen, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, emphasized that this is the first graduating class of mechanical engineers that Dixie State University has ever had, with the program starting only in the fall of 2018. This was also the first year for the carnival segment of Engineering Design Day, and only the second year for the Turbo Regatta Race.

ASL students of Dixie State University were given the opportunity to go to Disneyland and California Adventure Park to interpret Disney-related songs, shows and performances. Dr. Allyson Hamilton and visiting professor, Tiffany Harding came across a colleague, Sam Farley, who is on Disneyland's and Disney California Adventure Park's interpreting team. The three of them developed a course around theatrical interpreting. The class met four times before traveling to Disneyland. The first class involved students and several interpreters working on various songs and shows offered at Disneyland. Touring the Cox Auditorium, Broadway Bound Children's Theatre, and Saint George Musical Theatre took up the second class period. Similar to the first-time meeting, the class worked on presentations and meet-and-greets that are interpreted at Disneyland and California Adventure Park. As for the fourth class, the students went over any performances and source languages that hadn't gotten to in previous meetings.

Dixie State University students recently worked with IRS special agents in a mock scenario to gather evidence, arrest and convict someone of tax evasion as part of the Adrian Project, a hands-on experience that provides students with a glimpse at the life of an IRS special agent. Many students of differing backgrounds came together in this real-world application of their classroom-taught skills. Students sat at tables throughout the Gardner Ballroom with multiple agents at each table. Agents helped students use their accounting skills to round up evidence in an example of a fraud referral case. Each student had a folder containing documents that they used to eventually arrest and convict the suspect of tax evasion in a role-play with the agents. "The Adrian Project offers a look at a day in the life; it's a great way for students to see if being an agent is a good fit for them," Rochelle Blatter, senior career counselor at Dixie State, said. "We have students here that are accounting majors, criminal justice majors and others. It's an opportunity to apply what you learn in class."