Established in 1991, the Utah Valley University (UVU) President’s Scholarship Ball is dedicated to supporting the university’s presidential scholarship program. This merit-based scholarship offers full tuition to outstanding students committed to pursuing their degrees at UVU. In the 2023–2024 academic school year, more than 300 students benefited from the financial assistance provided by the scholarship. The continued success of this event is made possible by the unwavering generosity of those who support UVU.
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 34th annual President’s Scholarship Ball at UVU.
This is my seventh Ball and the start of the seventh year of my presidency. According to the internet, seven is a lucky number. It is a prime number, representing “completeness, totality, and wholeness.” It is also “associated with divine meaning and magic.” If it’s on the internet, it must be true!
Seriously speaking, as I reflect on the start of my seventh year at UVU, I am deeply grateful to all of you who have supported us and this ball every single year. UVU is not yet whole or complete but continues to be an intriguing work-in-progress. We consistently strive for excellence and hold ourselves accountable for results.
In 2023–2024, UVU educated 44,653 students and celebrated 10,197 graduates. Our student retention and completion rates are the highest in our history. We have placed students at Harvard, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge. We graduate the most Utahns in the state. With 77 percent of UVU alumni staying in Utah ten years after graduation, your support prepares Utah’s future workforce, voters, citizens, and families.
Tonight, we celebrate with you the next phase of our historic EverGREEN campaign: EverGUIDING. Your participation at UVU and your financial support guide us towards excellence and exceptional results. We cannot succeed without you.
The time lord Dr. Who said: “People assume that time is a strict progression from cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it’s more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey wimey stuff.” At UVU we are ever conscious of cause and effect, but tonight let’s just ignore time and dance!
Warmest regards,
Astrid S. Tuminez
President,
Utah Valley University
Bloom A Cappella
“A Sky Full of Stars” — Arranged by Laura Beattie
(Opb. Coldplay)
Welcome
Jeanette Bennett, UVU Board of Trustees, Master of Ceremonies
Video Presentation
UVU Culinary Arts Institute
Remarks
Steve Sonnenberg ‘06, Computer Science
UVU Repertory Ballet Ensemble
“The Kingdom of the Shades” From La Bayadère —
Choreographed by Christa St. John — Dedicated to
Corinne Wallentine
Remarks
Jo Hickman ‘23, Bioinformatics
Geoffrey Zahn, Associate Professor, Biology
Remarks
President Astrid S. Tuminez
Open Time
Performances by Artiva Strings
Remarks
Hannah Bruce ‘19, Psychology
Video Presentation
Lyn Wells ‘15, MBA ‘17
Remarks
Melania Pena ‘20, Physics
UVU Ballroom Dance Company
“Up in the Sky” by Emilee Moore — Choreographed by
Tara Boyd
Video Presentation
Heather Stainbrook ‘23, Psychology
Remarks
Ryan Stream ‘25, Psychology and Communication
Remarks
Kyle A. Reyes, Vice President of Institutional
Advancement, CEO of UVU Foundation
Closing Remarks
President Astrid S. Tuminez
Appetizer:
Smoked Duck, Sweet Corn Pudding, Hatch Chili Corn Relish, Crispy Corn Salad, Chili Lime Vinaigrette
2nd Course:
Sweet Pea Soup, Crispy Pork Belly, Hatch Red Chili Oil, Dill
Crème Fraîche
Intermezzo:
Guava, Passion Fruit, and Coconut With Candied Ginger Sorbet
Entreé:
Local Iron-Seared Beef Fillet, Chili Garlic Shrimp, Roasted
Onion, Chorizo and Jack Stuffed Mushroom, Butternut
Squash Medley, Oven-Dried Herbed Zucchini
Dessert:
Exotic Milk Chocolate Gateau, Milk Chocolate Bavarois, Sacher Sponge, Brown Butter and Honey Milk Chocolate Ganache, Tropical Custard With Hazelnut Crumble, Mango Salsa, and Banana Caramel
A dietary needs menu (vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and shellfish-free) will be served to guests who requested it prior to September 6, 2024.
Bloom A Cappella
UVU’s Bloom A Cappella was founded in 2021 and is currently UVU’s only a cappella group. Recently, they were crowned Grand Champions at the 2024 ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella) competition. More than 400 groups and 16,000 students competed internationally, making this a rare and special win for Bloom and UVU. Bloom is excited to keep this momentum going as they prepare to release their studio EP album and a music video this fall.
UVU Repertory Ballet Ensemble
Repertory Ballet Ensemble is the resident performing company for the ballet program at UVU. The ensemble was founded in 2007 by Jacqueline Colledge and is currently under the direction of Christa St. John and Tyler Schnese. Since its inception, the ensemble has developed a notable reputation for presenting classical and contemporary choreography with equal virtuosity.
This performance is dedicated to the memory of esteemed UVU Ballet faculty member Corinne Wallentine (Oct. 11, 1989 – Aug. 24, 2024). An alumna of UVU’s Dance program, Corinne’s deep love for ballet and unwavering dedication to her students will continue to inspire and guide future generations.
Artiva Strings
Artiva Strings is a multidisciplinary group of musicians who specialize in performing live music for special events. As a professional string ensemble, their goal is to perform with a standard of quality, memorability, and professionalism. The group has performed together since 2020 and has played in countless venues across the state of Utah.
UVU Ballroom Dance Company
The UVU Ballroom Dance Company is one of the nation’s premier ballroom dance companies and the current British Open Formation Champions in both Latin Formation Dance and Standard Formation Dance. The company has won six world titles at the Open British Championships, two USA Dance National Formation Championships, and remains undefeated at the Dancing With The Stars National Collegiate Championships.
359
students received Presidential Scholarships during the 2024–2025 academic year
Presidential Scholar stats as of
September 9, 2024
$26,028
Total four-year tuition expense for an in-state student without a Presidential Scholarship
If each guest in
attendance tonight gives
$35.17
UVU could fund an additional student scholarship for four years.
The most common majors of Presidential Scholars are:
University Studies
Computer Science
Accounting
Mechanical Engineering
In the past 17 years,
more than
$4.3 million
has been raised at the UVU President’s Scholarship Ball
In 2023, UVU employees donated more than
$200,000
toward student success
Destination: UVU
This year’s Presidential
Scholars come from
16 counties
in Utah
95 towns
across the U.S.
11 states
nationwide
89
different majors of
Presidential Scholars
77%
of UVU alumni stay in Utah
10 years after graduation
37%
of UVU students
are first-generation
Presidential Scholars come from every school on campus
EverGREEN is an ambitious $350 million comprehensive philanthropic campaign for the future of UVU and Utah. EverGREEN will amplify and provide transformational educational experiences for current and future generations of UVU students. Since its public launch on October 22, 2022, EverGREEN has gained momentum with the support of the UVU community.
For the past two years, the campaign has celebrated many milestones. Groundbreakings and openings of cutting-edge facilities along with new scholarships and academic programs have all been possible because of those who support UVU. With your commitment, UVU will continue to empower students as the campaign enters its next phase: EverGUIDING.
Your contribution to the UVU Presidential Scholarship is an investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and trailblazers. You are directly impacting the future of Utah and its workforce. With your support, UVU will continue to provide opportunities for Presidential Scholars to achieve their goals and excel in their careers.
In addition to supporting UVU Presidential Scholars, you have the opportunity to give to a college, school, or initiative that has meaning to you.
Donation Card: If you prefer to contribute in-person, please complete the donation card located on your table. A member of the UVU team will collect these during open time.
As a supporter of UVU, you play a crucial role in shaping the futures of our students. See how your continued engagement supports UVU students like those featured here by clicking the button below.
By becoming an EverGREEN Ambassador, you are part of the UVU community. As an ambassador, you will gain access to exclusive “insider” information. UVU will share with you news, information, and details about what is happening on campus and beyond. By participating in the monthly contests, you have an opportunity to win exciting prizes.
What Do EverGREEN Ambassadors Do?
Title Sponsor
EverGREEN Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Jade Sponsors
Registration Sponsors
Emerald Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Table Sponsors
The UVU Culinary Arts Institute (CAI) provides premier training for students pursuing careers in professional cooking or baking. The program offers small, engaging classes focused on individualized attention and development. The Culinary Arts Institute provides experience through industry-based learning.
All CAI faculty hold certifications from the American Culinary Federation as certified executive chefs, certified executive pastry chefs, or certified chefs de cuisine. The Culinary Arts Institute’s comprehensive course of study covers several service areas, including not only how to cook and bake but also key requirements to success, such as customer service, nutrition, sanitation, and menu planning.
In addition to catering the annual President’s Scholarship Ball, faculty and students from CAI operate Restaurant Forte, an on-campus restaurant where students have the chance to learn firsthand how to cook a wide variety of international cuisine. The hands-on experience UVU students receive serves as a springboard into the hospitality industry and sets graduates up for future success.
In the spirit of engaged learning and community connection, tonight’s gourmet fare is prepared and served by UVU’s Culinary Arts students using fresh, local ingredients under the direction of CAI faculty and staff.
For sponsorship information please contact:
Asst. Dean Danielle Shipley at [email protected] or
Asst. AD/Development Matt Potts at [email protected].
The Utah Valley University (UVU) Foundation supports UVU's current and future needs as a vital partner to the community and the university. The UVU Foundation is a forward-thinking philanthropic body supporting the vision of the university by contributing expertise, experience, dedication, and financial resources.
While each member of the board possesses a wide array of experiences, we form a collective body to support Utah Valley University students. Every action we take as a board is with students in mind. UVU students are passionate, hardworking, determined, and relentless in their pursuit to attain a degree and achieve their dreams. We take our responsibility very seriously to contribute, steward, and encourage others to learn, understand, and support UVU.
Utah Valley University is at a critical juncture in the EverGREEN Campaign. We have a little more than two years left to achieve our goal of $350 million dollars raised for the LARGEST university in the state of Utah. We need your support, commitment, and belief to achieve this goal. This inaugural comprehensive campaign has impacted our students in so many ways from new buildings to vital scholarship funds; yet – there is still much work to be done. We have lofty ambitions and UVU students are depending on each of us gathered here tonight to provide critical funding.
One person can make a difference.
On behalf of the UVU Foundation Board, thank you for being at this year’s President’s Scholarship Ball. We value your commitment and invite you to join in supporting this institution – focused on students FIRST!
Thank you,
Nathan Savage
UVU Foundation Board Chair
Board Member Listing
Utah Valley University (UVU) remains committed to being a place for ALL who desire to pursue an education. The university’s values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results are lived out each day on campus. As the state of Utah’s largest university with 44,653 students, we celebrate the accomplishments we have made to achieve the following:
28% of UVU students are adults pursuing a degree
37% of UVU students are first-generation
84% of UVU students are Utah residents
The UVU Board of Trustees stands committed to support the bold vision of this great university. At UVU faculty, staff, and students come together to learn, grow, and succeed. UVU's impact on the state is significant with 77% of graduates choosing to stay in Utah to become the workforce fueling innovation, new initiatives, and assisting others to learn and grow.
Two years ago, UVU announced the EverGREEN Campaign. The goal of this campaign is to raise $350 million dollars to support student success by the year 2026. I am pleased to report to you that we are more than half-way to our goal. We still have an enormous amount of work to do to ensure this goal is met, but with your support tonight I am confident we can come together to provide crucial support to students who may be first-generation, adult learners pursuing a degree, or supporting a child at home. Together, we will achieve this ambitious goal. I ask for your support to transform the life of a student for a lifetime.
All the best,
Rick Nielsen
Chair of the Board
Board of Trustees Member Listing
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Speakers
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