The Foundation Board recognized its ten outstanding past chairs by establishing the UVU Foundation Ambassador Endowed Scholarship. The recipients of this scholarship become UVU Foundation Student Ambassadors, charged with representing the institution at key events throughout the year. The scholarship is awarded to ten UVU students, one in the name of each board chair to honor the chairs' dedication and loyalty to the University.
The UVU Foundation Student Ambassador program aims to support the work of the UVU Foundation and the Division of Institutional Advancement through student ambassadorship-select students serving as the face of UVU and its students and telling the story of the University.
The program assembles a group of student leaders dedicated to UVU and its mission and eager to develop the skills for ambassadorship, to represent UVU, and to assist its administration. As a result of their participation, these students will become better prepared to serve in their professions and as leaders in their communities.
The program will establish and maintain a specially trained group of UVU students equipped to effectively represent the University in a strategic and uniformly branded way, with a goal of engaging current and prospective donors, friends, alumni, and VIPs. Ambassadorship will provide an experiential opportunity for students and will support UVU's mission of engaged learning.
Ashley Belnap ’22 is one semester away from earning her degree in psychology. As a junior in high school, Ashley visited Utah Valley University (UVU) and fell in love with the environment and all the opportunities available to students. As she nears the completion of her bachelor’s degree, she is proud of her decision to attend UVU. Ashley is very thankful for all the guidance she has received from her mentors at the university.
“All of them have genuinely wanted what was best for me and have been willing to trust me with opportunities and roles that have helped me to grow and develop my skills,” Ashley said.
Ashley is looking forward to more personal and professional growth as a UVU Foundation Ambassador, along with the ability to give back.
“I believe that being a UVU Foundation Ambassador provides me with the chance to give back to the university,” Ashley said. “I also look forward to the doors that open and further opportunities that arise from participating in this program.”
For the last three years, Ashley has served as a residential community leader for UVU, where she has planned events for student housing complexes. She currently works with UVU’s Innovation Academy, assisting with project management in project-based learning. Ashley also been highly involved with UVU’s Excellence and Innovation Initiative as a student director.
Camila Brosio ’23 followed in her mother’s footsteps when she enrolled at Utah Valley University (UVU). And just like her mother, she has loved UVU. Camila is pursuing a degree in art and design, with an emphasis in graphic design, and minors in marketing and art history. As an international student, she loves the diversity in UVU’s student body. She also has benefitted from the resources available, which allow her to pursue her passion for the arts.
Camila applied to be a UVU Foundation Ambassador so she could learn while broadening her experiences, engage in networking opportunities, and represent her country. She previously held a similar role at the university, serving as a Wolverine Ambassador where she worked with prospective students.
“I went out of my comfort zone in many ways, and I would do it all again,” Camila said when reflecting on her time at UVU thus far.
Along with her studies, she is an intern at Crumbl Cookies and actively participates with the UVU International Student Council, a student mentoring organization. Upon earning her degree from UVU, Camila plans to stay in the community and continue representing minorities.
Jose Carlos “JC” Fiallos ’23 is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management with a focus on international business. Jose came to Utah Valley University (UVU) from Honduras after a friend recommend the university to him. Following a visit, he knew that UVU was the perfect place for him to learn and grow as a person.
As someone who enjoys learning from and interacting with others, Jose is excited for the excellent opportunity to be a UVU Foundation Ambassador. He feels ready to be an ambassador because of his experience with the International Student Council, where he has mentored other international UVU students.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to work as a UVU Foundation Ambassador,” Jose said. “I want to take advantage of all the serving opportunities to grow my skills and network with successful people.”
In his free time, Jose is passionate about snowboarding, skiing, and playing football. After graduating, Jose plans on remaining in the United States for a few years to gain work experience before returning home to Honduras.
Sidney Hales ’23 is a first-generation student at Utah Valley University (UVU). She has spent time living in China, Costa Rica, and New Jersey, but calls Highland, Utah home. While diligently focusing on her studies in digital marketing, she has maintained a job in order to pay for her education. Sidney hopes to secure a marketing position in social media content planning after earning her degree.
Sidney wanted to be a UVU Foundation Ambassador to be part of something bigger than herself. She also knew the program would surround her with more individuals who, like her, wanted more out of the college experience. She is excited to connect with like-minded peers and potential mentors as an ambassador.
“I love UVU and everything that it stands for. I am excited to be more involved with the students and the donors,” Sidney said.
In her free time, Sidney loves to play sports with family, friends, and other students at UVU. She is currently on soccer and softball teams. When not enjoying sports and the outdoors, Sidney actively participates with her church group.
Lauren James, ’22, was raised in Flagstaff, Arizona. At Utah Valley University (UVU), she studies marketing while minoring in business management. Attending UVU was not in her original college plans. She was prepared to play collegiate soccer at another university, but when she suffered a career-ending injury, everything changed. She felt lost, but her dad asked her to accompany him on a tour of his alma mater, the former Utah Valley Community College, now UVU. “After touring UVU, I knew it was the place for me.” Despite her change in plans, James is grateful she found her place at UVU.
She wanted to be a UVU Foundation Ambassador because she has a, “deep connection and love for the university,” and she loves to share it with others. James has been a part of a number of activities during her time at UVU. She is a member of the UVU Student Alumni Association (UVUSAA), where she previously managed the Valley United Against Hunger fundraiser and the first-generation student scholarship campaign, 2518. She is currently the UVU Institutional Advancement Executive Events Assistant.
James has delicately balanced working and attending school full-time. She is grateful for her mentors, who have helped her care for her mental health during difficult times. After graduation, she plans to work for a company who values their employees so she can wake up every day excited to make a difference in others’ lives.
Lizzy Jensen ’24 is a student in the Utah Valley University (UVU) Honors Program pursuing a degree in musical theatre performance. Her minor is religious studies. After her brother recommended UVU to her, she submitted a virtual audition video for the musical theatre program and was accepted. Lizzy loved her visit to campus and decided to join her brother as a Wolverine.
Lizzy sought to become a UVU Foundation Ambassador after previous ambassadors shared with her the opportunity it provided to connect with students and staff, learn professional skills, and be part of an educational community. She is passionate about the welcoming environment created by faculty and staff at the university and is excited to represent UVU.
“I have felt very welcomed and loved for my individuality as a student and a human,” Lizzy said when discussing her interactions with UVU professors
In addition to being an honors student, Lizzy is vice president of the Theatre Arts Guild, a club on campus that facilitates and funds student-directed shows and other theatre-related activities. She is also a member of the UVU Interfaith Student Council for 2022-2023
Abigail “Abbie” Merrill ’23 chose to attend Utah Valley University (UVU) for optimal learning opportunities, distinguished professors, and the inclusive culture. She credits the success she has found at UVU to professors, mentors, and classmates. All have helped her make progress to achieve her goals. After graduation, Abbie plans to work as a high school educator. She is also considering applying for a doctorate in educational leadership.
Abbie’s desire to become a UVU Foundation Ambassador originated from her wonderful experiences with faculty and staff on campus; both contributed to her growth personally and professionally. Now, she wants to give back and help students achieve their own goals.
“I am looking forward to being a Foundation Ambassador this coming year. I can’t wait to meet with more amazing people who are helping shape the future of UVU for the coming generations,” Abbie said.
Abbie has been very involved on campus during her time at UVU. She currently gives tours to prospective students through her work as a Wolverine Ambassador and previously served as a presidential intern for UVU Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Wayne Vaught. In the 2022-2023 school year, Abbie will be a research assistant for Associate Provost of Academic Programs David Connelly.
Diego Morales ’22 chose to enroll at Utah Valley University (UVU) because of the hospitable nature of faculty and staff, outstanding academic facilities, and beautiful natural surroundings. After graduating high school, Diego lived in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for a year before coming to UVU.
While he has faced adversities as a student, Diego has been able to overcome challenges and thrive at UVU. Positive faculty, staff, and students have helped Diego expand his skillset, find purpose, and plan a realistic path to achieve his professional goals.
“Networking requires skills I have and others I want to improve. Plus, being a student ambassador involves establishing meaningful relationships with current donors, prospective donors, and the public in general to promote the education sector and other great initiatives,” Diego said when asked why he wanted to be a Foundation Ambassador.
While Diego is a student, he also holds a full-time job at a local construction company, where he has worked to create internship opportunities that benefit both the company and students. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Diego plans on staying at UVU to pursue a master’s in accounting.
Lina Varionova ’23, grew up and attended college in Derazhnia, Ukraine until she learned about Utah Valley University (UVU). Her mother attended an Education Around the World event and brought home materials from UVU. After reviewing the materials, Varionova knew UVU was the place for her. Only four months later, she moved to Utah to attend. Despite facing challenges adjusting to living so far from home and learning the material for her classes in English, she displays a never-give-up attitude that has helped her overcome anything life presents to her.
During her time at UVU, Varionova has volunteered with the International Student Council (ISC) helping her peers make the adjustment to life at UVU.
Varionova is completing her associates of science degree while she prepares to apply for the nursing program. Upon graduation, she plans to go on a mission with the Red Cross before working as a nurse in a research hospital. She wanted to be a UVU Foundation Ambassador so she could “improve and make real changes to the campus.”
Carlos Vazquez ’23 is pursuing a professional pilot degree with a minor in aviation science. He chose to attend Utah Valley University (UVU) after considering schools in Arizona, California, Florida, and Washington.
While at UVU, Carlos has received incredible support from professors. This encouragement has inspired him to overcome adversities inside and outside of the classroom, leading to what he describes as a very impactful college experience. After graduation, Carlos hopes to use his knowledge to educate future pilots. He wants to become a mentor to the next generation of aviation students in the same way UVU faculty members have mentored him.
“I am happy to articulate how great of an experience it has been to be part of UVU and to be able to represent and share that with friends and potential donors,” Carlos said on what he is most looking forward to as a UVU Foundation Ambassador.
Carlos is currently involved with the UVU International Student Council, a student mentoring organization. He uses his personal experience to connect with students from countries around the globe, introduce them to UVU, and help make the adjustment to a new home easier.
Narueporn “First” Yongyun ’23 always had the goal to study abroad while growing up in Thailand. During her final semester of high school, she found out that one of her friends was attending Utah Valley University (UVU). After doing research and discussing the university with her school guidance counselor, First applied and was accepted.
First is thrilled to be a UVU Foundation Ambassador in 2022-2023. She is looking forward to the experience and interacting with both students and donors.
“I want people to understand what UVU has meant to me. When I first came here, UVU was open with me, accommodating, and gave me many opportunities to succeed,” First said. “I want to be a bridge between students and donors and build connections for UVU and myself with donors.”
First has been extremely active in extracurricular activities while at UVU. She has worked with UVU’s Engagement Center and International Student Council, volunteered with Multicultural Student Services on campus, and participated in UVU’s African Diaspora Initiative and Black Student Union. First is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
