Every donation to UVU helps us grow and increases our capacity to assist students in living out their dreams and ambitions.
UVU expresses gratitude for the financial support of the state legislature, donors, alumni, and community partners.
President Tuminez poses with Scott C. and Karen Keller (left) and Brandon and Kristen Fugal (right). UVU’s Orem Campus celebrated the opening of the Keller Building in Jan. 2022 and the Fugal Gateway Building in Dec. 2021.
In 2022, the Utah legislature approved a 5% cost of living adjustment for UVU employees — the biggest increase in university history.
The Utah Legislature funded the Deep Technology Talent Initiative (DTTI), partnering Utah State University and UVU with leading local industry partners to help advance and secure Utah’s emerging technology sector. In November 2021, DTTI awarded over $5 million to the Intermountain Intelligence, Industry, and Security Consortium (I3SC), a university-industry partnership led by UVU’s Center for National Security Studies and USC’s Center for Anticipatory Intelligence.
Representatives from UVU attended the 2022 Utah General Legislative Session in February 2022 to represent the university’s interests and petition for resources to help the campus grow. UVU was able to secure funding for all its legislative priorities, including a 5% cost of living adjustment for all campus employees and $80 million for the construction of the Scott M. Smith Engineering and Technology Building. UVU also had 17 interns present during the legislative session: 14 with legislators, one with the Utah System of Higher Education, one with a private lobbying firm, and one with the attorney general.
The Utah legislature allocated $80 million to UVU for the construction of the Scott M. Smith Engineering and Technology building.
“Karen and I are delighted to support UVU and its students. Utah County is a special place for us. We want to give back in a way that will make an impact, honor my profession, and make Utah County a better place to live. We found the perfect match with UVU.”
— Scott M. Smith
Qualtrics co-founder Scott M. Smith and his wife Karen Smith announced at the 2021 President’s Scholarship Ball a $25 million gift to help fund Utah Valley University’s planned engineering building. The Smiths’ announcement comes at a critical time when there is an urgent demand for more engineers and computer scientists in the state. Last year, Utah universities together produced more than 3,000 engineers and computer scientists, but approximately 4,000 unfilled positions remained across Utah’s workforce. The new building will be named the Scott M. Smith Engineering and Technology Building and the name of the college will be changed to the Smith College of Engineering and Technology in fall 2022.
The Smiths’ gift will jump-start the private fundraising campaign to raise the needed funds to start construction on the 180,000-square-foot, five-story building that will be located on UVU’s Orem Campus. In addition to the Smiths’ gift, the Utah Legislature contributed $80 million toward the completion of the building. Ongoing fundraising efforts continue toward reaching the goal of $110 million.
Learn more at:
uvu.edu/cet/engineeringbuilding
UVU hosted its 31st annual President’s Scholarship Ball on October 23, 2021. The theme was “Rise,” inspired by the ball’s goal to help students in need receive education and rise to achieve their dreams. UVU surpassed its goal of half a million dollars to $555,371 total, thanks to Experience Auction bids, ticket sales, and donations, including $75,000 from an anonymous donor. The money will provide 24 four-year, full-tuition scholarships for lower income students.
At the 31st annual President's Scholarship Ball, President Astrid S. Tuminez celebrated the generous donors who contribute to student success.
Kara North
President,
Alumni Board of Directors,
Attorney, Moxie Law Group
Dr. Frantz Belot
President,
Tyfoom
Amy Sunderland
Portfolio Manager,
Grandeur Peak Global Advisors
Teresa Harding
Business Coach
Content Creator
Nathan Savage
Sector President,
Environmental,
Savage Services
“As alums of Utah Valley University, we have made this the institution of higher education that we choose to support and give to. UVU has proven to be the best return on investment based on the state funds per student provided to UVU and the overall outcomes of their students. This makes our giving decision clear as we know our investment will have the highest impact to each of the students it helps. The return to us in knowing we are helping improve the future of others far outweighs what we give.”
– Steve Beck, National Advisory Council for UVU's Woodbury School of Business, and Kristy Beck
After Celebrating 80 Years of UVU,
We're Looking Forward to the Future
In 2021, we were thrilled to celebrate UVU’s 80th anniversary. This milestone provided us a chance to look back and appreciate the ways the university has grown and innovated since its founding in 1941.
As we move forward, our goal is to continue UVU’s legacy by meeting Utah’s evolving higher education and workforce needs with an unwavering focus on student success. In fall 2022, UVU will launch its inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign to establish a foundation for ongoing growth and future needs. This ambitious campaign will ensure UVU provides exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results for current and future generations of students.
We look forward to helping all students — no matter their backgrounds or career aspirations — find their place at Utah Valley University. Thank you for supporting UVU!
