Funding

Funding

A posed photo of four UVU students sitting at desks, holding up their hands to respond to a teacher.

Every donation to UVU helps us grow and increases our capacity to assist students in living out their dreams and ambitions.

Funding Students’ Aspirations

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.

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 January 2022 and the Fugal Gateway Building in December 2021.

A silver sculpture stands outside the entrance of the Keller Building on a sunny day.
UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez poses with Brandon and Kristen Fugal in the Brandon D. Fugal Gateway Building at UVU.
Green and white balloons fall from above at the opening of the Keller Building.
UVU leaders and donors hold bells and pose in front of a stock market display board.
Green and white balloons litter the floor of the Keller Building interior, upper level looking down.

Legislative update

In 2022, the Utah legislature approved a 5% cost of living adjustment for UVU employees — the biggest increase in university history.

Staying ahead of the tech curve with new funding

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.

UVU day on capitol hill

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.

UVU students pose in front of large green UVU letters at the Utah State Capitol at UVU Day on the Hill.

The Utah legislature allocated $80 million to UVU for the construction of the Scott M. Smith Engineering and Technology building.

Establishing a foundation for learning

A computer rendering shows the design for the Scott M. Smith Engineering and Technology Building on UVU campus.

“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

Scott M. and Karen Smith Donate $25 Million

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.

Spectacular Scholarship Ball Leads to Significant Donations for UVU Students

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.

A woman in a black dress stands at a podium at the UVU President’s Scholarship Ball.
UVU ballroom dancers perform on stage at the Scholarship Ball.
The UVU Green Man Group drumline performs at the Scholarship Ball.
UVU Culinary Arts students prepare food for the Scholarship Ball.
A green table display shows the UVU logo and the word “RISE”.
UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez speaking on stage at the Scholarship Ball.

At the 31st annual President's Scholarship Ball, President Astrid S. Tuminez celebrated the generous donors who contribute to student success.

New foundation board members

Headshot of Kara North

Kara North

President,
Alumni Board of Directors,
Attorney, Moxie Law Group

Headshot of Dr. Frantz Belot

Dr. Frantz Belot

President,
Tyfoom

Headshot of Amy Sunderland

Amy Sunderland

Portfolio Manager,
Grandeur Peak Global Advisors

Headshot of Teresa Harding

Teresa Harding

Business Coach
Content Creator

Headshot of Nathan Savage

Nathan Savage

Sector President,
Environmental,
Savage Services

A black and white photo of Steve Beck and Kristy Beck posing together.

“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!

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