The Utah Transit Visionary Endowed Scholarship represents an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of those who have shaped Utah's public transportation landscape while simultaneously investing in the next generation of transit policy leaders. This scholarship honors transit leaders who have dedicated their career to expanding access to public transit, while inspiring a future where public transit continues to thrive and serve communities.
Proceeds of the scholarship will provide financial support to students at Utah Valley University (UVU) who are actively involved with the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy. Each student will be designated an honorific title in the names of past Utah Transit leaders. Selected transit leaders will be honored for demonstrating vision and courage for their work in building the world-class transit system that exists today.
Andrea approached the world with openness and a genuine interest in people and places. She valued learning through experience, believed deeply in the importance of understanding different cultures, and found meaning in connecting with others. Her appreciation for individuals and their unique backgrounds reflected a lifelong commitment to seeing the world with both empathy and enthusiasm.
She contributed to the 2002 Winter Olympics and served for more than twenty years with the Utah Transit Authority. She was known for her leadership and unwavering loyalty to family, friends, and colleagues.
Ralph Jackson was an accomplished civil engineer with a lifelong passion for mass transportation. Ralph’s professional life was marked by vision and impact: he became a respected leader in mass transit, playing a pivotal role in the development of light rail and commuter rail systems in both Denver and Salt Lake City. His influence extended to landmark projects such as Denver’s 16th Street Mall and the engineering marvel of Glenwood Canyon in the Colorado Rockies, UTA's Frontlines 2015 project completing 70-miles of rail in 7-years. Ralph has earned recognition for innovation and excellence throughout his career.
