This Global Spotlight cultural experience was organized in collaboration with the Russian Studies Program of Languages and Cultures. We had an excellent turnout with our tables full of students, faculty, and Russian speaking community members at this cultural holiday celebration. Food, songs and a visit by Dedyshka Moroz made in a true Russian experience for all.
The presentation was given by Dr. Baldomero Lago in Spanish for Spanish Health Professionals and focused how the brain processes new languages and explored both the psychological and physiological mechanisms at play.
In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and #13 Cimate Change, we organized the Really, Really Free Market. This event was held in the Science Atrium, with tables filled with a wide variety of donated items for UVU students to take for free. This exchange was not a transaction, but more mutual aid, where all particiants support each other. The Free Market also suports a sustainable and circular economy. Items that would normally be disguarded, are given entended life by other person via re-use and upcycling.
The 3rd UVU High School Model UN competition took place on February 8th. High Schools from across the region participated, with students representing various countries while engaging in debates on current global issues. Around 150 high school students took part in the event, guided by 11 UVU student volunteers who led the UN committee rooms. The Secretary General overseeing the voluneeer training was UVU student, Carter Darger.
On February 19, 2025, officials from the United Nations announced that Utah Valley University had received the UNESCO Chair designation, an honor given to only 30 universities in the United States. The Chair will use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve education, environmental stewardship, and sustainability. It gives UVU membership to a global network of educational and governmental institutions that share research and best practices and host international events to develop solutions to pressing global issues through education, science, and technology.
Lecture by UN Communication Officer, Felipe Queipo, in collaboration with the UVU
AI Institute.
On February 20 we welcomed Mr. Felipe Queipo, communications officer for the UN Department
of Global Communications, for an insightful presentation where he focused on both
opportunities and challenges of exploring the intersection of AI and Global Governance.
Two guests from the UK, Holly Megson and Maya Reilly, compared their own college and everyday experiences in England with the USA and shared what it is like to work on The Quill Project. UVU’s Center for Constitutional Studies has a close partnership with The Quill Project of Pembroke College, Oxford, whose mission is to digitally model the creation of constitutions and other similar documents.
Internationally recognized on March 8, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate and highlight women and their contributions to society. On March 5, our office joined forces with local nonprofit, The Refuge, UVU Raices club and students from the Women's Program of the UVU Intercultural Center to celebrate International Women's Day. Over 70 attended the event which spanned 3 hours in the UVU Science Atrium. Attendees assisted with making blankets during the service project, listened to a presentation on the Status of Women Around the World, by The Refuge, and participated in a student-led panel discussion.
In collaboration with Languages and Cultures, assistant professor of French, Dr. Thierno Diallo, hosted a Global Spotlight event for Francophone Day on March 20. He invited guest presenter, associate professor, Dr. Xinyi Tan, from Coastal Carolina University to share her research and fascinating insight on the French language and Asian authors.
As part of the Global Spotlight initiative, we were pleased to have Gilbert Lee, CMO and co-founder of TORUS speak to our computer science students. Originally from the Philippines, Gilbert shared insights into his path as an immigrant in the USA, tips for setting up a "Start Up" company, and offered great practical advice for potential entrepreneurs.
Our own Global Student Leadership Council member, Alyssa Grover, presented in Bruce Emery's computer programing class for our last March Global Spotlight. She addressed the "International Presence of AI" and the legal ramifications surrounding it.
This concert, performed by the UVU Symphony Orchestra, highlighted the works of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and featured acclaimed concert violinist Aubree Oliverson. Ambassador Okka-Pekka Salmimies, Consul General of Finland in the US and Paul Hirst, the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Finland in Utah and Wyoming, were also in attendance.
March 30 is International Day of Zero Waste and is one of the official days recognized by the United Nations. On April 3, we collaborated with several UVU clubs to have our Really Really Free Market and a Sustainable Fashion Show in honor of this day. Mohan Vilas Das, from the Govardhan Ecovillage in India also addressed the audience.
The Language Services Day (April 3) event was a Global Spotlight collaboration with UVU Languages and Culture. It was an opportunity for individuals looking to work in interpreting, translation and other language related fields to network and seek practical job guidance.
It was an pleasure to host Mme. Elsie Effange-Mbella again at UVU. During her presentation, she discussed the importance of promoting culture and environmental literacy for sustainable development. She aslo shared her insights gained from her vast experience as UN advisor for Women's Rights and Notable of the Buea Community.
