Annual meeting.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

Students from our Global Leadership Council joined members from the UVU Interfaith Student Council for a one-on-one meeting with representatives from the office of International Religious Freedom, US State Department. Foreign affairs officer, Sage Showers and deputy director, Mariah Mercer, led a lively discussion on current issues and shared their personal experiences addressing religious freedom as US State Department officials.

Due to a special relationship our office had with the Utah Symphony, we welcomed them to UVU to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. They were joined by guest conductor Enrico Lopez Yanez and featured Costa Rican trumpet soloist, Jose Sibaja.

With around 200 attendees and representatives from Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, El Salvador, and Guatemala, the conference underscored the importance of international partnerships. Speakers highlighted the vast potential for Utah businesses to expand into Latin American markets, with a special focus on industries like technology, mining, and logistics. Catalina Crespo Sancho, Costa Rica’s ambassador to the U.S., and Marcus Borges, a Utah businessman originally from Brazil, emphasized that global collaboration strengthens both regions, benefiting economies without displacing jobs. Participants heard from key Utah officials, including Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, and Senator Luz Escamilla. Representatives from the Latin American nations provided insights into their countries’ economic stability, trade agreements, and investment opportunities. Antonio Cruz, deputy consul at the Mexican Consulate in Salt Lake City, pointed out Mexico's 14 free trade agreements with over 50 countries, while Gaby Morales from the Guatemalan Consulate highlighted the strength of her country’s currency.  

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

This is via re-use and upcycling.

Our office showcased artwork by the internationally renowned textile artist, Maryna Lukach, during this two-day event. It was a fabulous opportunity to shine a light on Ukraine. As war continued to rage in her homeland, Maryna channeled her passion into her expressive textile artwork. In addition, Utah Ukrainian Ensemble, directed by Yulia Tymochko, performed several traditional songs and dances during the event.

As part of our October 24th United Nations Day celebration, we were honored to host Ambassador Michele Sison, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of International Organization Affairs for the U.S. State Department. Amb. Sison discussed the work of the United States at the United Nations as well as offered insights on internships and careers in foreign affairs

After a series of revolutions in nearby Eastern Bloc countries, the Berlin Wall began to fall on November 9, 1989. This year, Utah Dual Language Immersion German language students descended upon UVU to celebrate German Day, to relive some of the East/West Germany iconic events of the past, and to learn about the culture of today. This collaboration between Languages and Cultures and the Global Spotlight program of the UVU Office for Global Engagement brought a mini blue Trebant, Check Point Charlie, and the Berliner treat, Currywurst, to campus for the half-day event.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

Global Spotlight: China Dream was a great opportunity for our students, especially those studying Chinese, to learn about China from two very skilled and experienced individuals. Drs. Elizabeth and Frederick Crook both have an extensive connection to China and along with UVU professor of Chinese, Alex Yuan, shared personal insights and practical work ideas.

Rita Schwisow from the Marketing Department of Woodbury School of Business led a wonderful Global Spotlight event this week. She compared and contrasted job-hunting methods and work/life expectations between the USA and the UK. She was able to bring a global perspective to her already planned class curriculum, sharing personal experiences and helpful online content. It was an eye-opening experience! Our own Global Student Leadership Council member, Elle Park, assisted in organizing the event.

John McClure, Associate Director of the Center for National Security Studies and John Macfarlane from UVU's Peace and Justice Studies in the Department of History and Political Science addressed the ever-increasing tensions in the Middle East, focusing on counterterrorism and the Israeli response in Gaza. This event was organized by our Global Student Leadership Council member, Carter Darger.

Dr. Hilary Hungerford from the Department of Earth Science led the discussion focused on the global perspective of Climate Change. She was joined by several student presenters who shared their recent climate-related findings on specific regions of the world.

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 Productio, 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 UVU High School Model UN competition took place on February 8^th. 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.

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 insight on the French language and Asian authors.

As part of the Global Spotlight initiative, we were pleased tohave 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, 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.

Language Services Day (April 3) 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.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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 UVU African Diaspora Initiative and the Black Student Union, with the support of the Office for Global Engagement, hosted the Proud to be African Festival.

Celebrating 16 since the resolution passed by the United Nations in 2007. It delineates and defines the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, including their ownership rights to cultural and ceremonial expression, identity, language, employment, health, education, and other issues.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

Global

Global

Global

Our first Global Spotlight event of the semester was the Kyrgyz Republic - Utah IT Forum on September 29. This event was a networking oppurtunity between students from the College of Engineering and Technology and over 15 software company leaders visiting Utah from the Kyrgyz Republic. 

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

Global

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

Dr. Sari Tojkander, Counselor for Science and Higher Education, Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles shared her countries advances and successes in higher education.

Global

Ambassor Aida Kasymalieva, Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations spoke to students at UVU for International Mountains Day, highlighting her country's Five Years of Action plan for the Development of Mountain Regions.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

Following the Second World War, the international community wanted to ensure that the atrocities of the war never happened again. This led to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), consisting of 30 articles, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. Now, 75 years later, the world has evolved, raising the question—what does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mean for us today?

Gandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden, Snegurochka, passed out treats to excited children of all ages at the Old New Year Celebration at UVU on January 12. The Old New Year, or the Orthodox New Year, is an informal traditional holiday, celebrated as the start of the New Year by the Julian calendar (January 14). It was a fabulous chance for UVU students and members of the local community to share this Slavic tradition. 

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

On January 25 in CB 511, Japanese Language Program teacher, Yasuko Saito, led this cultural event to share Japanese New Year traditions with UVU. An estimated 230 students, staff and faculty enjoyed food and games for the holiday. Domo arigato!

This Global Spotlight event was a collaboration with the Russian Language Program in the Department of Languages & Cultures. Dr. Fred White and Amy Barnett (from the Office for Global Engagement) shared their expreiences using thier Russian language skills in a variety of jobs and volunteer positions. It was great opportunity for UVU students to ask questions and get career ideas. There was an assortment of Russian treats to sample, as well. 

The UVU High School Model UN competition took place on February 3rd. High Schools from across the region participated, with students representing various countries while engaging in debates on current global issues. Around 100 high school students took part in the event, guided by 10 UVU student volunteers who led the UN committee rooms. The Secretary General overseeing the voluneeer training was UVU student, Stephan Atkinson.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

This Global Spotlight event, held in the Ragan Theater was organized in ocollaboration with the Department of Languages & Cultures and highlighted diverse cultures and expressions of language of our UVU community through song, dance, sign language, and the spoken world. 

Global Keynote Dr. Eduardo Canal "Identifying Signs of Risk in the Early Development of Autism: Current Challenges and New Research Proposals in Europe".

In support of.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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 symposium aspires to examine academic freedom with both a global and a domestic lens while focusing on five topics of conversation: foundations of learning, education emergency and crisis, hate speech,  gender equality, and digital transformation and AI. The purpose of the symposium is to engage in a conversation about these issues, the challenges of mis and disinformation, as well as raise awareness about academic freedom to those who may not be aware of the threats to academia and scholars around the world.

The Office for Global Engagement, in collaboration with the Roots of Knowledge and the Center for Social Impact, presented Gentrification, Homelessness and Poverty: Global Issues Local Solutions.
The first looked at the issue of Gentrification from a systems perspective. Starting with the global impacts and then moving the focus to Utah and seeing how it affects communities in Utah. Students from a community grassrrots organization, Trashbird Distro, spoke about how community is essential in combating gentrification, homelessness and poverty through collaborative efforts like Mutual Aid.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

In support of.

In support of the UN Sustainanabe Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12 Responsible Consumption and Productio, 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.

UVU Russian language students joined members of the local community from Ukraine, Armenia, Russia and other former Soviet republics to celebrate the Old New Year on January 13.  Food, song, games and a visit by Grandfather Frost and Snegurochka filled the evening with fun. This traditional dating of the New Year is sometimes commonly called "Orthodox" because it harks back to a time when governments in Russia and Eastern Europe used the Julian calendar, which is still used by some jurisdictions of the Eastern Orthodox Church

For this Global Spotlight sponsored event, attention turned to the United Kingdom and the celebration of Darwin Day.  Dr. Joseph L. Graves, professor of biological science at North Carloina Agricultural and Technical State University gave the keynote adress. In celebration of Darwin's birthday, enough cake for 200 was passed out in the Science Atrium.

This Peruvian cultural event was a collaboration between the Office for Global Engagement and the Honorary Consulate of Peru in Utah. Guest artists from Peru retold the story of the foundation of the Inca Empire by the Four Ayar brothers and the Pata Pata Tarpuy Raymi. The event was opened up to include the  local Peruian community who filled the Grand Ballroom.  The presenttion was given in Spanish and Quechua.

International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind. UNESCO believes education, based on the first language or mother tongue, must begin from the early years as early childhood care and education is the foundation of learning.

Dr. Francis Edward Su
Benediktsson-Karwa
Professor of Mathematics Harvey Mudd College

"The deep connection between mathematics and human desires show why people in every culture around the globe do mathematics, not just to build things and conduct commerce, but for enjoyment and exploration."

On April 28 at 7:00 pm in the UVU Grand Ballroom, the Office for Global Engagement, in conjunction with the City of Cusco in Peru and the Consulate of Peru, celebrated the most significant Incan festival of the Andean Calendar, the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival). This is the first time in their history that this celebration was held outside of Peru.