Once again, our office partnered with the Utah State Board of Education to host the Annual Utah Dual Language Immersion Institute (AUDII) at UVU. This is our 5th year of this valuable community collaboration which is designed to educate new Dual Language Immersion teachers and addresses all the first and second-year competencies outlined in the DLI Professional Trajectory as essential skills. Over 1,200 teachers across the 7 DLI languages (Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and English) participated across the 5-day institute.

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.

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.  

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.

The Fall inservice session of the Utah Dual Language Advisory Council was held at UVU. The council consists of about 200 principals and other school administrators from schools participating in the dual languae immersion program.

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 graduate ('23), Stephen Brailsford, shared his experience as a recent Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) within the competitive Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET). He was invited back to UVU by Japanese lecturer, Hillary Howell, with assistance from Global Spotlight funding.

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

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.

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 car, 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. Global Student Leadership Council member, Mohamud Toure assisted with the event.

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 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 fascinating 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, 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.

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, and commemorated International Day of African Descent with song and dance.

Celebrating 16 years since the resolution passed by the United Nations in 2007, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 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.

This month we celebrated International Day of Peace. We were pleased to have Mr. Felipe Queipo, Communications officer, United Nations Department of Global Communications, speak on "UN Human Rights Declaration in Promoting Positive or Sustainable Peace". 

It was an honor to host Felipe Queipo, communications officer at the UN Office of Global Communication, to UVU. He gave an insightful presentation on the United Nations and the quest for a global civil society during UVU Ethics Awareness Week.

Over 220 principals from around Utah convened at UVU for their annual Dual Language Immersion Advisory Council meeting. They were welcomed to campus by Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Vessela Ilieva and SOE Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Mia Kang. The Office for Global Engagement is proud to facilitate lasting collaborations for faculty and students between the Utah School Board of Education and our own School of Education.

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. H. E. Baktybek Amanbaev, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic was the keynote speaker at the 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.

Our office welcomed members of the Orem Rotary Club to commemorate the continuing fight to End Polio Now. UVU Rotaract organized the 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.

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

In a show of support for the local Ukrainian diaspora and Utah host families that helped Ukrainian refugees, UVU hosted the Ukrainian Culture Night. We collaborated with Ukrainian Center Utah for this night filled with traditional song, food, and creative arts.

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? Students submitted posters, videos, and compositions celebrating this event.

Grandfather 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, 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. 

On February 3 we held our 2nd UVU High School Model UN competition . Nine schools from across the Wasatch Front brought close to 200 students to the day-long Saturday event in UVUs Clarke Building. UVU students from the Model UN class effectively led the 4 UN Committee rooms.  The Secretary General overseeing the UN Committee room voluneeer training was UVU student and Global Student Leadership Program participant, 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 collaboration 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 speaker at the UVU Autism Conference was Dr. Eduardo Canal from Spain. He addressed the topic of "Identifying Signs of Risk in the Early Development of Autism: Current Challenges and New Research Proposals in Europe".

UVU’s Office for Global Engagement celebrated International Women’s Day with a panel discussion on the 2024 theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” The panel was comprised of insightful women with international backgrounds and a direct connection to UVU: Dr. Rasha Qudisat, UVU chief engagement and effectiveness officer, originally from Jordan; Dr. Maritza Sotomayor, UVU professor of economics, originally from Peru; Dr. Violeta Vasilevska, UVU professor of mathematics, originally from North Macedonia; Maryna Storrs, head of global HR at Partner; CEO & founder of the Ukrainian Center Utah ”Dzherelo,” UVU graduate, originally from Ukraine. The panel’s moderator, Jennifer Hogge Ellsworth, a member of the UVU Global Community Advisory Board and executive director of the international non-profit Engage Now Africa, encouraged the panelists to share experiences and offer practical advice on a variety of topics.

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 aspired to examine academic freedom through 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 was 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.

A delegation comprised of Mr. Czibor Omar Chicata-Sutmoller Sagenschnier, Consul General of Peru and Ana Maria Gutierrez Valdivia, Vice-Governor of Arequipa, Peru visited UVU and several classrooms.

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."
They first looked at the issue of Gentrification from a systems perspective. Starting with the global impacts and then moved the focus to Utah and to see 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.

During his visit to Utah, Dr. Vassilis Gkaniatsas gave a presentation to students in the UVU Engineering Design Technology department on the topic of “Traditional, Classical, and Modern Paradigms in Architectural Design.” He posed many philosophical questions to the audience regarding the purpose, motivation, and implementation of architecture. Theory and philosophy, and the occasional reference to Greek mythology were interwoven with a more practical understanding of architectural design. 

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 Office for Global Engagement partnered with the Utah State Board of Education to host the Annual Utah Dual Language Immersion Institute (AUDII) at UVU. This valuable community collaboration is designed to educate new Dual Language Immersion teachers and addresses all the first and second-year competencies outlined in the DLI Professional Trajectory as essential skills. Over 1,000 teachers across the 7 DLI languages (Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and English) participated across the 5-day institute.

Mrs. Victoria Labaziuk, Head of the Regional Council (governor) of the Khmelnytskyi Region, led the delegation from Western Ukraine. Their visit to Utah was sponsored by August Mission, a local humanitarian aid organization currently working on several projects in Ukraine. Former Governor Gary Herbert from the Herbert Institute for Public Policy at UVU was available to join in the for a tour of campus and the luncheon. Deputy Provost, Dr. Kathren Brown welcomed the guests on behalf of the university. Several UVU students from Ukraine and members of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce were also in attendance.

This gloabl event was established to bring awareness and to shine a light on our amazing students, faculty, and staff of African descent.

"This day is a celebration of the enormous contributions of people of African descent to every field of human endeavour. It is a long overdue recognition of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination that people of African descent have endured for centuries, and continue to confront today." - UN Secretary General António Guterres

“Why It Matters,” a United Nations-sponsored conference at Utah Valley University (UVU), brought nearly 1,000 people from around the world to UVU’s Orem Campus, and another 700+ people attended online. Sessions were livestreamed in 80 languages. Participants from 60 countries including UN senior leadership, UN Ambassadors, Consul Generals and leaders from business and civil society entities

UVU s

We hosted a delegation from Peru consisting of female presidents from 5 universities, along with senators and other dignitaries for a brief visit to UVU. Our own president, Dr. Astrid Tuminez, was able to meet with them prior to the luncheon held in their honor at the UVU Bingham Gallery.

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.

We had an enjoyable time hosting H.E. Ambassador Baktybek Amanbaev, his wife Almazkan, and the Kyrgyz Embassy's First Secretary, Mr. Ermet Sydykov. In addition to sharing his insight on the role of the Kyrgyz Republic in the global community during his lecture at UVU, the ambassador met with UVU administrators, students, faculty and staff. Several members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary were also in attendance at the UVU events. Through the Engaged Learning model, students from Utah International Mountain Forum and Roteract took the lead in planning the evening reception, a tour of campus and with several on campus meetings. While in Salt Lake City, the delegation met with Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson, Senate President Stewart Adams, business leaders from the World Trade Center Utah, as well as with ecclesiastical, educational and humanitarian representatives of the LDS Church.

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 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. Steven Seegel, professor of Slavic and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas, Austin,  was the keynote speaker for the Utah Diplomatic Conference on International Relations “Ukraine: One year later…”, Dmytro Kushneruk (Consul General of Ukraine), Hon. Dobroslawa Siemianowska (Head Consul of Poland), Cosmin Dumitrescu (Consul General of Romania), Juan Carlos Sanchez (Consul General of Spain), and Mr. Ryan Guirlinger (Political Unit Chief in the Office of Eastern European Affairs at the US Department of State) also participated on the round table discussion. The local Ukrainian choir, Dzherelo. performed several traditional songs. 

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.

Ambassador Okko-Pekka Salmimies represents Finland in thirteen Western US states as their Consul General. The Office for Global Engagement was pleased to collaborate with the School of Education in hosting him for a conversation about Finland and its world-class education system. He also addressed the current global climate in Northern Europe.

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 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 presentation was given in Spanish and Quechua.

Niankoro Yeah Samake is the Former Mayor of Quelessebugou, 2013 Malian Presidential Candidate, Ambassador of Mali, and Founder of the Empower Mali Foundation. Mr. Samake spoke to a large audience of international students and students studying political science about his experiences leading in Mali in a time of crisis.

Felipe Queipo

Mr. Felipe Queipo began his United Nations career at the NGO Relations & Advocacy Section of the Department of Public Information (DPI) in 2008. He currently serves as the Communications Officer responsible for outreach, engagement and global communications with civil society within the Department of Global Communications (DGC). Felipe is a member of the United Nations Speakers Bureau, and travels extensively invited to speak at conferences, forums and academic institutions on civil society and public diplomacy, the role of youth in the international arena, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, among other subjects. His presentations are dynamic and participatory, and he is often invited to address young audiences given his capacity building approach to youth empowerment and engagement. He has given presentations at conferences in Australia, England, Germany, Kenya, Malaysia and Thailand among others. He is also the focal point for faith-based organizations within DGC. In this capacity, he leads the team that organizes the "Focus on Faith" briefings within the Department, an initiative that studies the links between faith traditions and religious organizations, and the work and mission of the United Nations. Before Graduating from Brigham Young University Idaho, where he studied Political Science, Felipe studied Theology and Biology in Spain, emphasizing his training on Political and Social Theology.

Roundtable discussion focused on Utah's Bears Ears National Monument with Dustin Jansen, Utah Dept of Indian Affairs and Sara E. Hunt, CEO & President, Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy, Washington, DC. Event co-hosted by Utah International Mountain Forum, UVU Department of History and Political Science, and the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club.

Dr. Seth Blaylock, Counterterrorism Unit Chief, US Embassy Malila, Philippines shared his experiences in diplomatic service and focused on the US counterterrorismin efforts in Manila. The event was co-hosted by the UVU Foreign Affairs Club

To commemorate International Mountain Day (December 11), we joined forces with Utah International Mountain Forum to host a virtual celebration on this year’s theme: Sustainable Mountain Tourism.

H.E. Elsie Ngowo Effange-Mbella, Minister Plenipotentiary of Foreign Affairs of Cameroon, talked about how to empower women and youth to be more engaged in sustainable development.

Dr. Efrem Yildiz Sadak, Vice President of International Relations at the University of Salamanca, Spain, gave an overview of the European Higher Education System during his presentation to UVU students and faculty, primarily from the School of Education. Vice President of the University of Salamanca, Spain, gave a presentation about The Challenges of the European Higher Education System. 

With a visit from Grandfather Frost and Snegurochka, UVU celebrated the traditional Slavic holiday, Old New Year.

This small, but mighty group from Ukraine visited UVU last week to share and learn about inclusion, diversity, and LGBTQ+ rights through the US Library of Congress Open World program. Sending wishes of strength and peace to our friends in Ukraine!

For a second year, the Office for Global Engagement collaborated with the Orem Rotary and UVU Rotarect groups to commemorate World Polio Day. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, the October 21 event was a virtual one with Dr. Scott Leckman as the main presenter. He shared his experiences and involvement with Rotary International. He cited the organization’s mission, saying, “The eradication of polio is our number one priority.” 

David Utrilla started his college education in Peru where he studied economics and international business. He continued his education in Utah at Weber State University studying Business Management and International Business. While he was still in school, David founded U.S. Translation Company which provides translation and interpretation services in order to help organizations break the communication barrier. In addition to his role as CEO of U.S. Translation, he also serves as the current President of the World Trade Association, the oldest trade organization in Utah. In this role, he helps Utah companies to expand their businesses into foreign markets by providing useful knowledge and facilitating key introductions. The third hat that David wears is to serve as the Honorary Consul for Peru in the State of Utah. He feels very comfortable in his role and has the opportunity to serve approximately 40,000 Peruvians living in the State of Utah today. As a result of this large population, David has been given the same power and responsibilities as a Consul General. Those responsibilities include the right to issue identification documents, dual citizenship, emergency travel documents, initiate business deals, and serve as a power of attorney. In addition to all of the above-mentioned roles, David also finds the time to serve on several boards including the Weber State University President’s National Advisory Council, Weber State University’s School of Business and Economics, Utah Symphony and Opera, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy. He also is a language industry expert who speaks at conferences and events around the globe. 

Mr. Felipe Queipo began his United Nations career at the NGO Relations & Advocacy Section of the Department of Public Information (DPI) in 2008. He currently serves as the Communications Officer responsible for outreach, engagement and global communications with civil society within the Department of Global Communications (DGC). Felipe is a member of the United Nations Speakers Bureau, and travels extensively invited to speak at conferences, forums and academic institutions on civil society and public diplomacy, the role of youth in the international arena, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, among other subjects. His presentations are dynamic and participatory, and he is often invited to address young audiences given his capacity building approach to youth empowerment and engagement. He has given presentations at conferences in Australia, England, Germany, Kenya, Malaysia and Thailand among others. He is also the focal point for faith-based organizations within DGC. In this capacity, he leads the team that organizes the "Focus on Faith" briefings within the Department, an initiative that studies the links between faith traditions and religious organizations, and the work and mission of the United Nations. Before Graduating from Brigham Young University Idaho, where he studied Political Science, Felipe studied Theology and Biology in Spain, emphasizing his training on Political and Social Theology.

"We encounter the daily health ramifications and anxieties of COVID19. But how does this global pandemic affect those already enduring other humanitarian crises, such as conflict, forced migration, or hurricanes?"

UVU Global Engagement Office joined with World Trade Center Utah, Utah Consular Corps, and Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy for a stimulating conversation on natural disasters and refugee crises worldwide, and COVID19's impact on populations affected by these crises.

Beginning in 2014, Ryan Koch has overseen the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' outreach to the diplomatic communities in New York and at the United Nations, including representing LDS Charities, the Church’s humanitarian arm. Ryan is also responsible for liaising with religious umbrella organizations in New York. Prior to his work for the Church, Ryan spent 11 years as a Public Diplomacy Officer for the U.S. State Department. During this time he served abroad at the U.S. Embassies in Manila, Philippines; Kyiv, Ukraine; and Stockholm, Sweden.

Mark is the Associate Director of Public Engagement and Directorate of Social Impact and Engagement at De Montfort University in Leicester, England. His interests are in community engagement, public engagement through research, universities as a public good, policies on tackling social exclusion through education and social mobility. He is currently manager of the award-winning DMU Square Mile programme that seeks to connect the university with the community demonstrate the university as a public good. Mark's research examines policies that encourage public good in Higher Education and investigates university strategies for tackling social

Samira Harnish is the Founder and Executive Director of Women of the World (WoW). Women of the World is a women refugee, asylum seeker, and immigrant service and capacity building nonprofit that has been in operation in Salt Lake City since 2010.After getting her degree in Civil Engineering, she worked for 17 years as an R&D engineer at the largest domestic manufacturer of semiconductor memory. Samira has received local, national, and international recognition for her service leadership including: The Enlightened 50 Award from the Utah Community Foundation, the 2014 Salt Lake City Human Rights Award, the 2016 Ruby Award from the Soroptomists of Utah, and the 2017 Emerald Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement. In 2018, she was awarded the America’s Region Nansen Award from the United Nations High Commission on Refugees in Geneva, Switzerland, she was chosen from over 450 international nominees. In April 2019 she was awarded the 2019 American Red Cross Hero for her extraordinary Heroic act of Global Citizenship. 

Discussion Panelists:

Dean Vessela Ilieva, UVU School of Education

Parker Fawson, Professor, USU School of Teacher Education & Leadership

Anu Warinowski, Head of Faculty Development, University of Turku, Finland

Katelyn Muro, UVU Student - Special Education Program 

Curtis S. Bramble, CPA, is a member of the Utah State Senate and previously served as the Senate Majority Leader. After beginning his college career at the University of Notre Dame, he earned his Bachelors and Masters degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He founded Bramble & Company CPA’s in 1986, and in 2001, after being elected to the Utah Senate, merged with Gilbert & Stewart CPA’s in Provo.Senator Bramble currently serves as the International Relations & Trade Committee Chairman of the Utah Senate Legislature. 

(Due to commitments on the Senate floor, Senator Bramble was able to join the conversation 11:19 minutes into the Global Dialogue session.)

Anne was recognized by the State Department as an Honorary Consul to France on April 27, 2017. She is a native from France and moved to the US when she was 21 years old. She earned a PhD in 19th-century French culture and literature from the Ohio State University (2003), has published articles and a book on symbolism of food, and co-authored beginning and intermediate textbooks in French. She has received several state and national awards for her teaching and work with teachers of French and has been recently recognized as a Knight in the Order of the Academic Palms, a French distinction for her dedication to French culture. She is well involved in the French community and served for three years as President of the Alliance Française in Utah. She currently teaches French at the University of Utah, where she also directs the French Basic Language Program, as well as the Dual Immersion French Bridge Program (10-12 grades). Prior to coming to Utah, she was an Associate Professor of French in Iowa. 

Discussion Panelists:

Jackie Biskupski, Former Salt Lake City Mayor

Genevive Richards, Coordinator UVU Sustainability

Hillary Hungerford, Associate Professor, UVU Earth Science Department

Reagan Golightly, UVU Student - Geography Major 

Felecia, a native of Utah, joins the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy with extensive experience in government and nonprofit administration. Her prior work history includes the Department of Workforce Services Refugee Services Office, Utah Refugee Coalition, and Wasatch Community Gardens.  She has a B.A in Anthropology and a Masters in Public Administration both from the University of Utah. Felecia has extensive experience in oral history and storytelling, and she believes through capturing stories, we create a sense of self, how we orient the world, how we organize and pass knowledge on to others, and create shared humanity. Felecia is passionate about all varieties of music, spends her free time gardening, and adventuring in Moab, Utah.

Discussion Panelists:

Dean Danny Horns, UVU College of Science

Dr. Alessandro Zanazzi, Associate Professor, UVU Earth Science

Josh Craft, Government/Corporate Relations Manager, Utah Clean Energy

Tom Moyer, Robotics Engineer and State Coordinator, Utah Citizen’s Climate Lobby

Iñigo Arbiol is the Director of International Relations at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. He has a degree in Modern and Contemporary History, a Master's in International Humanitarian Action (NOHA) and a PhD from the University of Deusto, with a thesis on United States foreign policy in the post-cold war period. His teaching activity focuses on the degree in International Relations and Double Degree in International Relations and Law. For years he worked at the United Nations and at research enters for peace. In terms of his research and outreach work, in recent years he has been working on transatlantic security and defense issues and deepening his specialization in US politics. 

Languages, with their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development, are of strategic importance for people and planet. Yet, due to globalization processes, they are increasingly under threat, or disappearing altogether. When languages fade, so does the world's rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Opportunities, traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking and expression — valuable resources for ensuring a better future — are also lost. At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world.

Karl graduated with a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish. He went on to earn a Master of Education with a major in Educational Administration from the University of Utah and. Karl spent his early career as a teacher of 3rd and 5th grade students both in English and Spanish Immersion and taught technology/computers to 1st through 6th grade students as well. He spent 26 of his 35 years in educational administration and leadership roles in both elementary schools and at the district level; including time as the principal at six different elementary schools.  

Karl is currently the Education Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education over World Languages and Dual Language Immersion and has been for the past 3 1/2 years. He is a champion of new and innovative educational models; including the Extended Day model and the development and implementation of Alpine School District's Spanish immersion programs for elementary schools across Utah Valley. Karl is the recipient of various professional awards including the José M Rubio Lifetime Achievement Award from Utah Valley University, the District Distinguished Principal from the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals, the Outstanding School Administrator from the State of Utah PTA, the District Distinguished Principal from the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals and the Innovator of the Year from the Alpine Elementary Principals Association. 

Discussion Panelists:

Dean Norm Wright, UVU Woodbury School of Business

Dr. Maritza Sotomayor, Assoc. Professor, UVU Finance and Economics

Ben Kolendar, Director, SLC Department of Economic Development

Christina "CJ" Hernandez, a Utah native and a recently retired Foreign Service Officer, specializes in operational/management services, human rights, and consular programs. She has served in Los Angeles, California, Merida, Mexico, Washington D.C., Budapest, Hungary, and Mexico City, Mexico. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, CJ managed major acquisitions and public/private partnerships for the U.S. Air Force at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and at the Defense Logistics Agency in Germany and Italy.CJ holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Utah State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Weber State University. 

Discussion Panelists:

Tara Ivie, Senior Director, UVU Women's Success Center and Wee Care Center

Susan Madsen, Founding Director of Utah Women & Leadership Project

Samira Harnish, Founder and Executive Director of Women of the World

Mr. Tichy was accredited by the State Department as the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Salt Lake City on March 30, 2009. He is currently the president of Envoy Legal & Consulting International, a firm that specializes in international legal and governmental relations strategies, where he advises international businesses, non-profit organizations, churches, and governmental agencies. He also serves as a special international legal and governmental relations advisor to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the course of his professional duties he has personally met with hundreds of foreign government leaders and over two dozen presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers. He is certified native/near-native fluent in both the Czech and Slovak languages and has basic fluency in the Hawaiian language.

He spent over seven years living and working abroad in significant business, legal, academic, and governmental capacities. In the late 1990s he received a special diplomatic appointment by President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to work at the U.S. Embassy in Prague. For his work there, he was awarded the State Department’s prestigious Meritorious Honor Medal. Mr. Tichy also served as the senior Staff Aide (chief of staff) to an Assistant Secretary of State and ambassador, and was a Fascell Fellow at the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs in Washington, D.C. In 2011, he received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Brigham Young University. He served for several years as executive vice-president of the board of the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy, and is currently on the boards of the Salt Lake Film Society, the Wallace Toronto Foundation, and the Czech & Slovak School of Utah.

Franz Kolb was recognized by the State Department as an Honorary Consul to Austria on June 14, 2002. He is the Regional Director for International Trade and Diplomacy responsible for Europe, India, Middle East and Africa in the State of Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development. His previous experience includes: President of the Kolb Group, an international business consulting company specializing in international business development, Deputy Director for the State of Utah’s International Business Development Office, Director of International Services of Ernst & Young, and President of an international business consulting firm which specialized in the high-tech industry. Mr. Kolb was educated in Austria and the United States. He received an Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Mr. Kolb has been appointed by the United States Secretary of Commerce to the Utah District Export Council. 

Discussion Panelists:

Sam Elzinga, UVU Student – Political Science and Integrated Studies

Andrew Jensen, UVU Student – National Security Studies / Computer Science

Lee Winkleman, US Dpt. of Defense, Logistics Management Specialist Hill AFB

Dr. Scott Sprenger began his tenure as President of The American University of Rome on 1 July, 2020. He came to the post after serving as Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah and formerly was Provost of The American University of Paris as well as associate dean of the College of Humanities at Brigham Young University (BYU). 

Dr. Sprenger has a vast experience with foreign language programming and with connecting the liberal arts to global career opportunities. His administrative work as both provost and dean has covered a broad range of areas, such as strategic planning, institutional budgeting, faculty hiring and promotions, curriculum development and oversight, international programs, college and university advising, the creation and oversight of research centers, grant writing and fundraising. At AUP, he secured Andrew W. Mellon institutional grants to improve first-year programs and to open a Civic Media Lab and a Center for Critical Democracy Studies. With private funding, he founded a Center for the Study of Genocide, Human Rights and Conflict Prevention.  Dr. Sprenger's graduate degrees in French Studies are from Johns Hopkins University and Emory. In 2009, he was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholar award in Brussels/Paris. He did post-doc work at UCLA from 1999 to 2001.

In the spring of 2018, Franz Sedelmayer spoke at UVU and presented excerpts from his  memoir “Welcome to Putingrad”, highlighting the case he won against President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation.

On April 6, Sedelmayer made his “Return to Putingrad” for a virtual lecture and where he offered his perspective on Putin’s answer to the Navalny “problem”. Alexei Navalny returned to Russia this January after recuperating in Germany from being poisoned with a suspected nerve agent. The Kremlin has denied involvement. Navalny, one of Putin’s most prominent critics, has recently been jailed for parole violations and is now in a corrective penal colony about 60 east of Moscow.

On April 14 at 12:00pm, students from the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU, presented their impressions and achievements gained from hosting a parallel event at the recent United Nations 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65). Their UN presentation was titled, “Mountain Women Empowerment Through The Inclusive Student Engaged Learning Model.” The Student Engaged Learning (SEL) approach encourages students to gain professional skills while addressing real-world issues on the local and international levels with university faculty serving as mentors.

Discussion Panelists:

Dean Robinson President, Orem Rotary

Clark Merkley Past President, Orem Rotary

Baktybek Abdrisaev Advisor, UVU Rotaract

Yana Andersen President, UVU Rotaract 

As part of our observation of International Earth Day, the Office for Global Engagement partnered with Orem Rotary and UVU Rotaract for a Provo Canyon service project to clean up and beautify the area.

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Iñigo Arbiol is the Director of International Relations at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. He has a degree in Modern and Contemporary History, a Master's in International Humanitarian Action (NOHA) and a PhD from the University of Deusto, with a thesis on United States foreign policy in the post-cold war period. His teaching activity focuses on the degree in International Relations and Double Degree in International Relations and Law. For years he worked at the United Nations and at research enters for peace. In terms of his research and outreach work, in recent years he has been working on transatlantic security and defense issues and deepening his specialization in US politics. 

Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday honoring ancestors, dating back hundreds of years. Our office collaborated with other groups from the Center for Global and Intercultural Engagement to celebrate this holiday and share cultural experiences.

UVU continued to work with India while hosting Ambassador Sanjay Panda. During his stay, Amb. Panda visited several community entities including government and humanitarian agencies.

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Utah Valley University hosted its first ever Model United Nations Conference for Utah High Schools on February 1, 2020. We were honored to have as our opening plenary keynote speaker, Mr. Felipe Queipo, Communications Officer, Civil Society Unit, Department of Global Communications, at the United Nations. A total of 5 schools, 106 high school students and 10 UVU student volunteers participated in the UVU Model UN conference.

UVU marked the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Untited Nations by hosting an event with the Utah International Mountain Forum. The anniversary served as a moment to reaffirm the commitment to multilateralism and the overall ideals of the United Nations.

Utah and Morocco Partnership, Keith Martin, Honorary Consul for Morocco in Utah and Major General Jeff Burton, U.S. Army, Ret.