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.