Utah Valley University’s annual President’s Scholarship Ball filled the UCCU Center with generosity and gratitude as donors, alumni, and community leaders came together to raise more than $1.3 million in support of UVU students.
Utah Valley University’s annual President’s Scholarship Ball filled the UCCU Center with generosity and gratitude as donors, alumni, and community leaders came together to raise more than $1.3 million in support of UVU students. The celebration reflected the theme EverGRATEFUL and honored the lives transformed through education and philanthropy.
“UVU is in the business of hope,” UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez said. “Tonight, we came together to lift students and strengthen families. Your generosity turns barriers into opportunity and gratitude into action.”
Guests enjoyed an elegant evening featuring performances by the UVU Repertory Ballet Ensemble, UVU Ballroom Dance Company, pianist Hilary Demske and clarinetist Berkeley Price from the School of the Arts, and the One Voice Children’s Choir. Alumna and singer Isabella Henao shared her personal UVU story and performed for attendees. Dinner was prepared and served by chefs and students from UVU’s nationally recognized Culinary Arts Institute.
“Our donors help students become authors of their own stories,” said Kyle A. Reyes, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the UVU Foundation. “Every contribution builds momentum for student success and for Utah’s workforce.”
Chelsea and Casey Baugh, title sponsors of the event and founders of the UVU Chelsea and Casey Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute, also shared their personal UVU stories and the experiences that inspired their commitment to helping students dream boldly and build the future.
During the program, President Tuminez announced two transformative commitments that will advance UVU’s mission for generations to come. The Kahlert Foundation has made a major gift to establish the Kahlert Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute at UVU, which will prepare students to lead in the evolving world of technology. In addition, Rich and Marla Linder have made a significant commitment that will support both the Orrin Hatch Center for National Security Studies and a new Xenter Building for the College of Health and Public Service on UVU’s Vineyard Campus.
“These remarkable gifts represent the vision and confidence our community has in UVU’s future,” Tuminez said. “We are deeply grateful for their partnership and belief in our mission.”
The President’s Scholarship Ball is part of UVU’s EverGREEN Campaign, a university-wide effort to expand access, affordability, and excellence for tens of thousands of students. Since its inception, the ball has been one of UVU’s most meaningful traditions, providing vital support for students and academic innovation. Contributions from this year’s event will expand access to higher education, strengthen programs across disciplines, and help students succeed in Utah and beyond.
UVU extends its gratitude to the event’s generous sponsors, including Chelsea and Casey Baugh, Target River and Brian Epperson, Clyde Companies, Utah Community Credit Union, Roger and Gwen Connors, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation, Xlear, and Awardco.
To support UVU students, visit engage.uvu.edu/psbgive.
