The Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET) at Utah Valley University hosted its seventh annual SCET Scholarship Donor Luncheon on March 24 in the Presidential South Suite at the UCCU Center.
The Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET) at Utah Valley University hosted its seventh annual SCET Scholarship Donor Luncheon on March 24 in the Presidential South Suite at the UCCU Center. The event brought together scholarship donors and students for a shared experience centered on gratitude, connection, and the lasting impact of giving.
The program included remarks from university and college leadership, emphasizing the importance of scholarship support and the continued growth of the college. Speakers highlighted how scholarships not only reduce financial barriers but also empower students to focus on their education, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for the workforce.
For many students, that impact is immediate and deeply personal.
“This scholarship is the reason that I’m able to continue to go to school,” said Preston Smith, a civil engineering student and Jack and Mary Louis Wheatley Annual Scholarship recipient. “[My wife and I] have a one-year-old, and she’s also coming to school for elementary education. So we have our hands full, and this scholarship lets us keep coming to school and focus on our school and graduate.”
After lunch, the program transitioned into an open-mic opportunity, where students and donors were invited to share their experiences and express gratitude. The mic was passed from table to table, creating an authentic and personal exchange across the room.
For some, the impact of scholarships spans generations. Dean Bohl, chair of the Department of Applied Engineering and Transportation Technologies and a former scholarship recipient, reflected on his own experience.
“I was here in 1986 and on a scholarship, and I’ve been teaching for 38 years,” Bohl said. “I had a 1.7 GPA in [high school], and I did not want to go to [college]. But I was the valedictorian from this place in 1986, and had this come about because of the faculty we have here and the mission of this school. You can be whatever you want to be. You’ve just got to get in the right place. It takes some donors like this to help you along the way.”
A key moment of the event was the Student Impact Award presentation. This year’s recipient, Olga Liu, was recognized for her academic journey and contributions during her time at UVU, including her work with SCET and her senior capstone project. Liu expressed gratitude for the award and for the support that helped shape her path moving forward.
This was followed by remarks from featured donor Ed Macha, CEO of Reliable Controls, who spoke to the importance of supporting the next generation.
“One of the key things about engineering technology that I look at, from the industry focal point of view, is the great demand for young engineers to enter this industry — heavy industry, infrastructure, mining, and energy. Your talents are needed,” Macha said.
The program concluded with a special recognition of Reliable Controls for its continued support of student success within the college, followed by time for additional conversation, photos, and connection between students and supporters.
Now in its seventh year, the SCET Scholarship Donor Luncheon remains a meaningful tradition for the college. The event reflects a shared commitment to student success and highlights the powerful outcomes that come from investing in education.
