University Marketing & Communications: Scott Trotter | 801-863-6807 | scott.trotter@uvu.edu
Utah Valley University’s Alumni Association will recognize seven individuals at its 17th annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Sept. 14. These winners have played integral roles in UVU’s continuing success, and the Alumni Association is proud to recognize their service and contributions.
This year’s recipients are Lyn Wells, Steve Beck and John Eagleston, NuSkin, Bill Anderson and G. Kevin Jones.
“The alumni awards honor those who have given back in ways that advance the university,”
said Senior Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Kevin Walkenhorst. “We
are grateful to these individuals and community partners whose contributions make
student success a reality at UVU.”
Lyn Wells is receiving the Young Alumni Award for continuing to support the university
in a profound and substantive manner. A graduate in hospitality management, she is
working on an MBA in organization. She is an adjunct instructor at UVU.
She participated in more than 25 sanctioned culinary competitions nationwide and won American Culinary Federation Western Regional student chef of the year in 2013. She has recently been named by the ACF to the U.S. Culinary 2020 team.
Steve Beck and John Eagleston are receiving the Distinguished Service Award, for individuals who have served to further the purposes and mission of UVU. They started the first out-of-state alumni chapter for UVU attendees. They reside in Arizona.
The chapter sponsors events to bring former UVU students closer together, including cheering on the basketball and baseball teams when they play in the area. The chapter sponsors movie nights and tailgate parties. It also offers support for future UVU students, many who are descended from UVU alumni.
NuSkin, headquartered in Provo, is receiving the Corporate Catalyst Award, which is based on strategic planning, employee development, community involvement, customer service and corporate integrity.
The company made donations to help with UVU’s Fine Arts building and made a commitment to help with a new business building.
“It is a great honor for us to be recognized,” said Ritch Wood, the company’s CEO. “We love what UVU is doing. It plays such a key role in our community and with our employees.”
The UVU Legacy Award is presented to Bill Anderson, for contributions above and beyond the call of duty to UVU and the Alumni Association.
He was instrumental in starting the UVU Foundation to raise funds for the university. He served as president and chairman of the board for 10 years, and has continued to serve in an emeritus status. Under his leadership, the foundation helped establish scholarships and created the annual Scholarship Ball. It began having alumni serve as ambassadors for the university.
G. Kevin Jones is receiving the Wilson W. Sorensen Lifetime Achievement Award, for an individual who has been dedicated throughout their life to the growth and advancement of UVU.
He is one of a handful of ind3ividuals who have worked in all three branches of the United States government — Legislative, Executive and Judicial.
He is an adjunct professor at UVU, teaching courses in Constitutional Studies and in the History and Political Science Department. He donates most of his salary to fund five scholarships he has established for students in various fields of study.
Fourth region (Section 1)