On July 29, 2025, the Utah Valley University (UVU) Foreign Affairs Club, Rotaract Club, and Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU, proudly hosted Mr. Tony Medina for a special lunch-in event. Tony is a U.S. Army veteran who served for nine years, completing multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He received several commendations, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, and the NATO Service Medal.
Group Photo of UVU Students and Orem-Lindon Rotarians with Mr. Tony Medina
After his military service, Tony attended UVU as a non-traditional student, studying History and Political Science with an emphasis in World Politics. While at UVU, he served as President of both the Foreign Affairs Club and UIMF. He later earned a Master’s in Enterprise Risk Management from Boston University and played a key role in organizing by UVU students through UIMF the 2015 International Women of the Mountain Conference, which was later featured in the 2016 United Nations Secretary-General’s Report. He has remained an active supporter of student efforts at UVU and continues to mentor and inspire future leaders. He has arranged important meetings at the UN for UIMF members during their visit to the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women during March 2025.
Tony Medina answers student questions during the UVU Lunch-In, joined by Cathy Ambrose, current President of the Orem/Lindon Rotary Club, and Mike Rich, past Club President.
Having someone with Tony’s level of experience and UVU connection on campus was a true honor. The event began with lunch, giving students, club members, and guests a chance to connect and build relationships before the formal discussion. I had a great conversation with Caleb Ream, a current UVU student who hopes to follow a similar path as Tony Medina, and Martin Figueroa, a prospective UVU student excited about studying government and working in public service.
Janessa-Michelle Purcell, UIMF President and Tony Medina mingling before the start of the UVU Lunch-In event.
Once the lunch-in formally began, Janessa-Michelle Purcell, UIMF President and I gave the welcome and introductions. Tony Medina opened by sharing his journey through military service, higher education, and his involvement in public service. During the Q&A session, I asked what advice he would give to students hoping to work in international affairs or government. He encouraged us to get involved in clubs, take on leadership roles, attend events like the United Nations, and gain real-world experience. He shared that his practical involvement and leadership at UVU helped him stand out—even among graduates from top-tier universities.
I also asked Tony how to better support non-traditional students in our clubs. As a non-traditional student and former club president himself, he offered excellent advice: understand that every student has different circumstances. One might be a parent, while another may be working full-time. Everyone brings unique skills, availability, and perspectives. His response helped me realize the importance of flexibility and empathy when planning events and involving diverse members.
During the Q&A, I also asked Tony how he manages such a demanding career while maintaining work-life balance. He shared that teamwork and structured schedules have helped him succeed without burning out. He explained that many professionals in international and public service fields work in large teams, which allows for more manageable hours, weekends off, and even opportunities to travel for official assignments. His insight reminded me that while these careers can be intense, they also offer systems of support and room for personal growth.
Group photo of the Q&A session
Toward the end of the event, Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev, UIMF Mentor, shared how Tony Medina helped for students to tour the General Assembly Hall and stand at its famous podium. It was inspiring to learn that Tony helped pave the path for our club members to attend the UN activities starting from 2016 and 2017 a truly exciting milestone for all of us.
Natalia Figueroa with Tony Medina.
To close the event, Janessa-Michelle Purcell and Tanicca Armstrong, Administrative Assistant for the History and Political Science Department presented Tony with a UVU-branded pen and a UIMF t-shirt as tokens of appreciation. Feedback from students and Rotarians was overwhelmingly positive. This lunch-in was a powerful learning experience that helped students understand how to prepare for careers in public service, diplomacy, and international affairs.
Planning this event helped me and our entire student team to grow both personally and professionally. It was my first time hosting an official lunch-in, and I learned how to coordinate with multiple club leaders—including Janessa-Michelle Purcell, Erynn Lammi, and Louyoko Nianza—to organize a meaningful event. I worked with my colleagues to set up the room, decorate with black tablecloths, greenery, and name cards for our guests, and prepare all the food and supplies. We ordered pizza, bought drinks, and ensured everything looked clean, welcoming, and professional. Delegating tasks and working as a team taught me how to manage event logistics and lead with purpose.
Tanicca Armstrong presents Tony Medina with the souvenirs.
Special thanks to Tony Medina for generously sharing his time, experiences, and valuable insights with our campus community. We are deeply grateful for his ongoing dedication to inspiring the next generation of leaders. Additionally, heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev for mentoring us during the event and helping facilitate the meaningful connections that made this opportunity possible at UVU.
Report by Natalia Figueroa, UVU Foreign Affairs Club President, Rotaract Club member, and Political Science student.
Photos by Martin Figueroa, Future UVU Student
