Through October 7th and 8th, 2025, members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University (UVU) had the incredible opportunity to represent Foreign Affairs Club, the UIMF, and the Rotaract Club at UVU during the semiannual Club Rush at UVU. This high-energy event gave members of the clubs the chance to promote their initiatives focusing on sustainable development for mountain communities, and connect with students eager to get involved in community service, and make a positive impact and raise funds for these noble goals. In addition, this was an opportunity for members of the coalition of clubs to invite interested students to the 2026 Study Abroad Trip to the United Nations bodies in Geneva, Switzerland and in New York City. Members were thrilled to engage with students from a variety of majors and backgrounds, ranging from political science to environmental science and pre-med. It was exciting to see so many students interested in paths aligned with theirs, all coming together to make a difference.
Group Photo of the UIMF Members: Kade Van Ry, Sasha Bird, Natalia Figueroa.
Members of the clubs decorated their tables with banners painted by Natalia Figueroa, flags, plants, posters showcasing past accomplishments, and baskets filled with merchandise, candy, and flyers for upcoming Study Abroad trips to Geneva, Switzerland, and New York City to visit the United Nations. They also had printed flyers available for the clubs, highlighting their missions and upcoming events.
Group Photo of the Foreign Affairs Club Members: Kade Van Ry and Sasha Bird.
For the Foreign Affairs table, members set up a fun “Duck Pond” game, with country flags of different states placed at the bottom of a water container. Students participated in the prepared lottery by choosing a duck, hoping to pick the lucky one that featured the Switzerland and U.S. flags, representing the club’s study abroad trip. Three winners walked away with prizes such as a bundt cake maker, a pop-it toy, or, for everyone else, a piece of candy.
Group Photo of UVU Rotaractors Sam Olesen and Aemish Brock with Natalia Figueroa
The table was managed by Kade Van Ry (Foreign Affairs club vice president), Sasha Bird, Curtis Bristol (mentor), Joao Vitor Martins da Silva, Roland Kabongo, and Alley Holt, all of whom helped with table operations and student engagement. Members also promoted exciting future events, such as the possibility of bringing UN, government officials, and diplomats to UVU to share their careers and insights. Additionally, they highlighted Oliver Rosenbauer, World Health Organizations representatives ’s upcoming presentation during the Wold Polio Day on October 23rd, 2025 and mentioned visit of the Ambassador Michelle Sisson’s, Assistant Secretary of the State Department for International Organizations bureau during the United Nations Day on October 24, 2024.
Photo of Alley Holt, UVU Political Science Student Informing UVU Student About UIMF Activities.
At the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF) table, members included Sam Olesen, Anna Caballero Ferreyro, Janessa-Michelle Purcell (UIMF Club President), and Aemish Brock (Vice President of Foreign Affairs). They had engaging conversations with students about the group’s goals for mountain sustainability and how these objectives can be achieved not only in Utah but across the globe. Members also highlighted Janessa-Michelle Purcell’s important research on air quality issues in Salt Lake City.
Group Photo of UIMF Members Natalia Figueroa, Sasha Bird, and Louyoko Nianza At Club Rush.
For Rotaract, the team included Natalia Figueroa (President of Foreign Affairs), Erynn Lammi (Vice President of Rotaract), Antoine Mwamba, and Louyoko Nianza (UVU Rotaractors). Members promoted their partnership with the Rotary Orem-Lindon Club and shared details about recent service projects, such as the Coats for Kids event held the previous week. They emphasized that joining Rotaract is an excellent way to build one’s resume, gain leadership experience, and make lasting impacts in the community and beyond.
Group Photo with Jace Lang (New Rotaract Club Member) Natalia Figueroa, and Antoine Mwamba.
Overall, the event was a reminder of how interconnected the clubs are and how being involved in them benefits students both academically and professionally. For members of the clubs, it was an incredible opportunity to engage with students at all of the tables. They were able to connect with a wide variety of students, from political science majors to environmental and pre-med students. It was inspiring to see how many students share similar interests and goals.
Group Photo of Janessa-Michelle Purcell, UIMF President and Sasha Bird, Foreign Affairs Club Member
Members are excited to report that 74 students expressed interest in joining one of the initiatives! This great turnout speaks to students’ desire to be part of something bigger than themselves, and members look forward to helping guide them as they become future advocates for positive change in the world.
Natalia Figueroa, President, Foreign Affairs Club and Erynn Lammi, Vice-President, UVU Rotaract
***
STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
***
25-10-10-Antoine Mwamba My Contribution as a Rotaractor to the UVU Club Rush Event
***
25-10-10-Joao Petter Promoting Integration and Community at UVU’s Club Rush
***
25-10-10-Aemish Brock Spreading Awareness About SMD Through the UVU Club Rush
***
25-10-10-Louyoko Nianza -The UIMF Successfully Participates in Club Rush 2025 at UVU
***
***
25-10-10-Roland Kabongo Kayenga Club Rush Ignites Student Engagement at Utah Valley University
***
25-10-10-Samuel Olesen-My Contribution to the UVU Club Rush
***
25-10-10-Sasha Byrd-Advocating for the Foreign Affairs Club During Club Rush
***
25_10_11_Chris_Flannery_My_Participation_at_the_Club_Rush_Service_Project
***
***
25-10-11-Alley Holt Promoting Foreign Affairs During Utah Valley University's Club Rush
***
***
