On February 18 and 19, 2026, members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University (UVU), had the distinct opportunity to represent the Foreign Affairs Club, UIMF, and the Rotaract Club at UVU during the university’s semiannual Club Rush. This vibrant campus event provided an important platform for members to promote their initiatives in support of sustainable development for mountain communities, connect with students interested in community service, and raise both awareness and support for these efforts.
Club Rush also served as a valuable opportunity for coalition members to share information about their 2026 Study Abroad trip to United Nations bodies in Geneva, Switzerland, and New York City, while inviting interested students to begin preparing for participation in the program in 2027. Members were pleased to engage with students from a wide range of academic disciplines, including political science, environmental science, and pre-med. It was especially encouraging to see so many students with shared interests come together around a common commitment to service and international engagement.
Foreign Affairs Club Vice Presidents Aemish Brock and Domenic Callor
The clubs’ tables were decorated with banners painted by Natalia Figueroa, as well as flags, plants, posters highlighting past accomplishments, and baskets filled with merchandise, candy, and informational flyers promoting upcoming Study Abroad opportunities in Geneva and New York City. Printed materials introducing each club’s mission and upcoming events were also made available to visiting students.
The event also created meaningful opportunities for student leaders across campus to network and establish mutually beneficial connections. One notable example was the Foreign Affairs Club’s outreach to UVU’s AI Research Club regarding potential opportunities tied to the United Nations conference in Geneva, where participating students may have the opportunity to present the AI Research Club’s findings in an international setting.
The tables were managed by Natalia Figueroa, President of the Foreign Affairs Club; Aemish Brock, Vice President of the Foreign Affairs Club; Domenic Callor, Vice President of the Foreign Affairs Club; Alley Holt, UIMF member; Antoine Mwamba, UIMF member; and Louyoko Nianza, UIMF member. Their leadership and dedication contributed significantly to the success of the event, ensuring effective table operations and meaningful engagement with students throughout both days.
Overall, Club Rush served as a powerful reminder of the strong connections among these student organizations and of the academic and professional value that involvement in them offers. As a student-led event, it also reflected Utah Valley University’s Student-Engaged Learning (SEL) model by demonstrating how students cultivate leadership, collaboration, and service through hands-on involvement beyond the classroom. For participating members, the event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. It was inspiring to witness how many students share a desire to contribute to meaningful change through service, scholarship, and international cooperation.
By Aemish Brock and Domenic Callor
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26-02-30-Natalia-Figueroa-Club Rush Engagement at Utah Valley University
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