On June 13, 2026, UVU students partnered with members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club to support the annual Orem City Fest Pancake Breakfast in Orem, Utah. The event brought together Rotarians, students, and local residents for a morning of service, food, and community connection while raising funds for local service initiatives.
Dean Robertson, Orem-Lindon Rotarian Provides Instructions to Rotarian and UVU Rotaractors Before the Breakfast
Students helped serve food, organize supplies, assist attendees, and support event operations. Volunteers assisted with setting up the event before guests arrived, mixing pancake batter, preparing food, serving pancakes, beverages, and other breakfast items, and refilling food and beverage stations throughout the morning. Students also helped maintain clean serving areas, wash dishes and pans, and assist with cleanup after the event. Volunteers served pancakes alongside Rotarians and fellow students while helping ensure that guests had a positive experience.
As a result of the hosting this traditional summer event, Orem-Lindon Rotarians with assistance of Utah Valley University Rotaractors raised $1530 by feeding just over 400 people from Orem City.
Silversmith Group Entertainment During the Event
The event also featured live country music, and it was enjoyable to see so many families, friends, and neighbors spending time together. It was easy to see why events like this have become an important tradition in the community.
Antoine Mwamba (R ) mixing pancake batter with Martin Figueroa ( L ) while Alan Calderon ( C ) mentoring during the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast service project.
Families from Orem City enjoy Breakfast
The Pancake Breakfast serves a purpose beyond providing a meal. The funds raised support Coats for Kids and student initiatives throughout the year, including International Mountain Day and other educational and service projects. The project was organized by members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, whose mission is to strengthen communities through service and civic engagement. Working alongside Rotarians provided students with a better understanding of how community organizations create opportunities for people to serve and make a difference locally, and how service can also strengthen those who volunteer. By working alongside Rotarians and fellow students, participants observed how service organizations can bring people together to create meaningful change.
( L to R ) : Alan Calderon, Megan Ashcraft and Martin Figueroa ,UVU Rotaractors Mix Batter
The Pancake Breakfast has become a longstanding tradition in the Orem-Lindon community, having been held for more than fifteen years. The event was coordinated by Dean, a longtime Rotarian whose leadership and dedication helped ensure the success of the breakfast. Cathy Ambrose, President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, welcomed attendees, assisted with check-in, and helped manage event payments throughout the morning. The event also featured live country music performed by longtime Rotarian D.J. and his wife, whose performance contributed to the welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere enjoyed by community members and volunteers alike.
Cathy Ambrose Orem-Lindon Rotary club president along side Erynn Lammi, rotaractor
This experience reflected Utah Valley University's Student-Engaged Learning (SEL) model by connecting classroom learning with real community service. The experience demonstrated why UVU's Student Engaged Learning (SEL) model is so valuable. The SEL model, which encourages both traditional and non-traditional students through hands-on activities to address as a group real-world problems while developing professional skills under the faculty mentorship. At Orem City Fest, those concepts were visible in practice. Through direct participation, students were able to apply leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while contributing to a community project. The activity showed how academic institutions and community organizations can collaborate to address real-world challenges and strengthen civic responsibility among students.
Orem-Lindon Rotarians and UVU Rotaractors Serve Breakfast
The Orem-Lindon Rotary Club has also been an important partner to student organizations throughout the year. Debby Lauret has helped students secure grants, resources, and opportunities that have supported both academic and service initiatives as well as our upcoming study abroad. Participating in the Pancake Breakfast provided an opportunity to give back to individuals who have invested their time and energy in helping students succeed.
Orem-Lindon Rotarians and UVU Rotaractors Serve Breakfast
Before participating in Rotary service projects, many students knew very little about Rotary. Over the past several months, students have had opportunities to work alongside Rotarians on multiple service projects and develop a deep appreciation for their commitment to the community. For immigrant students, volunteering has also provided opportunities to better understand American culture and the strong tradition of community service that exists in Utah. Experiences like this demonstrate that communities become stronger through service. Volunteering benefits not only those receiving help, but also those offering it. There is a great deal of research showing that volunteering has a positive impact on mental health. Through service, individuals have the opportunity to experience those benefits firsthand.
Armen Avanesyan and other Rotarians Cook Pancakes
Participating in this service project was a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Volunteers enjoyed interacting with community members, helping families, and working with fellow volunteers. The experience demonstrated that even small acts of service can have a significant impact on the lives of others. It also reinforced the idea that sustainable community development begins when students, educational institutions, and local organizations work together in service of a common goal.
Miss Teens of Orem ( R ) partnering with the UVU Rotaractors at Breakfast
Participating in the Orem City Fest Pancake Breakfast provided valuable lessons in teamwork and community engagement while allowing students to contribute to a project that benefits local families. The experience also fostered a greater appreciation for Rotary and inspired continued involvement in service opportunities in the future.
Two Princesses Serve Breakfast Pancakes for Orem Lindon Families
The project was organized by members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, whose mission is to strengthen communities through service and civic engagement. The event demonstrated the importance of community partnerships in addressing local needs and raising support for charitable causes. By working alongside Rotarians and fellow students, I observed how service organizations can bring people together to create meaningful change.
Members of the UIMF and UVU.Rotaract Club, and the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club pose for a group photo following the successful completion of the Annual Pancake Breakfast service project on June 13, 2026.
Participating in this service project was a rewarding experience. I especially enjoyed interacting with community members, helping families, and working with fellow volunteers. The experience taught me that even small acts of service can have a significant impact on the lives of others. It also reinforced my belief that sustainable community development begins when students, educational institutions, and local organizations work together in service of a common goal.
Antoine Mwamba, President, UVU Rotaract Club, Member, Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), and Cristina Alves, UIMF Member
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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Cristina Lyon - Orem-Lindon Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast to Raise Funds
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Roland Kabongo - Annual Pancake Breakfast with Orem-Lindon Rotary Club
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