The Hope Scholars Legacy Council is a community of dedicated leaders, professionals, alumni, and advocates who are committed to creating opportunities for first-generation business students.
Legacy Council members make a personal commitment to support the Hope Scholars program through advocacy, philanthropy, and relationship-building. Members sponsor students through scholarship support and help expand the program's impact by introducing others who share a passion for educational opportunity and student success.
As ambassadors of the Hope Scholars Program, Legacy Council members champion the belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. Their support helps remove financial barriers, strengthen students' sense of belonging, and create pathways to graduation and career success.
By investing in first-generation students today, Legacy Council members are helping build a legacy of leadership, achievement, and economic mobility for future generations.
Since launching in 2024, the Hope Scholars program has continued to grow and support first-generation business students through scholarships, mentoring, and professional development.
Every Hope Scholar has a story of resilience, determination, and potential. With the Legacy Council's commitment, more students can access the support, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve their educational and professional goals.
James Endicott
Legacy Council Co-Chair, Serento Ventures
|
Melissa Layton
Legacy Council Co-Chair, Savage Family Foundation
|
Tammy Bigelow
Intermountain Health
|
Kadin Bullock
Squire Wealth Advisors
|
Mike Christensen
Green Dot Corporation
|
Kym Frey
One Common Thread
|
Kristen Fugal
Adamantium Real Estate
|
Louise Murphy
First Generation Philanthropist
|
Angela Wood
|
Accounting, Class of 2025 | Audit Associate, Tanner
"Once I found my rhythm, I knew I could succeed."
More about Mark
Looking back, one of my hardest moments was starting an upper-division tax class. The jump in difficulty made me question whether I belonged, but once I found my rhythm, I knew I could succeed. Andi Griffins helped me the most. She drew on her experience and education in therapy to support me, and I credit much of my emotional and personal growth to her. Today, I'm an auditor at Tanner, a Utah accounting firm, and I'm preparing for my final CPA exam in October 2026. Next, I'm working toward a promotion to Senior Audit Associate. Because of your generosity, I faced less stress as a student and had dedicated people supporting me along the way.
Business and Analysis, Class of 2025 | Associate Product Manager
“Working hard to build a better future for my family kept me going.”
More about Tahj
During my last two semesters, I was working full-time and taking 20 credits each semester, and my wife and I welcomed our baby. It was a busy year with very little sleep. Coming from a low-income family, I knew working hard to build a better future for my family mattered, and that kept me going. Hope Scholars gave me connections with other first-generation students. We had so much in common that I could connect with them on a different level. Today, I'm an associate product manager, growing in my career to support my family. I'm also building personal apps and learning all I can about AI. Thank you for supporting students like me through every season of college.
Business and Analysis, Class of 2026 | Marketing Coordinator
“Hope Scholars was my lifeline when I didn’t see a way out of uncertainty.”
More about Jose
Right before my senior year, a family crisis left me temporarily without housing. I couldn’t see a way to meet my basic needs and was ready to drop out. The resources at UVU and my mentors in Hope Scholars helped me push through that semester, and I’m grateful I didn’t let shame keep me from asking for help. Early in the program, guest speakers shared their success stories, which helped me picture what could be waiting for me after graduation. Today, I create experiences for guests through content, PR, and events at Grand America Hotels & Resorts. Thank you for making the Woodbury School of Business a place of belonging for every student.
Digital Marketing, Class of 2027 | Digital Marketing Specialist
“Because of you, I'm building a life I never thought possible.”
More about Angel
Growing up in a household without much education, I could only picture the life I had seen. After helping support my family and four years away from school, I started college on my own. Between family and personal challenges, I almost didn't return after my first semester. Finding the community at Hope Scholars changed that. They helped me believe in what I could become and prepared me to step into professional spaces. Now I'm working toward a master's degree so I can lead and educate, helping others see possibilities I once couldn't picture. Everyone deserves a chance, and I'm grateful you gave me mine without ever meeting me. Because of the donors I'm building a life I never thought possible.
Web Design and Development (Minor Entrepreneurship), Class of 2027
“Your support creates opportunities that extend far beyond paying for classes.”
More about Walter
One of the hardest parts of college has been balancing school, work, and financial pressure at the same time. When it felt overwhelming, I stayed focused on why I came back to school and kept moving forward one assignment, one semester, and one goal at a time. The Hope Scholarship took some of that financial pressure off and connected me with people at UVU who genuinely want students to succeed. Now I’m building my skills in software engineering and AI, with the goal of creating technology and businesses that help people. I also hope to keep mentoring and advising students along the way. I’m grateful for your support, and I hope to carry it forward by creating opportunities for others.
Civil Engineering | Minor in Military Science
“I don't have to have everything figured out to keep moving forward.”
More about Preston
Over the last four years, I've worked part-time, taken 15+ credits, participated in ROTC, and served in the Army Reserves. I also got married, had a child, and supported my wife through school. Balancing it all taught me it's okay to ask for help and admit I don't have every answer. As a civil engineering major receiving a business school scholarship, I sometimes felt like an imposter. Hope Scholars showed me I was selected for a reason and connected me with faculty who guided me in ways I wouldn't have thought to ask for. After graduation, I'll work as a structural engineer in training and serve as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserves. I hope this program keeps helping students see that they belong.
