ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
2024 - 25
On behalf of Utah Tech University, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your commitment to our mission and students is not only inspiring, it is transformative.
At Utah Tech, we are driven by a polytechnic vision to provide inclusive, hands-on, and career-focused education that empowers students to become leaders in their communities and professions. None of this would be possible without the generosity of dedicated donors like you. Your investment in our University directly fuels opportunities that shape lives, open doors, and create lasting change.
Every gift, large or small, demonstrates a belief in our students and in the power of education to change lives. For that, we are profoundly grateful. As we look ahead, we are filled with excitement and optimism. With your continued partnership, we will keep building a stronger university that offers opportunities and prepares students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Please know that your support is not just appreciated, it is making a real and lasting difference.
With heartfelt thanks,
Brad Last Vice President of University Advancement
MEET OUR TEAM
Brooke Sullivan
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Cindy Biehahn Director of University Advancement Services and Foundation Relations
Janie Belliston Development Officer
Jay Sorensen Development Officer
John Bowler Director of Alumni Relations
John Fackler
Development Officer (Northern Utah)
Julie Rhodes
Administrative Assistant for Alumni Relations
Kennadie Lowder
Graphic Designer and Support Specialist
Lance Brown Senior Director of Development
Nikki Hope
Trailblazer Club Coordinator, Advancement Assistant
Rochelle Blatter Donor Relations and Events Coordinator
Wendi Bulkley Development Officer, Trailblazer Club Director
EDUCATION IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Diane Lyman lives by the motto, “Education is Your Best Friend.” Alongside her late husband, Dr. Denis Lyman, Diane has been a steadfast supporter of Utah Tech University, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity and commitment to student success.
The Lyman’s impact is both wide-reaching and profound. They have supported the Struggling Student Fund, helping students overcome financial barriers to education. Their dedication to academic excellence is also reflected in the establishment of the Dr. Denis and Diane Robards Lyman Geoscience Center, a facility that has significantly enhanced learning and opportunities in the geoscience field.
Most recently, Diane continued this legacy with a transformative $2 million gift, adding to a previous $1 million contribution to renovate Utah Tech’s softball complex. This remarkable support has greatly benefited both the academic and athletic communities, providing students with the facilities and resources needed to excel.
This unwavering belief in the power of education and the Lyman’s extraordinary generosity, have made an enduring at Utah Tech University one that will inspire future generations for years to come.
Diane and her son Ted recently traveled to Hawaii with the softball team
FISCAL YEAR 24 - 25
1,568
SCHOLARSHIPS
I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship. As a firstgeneration Software Engineering student, education has been life changing for me and my family. This support allows me to focus on my studies. Thank you for making my academic journey possible!
GISELA
Scholarship Recipient
$8,832,967
AMOUNT AWARDED IN SCHOLARSHIPS
3,938
NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
STATE-OF-THE ART FACILITIES
Over the past decade, generous donors have made a lasting difference on our campus. Your support has helped bring new buildings and transformative projects to life—creating state-ofthe-art facilities that elevate the learning experience and campus culture among students, faculty, and staff.
“ The Human Performance Center has fostered greater collaboration among faculty and students by bringing key resources together under one roof. With major classes, academic advisors, and faculty all located in the same building, we are better equipped to support our students and provide them with the best possible academic experience.
DR. JOSEPH LOVELL Associate Professor of Recreation & Sport Management
2,483
NUMBER OF STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS
active learning. active life.
A new fund for “active learning. active life.” has been created to support faculty in developing hands-on, career-ready learning experiences for students. Faculty can apply for funding to provide opportunities that help students develop essential skills for their future careers.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED 23
12
APPLICATIONS FUNDED $91,826 REQUESTED $45,720 AWARDED
AWARDED PROJECTS
• Community Voices: Survey Research Experience
• Social Ethics Philanthropy Fund
• Translating Academic Research through Zines
• Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility
• Marketing Mistakes Casebook
• Improving VR Motor Control Labs
• Athletic Training Mannequin
• Antenna and RF Device Measurement System
• Surface Roughness Tester
• Laser-Focused Experiences
• Short Animated Film for Festival Circuit
• Study Abroad - Evolutions of Capoeira
MOMENTS THAT MATTER
GOLF VAN UNVEILING
Kirk and Colleen Kvetko not only spearheaded the “Build UT” Golf Event in September, but also used it as a spark to help garner support for a muchneeded UT Golf Van to transport our athletes to tournaments. We are grateful for their vision and for helping to make this dream a reality!
FIRE & ICE SCHOLARSHIP GALA
The 21st Annual Fire & Ice Scholarship Gala was a memorable evening supporting need-based scholarships for the Marcia Wade and Dorothy Orton “Pay It Forward” Scholarship. Highlights included student performances, showcases, and inspiring stories. Guests enjoyed delicious food as well as entertainment by award-winning performer John Tesh.
WELCOME TO PRESIDENT SHANE AND FIRST LADY ANGELA SMEED
On May 1, we welcomed a new president and first lady to Utah Tech University. President Shane Smeed and his wife, Angela, are thrilled to make our community their home and be part of the Trailblazer Family.
