U TA H T E C H U N I V E R S I T Y M A G A Z I N E
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SPRING 2026
Utah tech university Magazine - Spring 2026 Editor-in-Chief Stacy Schmidt, ’91
Art Director Scott Garrett, ’15
Illustration & Design Scott Garrett, ’15 Adriana Howard, ’18 Luke Stocking, ’24, ’25 Kennadie Lowder, ’22 Zoe Chesy
Photography Scott Garrett, ’15 Matt Black, ’14 Alex Santiago Dustin Merrill, ’15 Henryk Conley, ’23 John Wuhler Lukas Hassell Jayme Halbritter Alan Holben
Writers Stacy Schmidt, ’91 Jyl Hall McKinley Hatch, ’21 Lexi Hughs Katie Rillos Katie Walker Natali Fluhman John Bowler, ‘85
Copy Editors Jyl Hall McKinley Hatch, ’21 Henrie Walton Mandy Gulbrandsen Lexi Hughs Katie Rillos Katie Walker Natali Fluhman
Feedback stacy.schmidt@utahtech.edu 435.879.4412
6 ON THE COVER Built to Work – Inside Utah Tech’s Hands-On Approach to Engineering Utah Tech engineering students turn ideas into reality by designing, creating, and problem-solving while gaining real-world experience long before they enter the workforce.
IN THIS ISSUE 3 Trailblazers in the News 10 Hot on the Trail 18 active learning. active life. 20 Focal Point 24 Making a Difference 33 Alumni Message 2
• Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
CONTENTS TITLE HERE
FEATURES 14 Partnership in Practice – Collaborative Clinic Gives Patients Their Smiles Back
Through hands-on training and a unique partnership with the University of Utah, Utah Tech’s Dental Hygiene program is changing lives — helping patients save their smiles and students prepare for meaningful careers.
27 “Crossing Open Ground” – Where Music Meets the White Rocks Utah Tech students and faculty join Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Luther Adams and a team of renowned artists to transform Snow Canyon’s White Rocks Amphitheater into an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime performance of “Crossing Open Ground.”
30 From Foam Golf Balls to Fairways – David Liechty’s PGA Dream Comes True
Utah Tech freshman David Liechty turns years of practice into a milestone moment, becoming the first Utah Tech Trailblazer to compete in a PGA Tour event at Black Desert Golf Course.
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Colleagues, Friends, and Partners, When I arrived at Utah Tech University less than a year ago, I quickly understood that this is a special place shaped by extraordinary people. From the beginning, a priority for me has been building trust across our campus and within the broader Southern Utah community. As I have engaged in this work, what I have come to appreciate even more clearly is the talent, dedication, and achievement that define our campus. Our students, faculty, and staff are united by a commitment to hands-on learning, student success, and service to Southern Utah. Every day, they show up focused not only on teaching and learning, but on strengthening the communities we serve. That collective dedication is reflected in the momentum we have built together. Consequently, Utah Tech is committed to adding three targeted bachelor’s degree programs that meet workforce and community demand while continuing to implement hands-on learning experiences across every college, commensurate with our polytechnic approach to teaching and learning. We also expanded the Student Resource Center to ensure students’ needs are met outside the classroom, allowing them to remain focused on their academic pursuits.
Our progress extends well beyond campus. We built new community partnerships, including a transformative $7 million gift and further collaboration with Utah Community Credit Union that will expand educational opportunities, enhance the student experience, and invest in the future of Southern Utah. Finally, we opened the General Classroom Building, which is full of collaborative spaces and serves as the cornerstone of a Utah Tech education. Building on the momentum of a successful fall semester, I am excited about the future of Utah Tech University. To guide our path forward, we launched Uniting Trailblazers: Strategic Plan 2030, a vision centered on students and academics, grounded in community, and focused on our future. Over the next five years, this plan will help concentrate our efforts around four key pillars: • Academic Excellence & Innovation • Student Experience & Success • People & Culture • Community Engagement & Philanthropy Uniting Trailblazers reinforces who we are at our core: a university committed to high-quality education and experiential learning. As you explore this issue of UT Magazine, you will see that commitment come to life — from active learning opportunities in our Engineering Department on Page 6, to the Dental Hygiene Program’s life-changing services for community members on Page 14, to music students collaborating with industry leaders in an immersive concert experience on Page 27. Collectively, these stories speak to the creativity and capability of our students and to the shared commitment to learning, innovation, and service that defines Utah Tech University. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our community’s university. Together, with our partners, supporters, and neighbors, we are building something remarkable. I am proud of what we have achieved and energized by what we will accomplish next. Warmly,
Shane B. Smeed Utah Tech University President
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• Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
TRAILBLAZERS IN THE NEWS UTAH TECH PICKLEBALL CLUB NAMED FIRST-EVER COLLEGIATE WORLD CHAMPIONS Not losing a single match throughout the entire tournament, the Utah Tech University Pickleball Club made history after winning the first-ever Collegiate World Pickleball Championship this fall. The Trailblazer team composed of Clayton Boydston, Ella Boydston, Mary Monson, and Liam Duffin finished on top at the tournament hosted by the Professional Pickleball Association and Adidas in Dallas, Texas. The Trailblazers competed against other student-athletes from around the globe, taking on players from places like Poland, Brazil, India, and Malaysia as well as in-state rival Utah State. “It was awesome to be able to bring home the trophy and represent the legacy that Trailblazer pickleball has and is
continuing to make,” Duffin said. “We are grateful for the opportunity we have to represent Utah Tech.” In addition to the team title, the Utah Tech duo of Dylan Ciampini and Ashlee Peterson won the women’s doubles world championship. Claiming two world championships, Utah Tech now has three student-athletes ranked in the top four in the world: Duffin is ranked No. 2, Monson is No. 3, and Ciampini is No. 4. Utah Tech’s competitive pickleball team also recently signed a groundbreaking partnership with Selkirk Sport, the premier brand in pickleball equipment and innovation. As Selkirk’s newest supported university, Utah Tech athletes gain access to top-of-the-line paddles, gear, and resources designed to help them perform at their best on and off the court.
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu •
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IN THE NEWS PARK CITY FILM STUDIOS PROVIDES DIGITAL FILM PROGRAM WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART LED PANEL Offering engaged learning opportunities and increasing the sustainability of film jobs in Southern Utah, Park City Film Studios has provided the Utah Tech University Digital Film Program with state-of-the-art, Hollywood-grade equipment. Thanks to this partnership, Utah Tech students will gain hands-on experience and opportunities for industry collaboration on a ROE Visual Black Pearl LED Volume panel. “This exact type of LED wall was used to film the Mandalorian, Westworld, and Star Trek and will be the mainstay of virtual production for Utah Tech,” Greg S. Ericksen, general counsel of Park City Film Studios, said. “The wall and lighting will be synced to Unreal Engine and Moy’s motion capture equipment to give Utah Tech the ability to learn and create projects just like Hollywood studios.” The panel makes it possible for UT to train the future local workforce on how to use this equipment, making graduates of the Digital Film Program highly marketable along the way. This approach is in line with Utah Tech’s polytechnic academic mission, which emphasizes hands-on learning that prepares students to graduate career-ready.
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• Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
Since UT’s Volume is the only panel of its type in a 200-300 mile radius, the University’s goal is for the LED wall to lead to commercial partnerships through Utah Tech Creative Studios, a full service, student-created, faculty-mentored digital media studio. Offering everything from video production, animation, and social media management to virtual reality, website creation, and logo design, Creative Studios allows students to gain professional experience and is available to collaborate with any company or client. Utah Tech University’s Digital Film Program provides production training in cinema combined with the opportunity to work on commercial projects and documentary productions in a real-world environment. In addition to learning operational aspects of digital film, students receive handson training in pre- and post-production techniques. The program also includes academic coursework in film theory, history and criticism, screenwriting, editing, and documentary production.
IN THE NEWS UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY AWARDS MOST CREDENTIALS IN ITS HISTORY Preparing graduates to meet Utah’s workforce demands, Utah Tech University awarded the most credentials in the institution’s history during the most recently completed academic year. During its 2025 Commencement Ceremonies, Utah Tech awarded 4,696 certificates and degrees to 3,922 graduates — a 76% increase in awards and 26% increase in graduates since 2021. Specifically, UT graduates earned 2,292 certificates, 1,027 associate degrees, 1,323 bachelor’s degrees, and 54 master’s degrees. Utah Tech’s increase in graduates contributed to statewide growth, as the Utah System of Higher Education’s eight colleges and universities awarded 71,262 certificates and 61,265 degrees to graduates — a 26% increase in awards and 22% increase in graduates since 2021. “Through Utah Tech University’s polytechnic approach to education, students are learning through hands-on experiences that prepare them to begin meaningful careers and meet our community’s workforce demands the day after they graduate,” Shane B. Smeed, president of Utah Tech University, said. “Our growth reflects UT’s commitment to keeping class sizes small, tuition affordable, and support accessible — initiatives that help students succeed and finish their degrees.”
Demonstrating Utah Tech’s commitment to offering programs that prepare students for in-demand, well-paying careers, the top bachelor’s degrees Utah Tech awarded were: • Nursing • Management • Biology • Criminal Justice • Exercise Science The top certificates Utah Tech awarded were: • General Studies • Certified Nursing Assistant • Accounting and Information Systems • Computer Fundamentals • Digital Film Utah Tech offers 300 academic programs, emphases and minors, an average class size of 22 students, and the lowest university tuition in Utah. Additionally, 87% of students are offered scholarships, grants, or other financial aid. As a comprehensive polytechnic university, Utah Tech helps students make, create, and innovate by offering realworld learning experiences through internships, clinicals, undergraduate research, industry partnerships, and service learning in line with the University’s “active learning. active life.” approach to education.
UCCU AND UT ENTER INTO LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE STUDENT, COMMUNITY SUCCESS Designed to expand educational opportunities, enhance student experiences, and invest in the future of Southern Utah, Utah Community Credit Union and Utah Tech University have entered into a transformative $7 million partnership. This landmark collaboration will provide critical support for Utah Tech’s growing student body, helping fund initiatives that align with the University’s mission of providing an accessible hands-on, polytechnic education. As part of the partnership, UCCU will become an integrated presence on campus, promoting and elevating financial wellness initiatives. “Utah Tech University is beyond proud to partner with UCCU — an organization that shares our vision for empowering individuals through education, innovation, and community engagement,” Shane B. Smeed, president of Utah Tech University, said. “This gift is not just an investment in our students’ future, but a way to ensure every Trailblazer has
the tools and opportunities to succeed. I am extraordinarily grateful to UCCU for their incredible commitment to student achievement and community-wide success.” Specifically, the partnership will include opening a UCCU branch on campus to offer students financial services at a convenient location. Additionally, a financial wellness center will be created on campus to provide financial literacy and educational opportunities. “This partnership is a commitment to the financial success of every Trailblazer and this entire community,” President and CEO of UCCU Justin Olson, said. “Our credit union was founded on a college campus, and our roots in higher education run deep. We’re thrilled and honored to join Utah Tech in building a bright future where education and financial strength go hand in hand.”
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu •
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Inside Utah Tech’s Hands-On Approach to Engineering
Story by Lexi Hughs || Design by Adriana Howard, ‘18
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Tyra Ludvigson
Sophomore mechanical engineering student
The 3D printer hums steadily in Utah Tech University’s engineering lab, its nozzle tracing the same path again and again as thin layers of plastic stack into something recognizable.
For third-semester mechanical engineering student Tyra Ludvigson, this is where learning became tangible.
On the printer bed, a skull slowly takes shape. Hollow eye sockets first, then the curve of the jaw — all born from a digital computer-aided design model that existed only hours earlier.
“Seeing a design come to life is the coolest part,” Ludvigson said. “You start with an idea, and suddenly it’s real. You can hold it. You can test it. And sometimes you have to fix it.”
• Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
BUILT TO WORK
At Utah Tech’s Discovery & Design Day, parents and families engage with students and see all the hard work they have put into their projects.
Ludvigson first experienced Utah Tech’s handson engineering approach during her freshmanyear Discovery & Design Day project, where students are tasked with designing and building a functional miniature golf obstacle from scratch. Her group chose a pirate theme. Ludvigson designed a laser trip sensor hidden inside a 3D-printed skull. When a golf ball passed through the beam, it triggered a parrot figure to stop moving and play music. Before anything was built, every component was sketched, modeled in CAD, reviewed by faculty, and revised. “We’re not just training engineers with theoretical knowledge,” Andrew Schiller, a professor in the mechanical engineering program, said. “We’re training students to enter the workforce.”
We’re not just training engineers with theoretical knowledge. We’re training students to enter the workforce. - Andrew Schiller, Professor of Mechanical Engineering
At Utah Tech, students don’t simply solve equations or memorize formulas. They design parts, select materials, operate machines, and experience how early decisions affect the final outcome. “When I teach manufacturing, I don’t want students just making a random thing,” Schiller said. “I want
them to make something they designed. They start with an idea, create a professional design, choose tooling, and then actually make it.” Those decisions often come with consequences and are a core part of the learning process. For Ludvigson, setbacks became part of the story. “There’s always a design learning curve,” she said. “Things you think are going to work just don’t.” Just days before Discovery & Design Day, her project nearly fell apart. The swivel mechanism that allowed the parrot to move stopped working, threatening the entire interaction. Stress filled the lab as the deadline approached. Redesigning the part would have meant starting over. Instead, Ludvigson improvised. She pulled out a small sewing kit that her mom sent with her to college and she used it to stitch the parrot’s head into place. “It was fun to use skills from other parts of my life and bring them into engineering,” she said. “That’s what design is, figuring out how to fix something without starting over.” That blend of creativity and problem-solving is exactly what the faculty aim to cultivate. Rather than providing answers outright, professors guide students through challenges. For Ludvigson, the relationships she built with professors in the Engineering Department were a deciding factor in returning to Utah Tech after serving a mission for her church.
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu •
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BUILT TO WORK “When I got home, I was thinking about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” she said. “The professors here are the reason I decided to come back. Even just in my freshman year, the relationships I built really motivated me to keep going. They care so much and are incredibly passionate.” Rather than giving students direct answers, professors guide them through the problem-solving process — a method Schiller believes better reflects real-world engineering. “They’re supportive without just giving you the solution,” Ludvigson said. “It can be frustrating, but it’s a guided learning process — and it works.” As students move through the accredited program, projects grow more complex and collaborative. Each year builds on the last, requiring more communication and accountability. What begins as individual work evolves into team-based problemsolving that mirrors industry environments. “Engineering is trial and error all the way through,” she said. “But that’s how a design actually becomes something that works.” Back in the lab, the 3D printer finishes its job. The skull is warm when it’s lifted from the print bed. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. Tomorrow it may be revised, reprinted, or replaced entirely. That process will be repeated again and again, just as it is for every student moving through the program. Because at Utah Tech, engineering isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about learning how to build, adapt, and try again — long before the stakes are real and long before students ever step into the workforce.
To learn more about Discovery & Design Day, now called UTXplore, scan here
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• Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
Engineering is trial and error all the way... But that’s how a design actually becomes something that works. - Tyra Ludvigson, Engineering Student
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Stories by Katie Walker & Stacy Schmidt, ’91 || Design by Luke Stocking, ’24, ’25
Ready for a new project, Denning co-founded Nuvia Dental Implant Center, which specializes in full mouth dental implant transformations. His company pioneered a 24-hour permanent teeth solution. “It takes people and gives them a brand-new smile that literally transforms their life,” said Denning. Outside of work, Denning is married and has three children. Recently, he and his wife bought a ranch that is home to more than 23 animals.
DEWEY DENNING ’10 Dewey Denning, a Dixie State University alum and former Student Body President, has been changing people’s lives by founding Nuvia Dental Implant Center in 2020, but his desire to incite positive change existed long before his business. “I found out that I really enjoy seeing people’s lives change positively,” Denning said. As a student, Denning served as an ambassador for two years as well as a vice president within student government. His senior year, he was elected Student Body President. He was also involved in X-Club, one of the University’s oldest service clubs. Originally from Iona, Idaho, Denning followed his family ties to St. George. His older brother, Jake, attended Dixie, and Denning visited him during D-Week. “If you’re involved and hanging out on campus during D-Week, it’s game over. It was way too fun, way too exciting,” Denning said. “I didn’t even end up applying anywhere else. I just decided I wanted to go to Dixie.” After graduating, Denning worked as an industrial engineer, while simultaneously teaching himself digital marketing at night. With that knowledge, he started his own digital marketing firm, which he later sold.
10 • Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
“We wanted to figure out a way to keep things super simple and to give our kids the opportunity to work really hard and overcome challenges while they were young,” he said. “It’s been very challenging and hard, so it’s definitely serving its purpose.” He jokes with his wife that he never knows what kind of animal she’ll bring home next. His personal favorite two tiny sugar gliders named Racoon and Peanut Butter that he wears on his back. Dewey is no stranger to hard work and challenges, in both his personal and professional development. He advises individuals that it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. “Just be super patient with yourself and with figuring out exactly what you want to do,” he said. “You may or may not know. Just enjoy what you’re doing now.”
Wilson learned through an apprenticeship program, traveling with artists such as Billy Joel for several years before joining the University. “I did my best to expose Kat to the professional aspect of the work, and she loved it,” he said. “Everybody enjoyed the work she did, and everyone loved Kat. She’s marvelous!”
Kat Morrill ’13 When lighting designer Kat Morrill earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre from Utah Tech University, she had no idea it would be a key step in her path toward being part of the Tonyaward-winning musical “Maybe Happy Ending.” Morrill served as the assistant lighting designer for “Maybe Happy Ending,” which won six Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Musical. Morrill and her twin, Amanda, chose to attend the University after being offered scholarships and working in production on campus. “We had already been introduced to the faculty and knew they were great people to work with, so it was an easy choice,” she said. “Plus, you can’t beat the area.” Initially interested in trumpet performance, Morrill ultimately shifted her focus to lighting designs due to the ample opportunities in that arena, affording her the chance to design and light several musicals and plays. “Utah Tech had really good equipment and we were running the same lighting consoles I currently use in New York, the industry standard for theatrical lighting control,” Morrill said. “It really sets you apart when you are not just talking about the theory of things, and you have the actual experience.”
“It really sets you apart when you are not just talking about the theory of things, and you have the actual experience.” As a student, she got paid to work in production with mentor Deward Wilson. “He brought me along and taught me everything I know,” Morrill said. “It has served me well throughout my career.”
Today, Morrill continues to share her talents and experience working on lighting designs in New York. She’s also an adjunct instructor teaching lighting programming at Brooklyn College, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in design and technical production. “I’m passing on all the stuff I learned at Utah Tech back in the day,” she said. Inspired by former UT students like actors Travis and Whitney Morgan Cox or Guy Smith, who did makeup design for “Sweeney Todd,” Morrill wants current students to know they can do this. “It’s difficult to overcome the proximity privilege that other people have if they grow up closer to Broadway, but people from the school have done it before and will continue to do it,” she said. “Don’t let the distance get you down. With hard work and a little bit of luck, you can make it all the way.”
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 11
HOT ON THE TRAIL Outside of co-founding his business and his philanthropic endeavors, Heppler is the creator of the popular “What’s Happening in Southern Utah” video series. He originally started the series as a newsletter that he used as a marketing tool. “I started getting pretty good traction on it and people were actually reading it, and so a couple years into it, I wanted to take it to social media,” Heppler said. “So that’s when I got a drone and started making videos. I’ve been doing the videos for almost eight years.” Heppler is a committed and loyal supporter of not only Utah Tech, but also the Washington County area and the City of St. George. His devotion assists in the economic success and sense of community throughout his circles of influence.
Macrae Heppler ’13 A passionate advocate for connection, Macrae Heppler has embedded himself in Utah Tech University and the Washington County area for the past several years through various business endeavors, content creation, and service. Born and raised in St. George, Heppler attended Dixie High School and then Dixie State University, graduating with his associate degree in 2013. After graduation, Heppler entered into a joint partnership with his mom, opening the St. George branch of Eagle Gate Title Insurance Agency in 2015. Eagle Gate Title helps individuals and businesses with real estate complexities. His favorite part of the job is connecting with others and building quality relationships. “My job is to create friendships,” he said. “What I really enjoy most is being able to serve friends.” Heppler also serves on the Utah Tech University Foundation board, working to raise money for the University alongside Wendi Bulkley, the director of the foundation. “We’re grateful for his connections and his generous heart and his insight,” Bulkley said. “He’s just everyone’s favorite person.” He is also a member of the Utah Tech Trailblazer Club, an organization that works to promote and support athletic teams and student-athletes. “I grew up going to football, basketball, and baseball games and have just always loved the University,” said Heppler. He serves on several other charitable committees, including The Caddy Group, which is a club of business professionals that raises funds for charities in Southern Utah.
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“I feel like he’s a local celebrity,” Bulkley said. “He’s the number one source for economic development and trends and what’s happening.”
Live finale SEPTEMBER
5
th
2026
SHOWCASING LOCAL TALENT
VIRTUAL AUDITIONS
July 1 - 26 |
CALLBACKS AUGUST 8
Youth (Age 0-17) | Adult (Age 18+) | Groups (2 or more) Cash prizes for first place and runner-up of each category Come support student scholarships and bring campus and community together
Learn More utahtech.edu/dgt
Must be a Washington County resident to participate. $20 audition fee required.
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 13
Partnership in Practice Collaborative Clinic Gives Patients Their Smiles Back
Story by Stacy Schmidt, ’91 || Design by Scott Garrett, ’15
When Kristen first stepped into Utah Tech University’s Dental Hygiene clinic, she was prepared to lose all her teeth. In fact, she asked for her teeth to be pulled and for dentures to replace them. “I knew there was so much damage done to my teeth that I didn’t think they were worth saving,” she said. “My front teeth were black. You could only see a quarter of an inch of the top of my teeth.” Kristen had periodontal disease, a bacterial infection damaging the tissues and bone supporting her teeth. Seeking local help, she found the services provided in a shared space by Utah Tech’s Dental Hygiene Program and the University of Utah’s School of Dentistry.
14 • Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
She said the response from the U of U dentist on staff, Dr. Faulkner, was that they prefer to save teeth, not pull them. And together, students from the dentistry and dental hygiene programs did just that.
We prefer to
save teet h,
not pull them.
PARTNERSHIP IN PRACTICE
Students from both universities collaborate on patient exams, gathering assessment data and coming up with a treatment plan. Utah Tech student Sadie Mitton provided the hygiene care for Kristen while rotating student dentists from the U of U worked on her other dental needs. “When they get to private practice, they are working together, the hygiene and dental,” U of U School of Dentistry Clinic Supervisor Genny Hansen said. “So, this is a really cool micro example to prepare them for the real world.”
It’s very
challenging but very rewarding. The University of Utah rents space in the Utah Tech-owned Taylor Health Science Center and both programs often cross refer patients. Collectively, they serve nearly 1,500 patients annually while giving students tens of thousands of handson learning hours. “Utah Tech stands alone as the only public university in the state where students can earn their bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene right from the start,” Professor and Chair of UT’s Dental Hygiene Program Brenda Armstrong said. “That four-year foundation gives graduates a leg up when it comes to pursuing advanced careers and stepping into leadership positions down the road.” In fact, since the inaugural dental hygiene class graduated in 2000, the program has maintained a perfect 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% graduation rate — a record that speaks to both the quality of the instruction and the caliber of students involved. “It’s very hands-on, you learn as you go, and you have incredible instructors helping you along the way,” Mitton said. “It’s very challenging, but very rewarding.”
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PARTNERSHIP IN PRACTICE Mitton works two full days each week in the clinic, learning her trade and making a difference in the lives of patients like Kristen. “Even just as I was cleaning her teeth, she had a little mirror and she could see the progress along the way, and she couldn’t believe those were her teeth,” Mitton said. “Giving someone that confidence and helping them take their health back into control – their systemic health as well as their oral health — there’s nothing like it.”
Giving someone that
con fi d e n ce ... there’s nothing like it.
As part of her hands-on education, Mitton also had several opportunities to be part of Utah Tech’s mobile clinic van — removing barriers to care by bringing dental hygiene services directly to patients — in schools, residential facilities, and community centers.
care and serve as leaders, educators, and advocates who transform the health of the communities they serve.”
“It was incredibly humbling to see how many people are desperate for care and unable to get it,” Mitton said. “It made me so grateful to be able to help them.”
“Sadie is a rock star,” Kristen said. “She’s just phenomenal! I’m glad that God sent her to cross my path.”
Mitton said when she started the program, she thought dental hygienists were just teeth cleaners. But she soon learned they are much more than that, offering personalized oral health education, laser therapies, oral cancer screenings, and more. “We see dental hygienists as oral health care providers who serve as the first contact for patients seeking preventive and dental hygiene therapeutic services,” Armstrong said. “Our graduates are prepared to deliver exceptional clinical
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Mitton graduates this spring and hopes to work in a periodontal office, specializing in advanced periodontal disease.
Several months and appointments later, Kristen now has 11 new fillings and two crowns. She also received advanced periodontal therapy and deep cleaning. Her healthy, white smile is a testament to the quality of work performed by the Utah Tech and U of U students. “I feel fabulous,” Kristen said. “I feel 100% different and I’m glad they didn’t pull all my teeth. It’s like a night and day difference for me.”
REAL SKILLS
300
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
APPLY TODAY admissions.utahtech.edu
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 17
STORY BY LEXI HUGHS DESIGN BY ZOE CHESY
The music started, and the crowd waited with anticipation. Cheers filled the space — sometimes a school gym, sometimes a courtyard, sometimes just an open stretch of concrete. Phones came out. Students leaned forward.
DANCING BEYOND BORDERS
For Utah Tech University’s Ballroom and Blaze dance teams, the reaction said everything. The audience wasn’t just watching — they were captivated.
LEARNING TAKES CENTER STAGE IN BRAZIL
Last spring, the two teams traveled to Brazil on a study abroad experience that blended performance, cultural exchange, and international recruiting. Across cities, including Curitiba and Londrina, students performed roughly a dozen times in schools, churches and public spaces, turning each location into a hands-on learning environment. The trip demanded flexibility from the start. Travel days were long, sometimes stretching overnight on buses between cities. Once there, dancers often stepped onto floors far from ideal.
With older students, the discussions turned to education and opportunity.
“We performed on concrete and cobblestone,” said Laura Slatter, a Blaze Dance Team member. “We had to remove tricks and adjust choreography quickly.”
“We talked about Utah Tech — what we study, what campus life is like, and the degrees we’re earning,” she said. “A lot of them told us they’d love to come here.”
Those adjustments became part of the learning. National-level routines were reshaped to fit narrow stages, uneven floors, and crowded rooms.
For Ballroom Dance Team member Anya Adib, those moments highlighted the purpose of the trip.
“There were times we were dancing around poles or squeezing onto tiny stages,” she said. “But the energy never changed. Every audience was just as excited.” That excitement was felt immediately. At nearly every performance, crowds stayed long after the final pose. Local students rushed forward, cheering, asking questions, and requesting photos. “It honestly felt like we were celebrities,” Slatter said. “But what stood out more was how much they wanted to talk to us.” Those conversations became a defining part of the experience. With younger students, dancers connected over favorite colors, school subjects, and popular music.
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“It wasn’t just about performing,” Adib said. “It was about showing who we are as students and as a University.” Adapting to unfamiliar performance spaces pushed dancers far beyond their comfort zones. “Every location had different challenges,” Adib said. “Sometimes the floors were uneven, sometimes we had to change shoes or not wear them at all. But by the middle of the trip, we had learned how to just adapt and enjoy it.” One performance stood out for many dancers — a show on a tiny stage inside a packed building. People filled the room wall to wall, some standing in the back after seeing the team perform the day before.
active learning. active life.
“We had to rearrange everything,” Slatter said. “There was barely space to move, but the crowd was incredible. They cheered for every turn and lift.” By the final performance, the experience had become emotional. There was gratitude for teammates, for the people they met, and for the opportunity to learn in a completely different setting. After the last show, Brazilian students joined the dancers on the floor, sharing music and movement together. As the Utah Tech teams boarded their bus, the crowd followed, waving, filming, and calling out goodbyes. In that moment, the dancers felt celebrated — but more importantly, they felt connected. “This trip reminded me why I love to dance and why I love learning,” Slatter said. “It showed me how powerful it is to connect with people, even when you don’t share the same language.” In Brazil, Utah Tech students didn’t just perform. They learned through experience, adaptability, and human connection — proving that active learning often happens far beyond the classroom.
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 19
DUSTIN MERR FO CA L P O I NT
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RILL
Story by Katie Rillos || Design by Scott Garrett, ’15
Dustin Merrill, a 2015 Utah Tech University graduate, received a Bachelor of Science in communication with an emphasis in digital motion picture and now works for the University Marketing & Communication Department. Merrill’s love for film and photography started back in high school when his mom got him a camera for Christmas. Over the next couple of years, he dedicated his time to learning how to use and take photos with his new camera. After spending time in construction, Merrill decided to go back to school to pursue film, and it wasn’t long before he was introduced to aerial photography. “I get to be up in the sky where nobody else gets to be,” Merrill said. “I get to show people a perspective they would have never otherwise gotten to see.” After getting his first drone in 2016 and earning his drone license in 2021, Merrill discovered a whole new way of seeing the world. Aerial
photography quickly became more than just a skill — it became a passion, blending his love for filmmaking with the thrill of capturing places from perspectives few ever experience. Merrill finds meaning in his photography through showing people beautiful things, capturing images that make you stop and look for a while. While looking at these photos of campus that are all so familiar, it may take you a second to recognize them. Flying up into the sky and capturing campus from a new point of view is what makes these photos special. “Super familiar place, super familiar thing, but how can I show it differently?” Merrill said. “You have to stop and linger a second longer for your brain to recognize it.” Up in the sky from a perspective not many get to see, that’s where Merrill likes to be.
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 21
AB OVE THE CL O CK TOW ER
22 • Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
FOCAL POINT
S O U T H W E S T C O R NE R O F S E T B U ILDIN G #ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 23
Don Watkins
Through Connection
Story by Stacy Schmidt,’91 || Design by Adriana Howard,’18
When former Utah Tech football player Deven Osborne first met Don Watkins, it left an indelible impression. “The first day I met him, he had us all doing Zumba,” Osborne said. “I walked into class and was tired from football practice. Don said, ‘You guys all look tired, but it’s not that early!’ Then he turned on a Zumba song. I’ll never forget it.” That was the beginning of what has become a quality and longstanding relationship. “He’s probably one of the biggest mentors I’ve had in my whole life,” Osborne said. “I was really introverted when I first got to college, but Don pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped guide me through all sorts of challenges. Now, I know he would be there for me in any given moment.” Osborne is just one of the thousands of Utah Tech students Watkins has impacted over the years. Watkins got involved in the University ten years ago, volunteering as an adjunct professor while also donating upwards of a million dollars, filling needs where he knew he could make a difference. He contributed to an advising center in the UdvarHazy Business building, nutrition center for student-athletes, a new golf van, and a mentorship program — all of which have had a lasting impact. “Utah Tech has been one of the highlights of my life,” Watkins said. “I just love it here! The rewards and relationships are priceless.”
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“
Utah Tech has been one of the highlights of my life. -Don Watkins
”
Watkins shared that, at age 30, he failed at the real estate business and almost went bankrupt. So, in 1984 he moved his wife and four kids at the time into a mobile home and started selling computer accessories. Growing the business into a major manufacturer and supplier, he ultimately sold the company to Energizer Holdings Inc. for hundreds of millions of dollars. Watkins tells his business war stories and life mistakes and successes in the four classes he co-teaches with Dr. Chris Brown each semester. He also helps students reflect on what they want to be known for and what they want to do in life, stressing the value of relationships and life skills. “I just get so much energy from these kids,” Watkins said. “I tell them my stories of failure and that’s just part of the program. At the end of class, the kids will say the life lessons made a huge difference.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE After meeting Osborne, who connected Watkins to the University football coach, he began to realize the need for meaningful mentorship for the student-athletes on campus. “Many of the players didn’t really have someone to push them,” Osborne said. “Don saw a need and jumped at the opportunity, creating a mentorship program with so many successful people in the community.” Through business and personal connections, Watkins recruited several mentors, who all mentored a group of students for several years, and formed lasting relationships. Today, the mentors keep in touch with their mentees — attending their weddings, helping them secure good jobs, and more. “You can really make a difference by first finding out who they are and then just loving them,” Watkins said. “We would never have more than ten students per mentor so you can get to the personal level. That’s the secret sauce of the mentorship program.” Brown underscored that connection is Don’s superpower. “Don is very good at bringing together all kinds of people,” Brown said. “He makes others want to connect as humans and has helped bring more humanity and smiles to people’s faces.” Watkins said truly giving and seeing the impact is the ultimate paycheck. He has experienced a life of loving people and giving back along with Peggy, his wife of 50 years. Together, they have seven children, 17 grandkids, and one great-grandchild.
where you’re from, what you look like, or if you’ve messed up in life. He would literally do anything just to make sure you get the best opportunities in life,” Osborne said. “He just loves people so much and does so much for those around him, especially the students at Utah Tech.”
“
He just loves people so much and does so much for those around him, especially the students at Utah Tech. -Deven Osborne
”
“The best thing about Don is that he doesn’t care who you are,
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 25
26 • Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
Story by Katie Walker Design by Luke Stocking, ’24, ’25
The sinking sun glinted off the shiny metal of instruments. A chirping bird landed at the feet of Utah Tech University student Lizzie Ray, tilting its head at the sound of her clarinet. As she took a step forward, it flew off, leaving the musical performance in White Rocks Amphitheater behind. A renowned, star-studded performance years in the making graced the white rocks of Snow Canyon State Park this fall. Utah Tech students and faculty in UT’s College of the Arts and the Music Department had the opportunity to partner with several industry giants to create the unique musical performance “Crossing Open Ground.”
“It was a really unique piece,” said Ray. “I would consider it to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I really had no concept that there were pieces out there like that.” “Crossing Open Ground” was composed by John Luther Adams, who was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2014 and a GRAMMY in 2015 and has been a leading voice in musical composition since the late 20th century. Adams wrote “Crossing Open Ground” in 2023, aiming to set aside many of the conventions of going to a concert. According to Adams, the piece invites the audience to “listen to the older, #ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 27
CROSSING OPEN GROUND deeper resonances beneath our feet, wherever we may be.” The piece is created in a way that each musician and each listener is free to follow their own path throughout both the physical and musical landscape of the work. Two years ago, a representative from Minneapolis-based production company Liquid Music was hiking in Snow Canyon and fell in love with the area. She decided right then and there that this would be the perfect location for a performance of “Crossing Open Ground.” Prior to Southern Utah, the piece had been played by The Julliard School in New York City. “For our University to be called upon and to be ready to work on this is both an honor and a privilege,” Director of Bands Bryant Smith said. “We are the caliber of university that if you give us something, we’re going to use it. We’re going to take it and run with it, and it’s going to work well.” Members of the Utah Tech Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble worked with Peabody Award-winning music director Nadia Sirota and choreographer Dimitri Chamblas to bring the performance to life in Snow Canyon State Park. Kayenta Center for the Arts and Liquid Music as well as several leading musicians collaborated on this project. “The students were granted by the composer a ton of ownership of the moment. I think that’s very valuable, especially students who are starting out in their career,” Associate Dean of the College of the Arts Glenn Webb said.
Ray, a freshman music education major, had the opportunity to play the clarinet in the performance. She is the principal clarinet in the symphonic band under the direction of Smith and is also a member of the Utah Tech orchestra. Ray said the music wasn’t notated or written like any other piece she had played before. Rather than reading the music left to right, the movement of the piece relied on musical ques from the instruments around her. “No matter if you were a musician or in the audience, you took something away from the performance,” Ray said. The group of musicians was made up of students and professionals alike, creating a mutually beneficial and educational opportunity for those involved. “One of the biggest things I took from it was the professionals and how welcoming
28 • Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
and knowledgeable they were,” Ray said. “I learned what organizing and collaborating and rehearsing a piece looks like in a more professional setting.” UT students transitioned from practicing the piece indoors to outdoor mock rehearsals on campus. Several days prior to the performances, the choreographer and music director visited to prepare with the students, view the site in Snow Canyon, and put the finishing touches on what was a remarkable performance. The first two days with the entire group of
performers was spent visualizing how the performance would be laid out. After that, on-site practices and rehearsals began. The performances were held Oct. 25, 2025, at the White Rocks Amphitheater in Snow Canyon State Park. Attendees were invited to sit wherever they felt like they could comfortably enjoy the experience. “It’s just a wonderful experience, and I think that’s why it’ll stick with people,” Webb said.
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 29
FROM FOAM GOLF BALLS TO FAIRWAYS
STORY BY KATIE RILLOS
DESIGN BY ZOE CHESY
“Now on the tee from Layton, Utah, it’s David Liechty!” David and his brother used to proudly announce as they would hit foam golf balls around their neighborhood as kids. From the ripe age of two, Utah Tech University student-athlete David Liechty has been swinging a club, dreaming of one day playing among the pros. Nearly two decades later, Liechty has traded his toy golf balls for real ones and his neighborhood streets for the green at Black Desert Golf Course, playing in his first PGA Tour event last October. “David is such an incredibly talented player who has the ability to change the trajectory of a golf program in many ways,” Men’s Golf Coach Brad Sutterfield said. And that’s just what Liechty did. During his first season as a UT freshman, Liechty was the first player in program history to play in a PGA Tour event. Last fall, he received an exemption to play in the PGA tour event hosted on UT’s home course, Black Desert. Over the two days of competitive play, Liechty tallied four birdies — a performance that spoke volumes about his ability to play under pressure. With much still to learn from an experience like this, Liechty shared that his biggest takeaway from playing among the pros was to keep practicing.
30 • Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
UT ATHLETICS “PGA Tour Pro Billy Horschel told me ‘practice, practice, practice,’” Liechty said, recognizing that to play with the pros is to practice like a pro. Recruiting a player of Liechty’s caliber was a major win for Utah Tech. He came in with offers from other top programs in the state but was ultimately drawn to St. George for its amazing location, beautiful courses, and coaching staff. Coach Sutterfield described Liechty as a committed player who genuinely loves the game of golf. “David doesn’t look at it like work — he just loves the game.” Black Desert Golf Course, located just 20 minutes from the Utah Tech campus, frequently hosts both men’s and women’s Utah Tech golf teams for practice.
“David doesn’t look at it like work – he just loves the game.” - Coach Brad Sutterfiled
“It’s good to be able to play on a championship course,” Liechty said. “It teaches you how to play the game smarter because the penalty is so much higher.” The partnership between Black Desert and Utah Tech Golf has proven to be an amazing recruiting tool for players like Liechty and will continue to grow and strengthen the program at Utah Tech. “Having a place like Black Desert has taken our program to a whole other level,” Sutterfield said. “We are very grateful for them.” Since competing at the college level, Liechty said he has learned more about the mental side of the game. Golf shifts from an individual to a team sport at this level, and it unlocks new demands on players.
“It adds pressure,” Liechty said. “I’m no longer just playing for myself but also for the guys around me.” Stepping onto the driving range with professional players for the first time gave Liechty confidence that he could compete and play at a higher level. Gone are the days of Liechty smacking golf balls around his neighborhood with his brother. Now, he is taking on championship greens alongside his college teammates. “My mom got me plastic golf clubs when I was two,” Liechty said. “I was swinging so hard they broke. That’s when they got me real clubs, and my dad started playing with me from there.”
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UT ATHLETICS
Liechty quickly took an interest in the sport, and it wasn’t long before he started playing in junior and amateur tournaments. In his first two years playing in Utah Junior Golf Association tournaments, he advanced to the next round of play. Over his next two years of tournament play, he continued to play without being eliminated. From advancing in amateur tournaments to now playing in a PGA tour event, Liechty describes his journey as “a dream come true.” Today, Liechty’s passion for the game is stronger than ever. Those around him can see that his love for golf runs deep, and his commitment to improving continues to show in his accomplishments. “If I could tell my younger self he would one day play among the world’s best golfers, he wouldn’t be able to wait,” Liechty said. “I’d tell him to keep working, playing hard, and having fun.”
“A dream come true.” - David Liechty on his PGA experience
32 • Utah Tech University Magazine • Spring 2026
ALUMNI MESSAGE
Greetings Alumni and Friends, One thing I believe we can agree on is this — we all want to make an impact. Whether among our families, neighborhoods, churches, or friends, we hope to leave life better than we found it. I’m grateful for the countless people who helped shape my life, from elementary school to high school, through college and life experiences. At a certain point, I realized I had an opportunity, and a responsibility, to give back. That conviction is one of the primary reasons I chose to work at Dixie State University, now Utah Tech University. I wanted to help shape lives the same way others shaped mine. Along the way, I’ve been influenced by so many Trailblazers — professors like Tim Bywater, Don Hinton, and Phillip Lee as well as Roene DiFiore, who led the Dixie College Program Bureau, and directed music that still rings in my mind. I was also guided by dedicated administrators and leaders including Bill Fowler, George Whitehead, and President Alton Wade. I will always be grateful for their investment in my life.
John Bowler, ’85
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
Now, at Utah Tech, I have the privilege of watching bright, determined students step confidently into who they are becoming. I support their success not only with my time and energy, but also through financial contributions — because that is what was done for me. It is what our community has always done for this institution. Here in Utah’s Dixie, our traditions bind us together. The iconic D on the Hill stands as a symbol of community pride, heritage, and shared purpose. Each April, we celebrate D-Week as a time to honor traditions rooted in decades past. Join us this year April 6 through 11 to participate in these cherished traditions. This is our shared legacy. This is what it means to be part of Trailblazer Nation.
Thank you, and Go Trailblazers!
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 33
ALUMNI AWARDS A longstanding D-Week tradition, the Alumni Awards celebration honors alumni whose leadership, service, and generosity have contributed to Trailblazer Nation and beyond. This year, four exceptional alumni are being recognized for their professional success and significant impact.
“It’s an honor to celebrate these awardees for the contributions they’ve made in the past, present, and hopefully future,” Alumni Board President Dan Nielson said. “They’ve helped further the mission of the Alumni Association by showing up, giving back, and demonstrating how alumni can make a difference from our little corner of the world.”
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Scott Gubler, ’75 & Mark Gubler, ’79 Over the past four decades, Mark and Scott Gubler have developed and led Deseret Laboratories, Inc., one of the largest contract manufacturers of dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products in the Western United States. Scott and Mark both earned their associate degrees at Dixie College, and they share many fond memories of their time here. Scott was the student body president and ran track. Scott and Mark got involved in Program Bureau, where Mark met his wife. All four of their children also attended Dixie. “It’s really a family school for us,” Mark said. Scott went on to earn his bachelor’s in business finance and then ultimately a law degree from Brigham Young University. He is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of the company, which has grown into a trusted manufacturing partner serving national and international health and wellness brands under his leadership. Mark earned a bachelor’s in finance from BYU and then his master’s in business administration from the University of Utah. He serves as an owner, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer of the company. Mark’s commitment to education and institutional leadership is reflected in his long-standing involvement with the University, including serving as President of the Alumni Association and as a trustee on the board. The Gubler brothers’ shared connection to the University, coupled with their long-standing roots in the area, has resulted in years of generosity and an overall positive impact on the institution and the community as a whole. Their collective legacy is defined by professional success, principled leadership, and a lasting impact on Southern Utah’s manufacturing landscape — qualities that exemplify a lifetime of achievement.
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ALUMNI AWARDS
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Wendy Stokes Horman, ’85
Wendy Stokes Horman is a distinguished public servant and education leader whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to service, thoughtful governance, and the advancement of education. Wendy earned her associate degree at Dixie State College and then furthered her education at Brigham Young UniversityIdaho, where she completed a bachelor’s in political science with an emphasis in American government. She later completed an Executive Leadership Certificate at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Wendy has served as a policy leader as well as an advocate for education, fiscal responsibility, and government transparency. She currently serves as a Director in the Office of Child Care – Administration for Children & Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – and has served on several boards and councils throughout her career. Beyond the roles she has played in her home state of Idaho, Wendy has held many leadership roles with the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Education Commission of the States, and the Council of State Governments – West. She is also the founder and chair of Idaho Energy & Technology Caucus and served as a commissioner on Idaho’s Leadership in Nuclear Energy Commission.
RISING ALUMNI AWARD
Macrae Heppler, ’13
Macrae Heppler is a dedicated young professional and community leader who strives to serve and connect with his community in a meaningful way. A local leader and innovator who grew up right in the heart of Southern Utah, Heppler consistently demonstrates his deep commitment to the community. He attended Dixie State in 2011, graduating with his Associate of Arts degree in 2013. After graduating, Heppler helped to open the Southern Utah branch of Eagle Gate Title, a company that assists individuals and businesses navigate real estate transactions. Heppler is also the creator of the popular video series, “What’s Happening in Southern Utah,” where he provides updates and insight into economic and community growth in Washington County. Outside of his professional work, Heppler is a member of several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others, including serving on the Utah Tech University Foundation board. He is also a member of The Trailblazer Club, which works to provide funding for athletic programs and student-athletes.
Recognized as Idaho Business Review’s Woman of the Year and EdTech Advocate of the Year, Wendy exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and impact that define Utah Tech’s distinguished alumni.
#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.utahtech.edu • 35
In MEMORIAM
Utah Tech University celebrates the life and legacy of beloved Hall of Fame members Jeffrey R. Holland and Ray Ganowsky. These remarkable men made a profound impact on the University and in the lives of countless Trailblazers.
Jeffrey R. Holland Born and raised in St. George, Jeffrey R. Holland always cherished his Southern Utah roots. A proud graduate of Dixie Junior College, he served as cocaptain of the basketball team and helped lead the team to a conference championship in 1963. In recognition of his enduring impact, Holland and his beloved wife, Patricia T. Holland, were inducted into the Utah Tech University Hall of Fame in 1998 and 2009, respectively. In 2012, the University named the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons in his honor, celebrating both his achievements and his lifelong connection to the institution. Holland also served as President of Brigham Young University and as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, roles through which he influenced millions.
Ray Ganowsky Ray Ganowsky built a meaningful life and successful business ventures with his wife, Melzie, including the founding of RAM Aviation, Space & Defense. This year marks 50 years of operation, a testament to Ray’s vision and leadership. Deeply invested in the community, Ray and Melzie generously supported Utah Tech University’s engineering and machinist training programs. In recognition of their impact, the first floor of the Science, Engineering & Technology building on campus proudly bears their names. Ray held 23 U.S. and foreign patents for solenoid design and received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Utah Tech University Hall of Fame in 2023, Distinguished Citizen by the Utah Tech Board of Trustees, and the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology.
The timeless imprint of these great leaders will always remain part of Trailblazer Nation. Their leadership, contributions, and vision helped shape the values and progress of the University. Their influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
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