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OREM — Utah Valley University is looking into the future through an optimistic lens, thanks in large part to its inaugural fundraising campaign that saw the university receive its biggest single gift in school history with a multiyear pledge totaling $28.5 million from Utah Community Credit Union.
UVU on Saturday unveiled its "comprehensive" fundraising campaign — EverGREEN — during its President's Scholarship Ball. The overall goal of the campaign is $350 million and more than half of the total has already been raised.
The landmark gift of $28.5 million is the latest part of a decadeslong partnership between UVU and the Utah Community Credit Union.
"At UVU, we believe that everyone from all walks of life deserves the transformative benefits of a high-quality education," said Astrid Tuminez, president of UVU. "We want to ensure that students who come to us develop a sense of belonging and experience UVU as 'A Place for You.'"
She added that that funds will support students, enhance engaged learning opportunities and "ensure that all students leave UVU ready for the workforce and more confident to navigate life."
The campaign is expected to impact every area of campus, from academics and athletics — the university announced Tuesday that it will be building a new $20 million soccer stadium on the Orem campus — to student life and engaged teaching and learning.
"EverGREEN is about legacy — legacy that will enable and empower individuals, families and society for many, many decades to come," Tuminez said.
As UVU celebrates 81 years, the university is committed to securing the necessary resources to uphold student success and advance the vision of the university.
EverGREEN looks to accomplish exactly that.
Tonight, President Tuminez announced the launch of EverGREEN: The Campaign for UVU.
— UVU (@UVU) October 23, 2022
This is the largest fundraising effort in university history and will impact every area of campus, from athletics to engaged learning.https://t.co/PNS9E1VDrC#UVUunited#UVUEverGreen#UVUpic.twitter.com/MJsBCvY5Qt
The campaign will help to establish a foundation for ongoing growth and future needs. It will also ensure that the university can provide exceptional care, exceptional accountability and exceptional results for future generations of UVU students.
"EverGREEN will be an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, industry and organizations to unite to transform students' lives," according to a statement from the university.
In January, the "quiet phase" of the campaign kicked off and the since then, UVU has received numerous key gifts that have seen EverGREEN reach more than half of its $350 million goal.
These include:
- $28.5 million from Utah Community Credit Union for academic programs and naming rights
- $25 million from Scott M. and Karen Smith for the Scott M. Smith Engineering and Technology Building
- $17.7 million from dōTERRA for campus-wide initiatives
- $10 million from Keller Investment Properties for the Scott C. and Karen Keller Building, which houses the Woodbury School of Business
- $5 million from Brandon D. Fugal for the Fugal Gateway Building
- $4.5 million from Young Living Essential Oils for the Young Living Alumni Center
"EverGREEN is a truly historical moment for Utah Valley University," said Kyle Reyes, vice president of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the UVU Foundation, in a statement. "UVU's mission is to provide students with educational opportunities, an enriching learning environment for growth, and accelerated paths to achieve their goals. I invite all to join us in this effort to provide even more transformational education experiences for UVU students as they prepare to meaningfully impact the world for generations to come."
