Utah Valley University’s (UVU) 33rd President’s Scholarship Ball, the annual black-tie gala that raises funds for student scholarships, will be held Oct. 7 in the UCCU Center on UVU’s Orem Campus. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program and dinner at 7 p.m.
Attendees will include students; university, business, and community leaders; and those who want to help UVU students succeed. Last year’s ball raised $455,500, which helped fund 382 full-tuition scholarships. The ball is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased at UVU tickets.
“The scholarship ball is UVU’s premier social event,” said Astrid S. Tuminez, president of UVU. “The community turns out to celebrate Utah’s best and brightest students and support them in their higher education journey. We combine delicious food, first-class entertainment, and inspirational stories in one joyful evening that elevates everyone.”
This year’s event will highlight the progress of UVU’s comprehensive campaign, EverGREEN. It will also feature music by the student a cappella club Bloom, performances from a Cultural Envoy dance team and UVU’s award-winning Ballroom Dance Company, and a multicourse meal prepared by UVU’s Culinary Arts Institute students. In addition, attendees can dance the night away to the tunes provided by a professional DJ.
“UVU is synonymous with student success and achievement,” said Kyle Reyes, vice president of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the UVU Foundation. “This year’s donations will make it possible for hundreds of students to transform their futures and achieve their dreams through higher education.”
According to a recent collegestats.com report, the cost of higher education is the number one reason students drop out of college. In addition, a recent study by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) shows that two in five (42%) of college dropouts cite financial reasons for leaving school, outweighing the percentage of students who left for other reasons like family commitments (32%) and health (15%).
The UVU President’s Scholarship Ball is just one of many UVU initiatives that help students graduate without financial burden. Thirty-six percent of UVU students are awarded need-based scholarships or grants, many of whom are first-generation students and students from underrepresented populations who cannot pursue higher education without financial assistance.
Hyrum Williams, a nursing student who will graduate in 2024, said, “As college students, we are always dealing with stress. Not having the added financial stress has allowed me to really focus on what I will be doing as a nurse.”
This year’s title sponsor will be Target River, a full-service marketing agency that assists clients nationwide in sectors such as business, non-profit, education, and government agencies. Other sponsors at the top two levels include: Chrysalis Foundation, Utah Community Credit Union, Roger and Gwen Connors, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Foundation, and Xlear.
Tickets for the scholarship ball are $300 each or $3,000 per table. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the 2023 President’s Scholarship Ball website.
