Changing lives one scholarship at a time
Utah Valley University’s (UVU) annual President’s Scholarship Ball on September 28 at the UCCU Center on Orem Campus brought together donors, community leaders, and UVU supporters who raised an impressive $1,753,164 to support presidential scholars with four-year, full-tuition scholarships.
Since its inception, the ball has been a beacon of hope for more than 3,200 students seeking higher education. In 2024 fall semester, 359 students received four-year, full-tuition presidential scholarships, which are awarded to deserving students based on merit, many of whom are first-generation.
UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez, who has championed accessibility, affordability, and excellence throughout her tenure, emphasized the ball’s significance: “As the university that educates the most Utahns, we continually work to provide ways to help all students achieve their dreams.
“Our community contributed generously to help us raise a historic $1.75 million for scholarships in one evening. They believe in our mission to change lives for the better. Like UVU, they are in the business of hope. With 77% of our alumni staying in Utah ten years after graduation, the money raised is an investment in Utah’s future workforce. We are elated!
The ball was filled with elegance and entertainment, featuring performances by UVU’s Bloom A Cappella, the UVU Repertory Ballet Ensemble, Artiva Strings, and the UVU Ballroom Dance Company. Guests also enjoyed a night of dancing and exquisite cuisine provided by the UVU Culinary Arts Institute.
Amidst the evening’s glitz, attendees heard from distinguished alumni who shared how their UVU degrees contributed to their success. Steve Sonnenberg, co-founder and CEO of Awardco, described his degree as a lifeline that helped him secure employment while launching his business. Other notable alumni, including an Oxford scholar and a professional soccer player, also highlighted how their UVU experiences prepared them for career success.
The most common majors of presidential scholars are university studies, computer science, accounting, and mechanical engineering. The scholars come from 16 counties in Utah, 95 towns across the U.S., and 52.9% are from Utah County.
The majority of UVU students, including presidential scholars, remain in Utah after graduation and become engaged members of society, voting, paying taxes, raising families, and strengthening communities.
To be eligible for UVU Presidential Scholarships, students must meet the following requirements: be a full-time entering freshman undergraduate student, have a minimum high school GPA of 3.6, and complete at least 24 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.
To donate to the UVU Presidential Scholarship program see: https://www.uvu.edu/give/initiatives/scholarship-ball.html
About Utah Valley University
At Utah Valley University, we believe everyone deserves the transforming benefits of high-quality education — and it needs to be affordable, accessible, and flexible. With opportunities to earn everything from certificates to master’s degrees, our students succeed by gaining real-world experience and developing career-ready skills. We continue to invite people to come as they are — and leave ready and prepared to make a difference in the world.
