New center located near Sundance creates unique opportunities for learning, training, and hosting
Thanks to a generous donation from philanthropists Alan and Karen Ashton, Utah Valley University (UVU) recently acquired the couple’s 4.6-acre property near Sundance Mountain Resort, which includes an 18,415-square-foot lodge that will be used as a university center for learning, training, and hosting.
“This unique and beautiful space will elevate UVU students, faculty, staff, and supporters for decades to come,” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez. “We will use this site for leadership training, retreats, donor events, and unique teaching moments. We want every person who walks through the door to say, ‘I am worthy of my dreams. I am worthy to learn. I am worthy to do more and serve better.’ I thank the Ashton family for their vision, generosity, and belief in UVU.”
Alan and Karen Ashton released the following statement, “Bear Wallow has blessed our family for over 30 years. It has been the source of inspiration for us over and over again. We celebrate the opportunity to join with UVU to bless the lives of young people in our community.”
The lodge will be named the Alan C. and Karen Ashton Center for Leadership and Inspiration in recognition of the Ashton’s continued support of UVU and in acknowledgment of the couple’s business and cultural leadership in the community. It will be ready for occupancy in approximately six to eight months.
“This new property will help create a unique ‘hands-on’ learning experience for students,” said Mimi Barney, UVU student body president. “How exciting is it to be a part of a university that is continuing to grow! There is no doubt that students will be able to bring their own talents and leave with more skill.”
Given the lodge’s long association with the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, which was founded by Karen Ashton in 1989, the university will continue to offer its use to event organizers each fall. The university has had a long partnership with the festival and provides support and spaces for performances, workshops, and other events.
In addition, UVU’s Department of Theatrical Arts for Stage & Screen will leverage this facility to deepen its partnership with Sundance Summer Theatre, providing students with invaluable real-world experience in acting, stage management, design, and other technical roles. The university will also use the facility as a means to further cultivate its relationship with the Sundance Institute.
“A UVU presence at Sundance will allow us to foster the relationship we already have with the resort, which means more opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage while enjoying the beautiful landscapes,” said Wioleta Fedeczko, UVU Faculty Senate president. “I am excited about all of the events and teaching opportunities the lodge will make possible. Like our Capitol Reef Station, the lodge at Sundance will provide opportunities for teaching and learning!”
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.
