Tim Doyle Detects Cancer \\ Pg. 26 P.R

$Tim Doyle Detects Cancer \\ Pg. 26 P.R$

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE SPRING 2013 P.R. STUDENTSMAKING THEIR MARK \\ TRAGEDY TRIUMPH ignites her passionfor peaceandjustice studies. An internationalstudent’s journey leadsher toUVUand TIM DOYLE DETECTS CANCER \\ ALSO INSIDE \\ PG. 26 PG. 12 DISCOVER YOUR OPTIONS

UVU NORTH @ WESTLAKE Evening courses at Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs UVU COURSES @ MATC-THANKSGIVING POINT Day and evening courses at the MATC Building in Lehi UVU SOUTH @ SPANISH FORK Evening courses at Spanish Fork High School UVU WEST @ THE NATIONAL GUARD BLDG. Day and evening courses at the National Guard Building off Geneva Road in Orem UVU WEEKEND COLLEGE Friday evening and Saturday courses at the UVU Main Campus in Orem UVU WASATCH CAMPUS Day and evening courses in Heber Valley

uvu.edu/extend The boys of summer are back in action!

Senior Catcher #44 Taylor Berg from South Jordan, UT

Upcoming Home Games Utah - 4/16 6:00 PM Chicago State (future opponent) - 4 game series from 4/26 - 4/28 BYU - 4/30 6:00 PM NYIT - 4 game series from 5/9 - 5/11 All home games played at Brent Brown Ballpark

For complete schedule visit WolverineGreen.com 1 Like us on Facebook SPRING 2013, volume 5 issue 1

PUBLISHER Jeri L. Allphin ’95

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Chris Taylor ’97

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Rigert

ART DIRECTOR Matt Bambrough ’98

ASSISTANT EDITOR Matt Reichman

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Katri Haycock ’06 12

STAFF WRITERS Cheryl Kamenski Layton Shumway Kaitlyn Tolman

PHOTOGRAPHY Jacob Scott {lead photographer} August Miller Maria Corona '13

ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN Amanda Boshard '11 Sam Hadlock '14 BEHIND THE SCENES: EL CAMINO Landon Larsen '14 UVU faculty help put the finishing touches on the new paint scheme for the UVU Brette Richmond '13 Wolverine Race Team's El Camino. This car is an icon for the automotive technology department and the University. See the final results in "Thru the Lens" on pg. 16. UVU MAGAZINE ONLINE DEPARTMENTS uvualumni.org/uvumagazine

PRODUCTION University Marketing 4 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE & Communications 4 UVU NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD Marc Archambault Curtis Blair 8 VERBATIM Curtis Morley ’98 10 UVU ENGAGE AD SALES [email protected] 16 THRU THE LENS 19 DONOR SPOTLIGHT FEEDBACK 32 Q & A [email protected] 801-863-8179 37 INFOGRAPHIK 38 ALUMNI NEWS

2 SPRING 2013 | CONTENTS CONTENTS

20 26 34

FEATURES

12 GOOD P.R. UVU Department of Communication grads are making their mark professionally despite a tough job market and turbulent economy.

20 TRAGEDY & TRIUMPH A determined UVU grad from East Africa overcomes a childhood of death and ethnic genocide to flourish as a scholar and a peace advocate.

26 SHEDDING NEW LIGHT ON CANCER His wife’s battle with breast cancer inspired UVU physics professor Tim Doyle to apply his rocket science experience to develop a promising new tool for cancer detection.

34 20 YEARS OF SERVICE UVU’s Volunteer & Service-Learning Center celebrates two decades of providing engaged learning and volunteer opportunities for students and the community.

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Spring Points to UVU’s Bright Future

With the sunny skies of spring upon us, I cannot help but reflect on the remarkable strides UVU is making in spite of what has been one of our more challenging winter seasons. Besides recent national economic and public policy changes, UVU has been affected in unique ways by the announcement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last fall reducing its age requirement for mis- sionaries. While many faiths are represented on our campus, this historic announcement

PHOTO BY GLEN RICKS PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTO has already impacted a large swath of our student body and will continue to do so for the next couple of years.

Since many students are now choosing to serve missions immediately MILLER AUGUST BY PHOTO following high school, the flow of tuition dollars has been altered quite One OF MIKe JACOBSen'S MAnY ACCOMPLISHMenTS In HIS LOnG significantly. Fortunately, we had prepared ourselves fiscally to handle TenURe AS UVU'S ATHLeTIC DIReCTOR InCLUDeD HeLPInG UVU any immediate changes to the budget this year, and we are finding in- GeT An InVITATIOn TO THe WeSTeRn ATHLeTIC COnFeRenCe. novative ways to navigate the next two years without compromising campus services and educational delivery. Furthermore, we are confident that most of these departing students will return to UVU. UVU Athletic Director Even amid this enrollment dip, we see that UVU continues to deliver on a truly unique educational mission of access and excellence. New Mike Jacobsen enrollment policies still welcome every student who applies but have shown immediate signals of long-term gains in student retention and graduation rates. The Utah Legislature recently approved funding for Announces Retirement a new 243,000-square-foot classroom building that will help us better accommodate our current 30,000-plus student body and will be completed at roughly the same time the wave of younger missionar- After 29 years at Utah Valley Univer- ies returns home. This structure, along with our new Student Life and sity, Mike Jacobsen announced that Wellness Building that’s slated to open in 2014, will be key in accom- he will retire as the school’s athletic modating the more than 43,000 students we still expect to be enrolled director on June 30. at UVU by 2020. UVU also received the largest portion of “equity” funds Jacobsen has held the position since allocated by the Utah Legislature this year as part of an ongoing effort to 1984, when UVU was known as Utah better align our budget with our growth and mission. Technical College and employed only four part-time coaches and a work- The commitment to UVU’s mission — which expands and enhances its study administrative assistant. Under wide array of university programs while continuing to provide impor- Jacobsen’s watch, UVU won numerous tant community college functions for our region — is felt across campus. conference and regional titles, a na- I am proud to report that in a recent survey from the Chronicle of Higher tional title in softball, made the first- Education, UVU rated higher than all of its peers in terms of faculty and ever direct leap from junior-college staff who felt “pride in working at the institution.” In spite of the short- athletics to NCAA Division I status and term challenges afoot, I remain as enthusiastic as ever about our future. earned an invitation to the Western The sun is shining brightly at UVU, thanks in no small part to your sup- Athletic Conference. port as loyal alumni of this great institution. "Mike Jacobsen has been a great pio- neer and extraordinary leader in build- Sincerely, ing an exceptional Division I athletics program nearly from scratch," says Cory Duckworth, vice president of student affairs. "His accomplishments in this regard may be unparalleled in the Matthew S. Holland history of sports in the state of Utah, if President not nationally."

4 SPRING 2013 | UVU NEWS UVU NEWS

State Approves New 'I Have A Dream' Speech- UVU Classroom Building writer Headlines MLK Commemoration at UVU Space has been at a premium at UVU for years, but the campus will be getting some relief soon. The Utah State Legislature and Gov. Gary Herbert approved funding for a new Attorney, civil rights adviser and $54 million, 243,000-square-foot classroom building at UVU this spring. speech-writer Clarence B. Jones deliv- “The Utah Legislature’s approval of funding for the new classroom building ered the keynote address at UVU’s 19th is a crucial win for UVU students, and we’re grateful for the governor's and annual Martin Luther King Jr. Com- lawmakers’ support. I thank all those who have worked so diligently to make memoration in January. it a reality,” says UVU President Matthew S. Holland. “This new facility will Jones, who helped King draft the help ensure that students and faculty members have the physical learning well-known “I Have a Dream” speech, tools and atmosphere that is vital to student success.” headlined the four-day event examin- The building will contain 34 classrooms ranging in size from 40 to 330 ing past and present equality issues. The seats as well as a 1,000-seat auditorium. The 18-month construction period commemoration also included 18 panel on the facility, which will be located just north of the UVU Library, will begin discussions with students and faculty, this summer. artistic performances and a screening of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Jones’ presence was doubly significant as the event marked the 50th anniversary of King’s famous 1963 speech. “1963 is almost as important for civil rights in America as 1968,” says UVU professor of history William Cobb, re- ferring to the year King was killed. “The speech helped convert middle-of-the- road Americans who felt that King was too extreme. The speech convinced people that this wasn’t about King, but rather, racism.” A LLEN C ONNOR PHOTO BY BY PHOTO

THe UTAH GOVeRnOR AnD LeGISLATURe ReCenTLY APPROVeD THe neW $54 MILLIOn CLASSROOM BUILDInG AT UVU THAT WILL PRO- CLARenCe B. JOneS, One OF THe SPeeCHWRITeRS FOR MAR- VIDe MUCH-neeDeD ACADeMIC SPACe FOR STUDenTS AnD FACULTY. IT IS AnTICIPATeD THAT A GROUnDBReAKInG CeReMOnY WILL TIn LUTHeR KInG JR.'S ICOnIC 1963 “I HAVe A DReAM” SPeeCH, Be HeLD eARLY THIS SUMMeR. SPOKe AT UVU'S AnnUAL MLK COMMeMORATIOn In JAnUARY ABOUT HIS eXPeRIenCeS WITH KInG DURInG THe 1960S.

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 5 UVU NEWS

Anousheh Ansari, Three Others to Receive Honorary Doctoral Degrees from UVU

UVU will recognize Iranian-born “space ambassador” Anousheh Ansari and three others with honorary doctoral degrees at its 72nd commencement on April 25, 2013. Ansari will also speak at the ceremony. She is the first self-funded woman PHOTO BY MARIA JOSÈ CORONA CASTILLO MARIA JOSÈ CORONA CASTILLO BY PHOTO to fly to the International Space Sta- PReSIDenT HOLLAnD, BYU HISTORY PROFeSSOR PAUL KeRRY AnD ROY GOODMAn OF THe AMeRICAn PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIeTY SPOKe In tion and the first Iranian in space. FeBRUARY AT A CenTeR FOR COnSTITUTIOnAL STUDIeS eVenT On BenJAMIn FRAnKLIn AnD HOLLAnD AnD KeRRY'S neW BOOK On THe “It is an honor to have Anousheh InFLUenTIAL AMeRICAn FOUnDeR. Ansari address the graduating class of UVU,” says UVU President Matthew S. President Matthew S. Holland Publishes Book on Holland. “She has established herself as a steadfast advocate for the advance- 'Intellectual World of Benjamin Franklin' ment of science and technology.” Other honorary degree recipients in- clude philanthropist Doris Buffett, former Utah legislator and church leader UVU President Matthew S. Holland “In large part, American and world Janette Hales Beckham, and JetBlue is already a well-known scholar in the history credits Benjamin Franklin as a Airways founder David G. Neeleman. field of early American political thought. man of action and for the very practical “Each year we choose community Last December, he added to that repu- things that he accomplished as a Found- members and leaders that represent and tation with the publication of “Benja- ing Father,” Holland says. “This volume promote the values that UVU embraces,” min Franklin’s Intellectual World.” speaks of another facet of Franklin, con- says President Holland. “Doris, Janette, Co-written by Paul E. Kerry, assistant sidering him as a man of ideas, one who David and Anousheh all provide a model professor of history at BYU, the book de- was shaped by and helped give shape to for those characteristics and show UVU tails Franklin’s role as a thinker in the some of the key intellectual currents on students and graduates the importance of early days of America. both sides of the Atlantic.” following their dreams. We are very proud to have them join the UVU family.” of the game is UVU Hires Greg Maas as First unprecedented, and I look Men’s Soccer Coach forward to see- Sustainability at UVU ing this program grow to promi- For UVU, entering the Western Ath- nence under his UVU is seriously engaged in creating letic Conference was just the first step. direction.” a more sustainable campus and com- The University took another by hiring Greg Maas has munity. To that effect, the university’s former Real Salt Lake U-17 head coach also served as Sustainability Committee has created a Greg Maas to lead the only NCAA Divi- technical director for the Utah Youth new website at uvu.edu/sustainability. sion I men’s soccer program in the state. Soccer Association. The URL also serves as an online oppor- “This is another tremendous mile- “[Maas] has proven himself to be profes- tunity bulletin board of sorts to inform stone in what is an already exciting sional, hardworking, always looking to in- students and the public about continu- time for Wolverine Athletics and our novate within the game, and most impor- ing sustainability work for which they new men's soccer program,” says UVU tantly, in my opinion, a terrific man,” said can volunteer and contribute. athletic director Mike Jacobsen. “Greg Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis. Visitors can also check out sustain- Maas is a leader with a tremendous The move will prepare UVU to compete ability tips and view UVU's Strategic passion for his craft. His knowledge in men’s soccer during the 2014 season. Plan for Sustainable Practice.

6 SPRING 2013 | UVU NEWS 7 n February of this year, Daniel Day- country for a very long time. Yet, the differences in our public decision- Lewis won an Academy Award for memory of this man may be as important making processes, we begin to doubt portraying Abraham Lincoln in his now as it has ever been. seriously our ability to even start to historic effort to secure passage of As Day-Lewis was accepting his well- bridge, let alone actually bridge, the the 13th Amendment — which ef- earned award, the general atmosphere now epic gap between what we collec- Ifectively ended slavery everywhere in of America seemed to hang with a gray tively give ourselves and what we col- this country. I suppose because some of weightiness and the temptation to be lectively pay for. We debate, denigrate my scholarship has focused on Lincoln, despondent about our future seemed and dither, even as we look aghast at I regularly get asked about how accurate I nearly irresistible. Since then, things several European nations on the literal think this portrayal was. The short an- have gotten a bit better. We appear to brink of collapse because of their own swer is that, with only one or two excep- have avoided falling completely off the sustained, now even militant, resis- tions, Day-Lewis’ portrayal comports “fiscal cliff.” Sequestration cuts are un- tance to bring expenditures and reve- with much of what I have read in the best derway, but the market is on the mend. nues into some rational proximity. Lincoln research, as well as in the volu- Or, so it seems. And yet, even with some Throw in the everyday fare of crime and minous record of Lincoln’s own writings. of this good news, a general unease violence in this nation, add a flurry of Of course, I am quick to add that what is about our national health persists. As a recent man-made and natural disas- even more remarkable than Day-Lewis’ state department official I recently met ters, from Sandy Hook Elementary to effort is the life that gave rise to making said to me, “I’ve been working in Wash- Hurricane Sandy, and the rock of our the film in the first place. The accom- ington, D.C., for 25 years, and I have to republic seems, well, not so rock-like. plishments and nature of Abraham Lin- say, it is getting impossible to even get A common thread to most of these coln — especially during his presidential routine things done.” With the harden- woes is a deeply troubling hostility be- years — have been stirring the soul of this ing of personal rancor and philosophical tween parties and people. In some

8 SPRING 2013 | VERBATIM VERBATIM

LINCOLN & A CIVIL SOCIETY Perhaps the greatest message of Abraham Lincoln’s stirring legacy is that love can, and must, transcend hate in the disagreements that develop as part of our ongoing national struggle to perpetuate a free and vibrant democratic republic.

BY PRESIDENT MATTHEW S. HOLLAND // PHOTOGRAPHY BY T.J. KIRKPATRICK

ways, this civic enmity suggests a threat The wonderful news is that, today, thrust of this show and Day-Lewis’ more alarming than any posed by, say, America is — as Mark Twain liked to say portrayal is an homage to Lincoln’s fiscal profligacy itself. of Wagner's music — better than it ability to suffer through the constant As his “last communication” at the sounds. The screaming headlines and bombardment of self-righteous re- end of the Revolutionary War, George endless cable news pronouncements criminations from friends, family and Washington issued a “Circular to the notwithstanding, deep in the fabric of enemies alike — yet still step forward in States,” wherein he signaled his virtually this country there still exists a rich near miraculous fashion “with malice unprecedented act of relinquishing su- spirit of liberty and love central to the toward none, with charity for all.” preme military command in the face of a preservation of the democratic order In doing so, this movie took us some- war victory that gave him immense in- handed down to us by Washington and where truly transcendent. And, in re- ternational stature and unrivaled do- his fellow revolutionary founders. Evi- sponse, we, as a nation, filled the the- mestic power. In this extraordinary doc- dence for this abounds in many places, aters and cried and clapped and came ument, he also thoughtfully described including the production and subse- back for second showings. for the fledgling country what he con- quent commercial success of the movie As long as this is the case, as long as sidered the key pillars of continuing in- “Lincoln” — one of the top-grossing the chords of liberty and charity are in- dependence and tranquility. The wise films in the country during its release. I tertwined with each other and strike management of public credit is one such suggest this with the conviction that the chambers of enough of our hearts pillar. But, his final and most moving what drew audience after audience to with resonance and power, there re- sentiments were reserved for his convic- see this film was not so much the mains a bright hope for this great coun- tion that without “a brotherly affection chronicling of what Lincoln did — as try of ours, whatever our shortcomings and love for one another … we can never important as all that was for freedom — and differences might be. hope to be a happy nation.” but how he did it. Perhaps the greatest

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 9 UVU ENGAGE

UVU and Xactware has also given the Woodbury Business software company a jumpstart on several projects and further resources to compete Students Collaborate with in its industry. Student teams are also partnering with Local Businesses on Training professionals at 1-800 Contacts, Habitat for Humanity and others to update employee handbooks, develop social media policy Management students in Utah Valley and create custom training materials. University’s Woodbury School of Busi- Currently, UVU students in four business ness are getting a major resume boost this course sections taught by Bernd Kupka and year: the opportunity to work directly Jonathan Westover are working on more with professionals at local businesses than 30 separate projects for local clients. like Zions Bank, Sundance Resort, Valley In addition to gaining hands-on experience Mental Health and Xactware. with profitable companies, students in the The school has created an innovative program can add these projects to their new program that offers relevant human portfolios — and gain valuable contacts in resources training to employees of local the local business sector. companies and nonprofits. “The experience provided measurable “The hands-on experience helped to so- accomplishments that fit nicely in a lidify the textbook learning and classroom resume,” says Bellows. “Working for a ABOVE: BeRnD KUPKA, CIVICALLY enGAGeD SCHOLAR WInneR. teaching,” says UVU management student company like Sundance would equal a TOP: UVU STUDenTS In KUPKA’S HUMAn ReSOURCeS CLASS PRe- LaRae Bellows. “It was so rewarding to be dream job for sure.” SenTeD SPAnISH-LAnGUAGe TRAInInG On SAFe WInTeR DRIVInG able to test our skills in the real world.” And the feeling is mutual. TeCHnIQUeS TO eMPLOYeeS AT SUnDAnCe ReSORT. UVU students benefit from the oppor- “If any of the students I worked with tunity to practice their curriculum with enter the H.R. arena," Norton says, "they the kinds of companies they are aspiring certainly will take with them great experi- to work for after graduation. ence in researching, brainstorming and But UVU students aren’t the only ones finding solutions in the real workplace.” profiting from this unique partnership. Karlyn Norton, human resources director at Xactware, says the cooperation between

10 SPRING 2013 | UVU ENGAGE ABOVE LEFT: CHILDRen PRACTICe MOVeMenT AnD FITneSS COnCePTS TAUGHT BY THeIR UVU STUDenT TeACHeRS. ABOVE RIGHT: UVU STUDenTS PReSenT A PHYSICAL eDUCATIOn WORKSHOP TO A GROUP OF HOMe-SCHOOLeD CHILDRen AS PART OF THe UnIVeRSITY’S UnIQUe P.e. PROGRAM.

As part of their Methods of Teaching exercise skills being taught to children in P.E. Teacher Elementary Physical Education class, general. She says she joined the program groups of three to five students teach a to help children “find something they Education Students Instruct P.E. workshop to groups of 20-25 children are interested in — that they’re passion- once a week. The children are divided into ate about — so they can then take those Home School Groups age groups and taught motor skills and skills and run with them for the rest of movement and fitness concepts. their lives.” “It gives my kids an opportunity to Kayla Richmond, from Mt. Juliet, Tenn., learn new skills in a positive and friendly says UVU's program is trying to change The sounds of dozens of children doing environment,” says Allison Booth, who the way physical education is approached jumping jacks may be pretty typical at your has three children participating in the in schools. “Instead of saying, ‘Here’s a local elementary school, but such struc- workshop this year. ball; go play,’ we want to actually teach tured group physical activity is harder to “I’ve really been impressed by the variety kids foundational skills for life.” come by in home-school education. — and the fun,” adds parent Amy McClean. The elementary P.E. workshop is help- Utah Valley University's physical ed- The workshop gives UVU students an ing these students put their goals to ucation teacher education students are opportunity to directly apply what they immediate practice. Booth, for one, is changing that for approximately 100 learn in class during the week. The groups encouraged by the confidence her kids home-schooled children. provide feedback, assistance and sup- have gained since starting the workshop: UVU’s P.E. workshops are helpful for port, but each student is responsible for “They have a greater desire to learn a these children, ages 5 to 12, because two to four independent teaching assign- skill, and then they come home, show- physical education can be a particularly ments during the semester. They are also ing off the skill that they have learned.” difficult subject to teach in the home, ac- required to watch footage of themselves cording to Shaunna McGhie, an exercise teaching to find ways they can improve. science and outdoor recreation professor And you’d be hard-pressed to find at UVU. another group of students as dedicated McGhie started the unique workshop to improving their skills as these stu- in 2010 to provide her students with ap- dents are. Sarah Walker, a P.E. teacher propriate teaching experiences and the education major from West Jordan, opportunity to develop curriculum. Utah, is concerned with the lack of basic

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 11 12 SPRING 2013 | SPOTLIGHT UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATION gRADS HAVE THE VERSATILITY TO BEAT THE jOB MARkET’S LONg ODDS.

by Matt ReichMan PhotogRaPhy by Jacob Scott

Nate Gray ’11 learned the ropes of public relations as a student at employment of its alumni by the likes of other reputable organiza- Utah Valley University. He practiced pitching news stories in his tions such as the Utah Jazz, Motor Trend magazine, Ancestry.com P.R. campaign class. The finer points of AP style — how to properly and the CONAN show. abbreviate “Calif.,” for instance — were forever stamped into his “Amid a tight job market, UVU students are getting great offers memory in a mass media writing class. across the nation,” UVU P.R. coordinator and assistant professor Ste- But there are some things you can't totally prepare for, says the new phen Whyte says. public relations coordinator for the Venetian and Palazzo resorts in Las Vegas — like planning the public debut of a new breed of rose named after your resort (with “The Bachelor” host Chris Harrison as emcee). ROLL WITH IT No matter, Gray says. His communication degree gave him all the tools he needed to learn on the go. Gray keeps a list on his desk of notable events and people he’s hosted “Our alumni are able to adapt,” says UVU communication depart- at the resorts in Las Vegas, Nev. “Later on down the road, I want to ment chair Janet Colvin. “They’re able to change with the market, look back at this and relive it,” he says. change for jobs that haven’t even been invented yet.” Less than six months after he started the job, the list read like an is- Gray is one of many UVU communication grads of late to scoop up sue of Us Weekly: Emeril Lagasse, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “Soul- a primo P.R. position. The communication department has been on 2Soul” show, the “Glee” cast, “Shark Tank” and dozens more. a tear as it enters its 10th anniversary: top honors in the 2012 state The Littleton, Colo., native has barely come up for air since joining Golden Spike Awards, national faculty recognition and, above all, the resorts’ four-man P.R. crew, writing press releases, managing

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 13 “i waS thRown Right into the wateR,” nate gRay '11 SayS. “theRe waS no otheR choice. we had aSSign- MentS that needed to be done. but i’M betteR at what i do now becauSe of that oPPoRtunity.”

photo requests, negotiating appearances with visiting celebrities and local news affiliates — the to-do list goes on. “I was thrown right into the water,” he says. “There was no other choice. We had assignments that needed to be done. But I’m better at what I do now because of that opportunity.” He says regardless of what he’s asked to do now, he’s not in- timidated, having been immersed in plenty of practical, real-world scenarios while at UVU, including placing in the top 10 in the 2011 national Bateman Case Study Competition. The competition pitted five-man teams from 49 different schools against one another, each challenged to craft a strategic communication plan for a common theme (financial literacy). “[Employers] are looking for somebody who is really passion- ate about what they want to do and gets the fundamentals,” says Gray’s supervisor, Keith Salwoski, executive director of public relations for the Venetian and Palazzo resorts. “Everything else just kind of fills itself in.” HIT THE gROUND RUNNINg

Life came at Melissa Garrett ’12 awfully fast when her boss went on maternity leave seven months after hiring her at Ancestry.com. It left the bulk of the corporate and tech P.R. duties — the company has 1,100 employees worldwide, so no small task — in Garrett’s lap as a relatively new hire. “Holding down the fort while she (her boss) was on leave was a great opportunity,” says Garrett. “My boss feels confident in me enough to throw almost anything my way when she does not have the availability.” Her role as a P.R. specialist for the online family history service nor- mally centers on managing the company’s reputation from technology- and business-related perspectives. “Most people don’t think of Ances- try as a tech company, but we’re dealing with over four petabytes of data and 11 billion searchable records,” she says. That’s why she’s continually helping to pitch business announcements and press releases — getting coverage in CIO and GigaOM, for instance — prepping company leaders

14 SPRING 2013 | SPOTLIGHT LEFT, ABOVE: nATe GRAY ’11 TAKeS A BReAK FROM HIS DUTIeS AS A P.R. CO- BELOW: UTAH JAZZ FAn ReLATIOnS ACCOUnT eXeCUTIVe ORDInATOR FOR THe VeneTIAn AnD PALAZZO ReSORTS In LAS VeGAS, neV. CHRIS BAILeY ’12 AT CenTeR COURT OF eneRGYSOLU- LEFT, BELOW: AnCeSTRY.COM P.R. SPeCIALIST MeLISSA GARReTT ’12 AT TIOnS ARenA In SALT LAKe CITY, UTAH. HeR COMPAnY'S PROVO, UTAH, HeADQUARTeRS.

and executives with media training, and field- Handing in that un- ing all state tech and business media inquiries. solicited audit was It’s a lot to take in for a recent grad, but Gar- one of several leaps of rett says her degree gave her just the right op- faith, says Bailey, en portunities to keep up, most notably via the route to his degree at communities that professors built around UVU, which he fin- the P.R. emphasis, she says. For example, she ished in December. gained leadership experience as vice presi- Last year, for instance, dent of member services through her local he spearheaded a class chapter of the Public Relations Student Soci- project to establish a ety of America. fundraising campaign That professional circle and the relationships on behalf of one of his she formed within it were crucial to her hiring classmates, who was at Ancestry, Garrett says. suddenly stricken with “I’m really grateful to have gone to school leukemia. A few months in Utah Valley and joined the workforce in the after that, he wound up local area,” she says. venturing to Atlanta, Ga. — totally uncharted waters for the Liberty, EARN YOUR kEEP Utah, native — to intern with Ogilvy Public Relations. Now the Utah He is quick to credit UVU’s public re- There were two ways to play it when Jazz Fan Relations account executive juggles lations program — and a certain faculty Chris Bailey ’12 finished his internship dozens of responsibilities, including manag- member in particular — for providing the with Utah Jazz Fan Relations. The first was ing roughly 600 ticket holder accounts, game- foundational skills he needs to keep pace to toe the dirt shyly and thank them for day activities and the creation of a social me- with all the demands. the opportunity. That would do, if all he dia communication plan for the team's 12,000 “I studied public relations, but I basically wanted was to get his hair tousled and his season-ticket holders. studied Stephen Whyte and the way he inter- name forgotten. A big chunk of his duties revolves around acted with people,” Bailey says of UVU’s own Or, he could skip the Oliver Twist routine organizing ticket-holder events, including winner of the Outstanding Faculty Adviser and furnish his director with a comprehen- player clinics, so on any given day, he might Award at the 2012 PRSA national conference. sive communication audit of their organi- find himself, say, driving with the 6-foot-11, Whyte deflects the personal accolade, cred- zation. He chose the latter, titling it, ‘Why 267-pound Turkish center Enes Kanter in the iting the department as a whole for “incor- you should hire me.’ Several months later, passenger seat of his Chevy Classic. porating the latest research, strategies and when a full-time slot opened up with the “How he fit in there I do not know,” Bai- tactics from the workplace. All that prepares Jazz, that report got his name remembered ley says. “We went on a 50-minute car ride to students to hit their job running.” and he got the gig. Heber. Pretty surreal.”

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 15 THRU THE LENS

16 SPRING 2013 | THRU THE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACOB SCOTT UVU EL CAMINO GETS A FACELIFT

With a new coat of paint, the UVU Wolverine Race Team’s speed machine is ready to rewrite the record books again. The custom-built 1969 Chevrolet El Camino has become a symbol of engaged learning at UVU and a way for students to obtain tangible automotive experience. Since 2006, more than 100 students from various departments have worked on the vehicle, which sports a 572-cubic-inch engine with a turbocharger. Between 2006 and 2010, the El Camino set five world land speed records and hit 194 miles per hour on the speedometer.

Technical issues kept the UVU El Camino out of commission last year, but the team will be back on the Bonneville Salt Flats to break more records this spring.

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 17 18 DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Supporting STEM

by Julia Stowe // Photo by Maria Corona

As an undergraduate chemistry ma- dents discover the field of their passion, has provided work experiences for UVU jor, Clark Turner had the opportunity he and his wife established the D. Clark students through internships at Aribex. to work on a research project with a and Pam Turner Endowment for Engaged To establish the fund, the Turners graduate student and a faculty member. Learning in Science, Technology, Engi- donated Aribex stock to UVU before He chose an X-ray analysis project and neering and Mathematics at UVU. The selling the company. became fascinated with the science. fund will make it possible for students “It was important to me to donate That junior-class experience led him to pursuing STEM degrees to take part in the appreciated stock ahead of the a successful career and the opportunity undergraduate research. sale because it maximized the amount to provide similar experiences to Utah “We have found in the industry that of money available for the program,” Valley University students. if somebody comes right out of school says Turner. The fund also is set up so Turner earned a doctorate in analyti- and hasn’t had any hands-on practi- that he and others can augment it in cal chemistry and founded Aribex Inc., cal work experience, it takes us much the future. a local company that manufactures longer to train them. The fund is in- “A lot of students have to work while portable X-ray devices for the dental tended to help prepare students to they’re going to school,” Turner says. and veterinary industries. With a firm be more employable after graduation “This fund will provide them work ex- understanding of how valuable hands-on and to come up to speed quicker in the perience in their field of interest.” experience can be in helping science stu- industrial setting,” says Turner, who also

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 19 20 SPRING 2013 | FEATURE TRAGEDY

TRIUMPHAn international student blooms at UVU despite unspeakable personal tragedy and loss BY MICHAEL RIGERT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACOB SCOTT

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 21 here is some- what happened in her homeland is “My baby sister, Maria, got sick on thing in Claudine never repeated. A fighter who refuses the way, and I couldn’t stop crying,” Kuradusenge’s to be a victim, Claudine considers it an Claudine says. “The dead were every- illuminating obligation to make the most of her life where.” eyes and her and become an advocate for peaceful The vastly overcrowded and dis- calm, unassum- resolutions to the world’s conflicts. ease-ridden refugee camp offered little ing self-confi- Fabrice Nsabimana ’12, one of Clau- hope or relief. Some 2 million Rwan- dence that tells dine’s cousins who evacuated with dans were flowing into a few hastily you this talented his family when the genocide began, erected camps in the area. Claudine’s woman is some- preceded her at UVU. For Claudine to family was now confronted with one who knows propel herself to academic success in near-starvation, nonexistent medical where she has such a short time is part of who she is, care or supplies, and other inhumane been and where he says. deprivations. She remembers her lone she wants to go. “Claudine is dedicated and a go- solace in the misery-struck sea of hu- T getter,” Fabrice says. “She won’t sleep manity being what she described as an A Utah Valley University student from East Africa who graduated in when she wants to finish something oversized blue plastic bag the U.N. had April, Claudine speaks smooth Eng- and make it perfect.” issued refugees for shelter. lish with a noticeable, but not readily A couple of months later, the cruel- discernable, accent. She has served as INTO DARKNESS est moment of Claudine’s time in the a key member of the UVU Center for A member of the country’s Hutu camp came. Her 2-year-old sister, Global & Intercultural Engagement’s tribe, Claudine was raised in a large Maria, unable to get the medicines she International Student Council and family in Ruhengeri. When her father, needed, died before Claudine’s eyes. devoted dozens of hours each week to Aminadab Ndabarishi, suddenly “If hell exists, it looks like the refu- assisting the institution’s 700 inter- died from an unknown illness when gee camp we were in,” Claudine said. national students. Chair of the ISC’s Claudine was 2, she was sent to live “(Maria) had become all I had. At that Global Engagement Team, Claudine led with her aunt Athanasie Uwimana. point, living was too hard; it was so programs and organized events that Claudine’s mother, Anisia Nyirankera, easy to let yourself go.” benefit not only students from around at the time pregnant and abruptly Shattered by the trauma, Claudine the world but the entire campus. single, simply couldn’t care for her six cowered on the ground in a catatonic state and stopped talking. Claudine earned her bachelor’s children. degree in only two and a half years In April 1994, Rwanda, at the end while also working part-time on cam- of a multi-year civil war, erupted into A WAY OUT pus. When not busy with her stud- genocide and mayhem between the Fearful for Claudine because of the ies, her ISC duties or her job, she also Hutu and Tutsi tribes after the Rwan- horrors she had endured, her mother organized academic conferences and dan president and most of his cabinet pleaded in letters that Athanasie de- presentations, participated in UVU’s were assassinated when rebels shot vise a way to extricate Claudine from African and UNICEF clubs and applied down their aircraft. the camp. Athanasie, then in France, to graduate programs. Athanasie’s husband and Claudine’s acquired and doctored a set of identity But those close to Claudine know uncle, Déogratias Nsabimana, a rank- papers. But she couldn’t come up with there is much more than meets the ing general in the Rwandan army and papers for Claudine’s mother. eye to this remarkable UVU grad. As a a military attaché to the president, “That’s the hardest thing, actually,” young child, the native Rwandan lived was also killed aboard the president’s Claudine says. “That’s the last time I through the horrors of her country’s plane. The French government evacu- ever saw her. She told me I would be 1994 genocide that left nearly a million ated Athanasie and her children. But going away for a few days, and then, dead, an experience that ripped her Claudine was returned to her mother. she would see me.” family apart and almost destroyed her. “I was just scared,” says Claudine, who In August 1994, Claudine was When the killing began, her family was was only 5 at the time. “You could hear brought across the border, flew to scattered, and she narrowly escaped gunfire all over, people screaming. Most France, and eventually arrived in Bel- the deplorable conditions of an over- of the people died in the first nine days.” gium, where she, still mute from her crowded refugee camp. Within a couple of days, Claudine’s trauma, was reunited with Athanasie, Despite her great suffering and loss, mother decided that the family had no her cousins and other surviving rela- Claudine, through an unmistakable choice but to flee to the United Nations tives. inner strength and inextinguishable refugee camp in Goma on the border Two years later, the all too familiar spirit, rebounded from the cataclysm. of neighboring Democratic Republic feelings of terror and loss returned She flourished at UVU and wants to use of the Congo. The two-day trek was when Claudine, through a phone call, her university education to ensure that nightmarish. learned that her mother, who had

22 SPRING 2013 | FEATURE observing misconceptions about the region’s majority faith — Islam — took action. Though not Muslim herself, she wanted to help create greater public awareness about the religion and culture of its adherents. Almost single-handedly, Claudine organized the university’s first academic Confer- ence on Islam in March 2012, which featured UVU scholars and external experts, including J. Bonner Ritchie, a renowned professor and UVU scholar in residence emeritus, and an imam from a Salt Lake City mosque. “It was challenging to open people’s minds,” Claudine says. “As a public relations student, I learned how to survived the refugee camp, had been able level of academic proficiency. present it effectively to create a rich murdered by roving Tutsi soldiers Claudine enrolled in six months of experience for attendees.” demanding money. Her mother didn’t intensive English instruction (classes Claudine, who minored in criminal have any; she was shot and killed on were five days a week, 14 hours a day). justice and peace and justice stud- the spot. At the same time, she found employ- ies, didn’t stop there. Again, with the “I think I cried for a week,” Claudine ment at a chocolate factory, which assistance of ISC students and UVU says. “They don’t investigate those allowed her to piggy-bank funds for faculty and staff as mentors, she orga- crimes, especially when the soldiers college in the U.S., with the fringe nized the second annual Conference commit them.” benefit of free product samples. on Islam in February 2013. And last

At the urging of Fabrice and his November, she coordinated the orga- A WAY UP older sister, Yvonne, who both at- nization of the international center’s Through the passage of time and the tended UVU, and Athanasie, Claudine annual Global Engagement Week that beginning of a healing process that may applied to the University, flew to Utah draws roughly 2,000 to 3,000 to expe- span her life, Claudine began talking in April 2010 and promptly com- rience UVU students’ diverse cultural, again in 1996. Living with family in pleted 18 credit hours during summer linguistic and culinary offerings. Brussels, she became enthralled with semester. She dove into her studies Perhaps Claudine’s most power- education and completed six years of and became a regular volunteer at ful impact has been upon herself. It’s secondary education, including em- the international center, where her still difficult for her to talk about what phases in Greek, Latin and science. dedication and work ethic caught the happened (nightmares are a near- Much like her cousins, Claudine attention of Stephen Crook, director nightly occurrence). But after publicly wanted to pursue a university educa- of International Student Services, and sharing her story for the first time in tion and planned to major in public various faculty members. an essay assignment as a member of a relations, with a minor in criminal “Claudine has been an amazing asset cross-cultural communication course justice. But when she learned it takes to the international students. I can’t taught by Ritchie and his wife, Lois, four years to complete the same educa- say enough,” Crook says. “She has this Claudine learned that her powerful tion in America that would take an incredible drive to achieve whatever story could inspire others to confront average of 10 years in Belgium, it was a goals that she sets for herself.” their own demons. Following Clau- no-brainer. Never one to stay in her comfort dine’s example, her classmates began Despite three years of high school zone, Claudine, after representing sharing their personal hardships and English, she knew she needed more UVU students from the Middle East on tragedies with the resolve to face and language training to reach a comfort- the International Student Council and conquer them, Ritchie says.

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 23 In 2011, the organizers of an academ- children in both tribes continue to ic conference on the plight of refu- be raised with biases about the other gees invited Claudine to be a featured tribe, she believes it will take at least speaker at the UVU-hosted event. three to five generations before the Bolstered by her experience with the tribes truly accept each other as equals. Ritchies, and at the urging of friends But an open-minded individual, and colleagues, she accepted. who leaves her baggage at the door “It was tough. I was crying through and comes to the table to talk, can be half of it,” Claudine says. “But, yeah, a powerful step toward peace, Clau- I’m glad I did it. I would do it again.” dine says. In a sense, sharing her story publicly “Mostly, it’s about people coming has been a cathartic experience, help- together and finding solutions,” she ing to bring her healing to new levels says. “There are no small parts; just big and solidifying her resolve to continue team projects.” WE SAY AT HOME THAT WHEN YOU EDU- CATE A WOMAN, YOU EDUCATE AN EN- TIRE SOCIETY. – Claudine Kuradusenge graduate studies, earn a doctoral degree Ritchie recognizes that Claudine, and pursue a career as a scholar and activ- with her considerable strengths of ist in conflict resolution. drive, determination and desire to Ritchie says what Claudine has ac- make a difference, is a rare individual. complished at UVU is miraculous, and “Her performance in my class would her efforts also have had an impact on put her in the top 1 percent of all stu- him, his students and the institution. dents I have had over 40 years of uni- “Claudine has the ability to abstract versity teaching,” Ritchie said in his way beyond what most people can and recommendation of her for graduate see the issues,” he says. “I think she school. “She is a natural leader. She has felt that she had something unique confronted a threatening world with a to offer and got really involved, and courage and commitment that most of in the process, lost herself in helping us simply cannot understand.” students overcome their biases and Claudine believes that one person made UVU a better university. She is can make a difference in changing building bridges in terms of religion, the world and that each individual ethnicity, gender and tribal groups who dares to do so has the potential that are pretty unique.” to affect a generation. But for real and lasting improvements to take place in Rwanda, reform will have to begin RECONCILIATION IS A PROCESS in the home, with mothers and their With a firm grasp on the issues of children, rather than in Kigali’s parlia- conflict and what it takes to effect last- ment hall with politicians, she says. ing peace between two sets of peoples, “We say at home that when you edu- Claudine is realistic about the progno- cate a woman, you educate an entire sis for Rwanda. Divided by centuries society,” Claudine says. “Everyone has of prejudice, Hutus and Tutsis are the opportunity and should have the making slow progress toward better duty to do something.” understanding and mutual respect, but the road will be a long one. Because

24 SPRING 2013 | FEATURE 25 26 FALL 2012 | SPOTLIGHT: HOUSING For one UVU FacUlty member, the qUest to detect cancer hits close to home

by Cheryl KamensKi

IllustratIons by allegra loCKstadt

FALLSPRING 2012 2013 | UVU| UVU ALUMNI MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 27 im Doyle sits back in his chair and the physicist thinking. While his wife lished in “Cancer Research.” Doyle’s laughs. “Sometimes I wonder was on her way to recovery, Doyle had method could reduce or eliminate this how I got here,” says the assistant pro- an ‘aha’ moment. “While I was hiking problem. fessor of physics. “I started out as a that fall in the autumn colors, the idea Doyle says breast cancer comes in rocket scientist, but looking back, all came to me that my dissertation work different types. Each type has different my experiences have led me to this could be applied to diagnosing cancer as features at the microscopic level and point.” Doyle is leading research at well,” Doyle says. “I was very excited those differences are what his team Utah Valley University — and involving with the idea and could not wait to get needs to detect. his students all along the way — in us- home to work on it.” He realized the “Ultrasound scatters off of things in ing high-frequency ultrasound to de- models he advanced for using ultra- tissue, such as capillaries, ducts and sac- tect cancer in breast tissue. sound to test the density of rocket ma- like features at the end of the ducts In the fall of 2003, Doyle was finish- terials could be further developed and called lobules,” Doyle explains. “And ing his doctoral dissertation at Utah applied to human body tissues. when they scatter, those things reso- State University. His work focused on a Doyle’s research provides promise to nate. They will ring like a bell.” Each tis- new technology for diagnosing the the medical community and anyone who sue component has a different ring be- “health,” or physical condition, of has been affected by breast cancer. Doyle cause it resonates at a specific sound rocket materials. Then came the news saw that ultrasound could pinpoint frequency. that no one wants to hear: “My wife was where cancer exists so doctors could Doyle’s research identifies how cancer diagnosed with breast cancer,” he says. remove cancerous tissue with greater in tissue “sounds.” That information Doyle’s wife, Christine, felt a lump in precision during surgery. It would help could then be used during surgery to help her breast while she was showering. patients recover faster and reduce the doctors detect with a handheld device Having had a rare form of thyroid cancer likelihood of follow-up surgeries. whether cancer exists in margin areas. previously, she knew she needed to be This way, doctors could remove the proactive. She called the doctor right one surgery is enough needed amount of tissue the first time. away and went in a few days later. “They Breast cancer patients would then be able could not find the lump on the mam- One of the key challenges in treating to focus on healing rather than wonder- mogram, so I was lucky that I felt it,” breast cancer is removing all of the can- ing if another surgery will be required. says Christine, who was 43 at the time. cerous tissue. Doyle’s work offers hope The doctor talked with the couple for more precise treatment and, conse- Putting it into PraCtiCe about different treatment options, and quently, better outcomes. Christine opted for a lumpectomy fol- When women get breast cancer, ap- Doyle’s project is the first step in a lowed by chemotherapy and radiation proximately half decide to undergo a long process for the technique to become treatment. “My husband was so sup- lumpectomy, also known as breast con- standard practice. Once the research is portive. And I really felt that he, the servation surgery. To do that today, the complete, required clinical trials and doctors and others who cared for me surgeon removes the lump along with a FDA approvals will take several years. He were a part of my team,” she says. region of tissue between one and two projects it will take about 10 years for the “Plus, I read a lot on my own so I could centimeters around the tumor. That re- methodology to become mainstream. understand what was going on. Being gion is called the margin, which is then Doyle also anticipates this technology educated gave me will be applied to power and was re- other cancers, such as assuring to me.” skin, oral, prostate and A week later, she i started out as a rocket scientist, but colon cancers. had the lump re- looking back, all my experiences have The technology moved and then was developed while went to Huntsman led me to this point. – TIM DOYLE Doyle, then a facul- Cancer Institute on ty member at USU, the campus of the struck a partnership University of Utah with the University in Salt Lake City, Utah, once a week for analyzed. If cancer is detected on the of Utah and Dr. Leigh Neumayer, a sur- up to 90 minutes of chemotherapy each edges, the margin is positive — meaning geon and co-director of the interdisci- visit. After completing her course of cancer is still in the breast. plinary breast program at Huntsman chemotherapy, she went for radiation Positive margins require a second Cancer Institute. He talked with Neu- treatment every day at McKay-Dee surgery to remove more tissue. Thirty to mayer about his ideas of using ultra- Hospital Center in Ogden, Utah. 50 percent of women who undergo a sound on humans instead of rockets. The bout with breast cancer made lumpectomy have to return for a second Due to her mechanical engineering the Doyles more introspective and got surgery, according to a 2009 study pub- background, Neumayer saw the poten-

28 SPRING 2013 | FEATURE student engagement From the first day of the project, UVU students have been involved in the research and analysis that the clinical trial work would require, providing them valuable applied scientific experience before they graduate. In addition to the engaged learning grant, Doyle was awarded a Presidential Fellowship, which supports faculty members in scholarly projects that model the university’s emphasis on engaged learning and student-centered research. He also received a follow-on Grant for Engaged Learning last October to continue the collaborative research and testing at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Doyle gives students regular research roles and trusts their data collection and analysis. They, in turn, get the unique opportunity of gaining research tial of high-frequency ultrasound to detect cancer at the microscopic level. She experience. suggested that Doyle use his idea to find cancer in margins. “I feel motivated because I have an ac- “Dr. Doyle’s medical-physics, cross-disciplinary work and innovation is some- tual project to work on instead of just thing we work hard to develop and foster at UVU,” said Sam Rushforth, dean of trying to complete an assignment,” says UVU’s College of Science & Health. “It has the near certainty to lower the number Laurel Thompson, a UVU junior majoring of surgical interventions women may need to cure breast cancer. We are very for- in chemistry. “It’s the best way to learn. tunate to have him at our university.” Plus, we work under real-life deadlines and get actual research experience.” Corroborating evidenCe Thompson is the first person in her family to study science and also the first The data analysis methods Doyle is using are different from anyone else’s. woman in her family to pursue a bac- “No one is looking at the spectral components like we are or taking measure- calaureate degree. “A project like this is ments in the same manner,” he says. my first exposure to what scientific re- Doyle and his team are testing and analyzing different tissues from mice, cows search really means,” she says. “We and chickens. They are finding more examples to prove their hypothesis of dif- make decisions, and we analyze the re- ferentiating tissues at the microscopic level by their ultrasonic signals. sults of our data together to identify Doyle has already done a feasibility study using samples from 17 patients that different trends, so it is exciting. And resulted in statistics demonstrating that he is on the right track. The results not it’s neat to imagine the possibilities.” only showed whether a sample was malignant or nonmalignant but also identified Up until a few years ago, Thompson different types of malignant tissue. was under the impression that research In July 2012, Doyle and UVU students began working at Huntsman Cancer In- and discovery in science had come to a stitute at least twice a month to observe and test tumors in breast tissue. They are stopping point and scientists could only analyzing different types of microscopic structures at the cellular level. In addi- refine what was already known. But tion to indicating the presence of cancer, these structures may also help identify Thompson says Doyle has foresight in diverse genetic markers that predict how the tumor will behave and respond to exploring new ideas, and she finds the treatment. The team is also preparing to conduct an extensive study on lumpec- research fascinating. tomy margin specimens. UVU senior biology major Brad Cur- “We’ve got really good data that say we need to keep going,” Doyle says. “This tis agrees. “Science is more than one spring we will be starting additional clinical trials.” subject by itself. You think breast can- Using funding provided by UVU’s Grants for Engaged Learning program — cer is just medical, but it really includes which supports projects that promote collaborative learning and problem- biology, physics, biophysics and chem- solving that result in solutions for and benefits to students and the community istry, too,” he says. — and the U of U, Doyle and his students plan to look at samples from more Curtis plans to go on to medical school than 200 patients. after he graduates and has been able to

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 29 use what he learned in his anatomy class to assist in the research process. “To work on something so meaningful getting Personal to society and to work with great people is very exciting,” Curtis says. “I find my- Because of his wife’s ordeal, Doyle self at home sometimes thinking about says it is especially gratifying to work in different things we can try to see if they this field in the hopes of easing others’ will work. Every idea is worth trying.” burdens. “Although I am doing this The students are working on synthe- work for everyone, I am doing it mostly sized “phantom samples” — samples because of her,” he says of his wife. that mimic ultrasonic properties of For Christine, who has been cancer breast tissue — to further validate the free for nearly 10 years now, her hus- method. The team injects things that re- band’s work means a little more. semble tumors, such as fibers, and view “Cancer does not happen to one per- them with ultrasound to see the chang- son; it happens to everyone involved — women will be diagnosed with breast es, simulating the analysis of a tumor in family, friends, doctors and nurses. But cancer at some time during their life- human tissue. medical situations can be a positive ex- time (seer.cancer.gov). The team is also looking at bovine tis- perience in your life,” she says. “I was sue to provide additional data. The tu- able to see Tim’s love through his caring bular structures of bovine tissue are lay- and concern. And for me, that is a trea- ered and are more complex than, for sure I will always remember.” example, the muscle of the heart. Doyle’s Thanks to Tim Doyle, perhaps the team is seeing very little difference be- breast cancer that his wife met head-on In 2012, it was estimated that 226,870 tween the organs on the macroscopic and tackled with spirit will result in new women would be diagnosed with and level, but much larger variances at a mi- and better treatment options for us all. 39,510 women would die of breast cancer croscopic level between the arrays of “My wife thinks it is great that my (seer.cancer.gov). tissues within the organ. research has a humanitarian focus and “Brad had the presence of mind to will improve the health outlook of collect different tubular structures from women,” Doyle says, noting that a the bovine tissue, which is why it’s great small percentage of men are also diag- to have someone with his background in nosed with the disease. “It is very ex- Breast cancer incidence and death rates anatomy on the team,” Doyle says. And citing to work on something that has generally increase with age. Ninety-five that is where Doyle and his team are see- such a significant potential to improve percent of new cases and 97 percent of ing differences — in the complexities. people’s lives.” breast cancer deaths occurred in women 40 years of age and older (cancer.org).

30 SPRING 2013 | FEATURE Engaged Learning is in our DNA.

DON’T EVER REFER TO STEPHANIE BARTLETT AS “JUST” AN UNDERGRAD. A BIOTECHNOLOGY major at UVU, Stephanie is already presenting her DNA research findings at scientific conferences, and she’ll have a published paper by the time she graduates – an achievement usually accomplished by graduate students.

The hands-on, practical application of classroom curriculum is called “engaged learning,” and it’s at the very foundation of the Utah Valley University approach to education. Whether pursuing a certificate, associate, bachelor’s or master’s, UVU graduates are better prepared to make an immediate impact in their chosen field.

If you left school a few credits shy of your degree, now is a great time to come back.

Enroll now to start your engaged learning experience at uvu.edu/engage. 31 "THE CHANGES WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ARE HAPPENING. YOU CAN BE PART OF THEM, YOU CAN ENCOURAGE THEM, YOU CAN HAVE A MAJOR CONTRIBU- TION TO THEM; YOU WON'T SEE THEM THROUGH — NOBODY WILL, BECAUSE IT’S JUST PART OF THE PROCESS OF EVOLUTION. IT JUST KEEPS GOING ON."

32 SPRING 2013 | Q & A Q&A

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Renowned educator and famed TEDTalks speaker Sir Ken Robinson implores students and staff at Utah Valley University to never cease creating and innovating in education.

BY MATT REICHMAN | PHOTO BY AUgUST MILLER

igher education and hockey seem to play an instrument; if you pick up an instru- teaching, to me, is an art form. I believe that like disparate vocations, but we’d ment, pick up an oboe, for the first time, and very strongly. all do well to heed the words of you can’t play it — of course you can’t — and hockey great Wayne Gretzky, says then conclude, ‘But I just can’t,’ and throw it Q: HOW CAN LARGE ORGANIzATIONS STAY AGILE ENOUGH TO Sir Ken Robinson: good hockey away, then your life is going to be full of that PROMOTE CREATIVITY? players skate to where the puck is, type of disappointment. A: You get older and you get more set in your Hbut great hockey players skate to where the ways. It’s like the lava cools. But then if it puck is going to be. Robinson, an interna- Q: HOW CAN TEACHERS INSTILL IN THEIR STUDENTS A GREAT- doesn’t reinvent itself, many organizations tionally recognized leader in education de- ER PASSION FOR WRITING? will probably die, like individuals eventually velopment, urges teachers to identify where A: In England, [my son] loved writing and do, because they can’t adapt anymore. The dif- the curricular “puck” is going next. reading. Within a year of being in this high ference between an organization and a human The best-selling author visited Utah Val- school in L.A., he couldn’t stand it — because being is you can continue to reinvent [the or- ley University in November as part of UVU’s it was like a straightjacket. … So the pedagogi- ganization] and rejuvenate it. All I’m saying is Presidential Lecture Series, sharing many of cal issue is finding ways of engaging students in that you can’t criticize institutions for behav- the philosophies on creativity that have earned what it's meant to be about, which is format- ing like institutions. … What you can do is keep him notoriety on the multinational TEDTalks ting ideas and coming up with elegant ways of agitating for them to refresh themselves. … lecture circuit. Robinson, who was knighted by expressing them, and along the way, helping The changes we’re talking about are happen- Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, challenges what he them with issues of structure where it will be of ing. You can be part of them, you can encour- considers to be an antiquated system of learn- assistance. But there isn’t a single way to write age them, you can have a major contribution ing in modern society, advocating innovation an essay — there isn’t — and anybody who to them; you won’t see them through — no- in the methods educators employ to prepare says there is, is just making it up. … [When the body will, because it’s just part of the process and inspire young minds. Beatles started out], Paul McCartney and John of evolution. It just keeps going on. We’re not What follows is an excerpt from a small Lennon only knew two chords … of course they going to get a perfect education system in our group Q&A session Robinson conducted fol- ended up knowing a lot more than [that], but lifetimes, and if we get it, it won’t last forever. lowing the lecture. they didn’t think, ‘Well, we’ve got to learn all All you can do is attend to the bit that you're the chords before we start writing songs.’ involved in and make that great. Q: HOW CAN PERFECTIONISTS ALLOW THEMSELVES TO TAKE CREATIVE RISKS? Q: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND A: It’s a process. It’s not an event. There are THE CLASSROOM? some exceptions out there. It's said that Mo- A: [Teachers] shouldn’t be focused on teach- zart never corrected the manuscripts. ... ing; they should be focused on learning. Edu- [But most people] underestimate the com- cation is about helping people learn. And your plexities of the process, and they disappoint job as a teacher is not to tell people stuff that themselves because they feel they should get it you know, but to get them as excited about right the first time. It’s like anybody who tries it as you are and get them to know it. ... And

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 33 YEARS of SERVICE

UVU’s Volunteer & Service- Learning Center

by KAITLYN TOLMAN

34 SPRING 2013 | SPOTLIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACOB SCOTT JACOB BY PHOTOGRAPHY

BE THE

ABOVE: UVU FIRST LADY PAIGe HOLLAnD AnD A STUDenT DIFFERENCE. VOLUnTeeR HeLP BUILD A HOMe FOR HABITAT FOR HUMAnITY.

The Utah Valley University Volunteer & Service-Learning Center started off the tive in some way, and some even say it new year the same way it does every year: with a service project. changed their life,” says Laura Christo- That project, making friendship bracelets for Juvenile Justice Services in Spring- pherson, program coordinator for the ville, Utah, was the first of more than 150 service opportunities planned for this year. center. “For some students, it has given It’s just business as usual — except for one thing: 2013 marks the center’s 20th them the opportunity to meet lifelong anniversary. Two decades of serving the community and providing meaningful friends. For others, it has given them service opportunities for UVU students is definitely something to celebrate, and the chance to network and build rela- Alexis Palmer, director of the center for nearly a decade (who recently accepted tionships in the community, which has a position in Continuing Education), knew just how they’d do it: with a campus- led to them receiving jobs.” wide service project at the end of March. In light of the premium that the There may not have been party hats or birthday cake, but the center’s staff thinks institution places on engaged learn- that their method of celebration is even more satisfying. And the UVU students for ing, the center depends on student whom the center provides resources agree. interns, volunteers and the student “Birthday cake would be nice,” said Kyle Mahoney, a UVU student from Provo, service council to implement impor- Utah, who helped make friendship bracelets at the beginning of the year, “but if tant programs and keep things running I had to choose, I’d choose the opportunity to serve instead.” The preference of smoothly. service over cake might not be what you’d expect of the average college student, “Students are involved in every decision but this view is pretty standard for the students that take advantage of the service made at the center,” says Palmer. “It’s run opportunities at UVU — the ones that typically go above and beyond. by students, for students, and we advise That might be because these students recognize how valuable this service is. them and help them along the way.” “Students who participate in the opportunities provided by the center have told Thousands of students walk past the me time after time that the programs they participated in changed their perspec- Volunteer & Service-Learning Center,

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 35 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACOB SCOTT & SAM HADLOCK SERVE & CELEBRATE

Staff and student volunteers have been hard at work meeting those needs. During the 2011-2012 academic year, for example, 11,351 students served 137,332 hours at 178 events sponsored by the center and the service council. UVU students put the equivalent of an estimated $2.9 million back into the community through their volunteer efforts. This year, students are on track to surpass those numbers. When they graduate, students who have served with the center are provided with a packet of information on how to get involved in community service after on the second floor of the Losee Center service accessible to students. Each they leave UVU. for Student Success, every day. Many weekday, the center sponsors up to “We want them to give back to the are too busy texting, chatting or rush- four service projects in the community community and continue the tradition ing to class to notice, but many others — from regular mentoring and tutor- of serving,” says Palmer. The goal is to peek in as they walk by, wondering ing programs in local public schools to have dedicated alumni that can assist what’s going on inside. The best way service socials and seasonal food drives. and support future generations of ser- to involve the students, staffers say, is During each semester break, center vice scholars. through other students. staff coordinate a service expedition lo- Alumni that wish to become in- “It’s not because of the staff,” Palm- cally, nationally or internationally. But volved with the Volunteer & Service- er says. “It’s students asking students it hasn’t always been this way. Learning Center can email volunteer@ to come participate — that’s when we In 1993, when Mike Jensen (no rela- uvu.edu or stop by LC 205 during regu- have the most success.” tion to Mike Jensen the student program lar business hours. The students that work with the director), now a UVU associate pro- “We are always looking for alumni center recognize their role in recruiting fessor of college success studies, first to help sponsor students,” says Palmer. more students to serve as well. The best helped create the center, it consisted of The center also provides an online da- way to get others involved is to get in- him sitting at a desk in a hallway of the tabase of volunteer opportunities in the volved yourself, says UVU student Mike Sorensen Student Center helping stu- community, available through its web- Jensen, a program director for the ser- dents find volunteer opportunities in site at uvu.edu/volunteer. vice center. Jensen got involved in the the community. Each year since then, Campus long-timers may be amazed program when one of his friends en- the staff has added more opportunities, at the progress that the center has made couraged him to apply for a position on more projects, more students and more in the last 20 years, but that doesn’t the service council. Now, he organizes hours, becoming what could be best mean that its staff and volunteers are easy stop-and-serve service projects — described as a comprehensive service satisfied with the status quo. such as knitting hats, painting blocks center. Those dedicating their efforts to the for children and creating activity pack- “It’s unbelievable how it’s grown,” Volunteer & Service-Learning Center ets — for students in the Sorensen Stu- says Jensen. “The community really have plenty of ideas for where they want dent Center every Monday afternoon. relies on UVU to be a major player in to take it into the future. And knowing Those weekly service projects are providing service to meet the needs of them, their plans probably have some- just one way UVU has worked to make local community programs.” thing to do with a service project.

36 SPRING 2013 | SPOTLIGHT INFOGRAPHIK

TWO DECADES of SERVICE 20 years providing and coordinating significant service opportunities for UVU students and members of the community. 1993-2010

1993 2000 2002 1 CISTERN 5of flood DAYSrelief work in Kansas City, Mo. water storage system built in Chihuahua, Mexico 1998 2003 15 gRANDPARENTS "ADOPTED” 2005 2008 $2,013 quilts made for Sub for Santa 1,200 sq. ft. raised for the Utah Food Bank 100 home built for Habitat 343 UNITS 2001 of blood donated for Humanity 1999 2007 2010 books retyped and converted to Braille $3,500 raised for American Red Cross in New York 200coats donated 540meals delivered for Meals 50 on Wheels 2011-2012 participants 97 $155,375 FaLL 2011 UvU americorps scholarships 109 rOUGHLY 11,351 sprinG 2012 ROI based on $21.79/ service-LearninG cLasses hour value of OFFereD per seMester $3M volunteer time 865 4,974 pints OF 42 pOUnDs OF FaMiLies BLOOD DOnateD 200 FOOD spOnsOreD GivinG tree DOnateD sUB 4 santa GiFts 137,332 DOnateD vOLUnteer HOUrs MOre prOJects

SPRING 2013 | INFOGRAPHIK 37 utstanding Educators Utah Valley University’s Outstanding Educator Award is presented annually to one faculty member from each of the institution’s eight schools and colleges as voted by UVU students.

Chuck Allison

Computer Science – College of Courtney Davis Technology & Computing Art & Visual Communications – School Years at UVU: 12 Steven Huff of the Arts Academic background: Bachelor and master degrees in mathematics from Marketing – Woodbury School Years at UVU: 7 Brigham Young Univ.; doctorate in ap- of Business Academic background: Bachelor’s plied mathematics from the Univ. degree in art history, master’s degree of Arizona. Years at UVU: 1 in art history and curatorial studies and Inspiration: “Professionally, my Academic background: Bachelor’s juris doctorate all from Brigham inspiration comes from the pioneers of degree in computer science from Utah Young Univ. mathematics and computer science: State Univ.; MBA from Brigham Young Favorite class to teach: “Art History Leonhard Euler, Alonzo Church, Alan Univ.; doctorate in business admin- from the Renaissance. I am inspired Turing, Donald Knuth, Edsger Dijkstra, istration from the Univ. of California, by the artistic rebels of the past who Tony Hoare, and Christopher Strachey. Berkeley. pushed against the status quo to My teaching inspiration comes from Inspiration: “Right now it is an Old change cultural history, even through physicist Richard Feynman, Peter Testament scripture, Nehemiah 6:3: ‘I the contemporary era ... contributors Downey of the University of Arizona, am doing a great work, so that I cannot who not only impact Western cultural my 20 years of experience as a software come down.’ Teaching is a great work, tradition, but who also lived extraordi- engineer, and from the aspirations of and there is much I am willing to nary lives during extraordinary times.” my students.” sacrifice in order to do it well.” Interesting fact: “I’m a road biker (cy- Interesting fact: “I can say the phrase clist), and I play classical guitar.” ‘Look! A duck!’ in over 20 languages.”

38 SPRING 2013 | ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

Jorge Nisguritzer Jim Green Languages – College of Humanities & Aviation Science – College of Aviation & Sandy Jay Social Sciences Public Services Elementary Education – School of Years at UVU: 6 Years at UVU: 6 Education Academic background: Bachelor’s Academic background: Bachelor’s Years at UVU: 2 degree in Spanish from Weber State degree from Brigham Young Academic background: Bachelor’s Univ.; master’s degree in Spanish lit- Univ.; master’s degree from degree in elementary education and erature and doctorate in languages and Webster Univ. master’s degree in curriculum and in- literature from the Univ. of Utah. Inspiration: “When I was 13, I watched struction from Oklahoma State Univ.; Inspiration: “I really enjoy teaching, so the Blue Angels perform in Colorado doctorate in elementary education I think my inspiration is the students Springs, Colo. I was so impressed that I from Florida State Univ. who take my classes and do the best to always remembered it.” Favorite class to teach: “I love to succeed. I love to give 100 percent in Favorite class to teach: “Crew Resource teach Curriculum and Instruction. the classroom and show my students Management. It’s a concept we devel- The students know nothing about that I really care about them.” oped at Continental Airlines. It teaches teaching, and they come in very Interesting fact: “I am from Argentina the entire crew to take advantage of all inexperienced about lesson plans and but have lived in the U.S. for 22 the resources in the cockpit. The class what it takes to be a teacher. They years now, so I consider myself a helps to mitigate danger in emergen- come in so naive, and they realize, bicultural person. I love to keep the cies. It teaches students to be safer.” ‘Man, this is a lot of work!’” traditions of my native country, but Inspiration: “My elementary teachers also I like to incorporate into it the cul- I’ve had in the past. They all cared so ture of this great country. I feel blessed much about me and my success.” to live in this beautiful land.”

SPRING 2013 | UVU MAGAZINE 39 ALUMNI NEWS

Daren Heaton Evelyn Porter (NOT AVAILABLE FOR PICTURE)

Chemistry – College of Science Developmental Mathematics & Health – University College

Years at UVU: 4 Years at UVU: 6 Academic background: Bachelor Academic background: Bachelor’s degrees in microbiology and chemistry degree in mathematics from the U.S. from Brigham Young Univ.; doctor- Naval Academy; master’s degree in ate in biochemistry from the Univ. of engineering management from Old Utah. Dominion Univ. Inspiration: “I am inspired by examples Inspiration: “No one person, but several of those who overcome personal different people. Their common traits challenges through hard work and tend to be their willingness to perse- perseverance. I enjoy seeing students vere in order to achieve their goals, at UVU take on tough classes in math instead of quitting when things are and science and learn that they can hard, all while maintaining a positive succeed through diligent study and outlook. People who readily recognize hard work.” the successes of those around them Interesting fact: “I still have an ugly and who are willing to admit their 1966 Chevrolet truck that I drove in mistakes, correct them and move on.” high school.” Interesting fact: “I have lived in (not Hobbies: “I enjoy woodworking and just visited) 12 states. And I am a huge gardening.” baseball fan!”

Will Speed Date for Travel Lesson No. 2: Free is never free (though shine tour is one of the best attrac- the payoff can still be worth the price). tions in Pigeon Forge (even without a For two days, several hundred trav- sample). I also learned about “mystery In my quest to el planners who paid little or nothing tours” for tourists who enjoy traveling provide our alumni to attend the conference met in a con- without knowing the final destination. with great benefits, vention center where 100 vendors had The end result of this adventure I’ve investigated been promised six minutes each (a la is UVU’s new alumni travel program, travel programs, speed dating) to convince the planners which you can find at uvualumni.org/ which are popular to consider the place, person or cruise travel. Imagine swimming with dol- alumni benefits. the vendor was selling. phins or exploring Budapest from the Unexpectedly, I re- I heard about destinations like Pi- Danube River with other UVU alumni. ceived an invitation to attend a confer- geon Forge, Tenn., the home of Dolly- There might even be a mystery trip on ence where I would learn how to create a wood, and Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, a the list — the reindeer farm came highly successful travel program. I was shortly highly recommended resort in the wilds recommended. And feel free to suggest on my way to Virginia Beach, Va., eager of Indiana. From Nova Scotia, Canada, a destination. I’m (almost) always up for adventure and knowledge, where I to Fargo, N.D., I heard about every kind for an adventure. learned three very important lessons. of place imaginable. My brain was fuzzy Lesson No. 1: Don’t plan a trip to and my smile was forced from exhaus- an ocean resort in winter (unless it’s in tion, but I had information. the tropics). Lesson No. 3: Be open to new ideas After 11 hours of travel, I stepped into (and let someone else make the plans). Jeri Allphin the frigid, humid air of the Eastern Sea- During the conference, I learned Alumni Director board. Off-season rates in a summer resort that the best cruises are around the Ha- town helped reduce the organizer’s costs waiian Islands, the Canadian Rockies but didn’t provide the ideal experience. are gorgeous by train, and the moon-

40 SPRING 2013 | ALUMNI NEWS Liberty Mutual is a proud partner of Utah Valley University Alumni Association

For additional information about Liberty Mutual and our car and home insurance, please contact us at 800-524-9400 or visit us at libertymutual.com/uvu. Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage

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NOELLE PIKUS-PACE UVSC 2005

NOELLE PIKUS-PACE. Wife, mother, Olympian, world skeleton champion, business owner: SnowFire Hats. I am UVU B.S. Community Health, track & field first team All-American, Summa Cum Laude, class of 2005. “I was always taught to put my education first, and I truly believe that I would not have been able to compete in the Olympics if it weren’t for UVU. The professors and coaches were amazing. They worked with my schedule and understood my goals. I was able to fulfill my dreams of competing in track & field, obtaining my bachelor’s degree and competing on the World Cup circuit, which led to the Olympic Games in 2010. Thank you UVU!” Share your story at uvualumni.org