Utah Tech students advised to surround themselves with light and kindness – St. George News

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ST. george – The key messages of Utah Tech University’s 112th commencement ceremony Friday were for graduates to surround themselves with amazing people and be kind.

Alex Cuevas, who graduated at Utah Tech University’s 112th commencement ceremony at Greater Zion Stadium, received a bachelor of arts degree, and Destiny Lopez received a bachelor’s degree in Art, St. George, Utah Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Some students wore decorated graduation caps and traditional shirts. Family and friends cheered at the impromptu evening ceremony at the Great Zion Stadium, where the university band played.

Trail Blazer’s valedictorian, Briley Wyckoff, recently admitted that Taylor Swift inspired her.

“Surround yourself with bright people,” she said. “Let me first explain where this philosophy comes from. If you know me personally, it will come as no surprise that it all started with Taylor Swift.

She saw a video called ‘Directors on Directors’ Swift and Martin McDonagh, a playwright and filmmaker, discuss their experiences directing music videos. Although Wyckoff had no plans to make any films, she felt compelled to watch the show.

“I felt like I had to collect every piece of information they wanted to share,” she said. I know that no matter where I go in life, I need to surround myself with bright people.

She credits her professors at Utah Tech for providing an environment that fostered discussions that broadened her perspective. Wyckoff lived most of her life in St. George. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English-Literature Studies and a minor in Piano Performance. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. To become a professor in literature and literary theory.

Utah Tech University’s 18th President Richard “Biff” Williams at Utah Tech University’s 112th commencement ceremony Friday at Greater Zion Stadium, St. George, Utah | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

“Now that we leave this campus, we must not forget what our school made us possible for,” Wyckoff said.

She asked the graduates to remember the skills they developed and continue with their experiences, interests and understanding.

“Come out, share your light and shine,” Wyckoff said.

The inaugural speaker, Khosrow B. Semnani, CEO of SK Heart Management, shared stories of kindness that he and his mentors have experienced.

Semnani says he was moved by compassion when he was a student in need of a job. At that time, he did not have enough money for education, so one of his teachers helped him with land work.

In the year Born in 1947, Semnani came to America from Iran in his 20s and planned to settle in California but ran out of money in northern Utah. He was grateful to end up at Westminster College, where there were kind people. “There is no substitute for hard work,” he told graduates as they embarked on their dreams.

Graduates before receiving their diplomas at Utah Tech University’s 112th commencement ceremony Friday at Greater Zion Stadium in St. George, Utah | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

“Shoot for the stars, but keep your feet firmly planted on the ground,” he said.

He reminded students that each person’s promise will last long after the ceremony. He said to remember that the university, family and friends are an “ocean of kindness” who believe in the future of the graduates.

“The key to success is to see a problem not as a threat, but as an opportunity for innovation,” Semnani said. “Whether it’s finding a new concept, creating a product, starting a business, or writing a book, the key to success is persistence.”

Semnani is an Iranian-American community leader and philanthropist based in Salt Lake City. He graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science in 1972 and a Master’s in Engineering Management from the University of Utah in 1975, according to his website.

In addition, the In 1988, Semnani founded Envirocare, the first privately owned low-level nuclear waste disposal facility in America. In the year He sold the company in 2004, which later became Energy Solutions.

“To share their good fortune with others,” Semnani and his wife founded the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993, according to the website. The foundation works with organizations to provide humanitarian aid around the world. For example, the foundation ran the Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free health care to thousands of uninsured people in Salt Lake City. Semnani founded Omid for Iran in 2009 to promote policies that protect the country’s people and promote their freedom.

Demographics for the Utah Tech Class of 2023 are as follows.

  • Total number of degrees awarded: 2,804
  • Youngest graduate: 16
  • Oldest graduate: 65
  • Percentage of First-Generation College Students Graduating: 33%
  • Number of regions represented: 42
  • Percentage of graduates from Utah: 76%
  • Number of countries represented: 19
  • Percentage of Female Graduates: 63%
  • Percentage of male graduates: 37%
  • Percentage of Graduates at Degree Level:
    • Certificate: 18%
    • Affiliate: 36%
    • Undergraduate: 44%
    • Master’s: 2%

Bachelor programs with the most graduates:

  • Nursing BSN
  • Psychology
  • Exercise science
  • Biology
  • Management

Other notables include Utah Tech University President Dr. Richard B.

This year’s Professor Emeritus Awards went to Dr. Carrie Baker of Family Studies and Human Development, Dr. Ross Decker of Mathematics, and David Zielke of Library Education Services.

The Utah Tech University Symphonic Band provided the music, featuring Baker Herald trumpet with conductor Dr. Bryant Smith.

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Copyright Saint George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. She has worked in journalism, broadcasting and public relations for 25 years. DeGraw has worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for the CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcasting.



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