Hundreds gathered at the UVU Gateway Building on Aug. 18 to celebrate the formal opening of the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy.
Today, Utah Valley University (UVU) celebrated the formal opening of the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy. The Herbert Institute for Public Policy is a voice for sound political thought, a facilitator of converging views, and an educator of the next generation of public policy leaders. Its mission is to “develop future policy leaders, gather the community, and build trust in civic institutions.”
“When it comes to leadership, Gary Herbert is a man without equal,” Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox said. “[UVU] is an incredible place. We love this place and the education you are providing for the future.”
Hundreds gathered at the UVU Gateway Building for the dedication. Speakers included UVU President Astrid Tuminez, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Senator Mike Lee, Utah State Representative Brad Wilson, and former Utah Governor Gary Herbert. Additionally, the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation announced a donation of $500,000 in support of the institute, and America First Credit Union endorsed the importance of the Gary R. Herbert Institute by providing an endowed gift of $500,000 in support of student internships in Washington, D.C.
“While there are many ways a former governor could spend his time, UVU is honored to have Gary Herbert on our campus with an office, spending time with faculty and students,” President Tuminez said. “We are excited about the future possibilities this institute will offer our university as well as the community in the years to come. Today, I am excited to say that our possibility is now a reality as we celebrate the opening of the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy.”
The former Utah governor was lauded as a visionary leader who fostered economic growth and provided sound public policy.
“The name Gary Herbert has been synonymous with public policy and government service for most of my life,” Senator Lee said. “I look forward to the generations of Utahns who we will get to see educated at this institute and the countless others who will benefit from the work that they do here.”
Herbert expressed enthusiasm and optimism for what will be accomplished at the institute and gratitude for the unbridled support of those in attendance.
“This is a significantly important occasion for Jeanette and I and our family,” Herbert said. “I'd like to think it's an important occasion for Utah Valley University and the county that we have called home. Utah has excelled in our institutions of higher learning and set the example to the rest of the country, [just] as we've done in the past. We call it the Utah way of doing things.
“The most common question given to me when I was governor was the simple one: ‘Why is Utah doing so good?’ People recognize it. You know you can be a good coach if you've got good players. And in Utah, we've got really good players.”
As a special announcement, Herbert stated that former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence would be the institute’s first forum speaker on September 20, 2022.
Information and tickets for the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy Forum can be found at https://www.uvu.edu/herbertinstitute/pence/index.html.