On September 12, Utah Valley University (UVU) employees came together to participate in the United Way of Utah County’s annual Day of Caring. This year, the event saw over 1,500 volunteers from over 40 organizations, including UVU, dedicating their time to 81 community service projects from Eagle Mountain to Santaquin. UVU employees featured more than 30 from across campus who attended the annual service project at Cherry Hill Elementary in Orem.

UVU volunteers were actively involved in brightening children’s classrooms by reading stories about self-esteem and engaging in fun group activities—the collective efforts aimed to enhance local educational environments and foster a sense of community spirit. Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County, emphasized the importance of such events in building stronger communities. “Our goal is not only to complete great projects but also to inspire people to be better neighbors in their everyday lives,” he said.

United Way of Utah County board member and UVU Associate Vice President of University Relations Steve Anderson expressed his gratitude for the school’s participation in Day of Caring, citing it as an intrinsic part of UVU’s DNA.

"UVU and the United Way of Utah County have been partners since their beginning just over 60 years ago,” he said. “UVU has participated every year in the Day of Caring where our employees have the opportunity to serve with each other and make a difference in the community. Our partnership is crucial to the overall ecosystem of our valley, with services impacting our students, faculty, and staff. UVU is proud to partner with our friends at the United Way."

Employees from across UVU’s campus spectrum enjoyed the Day of Caring event and being a part of something bigger than their 9-to-5 jobs.

Kelly Henderson, program manager for UVU Wellness Programs, stated, “It helps me have a greater appreciation for UVU because I know they care about the local community. They care about the image that we have so I appreciate that this is a priority.”

Elisa Huhem, program director of Engagement and Effectiveness, shared a similar sentiment, “I feel UVU, in general, is such a community-based school, and being able to go out of our way to provide exceptional care is wonderful. But I think it's also exciting to get to go out and see what's going on (in the community). [It’s] also fun to get to do a service related to school.

Sam Matis, Strategic Relations project manager and UVU coordinator for Day of Caring, said, “UVU is a beacon in the valley. We represent strength. We represent so many positive things, and so being able to link with another institution like United Way that has the same or similar values and spending a day to be that beacon of strength to those in the community, including elementary schools. It allows for future stakeholders, or even current stakeholders of elementary school kids and those who are part of those institutions, to have a positive understanding of UVU and what we stand for and that we walk the walk that we really do exceptionally care. I just want to say thank you (to the UVU volunteers) for demonstrating that exceptional care and walking the walk.”

To learn more about the impact UVU staff employees and others within the Utah County community are having with the United Way Day of Caring, please visit https://unitedwayuc.org/get-involved/day-of-caring/.