Look at clubs across the U.S. and you will find a seemingly infinite number of them. Some have power to decide what direction the school may take; others are for entertainment and provide at least a little preparation for the future. Being a member of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University, I have found that this particular set of clubs has a focus is on furthering the professional abilities of the students within.
It was evident, when we hosted Dr. Roger Kangas, the Dean and Professor of Central Asian Studies for the Near East South Asia Center, at the National Defense University, Washington, D.C. during March 25-28, 2014 and I was given the pleasure to work with my UIMF colleagues in this three day event. Because of the connection of our VIP guest to Pentagon, I was asked by the student organizing committee to accompany him during his entire visit as a protocol by wearing my military uniform. In doing so, I have learned that this coalition of clubs creates activities that are planned meticulously and executed by students. From such events the students learn vital skills communication and given leadership opportunities that are not only beneficial for the club, but can be further translated to uses in his/her future career.
Dr. Kangas’ visit was most beneficial to the students planning it. Immediately when we learned of the visit, fellow UIMF members delegated responsibilities. Some of my student colleagues were responsible for logistics, by arranging for our guest transportation, and accommodation, some – for media coverage and, for example, my friend Sam Siebach dealt with a video-coverage. And Anton Koshelev, President of Alexander Hamilton Society, who coordinated effort of all students, provided transportation to and from the airport.
(Right to left) Matthew Rands with Dr. Kangas and Cadet Martin
I was also tasked with coordinating between the UIMF and the university’s ROTC program in hosting a luncheon for our guest with participation of cadets, many among whom made tours to Afghanistan. My first reaction was an avalanche of thoughts and uncertainties. Do we go off campus? Who pays for the meal? There were so many possibilities that the openness of options seemed to paralyze action at the start. The task would be done but would not have the desired finished product if it were not for my lesson in coordinating. As a student I have learned that when given a duty, it is better to cross coordinate with others that might have strong connections to desired institutions, than to simply carry it out on my own. Thus when told to create a lunch event, I found it acceptable to break it down and further delegate specific logistics to those with connections within the university’s catering service and venue experts to ultimately achieve the desired effect of the lunch. I was so happy that lunch went well and its hosts from ROTC, Maj. Owens and Cadet Jeremy Duty were able to successfully play their role and also to have a very productive and successful conversation. Dr. Kangas shared his thoughts about situation in Afghanistan after withdrawal of the U.S. troops this year and questions from the audience demonstrated that many cadets in the audience were quite concerned by the further worsening of situation in that country and challenges for the United States to stabilize their situation due to a growing insurgency after 2015.
Dr. Kangas with cadets after lunch at UVU
These thoughts were a sneak peek into his main presentation on Afghanistan which came the next day. All of us watch the news and see the struggle Afghanistan faces. But those reports we see on T.V. are solely focused on issues within Afghanistan and maybe effects from decisions of its neighbor, Pakistan. Dr. Kangas is an expert on that entire central Asian region and brought to light issues and solutions from those countries many Americans might not know even exist. For example he made a solid point about how in the future the military supply highways will become the “new silk road.” Creating possibilities even after a troop withdrawal, Afghanistan will be well connected to sustain commerce. And countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan will now help play a regional support roll in sustaining growth. This presentation (in addition to organizing the flag ceremony and other logistics behind it), has provided me with multiple perspectives. Traditional media sources would not be able to offer this.
Elizabeth Goryunova (second from right) presents a gift to Dr. Kangas in presence of myself and Anton Koshelev (L)
As I was working as an escort for Dr. Kangas, just being in the vicinity of conversations, I learned how the framework is created from a club with an idea, to creating action. No example would stand out other than going to the World Trade Center in Salt Lake City. We met with the Interim President and CEO Mrs. Elizabeth Goryunova. After a brief talk on events throughout the central Asian region and the exchange of business cards, Mrs. Goryunova extended an invitation to Dr. Kangas to a gathering of prominent Middle East ambassadors. The gesture of openness caused seemed to cause a reciprocal action where Dr. Kangas offered “With sufficient time for notice” have visitors to D.C. make a stop in Utah. I saw firsthand how a simple meeting between two well-connected professionals can create benefits for all parties involved. And if there is anything for current and future UIMF members to take away is that networking is the vital veins and arteries to any operation.
Anton Koshelev (L) and myself ( R ) with Dr. Kangas ( C ) in Park City, UT
A key aspect of the UIMF is that students are playing every role in hosting presentations. Members within the leadership head gain experience by the delegation of tasks to the upbringing of a successful event. And to those completing the tasks; learn valuable networking and communication skills, all to our own benefit and to further increase our efficiency of pushing the UIMF agenda.
Matthew Rands, Vice-President of the Sustainable Mountain development Club
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UVU Press Release about the visit
14-02-26-UVU-PR-UIMF Hosts Dignitary From The National Defense University
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Presentation Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrjPShL631U
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
14-05-03-William Ng - Dr. Roger Kangas on Afghanistan and Central Asia
14-03-05-Arisha Franco Leading expert on Afghanistan at UVU Campus
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