Group Photo of Orem-Lindon Rotarians and Utah Valley University Rotaractors

As a longstanding tradition, Utah Valley University (UVU) Rotaractors, in conjunction with Rotarians and community members, came together for this endeavor. A total of 4 UVU Rotaractors and 14 Rotarians actively participated in the event. Looking ahead, we have plans to plant an additional 5 trees in Lindon, Utah during the upcoming spring season. I eagerly anticipate taking part in this upcoming project and fostering greater student engagement through the implementation of our inclusive, co-curricular student-engaged learning (SEL) model, which has been thoughtfully developed and honed at Utah Valley University.

This project was an integral component of Utah Rotary's Environmental Protection Initiative. Thanks to a generous matching grant from the nonprofit organization Utah Trees, we successfully planted five trees that were carefully selected to thrive in Orem, Utah's unique climate and ecosystem. This planting effort ensures the long-term sustainability of these trees, contributing to the environmental well-being of our community.

Projects like the one we're undertaking with this service initiative represent the core values of Rotary International, Utah Rotary, and the Orem-Lindon Rotary. Rotary International's Vision Statement embodies our shared aspiration: "Together, we envision a world where individuals unite and proactively contribute to bring about enduring transformations—across the globe, within our local communities, and within ourselves." As the president, I am profoundly appreciative of the opportunity to collaborate the UVU Rotaract club with the Orem-Lindon Rotary, fostering our students' engagement in this mission to effect long-lasting change, particularly within our own community.

Our involvement serves as a compelling illustration of how our inclusive, co-curricular SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) model brings together students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to collaborate as a collective force advocating for mountain communities. In this endeavor, UVU faculty and dedicated Utah Rotarians serve as invaluable mentors and guides, exemplifying the power of partnership and shared purpose.

 

                     Stephan Atkinson, Utah International Mountain Forum Club President;