UVU students and UIMF members participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s with the Orem- Lindon Rotary Club

On Saturday, September 14, 2024, Utah Valley University (UVU) students and members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University, participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s with the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club

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Orem-Lindon Rotarians, UIMF members and UVU students gathered together for a picture before the walk.

On Saturday, September 14, 2024, Utah Valley University (UVU) students and members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU, participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s with the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club. This was a service learning project included as an assignment in our political science class “Sustainable Mountain Development.” Through the Student-Engaged Learning (SEL) model, UIMF members McKay Jones, Parker Miller, and Janessa- Michelle Purcell along with UVU students, Glory Ellison, Nicholas Robinson and Ismael Cabadas registered to attend the event held at the Riverwoods Shops in Provo at 9 am. SEL encourages students to resolve practical problems jointly as a group while the teacher mentors them when necessary. Members and students joined the walking team of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club (RCOOL), and took the time to get to know Rotarians, Mike Rich, Lynn Hillstead, Debbie Lauret, Jim Lauret, D.J. Smith with his wife Roberta, Cathy Ambrose, Cholpon Akmatalieva and Baktybek Abdrisaev. The RCOOL team has raised and donated $1,100 during this event.

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Participants gather around the platform at the start of the opening ceremony.

The goal of UIMF leaders for this school year is: to expand our community engagement through our service hours. This was the first time when its members including myself, participated in such an event with an important cause as raising money to fund research and aid in the fight against Alzheimer's. Around the pavilion, many organizations and companies sponsored teams or provided a booth with information of their missions and goals. Most of these organizations had specific ties to Alzheimer such as retirement homes and nursing homes. Before the opening ceremony, UIMF members had the opportunity to visit different booths and collect information that could be useful for future internships, job opportunities, and volunteer opportunities.

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a) RCOOL President Mike Rich ( C ) with Rotarians Lynn Hilstead ( L ) and Cathy Ambrose ( R ) during the Walk; b) Rotarians Roberta and D.J. Smith and UVU student Nicholas Robinson during the Walk.

The opening ceremony began with an introduction of why this event was established, giving context to the efforts of the Walk to End Alzheimer's events, and detailing the meanings of the different flowers that were present for participants could take home. After the open ceremony concluded, the participants walked over to the starting point of the route following Christmas Lutu, an Orem-Lindon Rotarian.

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a) Rotarians Debby and Jim Lauret and UVU student Nicholas Robinson during the Walk; b) Rotarian Baktybek Abdrisaev, his wife Cholpon Akmatalieva, and UVU student Ismael Cabadas walking to End Alzheimer's.

The entire route would be 1.2 miles with the option of a shorter route at a mile long. Keeping on pace, UIMF members and students completed the walk in just under 30 minutes. As we approached the finish line, we were greeted with cheers for many different people and our team members that crossed the finish line before then.

UIMF leaders, Janessa- Michelle Purcell (President) and McKay Jones (VP) on the route.

Through the Student- Student-engaged learning model, we were able to be accountable for registering ourselves for the event, ensuring we were at the event on time, taking the initiative in getting to know the Orem-Lindon Rotarians that the UIMF and UVU Rotaract clubs work closely with, and be a part of an event that benefits not only our local communities but benefits communities internationally. It was a great way to participate in an event outside of the activities we regularly do.

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Janessa- Michelle Purcell, Glory Ellison, Mckay Jones, Nicholas Robinson, Parker Miller, and Ismael Cabadas represent UIMF and UVU at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s was a great opportunity for me because I have had family members who suffered from Alzheimers. Being able to devote some time to our busy college student schedules, by doing something as simple as walking, does play a role in making a difference in the world. Overall, using this time not only to give service but to also get to know the various organizations in the community has helped us build and establish relations with community partners. As we explore more options for volunteering and giving service this school year, we were able to connect with some great people and hope to have collaborations soon.