Every generation seeks to improve the condition of the generation that comes after. UVU is no exception. Since 1941, it has grown to become the largest institution of higher education in the state of Utah. Darcy and Kyle Halvorson are two generations of UVU alumni, and they were asked a few questions about their experiences at the evolving campus. Darcy Halvorson graduated from Utah Valley Community College in 1991 with an associate’s degree in machine tool technology, and his son Kyle Halvorson began his education at Utah Valley State College and graduated with a bachelor of business administration from UVU. Kyle is currently in the part-time MBA program at Thanksgiving Point and will finish in December. The Halvorson’s are a living example of the growth occurring at UVU.

Darcy Halvorson

Q: What was your time like at Utah Valley Community College?

A: I don’t remember a lot of my time at UVCC — that was a long time ago. I’d really have to rack my brain to remember what it was like. I was married and working while going to school, so I didn’t have time for extracurricular activities. I mostly worked, went to class, and went home to be with my family.

Q: Did getting a degree help you in your career?

A: Well sure. Like I said, I was working while I was in school, but back then, if you had a degree, you got a job. It’s a lot more competitive now though. But my experiences in school helped me learn a lot for my career.

Q: What was campus like then compared to now?

A: Oh, it’s not even the same. I hardly recognize the campus anymore. It wasn’t nearly as big when I went there. There are several new buildings, and I don’t think the building I had my classes in is there anymore. The shops I used aren’t there anyways.

Q: Did you encourage your kids to go to UVU?

A: I don’t think I encouraged any of them to go to UVU specifically. It’s close and affordable, so that’s good. I didn’t specifically encourage them to choose UVU though, I just encouraged them to get a good education. It was their decision where they chose to go.

 

Kyle Halvorson

Q: Why did you choose to go to UVU?

A: I was introduced to what was then Utah Valley State College (UVSC) when I was in high school. I participated in the Sterling Scholar program and won at the school level, making me eligible for a tuition scholarship from UVSC. They invited me over for a banquet dinner, and that’s what drew me there initially. It was close which was nice. It really made sense to go to UVSC. I went into business and entrepreneurship, which is what I chose to study when I came home from my mission.

Q: What was your experience like at UVSC/UVU?

A: I did mostly early morning classes or evening classes depending on what was available. I was able to grow a business while in school, and I used the stuff I was learning — which is great. I thought that was all I was going to do with my life so I didn’t think I would go back for my MBA, and I told everybody that. Things changed and I left the business I had been working on, so I decided to go back to get the MBA, and become more marketable.

Q: What has your experience been like in the MBA?

A: The engagement program has created a lot of the same experiences, but at a much higher level. It’s much more applicable. It honestly adds a big value to my career. The MBA has a great placement program, so I hope to get into a career pretty soon.

Q: What’s the best part about the MBA program?

A: The best experience has been the connections made with team members that I work with every day. There are people from different industries with different backgrounds, and it’s great to be able to connect and learn from them. Everybody is at different points in their career, and it’s great to take that experience and knowledge from everybody there. I also love the community outreach with the clients we work with. Doing consulting projects and getting exposure with local companies has been a great experience.

 Q: What do you want to do after your MBA?

A: I really want to do something in customer experience management or product development, or even data management and market research. I listened to Jeremy Andrus in the lecture series, and [Traeger] would be a phenomenal company to work for and learn from.

Q: What do you feel is the best part about UVU?

A: The professors. A lot of my professors, especially in the business program, have been adjunct professors. The guys that have gone out and been successful and done this stuff, they’re willing to come and make a lot less money than they could doing anything else just to share that information, and those are the guys to pay attention to. Being able to learn from those guys, talk to those guys, pick their brain, and get their opinion on things is well worth the time spent in class.

Q: Would you encourage your kids to go to UVU?

A: Absolutely! If we’re still around, I’d definitely encourage that. My wife started her undergraduate at UVU and then moved to the [University of Utah] out of necessity, but both of us have enjoyed our time at UVU and would have no hesitation with that. UVU is definitely a great place with diversity and a lot of opportunity. I enjoyed my time at UVU. You get out of it what you put into it, and it’s a great school. It’s certainly not the only choice, but it’s my choice and my preference.

 

A big thank you to the Halvorsons for doing this interview and sharing their experiences at this university. The Halvorsons time here spans three name and mission changes. Their fields of study embody the dual-mission model of UVU.

If you are a generational UVU family, or know of someone that is who has a story to share, please email [email protected].