Union NewsletterVolume 3, 2014

Derrin Creek painted an American flag mural for the entry way to the new Veterans Support Center.

The new and improved Veterans Support Center The Veterans Support Center (VSC) has found a new home in the Union Building! The VSC first opened on May 27, 2011, on the first floor of the Union. Over time, the VSC has grown and now serves 914 (identified) students who have been or currently are a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard (active or reserve), or National Guard of any state. VSC services include education planning, housing options, work-study employment, career advice, counseling, tutoring, social activities, group events, and more. Due to the increased number of student vets being served, the VSC decided that their previous location was not enabling them to serve their students to their fullest ability. Their students needed a space they could call their own. The VSC, Vice President Barb Snyder, and Associate Vice President Jerry Basford requested funding to move the center to

a larger location. Funding was approved in April 2013 and shortly thereafter a location was found on the 4th floor of the Union Building. Their new location has provided them a larger lounge area and space for a bigger computer lab as well as added representatives from the library, counseling, University College, and Window 10 (GI Bill) that will be starting this spring semester. Student vets are also encouraged to get involved with the VSC in support of other veterans. In celebration of the new and improved Veteran Support Center, an open house was held on January 14th.

Feel free to check out their website at veteranscenter.utah.edu or their Facebook page atfacebook.com/uvets.

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UNIVERSIT Y UNION

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

Union UpdatesWhit, Union Director Meet the new Dean of Students: Lori McDonald

Q & A With 2013 Student Employee of the Year: Amber Brady

Thank you for taking the time to look over our newsletter. I am always excited to share some of the wonderful things going on in the Union. Over the last year we have made a great deal of progress in renovating spaces to better serve our community. In this year’s newsletter you will find information on the new Veterans Support Center, as well as the International Center and Women’s Resource Center. These are just three of the offices housed in the Union that are doing outstanding work. You will also find information on our scholarship event this spring. This event has grown more and more each year. Because of its success, we have been able to increase the award amount to $2,000. This allows us to help two students, involved with the Union in leadership positions, by assisting them in their educational finances as well as recognizing them for their outstanding work. We would not be able to do this without support from each of you! The Union is known as the place on campus to relax, eat, and socialize. This newsletter will show that we serve as a community center and much more! Please pass this along to your staff and especially your students. Enjoy this year’s 2014 Union Newsletter, and GO UTES!

Lori accepted the Dean of Students position on October 16, 2013. She is a graduate of the U with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and became the Associate Dean of Students in September 2007. She holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Ohio State University and is currently pursuing a PhD in the department of Educational Leadership and Policy at the U. Lori is responsible for coordinating the Student Conduct Administration for the office and

is also adviser to the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU), the student government. She serves as the Scholarships and Awards Coordinator for Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Q: What is your major? Year in school?A: I am a junior studying Health Society and PolicyQ: Why did you choose to work for the Union?A: My sister worked here before me and really enjoyed it, and so I applied. I really like the environment here in the Union. The students, their involvement, and events in the building make it an exciting place to work.Q: Favorite memory working for the Union?A: My favorite memory is Halloween 2011. The Union Administration department had a

cowboy theme skit, and we dressed up and I was one of the main roles. It was really fun.Q: What are your plans after graduation?A: I would like to work for the University of Utah Health Care Hospital in the Care Unit, and I would like to travel.

Crimson Commons is a fun recreation area located on the first

floor of the Union. Enjoy bowling, billiards, Xbox gaming, table tennis, air hockey, foosball, and our newly renovated lounge area with four big screen TVs. Anyone is welcome to reserve our lanes, billiards tables, and Xbox Gaming Corner. To make reservations, call us at 801-581-7440 or visit our web page atunion.utah.edu/recreation

University Union Crimson Commons

Union ScholarshipUniversity Federal Credit Union Scholarship Dinner

“The Student Leader Scholarship has allowed me to grow even more as a leader and to focus on the things that I care about the most. This semester I have been able to work less and focus on being an RA and volunteer at Rose Park Elementary. I have been able to identify my passions and use my skills in math and computer science to improve my education.” - Kallie Bracken

“The Student Leader Scholarship meant a great deal to me because it has allowed me to cut back on work hours, be involved and engaged on campus. As a result of this honor, I was able to have the time to be a teaching assistant for the Anatomy course here at the University of Utah. I am so grateful to have been honored by this incredible award.” - Jamison Gordon

Kallie Bracken Jamison Gordon

Please join us on April 2nd for the 4th annual Student Leader Scholarship Dinner, hosted by the A. Ray Olpin Student Union and sponsored by the University Federal Credit Union, a strong supporter of the Union building. Over the past three years, funds raised at the Scholarship Dinner have provided financial assistance to six University of Utah student leaders who have contributed to the Union community by being strong student advocates and mentors. This year’s event will

be historic. Thanks to your participation in both the dinner and silent auction, we will be able to raise our final goal of $50,000. We invite all of our community members to join us once again to reach our endowment goal. This year’s fundraising event will include music, chef inspired cuisine, hundreds of silent auctions items, and a Conga line not to be missed! The event will be held in the Union Ballroom from 6-8 pm. The price will be $30 a ticket or $250 for a sponsored table of 8. To purchase tickets, please

contact Deanna Johnson at (801) 581-3734 or visit union.utah.edu/fundraising.html. If you cannot attend the dinner but would like to make a donation, visit union.utah.edu then click the “Give to the U” button to donate to the University Federal Credit Union Student Leader Scholarship Fund.

2013 Scholarship Recipients

Thank you,

for your continued support!

The Innovation Board strives to develop new and unique programs that have never been seen on campus before. This includes activities like a murder mystery, a pool party, and a crafting event. We have also focused on taking past events and putting a new spin on them to make them even better, like incorporating cooking demonstrations into the Feed U Corner. We look forward to collaborating with other boards and organizations to continue innovating into the new year!– Derek Deitsch, UPC Director of Innovation

The Union Programming Council (UPC) is a branch of the Union Board with the primary function of implementing a variety of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs at Union. Through its various committees, the Union Programming Council provides a number of leadership opportunities for students to get involved and play an active role in building campus life at the University of Utah. UPC works closely with the staff of the A. Ray Olpin University Union as well as the University of Utah Union Board in the fulfillment of the Union’s mission. As the community center of campus, the Union is a building where all students should feel comfortable and at home. Through our programs, we strive to make that possible. The Union Programming Council is without a doubt one of the most unique and established student organizations on campus. Comprised of six boards, each led by a dynamic student leader, as well as a Freshman Ambassador Board led by a dedicated UPC veteran, the Union

Programming Council brings exciting and innovative ideas to the University of Utah campus. This year, the Union Programming Council has been more effective than ever. With two successful Crimson Nights under our belts, as well as an array of other successful events including a Pinterest holiday crafting event, a knitting service project, and our annual Family Frightfest event, UPC is striving to

uphold our mission like never before. After a very successful fall semester, we are looking forward to an even better spring semester and to new programs to further enhance the college experience of students here at the U.

- Teresa Pond,UPC Executive Director

Union Programming Council UpdatesTeresa Pond, Union Programming Council Executive Director

Crimson Nights Innovation

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Crimson Nights prides itself on being the largest late-night party on the University of Utah campus and is even nationally recognized.

Crimson Nights happens twice a semester, each time with a different theme, but students can always count on a dance floor, free food, and a

wide variety of activities. Crimson Nights aims for every student to have a fun and enjoyable college experience. - Nelson Kent, UPC Director of Crimson Nights

The Community Service Board has had a wonderful semester organizing several successful programs here at the Union! Our Service Symposium event during Welcome Week was the largest in its history, including service organizations from both on and off campus. This symposium introduced non-profit organizations to campus, informing students of the many volunteer opportunities available throughout the community. We also

enjoyed putting on our annual Family Frightfest Halloween carnival and our Food for Finals event. The Community Service Board looks forward to developing new programs next semester that will be dedicated to giving back and serving the students of the University of Utah. Go Utes!

–Lacey Despain, UPC Director of Community Service

Union Programming Council Updates The Marketing board has had an exciting and busy year! With almost all board members new to the Union Programming Council, it has been a great learning experience for all. With one director and four amazing associate directors, together we have marketed over 10 events this semester via flyers, social media, games, and more. We can’t wait to see what the New Year has in store for us!- Silvia Potempa, UPC Directorof Marketing

The Development Board worked hard over the summer, helping to piece together the “Your Campus Life” publication in conjunction with the Union Administration Office. Throughout the fall, the Development Board has been working with other boards to secure sponsorships and donations for various events. We also focused our efforts on fundraising for the Union Student Leader Scholarship by

organizing several events, including a Development soccer game with Real Salt Lake, fundraising with CPK and Tonyburgers, and hosting a holiday crafting party alongside the Innovation Board. We are working hard organizing another crafting party, working with Park City Live, and

assisting in the planning of this spring’s Development Dinner. We are excited about our accomplishments thus far and are looking forward to this spring. - Nikhi Jamili, UPC Directorof Development

The Arts and Special Events board is dedicated to increasing awareness about the arts on campus as well as engaging students with artistic activities. Through gallery strolls, dance lessons, special celebrations, and other art projects, we not only want students to appreciate art but

make it themselves. Our main goal this year is putting together more events that double as interactive art pieces and building an artistic community.- Mary Neville, UPC Director of Arts and Special Events

Arts and Special Events

Community Service

Marketing

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Union UpdatesThe Women’s Resource Center - Go Girlz International Student

and Scholar Services

Pieces of History in the Union

The University of Utah’s Women’s Resource Center (WRC) was founded in 1971 by a group of female faculty, staff, and graduate students. The WRC plays a key role in various campus and community issues. The WRC seeks to be a primary resource for all women on campus. They offer U of U students, staff, and faculty scholarship and financial assistance, counseling for individuals and couples, volunteer opportunities, and access to support groups both on and off campus. One of their programs, Go Girlz, primarily targets minority, first generation, and economically disadvantaged female students in grades 6-12 in the Salt Lake City school district with the goal of exposure to the benefits of higher education. Go Girlz was developed in 2004 with the goal of designing an interactive curriculum to teach empowerment as the key to

academic success. A survey conducted of Go Girlz students this past year shows an increase in their school involvement, more confidence in their academic ability, and more certainty that they will attend college since participating in the program. Female college students serve as mentors and often share their experiences, such as personal choices and study habits they developed to prepare themselves for higher education. Go Girlz strives to break barriers that face young girls academically. “As of Fall 2013, we have graduated six Go Girlz from the University of Utah and have 27 former Go Girlz students currently enrolled here,” says Debra Daniels, Director of the Women’s Resource Center.

International Student and Scholar Services (formerly the International Center) has a new name and a new structure! The office now reports to the centralized Office for Global Engagement, under Chief Global Officer Michael Hardman and Deputy Chief Global Officer Sabine Klahr. The office, located in Union 410, still provides service to the U’s international students and visiting scholars, supporting just over 3,000 students during their time in Utah. In addition to advising, immigration compliance, International Orientation, and support for student clubs, ISS also offers programs to help international students and scholars integrate into the community. Visit the ISS website at internationalcenter.utah.edu for more information on the office and programs.

The Union’s collection of Utah artists’ original works is one of the largest in the state. In addition, it also contains original concert posters form artists who performed in the building, such as the Grateful Dead (who performed here in 1969). Throughout the years, commissioned works by artists such as Tony Rasmussen have been collected and put on display in the Union. The recently remodeled Student Lounge & Art Gallery on the second floor has been returned to its original use, displaying many of the fine works in the Union’s collection as well as student art and other exhibits. One such painting, “Boy Hunter,” was painted by Daniel

Bischoff Baxter in 1973. Dan was born July 7, 1948 in Ogden, Utah. He started painting at a young age under the instruction of Frank Erickson (1922-1989)

who was a Utah painter known for his impressionist landscape oil paintings. Baxter graduated from the University of Utah in 1973 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and he then went on to complete his formal education at the National Academy of Art and the Art Students League in New York City. During the 1970s, Baxter taught drawing and figure painting at the University of Utah for a couple of years and worked on commissions for clients in California. He won the grand prize at the Annual Desert News Art Show in 1975. Baxter’s successes continued through the years in New York, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.