Eccles Newsroom | David Eccles School of Business

First Ascent Scholars kick-off the new year with a family BBQ

Lisa Collins2019-11-27T16:58:03-07:00September 20th, 2019|

Students, families, and mentors gathered to celebrate a new year over some mouth-watering food from Miss Essie's BBQ. "This event," says Program Director Victoria Cabal, "is a reminder that our students' families are an integral part of our community and their students' university experience." Representatives from Goldman Sachs were also in attendance, allowing students the opportunity to network. The First Ascent Scholars Program cultivates, [...]

Experience the river with our new First Ascent Scholars

Lisa Collins2023-03-16T18:16:57-06:00August 29th, 2019|

Last week, our new First Ascent Scholars traveled to the Gates of Lodore on the Green River. Students and leaders camped for three nights off the river, rafting throughout the day, and hiking to waterfalls and scenic lookouts. They saw eagles, big horn sheep, beavers and other animals as they bonded and built community. Group discussions centered around the book "The Social Change Model" [...]

First Ascent Scholars celebrates a superb school year, welcomes new students

Lisa Collins2019-11-27T16:57:41-07:00June 18th, 2019|

First Ascent Scholars celebrated their End-of-Year Celebration on Saturday, May 25. This was a big celebration where all the First Ascent Scholars got together with their friends, families, and mentors to celebrate the end of a successful school year and to welcome all the new scholars. So far, First Ascent has been able to graduate six scholars. Every year, the program admits 10-12 [...]

First Ascent Scholars travel to London

Lisa Collins2019-11-27T16:57:28-07:00June 5th, 2019|

During the first week of summer vacation, the First Ascent Scholars freshman cohort had the opportunity to travel to London. During their time in London, they were able to visit two companies: Instructure and Center Bridge. Along with visiting companies, the scholars enjoyed some of the common sights such as the London Eye, The British Library, The British Museum, Windsor Castle, and Parliament. The [...]

First graduate from First Ascent Scholars shares advice with students

Jerry Norton2019-11-27T16:57:16-07:00July 5th, 2018|

Kylie Moon is the first First Ascent Scholar to graduate from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business. At a recent dinner honor current and new First Ascent Scholars, she delivered this speech. In light of this annual celebration dinner, I want to start by saying congratulations to each scholar, new and old, here today. For those of you I haven’t had [...]

Jack Elizondo: 5 pieces of advice to help First Ascent Scholars succeed

Jerry Norton2019-11-27T16:57:04-07:00April 10th, 2018|

Being the first person in your family to graduate from college is definitely something to be proud of, but getting there can come with its own set of challenges. It's an experience well known to Jack Elizondo, who recently shared his experience with the First Ascent Scholars. Here are a few takeaways: Lean on your family, and get help where you can Elizondo's family [...]

First Ascent Scholars learn teamwork in Moab

Jerry Norton2019-11-27T16:56:50-07:00November 12th, 2015|

Editor’s Note: Victoria Cabal, director of the First Ascent Scholars program, talks about the group’s recent trip to Moab and what her students did in order to prepare for the adventure. First Ascent Scholars cultivates, encourages and enables academically focused students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to attend the Eccles School, connect with the University of Utah, local and global community, and reach their full [...]

First Ascent Scholars engage in Design Thinking Challenge

Jerry Norton2019-11-27T16:56:38-07:00September 29th, 2015|

First Ascent Scholars participated in a Design Thinking Challenge in collaboration with the Utah State Office of Education and the Stanford d.school during a week-long orientation just before school started. The challenge, held at the Snowbird ski resort, asked students to design the perfect backpack for their partner. Conducting empathizing interviews, students defined their user’s needs, brainstormed solutions and created unique prototypes to meet [...]