Earlier this month, the Opportunity Scholars Program at the David Eccles School of Business honored their Fall 2023 graduates with a Luau celebration. This much-anticipated event each semester brings together students, friends, families, and donors to recognize the incredible accomplishments of graduates. After receiving a certificate, graduation stole, and gift (a Cotopaxi bag), students spoke of their journey and gratitude to all those [...]
Students, staff, faculty, and mentors came together last month for the Opportunity Scholars Gratitude Luncheon. This annual event focuses on personal and professional growth, inspiring renewed vigor for scholars to pursue their dreams. Guest speaker and Olympic medalist Derek Parra discussed his journey as the first US Hispanic male to win a medal or gold medal at the Winter Olympics, sharing his five-step recipe [...]
Opportunity Scholars recently held its annual leadership retreat in Park City, UT. This year's theme centered around Kuleana, a Hawaiian value that translates to responsibility and privilege, and how reciprocity is key to successfully leading others. This focus on integrity in action is core to the Opportunity Scholars program, and the leadership retreat allows time for reflection, community, and building the leadership skills [...]
The Opportunity Scholars program at the David Eccles School of Business recognizes the crucial role that professional mentors play in the success of Eccles students. As such, they've developed a unique annual mentoring program that partners industry leaders with students. These mentors offer real-world perspectives, helping students navigate the complexities of the business world, make informed career choices, and develop essential skills. Earlier [...]
Students in the Opportunity Scholars program recently gave back to the local community by participating in the 15th Annual Craft Lake DIY Festival. This annual event featured more than 350 local artisans, vintage vendors, foodies, youth entrepreneurs, performers, and STEM exhibitors who attended and worked the festival. Students assisted artisans in setup and served as event coordinators. With this being their largest festival [...]
The Opportunity Scholars Program at the David Eccles School of Business honored its graduates with their annual Spring Luau. Friends, families, and donors gathered to celebrate with 40 graduating scholars. The evening began with a presentation of each graduate. After receiving their graduation stole, lei, certificate of completion, and an engraved leader briefcase, each student spoke about their college journey and expressed gratitude [...]
Over Spring Break, Opportunity Scholar’s Tourism and Hospitality class took twelve scholars to Oahu, Hawaii, to learn more about the industry through company visits and service projects. “This trip was such an amazing experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culture through the group activities and individual exploration,” said junior Janet Ramirez. “I not only got to learn about the community [...]
The Opportunity Scholars program at the David Eccles School of Business celebrated their Fall 2022 graduates during their end-of-semester luau. Graduates spoke about their educational journey, sharing advice with their peers, and gratitude for donors, mentors, and Program Director, Latu Kinikini. "It was a great experience getting to hear them talk about their journey through college and to celebrate their graduation," said Junior [...]
Opportunity Scholars recently had a chance to experience a leadership retreat at Zion Ponderosa Ranch. Reflecting the scholar's journeys, both educational and through their personal lives, this year's theme was "Rooted and Routed; We are here to stay." In addition to leadership workshops, students had the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities and bond with their peers. One day was dedicated to students [...]
Off The Rack focuses on creating a place and platform for creative student entrepreneurs, like founder Susma Gurung. The goal is to "provide young entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain exposure for their sustainable business or startup," says Gurung. Set up in a flea market format and located on the University of Utah campus, Off the Rack started with seven vendors in February of [...]
In partnership with Business Career Services, Opportunity Scholars recently launched a new mentorship program for scholars within the program. This program kicked off in October, bringing several employers to campus to connect with these first-generation students regarding their career journeys and experience. Part of the event featured speed networking, allowing mentors to rotate between tables of three to four students. As a result, [...]
The Opportunity Scholars Program at the David Eccles School of Business kicked off a new academic year with a service project. "Service is one of the core values for Opportunity Scholars," says Latu Kinikini, Opportunity Scholars associate director. "It is who we are. We are proud to be a part of the community and always strive to give back." This year, students partnered [...]
Opportunity Scholars gathered students, family, and mentors for a celebration of their Fall 2021 graduates. The evening started with an official presentation where each graduate was presented with a special stole, lei, and leather folder imprinted with the program logo. Graduates then spoke of their gratitude to the program and the donors who helped to make their education possible. There was a strong [...]
Opportunity Scholars at the David Eccles School of Business recently gathered with donors for their annual gratitude luncheon. Catered by Moki's Hawaiian Grill & Catering, students connected with each other and the generous donors who are so essential to their education and the program. After an introduction by program directors Rich Kaufusi and Latu Kinikini, student ambassadors tackled the topic of confidence through [...]
Over Fall Break, Opportunity Scholars at the David Eccles School of Business gathered at the Zion Ponderosa and Ranch Resort for a weekend leadership retreat. During this annual event, students have the opportunity to explore their potential, strengthen their leadership skills, build community, and recharge as they focus on their academic path. Reflecting this year's theme, Looking Back and Moving Forward, Latu Kinikini, [...]
The Opportunity Scholars Program is synonymous with service. Each semester, students come together to serve and support the community. Over the last year, they helped at the St. Vincent Dining Hall, Welfare Square Cannery (300+ hours of service in one day!), and the Utah Food Bank where they packed and distributed food to the local community. Below students reflect on what volunteering with [...]
Last week, the Opportunity Scholars program honored their 2020-21 graduates with a virtual Luau. The event gave students a chance to celebrate this important accomplishment with their families, faculty, staff, fellow students, and donors. The evening started with a welcome from program leaders Richard Kaufusi and Latu Kinikini, and a dance performance from student ambassador Haylie Heale. Graduates then spoke to those who [...]
Earlier this month, Opportunity Scholars held their semester luau to celebrate their 2020 Fall graduates. Always inspirational, this semester's virtual event featured remarks from the program director, Rich Kaufusi, and alum, Simeon Lawrence. Lawrence, who received his degree in Finance, shared his personal story with the group and encouraged students to align the practice of goal setting with being intentional. "Start with the [...]
“At the end of the day, people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou This quote highlights the overall theme of the Opportunity Scholars Annual Leadership Retreat. Held virtually earlier this month, the event brought in speakers and alumni Annie Leither, VP Sponsorships, Zions Bank, and Erumis Ureña, Executive Officer, U.S. Foreign [...]
Earlier this month, Opportunity Scholars held its Fall peer mentoring kick-off event. Peer-to-peer mentoring is an important aspect of the Opportunity Scholars experience. Seniors and juniors are paired with freshman and sophomore students to provide support and direction throughout the academic year. These supportive, coaching relationships are unique, as mentors know almost exactly what their new classmates are facing. After all, they've recently been [...]
The Opportunity Scholars program at the David Eccles School of Business works to establish a culture of service. "Not only does service address a significant need in the community," said Program Manager Latu Kinikini, "but it also enriches the educational experience for our scholars by bringing them together and giving back to the community." And the Opportunity Scholars certainly delivered during their Fall Semester [...]
The Office for Student Inclusion at the David Eccles School of Business recently launched the first episode of its student podcast. The Office for Student Inclusion Podcast highlights First Ascent and Opportunity Scholars alumni and their stories. This episode features First Ascent Scholar Eric Jara as he sits down for a friendly discussion with recent alum James Mordue. In this 30-minute podcast, Mordue [...]
Pride. Perseverance. Inspiration. Accomplishment. Gratitude. Hope. These are just a few of the words that attendees took away from this year's Opportunity Scholars Luau, a celebration of 2020 Spring and Summer graduates. And while the COVID-19 pandemic may have kept them physically apart, this tight-knit community exhibited a real sense of togetherness. Graduates joined via zoom to express gratitude to donors, faculty and [...]
Good food, good company, better connection. Opportunity Scholars recently took time to relax, catch-up, and connect with peers over lunch and a peer mentoring activity. Junior and senior Scholars took the lead for this session, which focused on teamwork, the college experience, and advice on selecting a major. Peer mentoring activities are valuable. Students have the chance to create and nurture long-term, positive relationships, [...]
Capping off the Fall Semester, Opportunity Scholars hosted a Luau to celebrate graduates, express gratitude, and inspire their diverse and hard-working community. Hosted by program directors Richard Kaufusi and Latu Kinikini, the evening gathered current scholars, graduates, families, and mentors for a delicious meal, entertainment, and an address from our new Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies Andrea Thomas. Each graduate spoke about their life [...]
