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 [...]
A new scholarship is bringing HOPE to low-and-moderate income, first-generation students in Salt Lake City. The HOPE scholarship, which stands for Helping Our People Excel, was announced Friday as a private-public collaboration between Salt Lake City, the Semnani Family Foundation and the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business. The Eccles School and the Foundation have jointly seeded the scholarship fund with $150,000. [...]
More than 95 David Eccles School Business Opportunity Scholars recently came together for their Annual Leadership Retreat. This year's retreat, designed to allow students to explore their identities and strengthen their leadership skills, took place at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch in southern Utah. Led by program directors Rich Kaufusi and Latu Kinikini, the theme for this year was "Reflect, Recharge, Refocus." Students attended several [...]
On Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, Opportunity Scholars from the David Eccles School of Business partnered with more than 150 community members to clean and ready Redwood Elementary School for the year. Fellow participants included elementary teachers, the West Valley City Council, and Eccles School Academic Advisors and Business Career Coaches. Service is an integral part of the Opportunity Scholars program that helps students [...]
This July, Opportunity Scholars from the David Eccles School of Business traveled to Hawaii to experience the all the Aloha State has to offer. After landing in Oahu, students participated in a Maunawila Heiau Service Project, sampled shaved ice at the "Pineapple Experience" on the Dole Plantation, toured Pearl Harbor, and hiked the Waimea Valley. They finished up their experience with the "Secret Island [...]
Opportunity Scholars at the David Eccles School of Business recently held their Annual Luau to honor graduating seniors and celebrate another successful year. Families, advisory board members, donors, faculty, and Eccles School staff gathered for the celebration. Several students spoke of their educational journey, expressing gratitude for all the help they received along the way. The evening highlighted the full-circle support Opportunity Scholars embraces [...]