With the gift, the university has announced the launch of EverGREEN, a fundraising campaign that it hopes will advance, expand and increase the impact of a degree from the university on the world.

“EverGREEN, UVU’s inaugural comprehensive campaign, will help us raise the funds needed to support students, enhance engaged learning opportunities, and ensure that all students leave UVU ready for the workforce and more confident to navigate life,” Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez, president of UVU, said in a press release.

According to Tuminez, EverGREEN will help to establish a financial foundation for UVU’s ongoing growth and future needs and build a multigenerational legacy. Fundraising efforts will be focused on three of the university’s key strategies from its Vision 2030: Include, Engage and Achieve.

“At UVU, we believe that everyone from all walks of life deserves the transformative benefits of a high-quality education,” Tuminez said. “We want to ensure that students who come to us develop a sense of belonging and experience UVU as ‘A Place for You.'”

The EverGREEN campaign has a total goal of $350 million. As of Monday, more than half of the funds needed the meet that goal had been raised.

“EverGREEN is a truly (historic) moment for Utah Valley University,” Kyle Reyes, vice president of institutional advancement and CEO of the UVU Foundation, said in a press release. “UVU’s mission is to provide students with educational opportunities, an enriching learning environment for growth, and accelerated paths to achieve their goals. I invite all to join us in this effort to provide even more transformational education experiences for UVU students as they prepare to meaningfully impact the world for generations to come.”

The quiet phase of the EverGREEN campaign began in January 2018. In addition to $28.5 million from UCCU, other key gifts that were made during this time included:

• $25 million from Scott M. and Karen Smith for the Scott M. Smith Engineering and Technology Building.
• $17.7 million from dōTERRA for campuswide initiatives.
• $10 million from Keller Investment Properties for the Scott C. and Karen Keller Building, which houses the Woodbury School of Business.
• $5 million from Brandon D. Fugal for the Fugal Gateway Building.
• $4.5 million from Young Living Essential Oils for the Young Living Alumni Center.