UVU acquires Ashton family cabin near Sundance resort for learning, training and events
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- Utah Valley University’s cabin in Sundance is pictured Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
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- The interior of Utah Valley University’s cabin in Sundance is shown Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
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- The outside of Utah Valley University’s cabin in Sundance is shown Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
Utah Valley University is expanding its presence in Utah County into the scenic views of Provo Canyon.
UVU recently secured a 4.6-acre property near Sundance Mountain Resort that includes an 18,415-square-foot lodge owned by philanthropists Alan and Karen Ashton, which will soon be named in their honor, the university announced in a press release issued Wednesday.
UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez, who first broke the news about the acquisition during the annual State of the University address last week, said the site will be used for leadership training, retreats, donor events and unique teaching moments.
“This unique and beautiful space will elevate UVU students, faculty, staff, and supporters for decades to come,” said Tuminez as part of the release. “We want every person who walks through the door to say, ‘I am worthy of my dreams. I am worthy to learn. I am worthy to do more and serve better.’ I thank the Ashton family for their vision, generosity, and belief in UVU.”
The Ashtons, who donated the property currently known as Bear Wallow, said it’s been in their family for more than three decades and they are happy to see it will be used for the good of local education.
“It has been the source of inspiration for us over and over again. We celebrate the opportunity to join with UVU to bless the lives of young people in our community,” the couple said in the release.
The lodge will be named the Alan C. and Karen Ashton Center for Leadership and Inspiration in recognition of the Ashtons’ continued support of UVU and in acknowledgment of the couple’s business and cultural leadership in the community, according to university officials.
Mimi Barney, UVU student body president, said having the added resource will help foster elevated skill sets for students.
“How exciting is it to be a part of a university that is continuing to grow! There is no doubt that students will be able to bring their own talents and leave with more skill,” she said in the release.
UVU says with the lodge’s long association with the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, which was founded by Karen Ashton in 1989, the university will continue to offer its use to event organizers each fall.
UVU’s Department of Theatrical Arts for Stage & Screen also will use the facility to build on its partnership with Sundance Summer Theatre, which provides students with real-world experience in acting, stage management, design and other technical roles.
“A UVU presence at Sundance will allow us to foster the relationship we already have with the resort, which means more opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage while enjoying the beautiful landscapes,” said Wioleta Fedeczko, UVU Faculty Senate president, in the release.
The facility will need some upgrades to meet federal disability standards and other requirements and is anticipated to be ready for occupancy later this year.
