Our History
BYU has been a strong United Way partner for nearly 60 years. We have always had amazing support through donations, volunteers, expertise, research, events, and advocacy. We focus on helping children and youth in Utah County with their early education, social and emotional health, and financial stability. Our partnership with BYU gives us the ability to do more, reach more people, and have a greater impact in our efforts.
The history of United Way of Utah County and Brigham Young University's partnership goes back to 1963, when Ben E. Lewis, executive vice president of BYU, helped start the local United Way. Lewis worked under the direction of Ernest L. Wilkinson, BYU president, and in partnership with many other community leaders, including Wilson Sorensen, president of the Utah Trade Technical Institute, which would become Utah Valley University.
Since then, many administrators, faculty and other campus leaders have served on the United Way Board of Directors and other committees and helped guide and grow United Way and its ability to serve the community. Many other faculty and staff have shared their expertise and research in helping to address local community issues. BYU volunteers support United Way programs through many hours of service and help these programs make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families. And donations from BYU employees help sustain United Way's efforts in long-term solutions in education, health and income.
History in the Making
- Ryan Nixon, associate professor of science education at Brigham Young University, has been volunteering at United Way’s South Franklin Community Center for over a year. Alongside volunteers from the Gail Halvorsen Foundation, Ryan helped develop a curriculum and teaches STEM lessons to children at the community center.
- When Ryan was asked what is the most rewarding part of volunteering he said, “hearing little kids be able to explain how gliders go through the air to an adult is actually pretty impressive, and the fact that they come and they learn that and then they learn more principles and just keep adding to their little toolbox of knowledge is awesome, and I don’t think any other place around really does that for them.” - Ryan Nixon, associate professor of science education
- “My favorite part is seeing them perform. It always inspires me to see the support of their families and their community, and it reminds me to never take for granted the chance I have to work with these kids. Being a part of this program has deepened my love and appreciation for music in a way that I don’t think I could experience any other way.” Ethan Hardy, BYU Student who volunteers at United Way’s South Franklin
- “My involvement with United Way started when students in one of my classes did a semester-long project on an issue important to them. United Way has made an impact on me because they provide meaningful opportunities for my students to apply skills they are learning in the classroom to important community issues. I also love that United Way is addressing important issues to Utah County such as children’s resilience, poverty, and education.
- "A United Way Agency that is close to my heart is Community Action Services and Food Bank because I serve on their Board of Directors and love their focus on addressing social determinants of health such as poverty and family issues” - Ali Crandall, Public Health assistant professor
The following documents show our history with United Way of Utah County.
