Sincerely, Lori: Reflecting on 175 years of discovery, growth, and transformation
As we approach Founders Day and celebrate the University of Utah’s 175th anniversary,
I want to take a
moment to reflect on what this milestone means—not just for our institution, but for
each of us who are
dedicated to supporting students.
For 175 years, the U has been a place of discovery, growth, and transformation. Founders
Day is more
than a celebration of our past—it’s a reflection on how change has shaped who we are
and where we
are going.
When I first stepped onto campus in 1990 as an undergraduate, I had no idea how much
the University
of Utah—and my own life—would change. I remember feeling both excited and overwhelmed
as I
settled into Van Cott Hall, a residence hall that once stood where the McCarthey Family
Track & Field
Complex is today.
Things were different back then. We didn’t have cell phones, so my roommate and I
had to figure out
who would chip in for the answering machine tapes. Tuition was paid with checks, and
textbooks were
heavy, physical copies. Registering for classes meant flipping through a course catalog
and dialing in
numerical codes over the phone to add the section you wanted —signing up for one class
at a time.
Needless to say, I don’t miss those hassles, and I’m glad they’re a thing of the past.
But what I truly
appreciate is how the university has always embraced change—big or small—to improve
the student
experience. And that commitment has made a real difference.
As a staff member for over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how
our leadership
continuously works to improve and adapt student services and resources to meet evolving
needs. Many
decades ago, student support looked very different—the university didn’t even have
a Student Affairs
division as we know it today. Instead, a Dean of Men and a Dean of Women oversaw student
life outside
academics. As student needs grew, this role evolved, and in 1989, the position of
Vice President for
Student Affairs was created, ensuring student support remained a key priority at the
university level.
Since stepping into this role, I have seen significant change in a short amount of
time. The pandemic
disrupted the traditional student experience, and legislative decisions have required
us to rethink the
way we serve students. While change can be difficult, it also drives innovation, inspiring
us to create
solutions that make our campus better for students. This evolution has opened the
door to remarkable opportunities—from hosting the Olympics to breakthrough research
to producing exceptional alumni. But progress doesn’t happen overnight—it takes all
of us working together to move forward.
As we celebrate 175 years of transformation, I encourage you to take pride in your
role in shaping what
comes next. The work you do matters. Whether you’re helping a student navigate resources,
find their
community, or develop leadership skills, you are part of the ongoing story of the
U.
Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to our students and our university.
This
milestone belongs to all of us.
Sincerely,
Lori McDonald, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs