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, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs