Blackout Banquet Recap: Community Impact and New Opportunities
On October 17, 2024, Student Affairs was a Table sponsor for the Blackout Banquet hosted by HearSee Mobility, a St. George-based non-profit. HearSee is dedicated to improving mobility for the visually impaired with their innovative guide cane that uses Bluetooth and RFID technology.
The event was held at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, with a candle-lit ballroom featuring a stunning shark tank as the backdrop. Attendees enjoyed a three-course meal in a low-light dining experience, took selfies with various sea animals, and participated in a silent auction showcasing abstract paintings by blind and low-vision artists.
Student Affairs representatives from several departments, including the Center for Disability & Access (CDA), Campus Wellness, and Financial Wellness, Student Health Center, and the AVP office were there to support and connect with the community. “It was an inspiring night to be part of,” said Sherrá Watkins, AVP for Student Health and Wellness. “Collaborating with organizations like HearSee reminds us why we’re committed to expanding access and opportunities for everyone on our campus.”
Exciting updates were also shared: Being led by HearSee, Student Affairs advanced to the next round of a government grant in partnership with CDA, which could enhance services for students, and offer them the chance to use HearSee’s technology on campus. Additionally, a collaborative proposal from the University’s health and wellness departments to present at the NASPA Strategies conference was successfully accepted.
For any questions, please email swatkins@sa.utah.edu.
Click here to see a gallery of photos of the event.