The 2021 recipients of the University of Utah Beacons of Excellence Awards were honored at a virtual awards celebration on Thursday, Oct. 28, celebrating their unique contributions to positive change on campus.

The University of Utah’s Beacons of Excellence Awards was introduced in 2012 through a partnership between the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Division of Student Affairs. As part of the University’s campaign to transform the undergraduate experience, the goal of the award is to recognize and celebrate the outstanding people, programs or projects who have helped make the University a Beacon of Excellence through their commitment to providing an exceptional student education.

“This is really a chance for us to focus on and applaud those who work hard every day to make the university a better place to live and learn,” said Bryan Hubain, associate vice president of Student Development and Inclusion. “By recognizing change we want to see, we set a roadmap for our future progress and show our commitment to innovation and creating positive experiences for students.”

The 2021 theme “Beacons of Change" celebrated individuals and programs disrupting the status quo while creating positive change. Outstanding nominations were submitted from across campus, each worthy of the award. A selection committee of faculty, staff and administration led by Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Chase Hagood and Vice President for Student Affairs Lori McDonald recommended six recipients in 2021 for service inspiring and advancing change by raising awareness around marginalized students, creating institutional change and/or advancing racial justice across campus.