The latest issue of University of Utah Magazine is hot off the presses. Check out some of the highlights.
Taking on student mental health
More and more young adults are struggling with mental health issues, leading to a growing need for support services. The U’s Huntsman Mental Health Institute, campus organizations, and community leaders are stepping up to provide crucial mental health lifelines for college and high school students.
College town magic
The U has long been known as a commuter school. But with new housing in recent years, that reputation is fading. Now, the university is embarking on plans to add 5,000 beds and build a campus city where students can live, learn, find community, and have a 24/7 college experience.
The ’rite stuff
In August 2022, thousands of Utahns heard the boom of a heavenly object breaking the sound barrier and falling to earth. What’s now known as the Great Salt Lake meteorite made its way to a U planetary scientist, giving him and the university a chance to learn what secrets of space this chunk of rock holds.
The U at the movies
Summer is movie time. In honor of the season, we’re resharing some University of Utah Magazine stories about U alums—like filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung, actor Claybourne Elder, and stunt performers Kristina Baskett and Andy Jones—who are making movie magic.
Shogofa Mahnaz Safi
“I am an Afghan refugee. I arrived in Utah in May 2022. My journey has been difficult, filled with uncertainty and fear. My heart aches every day for my parents and brother who remain in Afghanistan…. However, I have found some solace in the kindness of strangers, and joining the Zions Evening ESL Program at the U was a big part of that.”
Lighting up lung tumors
Diagnosing and treating lung cancer—the number one cancer killer in the U.S.—at the earliest stage improves five-year survival rates dramatically. But the smaller the tumor, the harder it is to biopsy or find during surgery. Now, a new tool at Huntsman Cancer Institute is making it a lot easier.
Pickleball pro
Callie Smith once swore she’d never pick up a pickleball paddle. But after getting crushed in her first match, the former U tennis player’s competitive spirit kicked in. Now she’s a pickleball pro. She talks about her love of the sport and shares some expert tips.
