In celebration of the historic success of Imagine New Heights: The Campaign for the University of Utah, work crews are erecting a large special events tent in the green space that is the heart of Presidents Circle.
The tent will host a week of festivities associated with the campaign and graduation, produced by the office of advancement as well as several colleges and departments during Commencement and convocation exercises. In between events, it will also serve as an open house space with coffee and soda for students and families to take a break, explore the U, and gather informally.
Two of the major events to be held in the temporary structure are scheduled the evenings of Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30. University Advancement will be hosting the closing celebration event of the Imagine New Heights capital campaign. The nine-year fundraising effort focused on supporting students; recruiting and retaining faculty; and promoting groundbreaking research innovation and collaboration had a goal of raising $2 billion.
“A lot has changed since we started this journey. We have been through a great deal together, including a global pandemic,” said Heidi Woodbury, vice president for institutional advancement, on U Giving Day. “Yet the outpouring of support never wavered—and has exceeded all our expectations. It is a testament to our people and the passion they have for the U.”
The nine–year Imagine New Heights campaign broke fundraising records. To celebrate, we are hosting Light the Circle, an event that honors the University of Utah community.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and campus neighbors are invited to bring their family and friends for food trucks*, an immersive experience and a night to remember.
What: Light the Circle
When: Sunday, April 30 | 7–9 p.m.
Where: Presidents Circle
RSVP: loveu.squarespace.com/celebration
*The first 200 students will receive food vouchers.
PARKING:
- April 19-May 6 | Limited parking around the circle due to construction equipment and staging.
- April 28-30 | Full closure of the circle, no parking or through traffic.
- Daycare | Parents with childcare needs will still be able to drop-off and pick-up children during normal business hours.
- Kingsbury event | Parking for some Kingsbury shows will be impacted but special accommodations will be made for drop-off and pick-up for patrons.
TRANSPORTATION:
- Walking path signage with be in place Monday, April 24.
- Campus Shuttles will be rerouted out of Presidents Circle during the closure.
BUILDINGS IMPACTED:
- Crocker Science
- Stewart
- Life Sciences
- Biology
- Emery
- Talmage
- Park
- Cowles
- Widtsoe
- Fletcher Physics
- South Physics
- Kingsbury
- Gardner
Removal of the tent will begin May 6 and conclude by end of day on May 11. Traffic and parking in the circle will return to normal throughout the removal process.