A. Ray Olpin University Union

Asante Creek-McWane is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Throughout her undergraduate career, Asante was involved with the Bennion Center, Housing and Residential Education, Writing Center, and the Union Programming Council. As an out of state student living on campus, Asante considers all of campus her home and the friends she has made through her involvements as her family. Asante’s next career move is pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education to make the world a safer, more inclusive, more thoughtful place for those younger than her.

Asante’s advice to incoming students: Change is hard and difficult, but with change comes growth and growth is beautiful. We aren’t meant to know everything and make the right move every time. You are young, you are learning, and you are exactly where you need to be at this point in time. Try everything once, even if you don’t think it’s for you. And finally: please eat more vegetables!

Branden Dalley is graduating with a PhD in Education Leadership and Policy. Branden started working at the Union as an Associate Director for Operations 15 years ago, and has also added the responsibility of Director of Development to his plate six years ago. His favorite memory at the Union was the very first Union Scholarships fundraising event 11 years ago. Although it snowed very much, Brande says every single person who RSVP’d showed up and asked immediately when the next one would be. At the University of Utah, Branden cherishes being a mentor and manager to students he works with. As a doctor now, Branden plans to continue working in the Union to build community on campus and improve campus for future students. He would like to continue his research on how financial literacy impacts different college populations and ameliorate the associated issues.

Branden’s advice to incoming students: Don’t take shortcuts, respect and enjoy the process of earning a degree. Never again will you engage in this type of intense and intentional learning. The learning and self-growth that can be achieved throughout this process has the potential to positively impact your paradigm for the rest of your life. It will change you for the better and that is invaluable.

Ezri Staheli is graduating with a dual Bachelor of Science in Parks, Rec, and Tourism and a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Ezri has been working for the Union since July 2018, where she first started as a Services Desk Information specialist. Currently, Ezri is the Assistant Marketing Specialist, which she has been doing for the last two years. In her time at the U, she has been involved in Student Media, the One Love Ski and Snowboarding Club, the ASUU Campus Events Board, Recreation and Parks Society, as an Orientation Leader in the Office of Orientation & Transition, and the University of Utah Athletics. Ezri found her home and community on campus at the University of Utah Athletics, where she interned in the Marketing Department for the past few years, After graduation, Ezri will be a Graduate Assistant in the Marketing Department at Boise State University Athletics working towards her Master’s Degree in Athletic Leadership!

Ezri’s advice to incoming students: Make the MOST of every opportunity you’re given and find the one or two that you’re really passionate about. Internships are super helpful once you’ve figured out what that passion is and are one of the best ways to learn and grow – or at least that’s what I’ve seen over the span of my career at the U.

Makena Chatlin is graduating with a Bachelor’s in Marketing and a minor in Art Technology. Makena has worked as a Services Desk Information Specialist for the past three years. As a college student, Makena was involved with Business Scholars, CEA Study Abroad, a writer for Her Campus, and Social Media Chair for Choice Humanitarian Salt Lake City. After graduation, Makens wants to take time to travel and learn as much as she can about what makes her feel happy and fulfilled.

Paige Martinez will be graduating with her Bachelor’s in Health Promotion and Education with a minor in nutrition. Paige has been volunteering at the Feed U Food Pantry since her freshman year, and is currently the Associate Director of the Feed U Food Pantry. He favorite memory at the Union was when Emily, Jackie, and herself had to compost the humorous amount of iceberg lettuce taking over the pantry fridge. It was a fun bonding experience with her board sharing many laughs! For Paige, her time at the Feed U Pantry was really valuable and helped her discover her passion for fighting food insecurity and hunger. Additionally, Paige was involved with the UUCCN. The program helped her develop my communication skills and gave her opportunities to teach high schoolers about nutrition and behavior change. After graduation, Paige plans to attend the Coordinated Master’s Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Utah. In two years, her dream of becoming a registered dietitian will become a reality! As an RD, she hopes to empower future clients and address food insecurity in her community.

Paige’s advice to incoming students: Put yourselves out there. Go out of your way to meet new people and make new connections. Personally, some of the highlights of my college experience have been the lifelong friendships I have fostered at the U. I met my best friend Cam in biology class simply by asking her when the homework was due. College gives you so many opportunities to meet amazing people, so take advantage of them!