Utah Valley University Receives Historic Donation of $35 Million from Rich and Marla Linder

Utah Valley University’s Revolutionary $35 Million Gift

In a historic moment for Utah Valley University (UVU), the institution has announced the receipt of a groundbreaking $35 million donation from Rich and Marla Linder. This remarkable contribution marks the largest single gift in UVU's history and aims to foster growth in health, innovation, and national security through the establishment of vital new facilities and programs.

Located in Orem, Utah, UVU has long been committed to making high-quality education accessible and affordable. With this substantial donation, the university is set to enhance its commitment further, particularly focusing on health services and community resilience. The funding will primarily go toward developing the Xenter Building and the Orrin Hatch Center for National Security Studies, which will play crucial roles in shaping the academic and ethical landscape of the university.

The Xenter Building will be the central hub of the College of Health and Public Service. It aims to become a flagship facility on UVU's Vineyard Campus, hosting advanced technologies, collaborative spaces, and applied healthcare education methodologies. Rich Linder, the founder and CEO of Xenter, expressed a shared belief with UVU. He sees education as a powerful catalyst for innovation and community wellbeing. As he stated, “We share UVU's commitment to improving lives through technology, data and collaboration.”

This state-of-the-art infrastructure will empower students in nursing, public health, behavioral health, and physician assistant programs. Equipped with cutting-edge simulation labs and innovative AI systems, students will be prepared to deliver coordinated patient care and contribute significantly to the healthcare sector.

Additionally, the Orrin Hatch Center for National Security Studies will address pressing global and national challenges in cybersecurity, intelligence, and emergency preparedness. The new center is poised to enhance Utah’s ability to protect critical systems and communities, training the next generation of leaders in defense and diplomacy. As noted by UVU's President, Astrid S. Tuminez, “Students studying national security will be better equipped to lead in defense, diplomacy, and cybersecurity.”

This historic investment is set against a backdrop of UVU’s ongoing growth and dedication to sustainability. The Vineyard campus encompasses over 225 acres of untapped potential, aiming to create mixed-use developments with ample green spaces that provide environmental benefits and direct public transit access. The vision for the campus is not only one of academic advancement but also of community integration and ecological responsibility.

Marla Linder, alongside her husband Rich, has displayed remarkable philanthropy, empowering future generations with opportunities that extend beyond academia. Their contributions signify a valuable partnership with UVU, enhancing the mission to help students succeed through practical, real-world experiences and skills development.

In conclusion, this $35 million donation represents a pivotal moment for Utah Valley University, setting a new precedent in educational funding and community health initiatives. The commitment will not only accelerate the growth of health and public service programs but also strengthen national security preparedness, reflecting the university's strong commitment to adjusting to the evolving landscape of higher education and societal needs. With this transformative donation, UVU is poised to become a beacon of learning, technology, and innovation for years to come.

About Utah Valley University: Utah Valley University believes everyone deserves access to high-quality education that is both affordable and flexible. With a range of programs from certificates to master’s degrees, UVU prepares students for real-world challenges, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to society.

This article highlights the significance of philanthropic involvement in educational institutions and the broader implications of such funding on community development and national security.

For more details about UVU and its programs, visit the university’s official website.