Join Student Alumni Ambassador Brooke as she interviews UVU alumna, Amanda Kimball. As a first-generation student from a rural community, for Amanda, home meant safety and support while college meant cultural shifts and a shaky sense of belonging. Encouraged to give it one more try before moving home, she discovered leadership opportunities and newfound community through the music program, which changed her trajectory. She found that you should trust yourself and know you have something meaningful to offer. That purposeful growth comes from simply showing up and having the courage to intentionally move forward. 

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Larissa as she sits down with Myrna June Rodriguez Whittington, Senior Program Manager in Customer Success at NetDocuments. A first‑generation, multicultural, and non‑traditional student, Myrna reflects on how navigating college as a working parent helped her build the confidence to step into the tech industry. She shares how creativity and strategy shape the customer journeys she designs, the power of belonging, and why “failing fast” matters—whether you’re in the office or deep in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. 

Student Alumni Ambassador Nate connects with UVU alum and program manager of UVU’s Wellness Programs Kelly Henderson. She shares how a single internship launched her five‑year journey into UVU’s wellness world. From navigating stress management to building a network one small step at a time, Kelly reveals what it really takes to move from student to professional, and why staying curious can change everything.

Student Alumni Ambassador Mohamed sits down with UVU alum Oumar Traore for a look at the world of cybersecurity. From learning English through determination (and a little help from The Vampire Diaries) and finding his footing within UVU’s welcoming community, his story highlights perseverance. He also discusses the importance of taking opportunities and the impact of kindness—both received and given. His gratitude for scholarships and donors shaped his drive to keep moving forward and create opportunities for others, such as the nonprofit Seeds of Kati.    

Student Alumni Ambassador Shelby sits down with Maddie Heywood, Director of Event Operations at Thanksgiving Point, for an inside look at life in the events industry. Maddie, who proudly calls herself a “Manager of Chaos,” shares the mindset and skills that help her thrive in a fast‑paced field. After graduating during the uncertainty of 2020, she found her footing in hospitality by staying optimistic, embracing new opportunities, and leaning into her creativity. Her journey is a testament to resilience and resourcefulness in an ever‑changing industry. 

Meet the students from the 2025-2026 academic year. Each is on scholarship as a Student Alumni Ambassador, working with UVU's Office of Alumni Relations. They are the ones who found alumni to interview and decided what questions to ask and how the interviews should go. We are so proud of our Utah Valley University students!

Join us in January 2026 for our new season!

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Kaleah as she sits down with Kara H. North, personal injury attorney and partner at Moxie Law Group. Explore her unique UVU story and lessons learned as she opens up about the idea of evolving your definition of success through consistently setting goals. Kara advises alumni to stay authentically engaged with their alma mater to create beneficial experiences for the entire Wolverine community.

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Savannah as she interviews Emilee Henriquez, a 2019 Family Science graduate. Emilee is a passionate mental health advocate and founder of Therapy Friends. A former student-athlete turned transfer student, she made the bold decision to pivot and pursue new paths, leading her to Utah Valley University, where she was welcomed with open arms.  

As a first-generation college student, she found strength in the support of empathetic professors and the power of community. Her joy in helping others led her to become an active mentor on Wolverine Connect, where she helps students blaze trails in their own educational and professional journeys.

In this episode of the Forever Wolverines Podcast, Student Alumni Ambassador Vagner meets with UVU alum David Dekker '18. From switching majors to stepping into unexpected roles, David shares how mentorship, flexibility, and a willingness to fail shaped his journey from student to backend developer. He reminds listeners that you can do anything hard for two minutes. Tune in for real talk about career growth. 

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Callie as she interviews a 2015 alum who graduated in biotechnology: Dr. Brandon Davies. Dr. Davies discusses his love of research and teaching and the importance of mentorship. His UVU story is enhanced by professors, coaches, and peers who challenged him to think in new ways. This journey led him to his philosophy of ask "stupid" questions so that you can be true to yourself.

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