Trailblazer Awards
has been a traditional part of student life on our campus since the 1950’s, and the ceremony recognizes the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, community members, and businesses who have been extraordinary in their commitment to the institution and our students. A semi-formal event in a style similar to the Academy Awards, this annual ceremony recognizes the best and brightest at the University and the awards are considered some of the most prestigious offered on our campus. At the conclusion of each academic year, Utah Tech University is pleased to host the annual ceremony to honor and celebrate individuals for their accomplishments in support of the institution across many categories and disciplines.
The awards ceremony
itself has a long and storied history. Although originally called “Rebel Awards”, then “Dixie Awards” and finally “Trailblazer Awards” – the intent has always been the same, to recognize and honor greatness through categories that have been around for decades. The initial planning process begins in fall semester of each year, with a committee consisting of administration, faculty, staff, and students. Finalist selection is an intense process which considers what was submitted in the original nomination form, as well as through private interviews and even a personal performance for some categories. Full judging details can be found below.
Nominations
remain open for a minimum of one full month and may be submitted by anyone. Only one nomination is needed to qualify an individual for consideration within a category. However, to be fully considered, all nominations should include the requested information so that the nominee can be contacted for a personal interview if necessary. The nomination period opens at the beginning of each spring semester, and for decades the actual Award Ceremony was traditionally held the evening prior to commencement each spring, but beginning in 2023 it has been included as part of the annual “D-Week Celebration” in April.
Student Award Winners
Student of the Year
- 2024 – Nikki Trush
- 2023 – Corey Gardner
- 2022 – Morgan Olson
- 2021 – Riley Randall and Leonardo Lupiano
- 2020 – Kaylyn Fulton and John Gremillion
- 2019 – Wing Yin Jane Lo and Cajun Syrett
- 2018 – Hillary Beecher and Brandon Simister
- 2017 – Sarah Ramaker and Anthony Cirrito
- 2016 – Keshara Bjorkman and Dillon McKinney
- 2015 – Megan Church and Mikey Nelson
- 2014 – Jordyn Hanevold and Brandon Price
- 2013 – Samantha Warnick and Brody Mikesell
Entertainer of the Year
- 2024 – George Wells
- 2023 – Courtnee Ramos
- 2022 – James David
- 2021 – Jessica Carrozza
- 2020 – Grace Palfreyman
- 2019 – Jaidyn Harris
- 2018 – Olga Ivanenko
- 2017 – Cajun Syrett
- 2016 – Matt Setoki
- 2015 – Sarah Ramaker
- 2014 – Sarah Ramaker
- 2013 – Karman Wilson
Personality of the Year
- 2024 – Nicholas Fajardo
- 2023 – Courtnee Ramos
- 2022 – James David
- 2021 – Jessica Carrozza
- 2020 – Grace Palfreyman
- 2019 – Jaidyn Harris
- 2018 – Olga Ivanenko
- 2017 – Cajun Syrett
- 2016 – Matt Setoki
- 2015 – Sarah Ramaker
- 2014 – Sarah Ramaker
- 2013 – Karman Wilson
Club of the Year
- 2024 – Birds Aren’t Real
- 2023 – Birds Aren’t Real
- 2022 – Pickleball Club
- 2021 – Turning Point USA
- 2020 – National Association – Mental Illness (NAMI on Campus)
- 2019 – American Medical Women’s Association
- 2018 – Pacific Islander Student Association – (PISA)
- 2017 – Rural Health Scholars
- 2016 – Hispanic Students Association
- 2015 – Gay/Straight Alliance
- 2014 – Sigma Tau Delta
- 2013 – Utah Tech Serves
Stafford Student Involvement Award
- 2024 – Sam New
- 2023 – Benji Welch
- 2022 – Tamano Yamanaka
- 2021 – Deven Osborne
- 2020 – Valerie De La O
- 2019 – August Barlow
- 2018 – Stanley Rosander
- 2017 – Jess Dages
- 2016 – Morgan Kirk
- 2015 – Kristian Johnson
- 2014 – Lacy Culpepper
- 2013 – Morgan Kirk
The Grit Award
- 2024 – Amairani Bucio
- 2023 – Lillianna Rogers
- 2022 – Gerado Vargas-Zuniga
- 2021 – Felicity Tarr
- 2020 – Jose Toral-Martinez
- 2019 – Felicia Morris
- 2018 – Brooke Garceau
- 2017 – James Stone
- 2016 – Robin Harter
- 2015 – Alex Lambson
- 2014 – Maria Bonny
- 2013 – Joshua Walker
Distinguished Faculty
Distinguished Professor Award
Distinguished Teaching Award
Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Research Award
Distinguished Instructor Award
Faculty Excellence
Excellence in Online Teaching
Excellence in Active Teaching
Excellence in Service Learning
Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring
Staff Awards
Part Time Staff of the Year – Rising Star
Part Time Staff of the Year
Staff of the Year – Rising Sta
Staff of the Year
Community/General Awards
Community Partners of the Year
- 2024 – Black Desert Resort, Neighborhood Connection, Tech Ridge, TruAudio, Utah Food Bank
- 2023 – Encircle, Lin’s Grocery, Star Sign and VCBO Architectures
- 2022 – Be More Complex, Bishop’s Storehouse, Intergalactic, Vasion, Zonos
Family of the Year
- 2024 – The Bonner Family