BYU NewsNet - UVSC Celebrates Transition to UVU

By Lacie Hales

After years of planning and months of preparation, the countdown to Utah Valley State College becoming Utah Valley University ends tonight. The "UVUPhoria" Grand Celebration is counting down to midnight and the university's transition on July 1.

Events start with the open house for the new library and digital learning center. The library was a key part of the transition from college to university for the school, UVU President William Sederberg said.

There will also be carnival style activities available for families and students as part of the celebration. The school wants the community to be involved and enjoy the celebration, Sederberg said.

He said the school hopes to "continue serving the community."

The UVU's Got Talent final round will open the concert. Country stars Joe Nichols, Josh Gracin and Collin Raye are headlining the show for the celebration. Tickets are $5 for UVU students, $9.93 for adults and $5 for children.

There will be a dance following the concert and a countdown to midnight and the official transition, Sederberg said.

There will be a ribbon cutting for the new library and a University Celebration July 1 at 10 a.m.

Speakers at the ribbon cutting will include Sen. Orrin Hatch, Sen. Robert Bennet and Rep. Jim Matheson, as well as many other officials involved in making the transition from UVSC to UVU possible. President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will give the dedicatory prayer for the new building.

"It's a really exciting time to be involved," Sederberg said.