The annual Alumni Awards night was hosted at Utah Tech on April 12, 2025. During this ceremony, three alumni were recognized for excelling in their careers or by serving their communities in a meaningful way.
Given to those who have graduated from or attended the university within the last 20 years. They are recognized for excelling in their careers or by serving their communities in a meaningful way. They are leaders, innovators and influencers who are not afraid to blaze new trails in an effort to make a lasting difference for others.
Megan C. Barrera, a graduate of 2015, received this award. Megan is a communications and events executive with a proven track record in designing and executing high-impact experiences that drive engagement, build communities and elevate brand presence.
Megan currently serves as Vice President of Communications & Events at Reef Capital. With this position, Megan leads high-profile activations and investor engagement initiatives, including the Reef Summit, Black Desert Resort’s event strategies and luxury hospitality brand positioning.
Recipients provide leadership or service within Trailblazer Nation through their career, service or volunteer efforts. Fully engaged in their experience as students, they’ve continued to stay involved with the university and preserve traditions well past graduation. These awardees consistently elevate their community by lending their knowledge, initiative and individuality.
Wayne Alofipo, a graduate of 2010, received this award. Wayne serves as the Director of Expansion Sales at BusyBusy and is the head football coach at Crimson Cliffs High School. With a passion for helping others, Wayne has built a dual career in sales and coaching that reflects his dedication to personal development and community impact.
His most meaningful role, however, is that of mentor and leader. Through football, he’s helped shape the lives of young men, emphasizing character, resilience, teamwork and leadership. A man of faith and perseverance, Wayne is motivated by the responsibility he feels to those who rely on him, both seen and unseen.
Recipients emulate the valuable qualities of the pioneers who settled here initially including selflessness, tenacity, contagious optimism, loyalty, grit, teamwork, camaraderie and goodwill. They enrich the lives of students, alumni and the community by contributing to the overall sense of belonging found on campus and beyond. This award honors alumni who have continued to provide long-lasting support or involvement to the university, carrying on the legacy of the Trailblazers who founded the institution in 1911.
Russell & Janell Feller, long time alumni of the Dixie Campus, received this award. The Fellers are honored to receive this award. It pays tribute to their journey, their love for the university and their enduring impact on the community they called home.
Russell served on the Alumni Board at the university, the College Board of Directors and the “Dixie’s Got Talent” committee. He was instrumental in preserving beloved traditions like the Great Race, Easter egg hunt, car show and alumni events that brought community together.
Russell passed away in 2023 from lung cancer. Janell keeps his legacy alive by staying involved in their community, cherishing their 12 grand children, and holding onto the dreams they built together.
These awardees were recognized for a shared spirit of excellence, leadership and service. Qualities that continue to inspire the Utah Tech community and future generations of Trailblazers. Their achievements remind us all of the lasting impact one person can have on a university, a community and the world.
