Eleven Students, One Legacy 

Our Alumni Association had the opportunity to award the top 11 bachelor’s degree graduates with the honorable Elite 11 Award. 

The UT Alumni Association selects 11 graduating seniors each year who didn’t only attend college, but shaped the community around them.

Why Eleven? 

At first glance, “Elite 11” kind of sounds like a dance team or a secret club (it’s lowkey giving both). But the number isn’t random at all. The number 11 is a nod back to 1911, the year Utah Tech was founded. So right away, you’ve got history baked into the name, adding to the allure of the award. 

But this award is so much more than the number, it’s about the future. These 11 students are the students who showed up and left their mark everywhere from classrooms to community projects, and we know they are moving onto big things. 

What Makes them Elite? 

The Elite 11 award is more than good grades; it’s about impact and something you can’t measure with a GPA. 

“The Elite 11 award exists to recognize something more meaningful than academic success alone.” Director of Alumni Relations John Bowler said. “It highlights students who have actively shaped their university experience and the community around them.” 

To even be considered, students need to:

• Maintain a GPA of 3.65 or higher
• Graduate with a bachelor’s degree
• Be actively involved on campus and in the community
• Show a genuine commitment to service and leadership

The Process 

The awardees were selected by a panel of judges made up in part by alumni, community members, faculty and staff. Students apply instead of being nominated, which allows those who have been deeply engaged to come forward and share their story.

The process includes:

• A formal application with written responses
• A résumé and cover letter
• Documentation of academic performance, leadership, and service

From this process, the top 20–25 applicants are selected for interviews, where they meet with a panel of alumni. From those interviews, the final 11 recipients are chosen based largely on how they’ve engaged and contributed during their time at Utah Tech. 

Continuing the Legacy 

The UT Alumni Association loves to highlight the achievements of students through recognitions like the Elite 11 Award by honoring graduates who excel not only academically but also through their service to campus and the St. George community. As these 11 graduates move forward, their dedication and impact will reach far beyond the university, carrying excellence and service into their future adventures.