Giving Back

Liz Allred and JP Spicer-Escalante Global Scholarship

Inspired and humbled by the generosity of Jon M. Huntsman, Sr., former Huntsman Scholar Jordan Knecht, BA ’10, has wanted to give back since he was a student. His global experiences in Asia and Europe impacted him at a very deep level. These experiences, in addition to his LDS mission experience in Paraguay, convinced him that travel abroad changes a person. Additionally, travel abroad using a second or third language (Jordan speaks both Spanish and Guarani) brings one to another level of transformation. 

Now a successful entrepreneur, Jordan has established a $150,000 scholarship to assist students as they seek transformative global experiences. Believing that anything is possible, Jordan knows that as students push themselves, they can make great personal discoveries. To this end, Jordan is establishing the Liz Allred and JP Spicer-Escalante Global Scholarship, named for two of his USU mentors, which will provide support to students embracing an opportunity to study abroad.

Ernst & Young Scholarship Endowment

Accounting alumnus Steven M. Morrill, BA ’10, MA ’11 is providing an initial gift to create the Ernst & Young Scholarship Endowment. Steve currently works as an EY Private professional practicing out of the Salt Lake City offices of Ernst & Young.

During his time on campus Steve found a mentor and friend in Dr. Vance Grange, who taught the principles of accounting and financial planning to thousands of students during a storied career. Steve enjoyed getting to know the stories and career trajectories of the various professors and recent graduates as he worked to visualize and plan his own course in public accounting.

Steve enjoys participating in the private financial markets as an advisor to families and organizations who face the complexities that come with diverse financial assets and increasingly sophisticated regulations. He particularly enjoys supporting the philanthropic initiatives operated by his clients. Steve also volunteers for several Utah based non-profits in varying capacities.

This scholarship is being established in recognition of the quality of experience provided to USU students which allows them to participate and positively impact our local, state, national, and global economy.