We are pleased to announce that Alma and Melissa Jeppson and Brandon and Becky Staples are serving as Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2026 gala. We are grateful for their leadership and support. Their inspiring presence and steadfast commitment to student success demonstrates remarkable generosity.
Alma and Melissa Jeppson
Brandon and Becky Staples
Friday, March 20, 2026
5:30 pm – Check-in
5:30 pm – Social Hour, Silent Auction and Student Experiences
6:30 pm – Dinner and Entertainment
Enter Parking Lot M from Trailblazer Blvd (300 South). Check-in is on the North-East corner of the Burns Arena on Palm Street.
Supports one student’s tuition and fees for four years
-Exclusive Invitation to the VIP Benefactor Party (6 Tickets)
-Title event recognition on marketing and promotional material
-Premium seating at event for up to 30 guests
-Opportunity to host a Utah Tech student at table(s)
Supports one student’s tuition and fees for three years
-Exclusive Invitation to the VIP Benefactor Party (4 Tickets)
-Event recognition on marketing and promotional material
-Premium seating at event for up to 20 guests
-Opportunity to host a Utah Tech student at table(s)
Supports one student’s tuition and fees for two years
-Exclusive Invitation to the VIP Benefactor Party (2 Tickets)
-Event recognition on marketing and promotional material
-Premium seating at event for up to 10 guests
-Opportunity to host a Utah Tech student at table
Supports one student’s tuition and fees for one year
-Event recognition on marketing and promotional material
-Premium seating at event for up to 8 guests
-Opportunity to host a Utah Tech student at table
Supports one student’s tuition and fees for one semester
-Seating at event for up to 8 guests
Hosted by President Shane B. and First Lady Angela Smeed, this intimate evening of gratitude and connection promises to be truly unforgettable. Held at the home of Patrick and Kimberly Manning, guests will enjoy an exceptional dining experience curated by the private chef of Basalt at Black Desert, along with engaging conversation and live entertainment. Reserved exclusively for Diamond-level sponsors and above, this special gathering is a sincere celebration of partnership and appreciation.
In honor of the remarkable legacy of service from these two women, whose countless hours of dedication have transformed student lives. We celebrate their commitment to “pay it forward.” Their impact will resonate for generations to come, fostering a spirit of generosity and hope.
The Fire and Ice Gala provides the opportunity to participate in a silent and live auction.
If you would like to donate an item or serve on the Silent Auction Committee please complete the donation form or contact Brooke Sullivan (brooke.sullivan@utahtech.edu or 435.879.4400)
The Fire and Ice Gala is an impactful celebration of community support and student success. In its 22nd year, this event, founded by Marica Wade and Dorothy Orton, has been pivotal in providing need-based scholarships for students at Utah Tech University. By coming together, we honor the spirit of “paying it forward” and help change the lives of countless students. Join us in making a difference!
NET PROCEEDS SUPPORT NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
“This scholarship has not only allowed me to financially continue in my educational journey but has allowed my spare time to be filled with other community and campus involvements. Though I have always worked part-time through college, this additional scholarship has provided me with peace of mind and less overwhelming stress of affording the next semester.”
“I am so grateful to be a recipient of this generous scholarship! It has been an unbelievable blessing, and is helping me in my goal to become a physician!”
“Thanks to the generous donors of the Marcia Wade and Dorothy Orton Scholarship, I have been able to fully engage in my studies and in my life. The skills I am learning are ones I will carry with me for a lifetime. I am deeply grateful!”
