Utah State University News Release
PRICE, Utah –During its Passport to Eastern event on June 6, 2025, Utah State University Eastern proudly announced over $500,000 in new scholarship commitments to support the Elevate Eastern Scholarship initiative. This milestone—driven by community support and ongoing fundraising—marks a significant investment in student opportunity and success. The event also featured another major announcement: the addition of 100 new student dorms to the Price campus is in the approval process, reinforcing USU Eastern’s long-term dedication to student access and regional growth.
The event brought together over 200 attendees, including local and state leaders, alumni, donors, and community partners. Designed to spotlight USU Eastern’s efforts to increase access and affordability for students, Passport to Eastern served as the official public launch of the Elevate Eastern campaign.
“What we witnessed was more than fundraising—it was a community-wide commitment to students and their futures,” said Gina Gagon, Vice Chair of the USU Board of Trustees. “Every dollar pledged represents a belief in the potential of someone right here in Eastern Utah.”
The Elevate Eastern Scholarship initiative aims to support current and future USU Eastern students by:
- Reducing financial barriers to higher education
- Providing targeted support to increase student success and completion rates
- Fostering stronger community-university partnerships through philanthropic investment
USU Eastern Interim President Dr. Alan Smith emphasized the broader vision of the campaign, noting that Passport to Eastern is more than an event—it is a strategic movement to build lasting educational infrastructure for Eastern Utah.
“Passport to Eastern isn’t just an event—it’s a movement to elevate our entire region through student success,” said Smith. “The hope to build 100 new dorm units is a bold step toward that goal—ensuring that students from throughout Utah and beyond have a place to live, learn, and grow here in Price.”
The evening program included live entertainment, informational booths, donor recognition, and student testimonials. Attendees received a “passport” encouraging them to engage with different scholarship initiatives and connect with university leadership.
According to university officials, the over half-million dollars pledged will go directly toward student scholarships, with additional fundraising efforts continuing throughout the year. The new student housing project is set to break ground in the coming months, reflecting USU Eastern’s investment in both current and future students.
Those interested in contributing to the Elevate Eastern Scholarship initiative can learn more at https://www.usu.edu/advancement/give/eastern.