University & Community Partner Reflections

The Bennion Center (University of Utah)

Gina Russo, Assistant Director/Student Directed Programs Manager

The Bennion Center (BC) fosters lifelong service and civic participation by engaging the university and the greater community in action, change and learning. The first annual UNP Matt Bradley Jordan River Family Day event was the perfect opportunity for Tressa Franklin, BC Arts for Youth Program Director and Social Justice Gardens Intern, to do what she loves while promoting the BC mission.

Tressa Franklin joined UNP at the Bend-in-the-River site with four volunteers who spent their Saturday of Memorial Day weekend face-painting and creating sidewalk chalk art with families from the community. As the program director for the BC’s Arts for Youth Program, Tressa regularly facilitates art lessons for students from Lincoln, Mountain View and Roosevelt Elementaries, all participants in the Promise South Salt Lake partnership program.

Tressa also taught summer gardening lessons at Jackson and Mountain View because she realizes that, as a future elementary school teacher, she needs to connect with students and their families outside of the classroom. “My experience at the Matt Bradley Jordan River Family Day inspired me to create a community art project at the Mountain View Community Garden. I love sharing art with the families in this community!” reflects Tressa.

Hartland Community 4 Youth & Families

Gilberto (Juan) Rejón Magaña, Founder

I personally identify with Matt Bradley’s work. I use his memory as a powerful tool with my kids [Hartland Youth Soccer Club] to bring them together and continue his legacy. Hopefully when I’m gone, others will remember me and the work will continue on forever.

Honors College (U of U)

Erica Rojas, Associate Director of Student Activities and Advising

The Honors College encourages its students to “embrace challenge, explore multiple perspectives and venture out to find a place in the world.” Students are constantly asked to become informed and active citizens in their communities, may it be at a local, national or global scale. The UNP Matt Bradley Jordan River Family Day exemplified this mission and reminded Honors alumni, current students, and staff of the importance of community engagement. Sara Ng, a third-year Honors student in Mathematics, reflects on her experience:

“I volunteered as a face-painter for kids at Bend in the River. From the moment I met the first shift of volunteers to our cleanup and final goodbyes, it was clear to me that Matt Bradley was more than a teacher, or volunteer, or community activist. He was a pioneer in the work of community-building and his legacy lives on in the hearts of the family and community he loved so dearly.

I could feel how important the day was for many of the families who came to participate. It showed me what a lively community experience the Jordan River provides. I am so grateful that I was able to represent the Honors College and work alongside UNP and the other partners to orchestrate such an extraordinary event.”

Office for Student Equity and Diversity (U of U)

Tricia Sugiyama, Interim Senior Director

It was a fabulous event and we had a great time participating.

Salt Lake Center for Science Education (SLCSE)

Cavett Eaton, Outdoor Explorations, Bike Shop & Healthy Lifestyles Instructor

Thanks from the SLCSE folks for the opportunity to participate! It was very heartwarming to hear of Matt’s impact on this community, and to have my students get such an experience and feel of the appreciation for their efforts. This changed some hearts and minds in a big way, and I am glad for the experience!

Splore

Austin Fought, Trip Leader

The UNP Matt Bradley Jordan River Family Day was a great opportunity for the Splore staff to step outside of the usual routine and and remember those who have gone before us in giving back to the community. Splore provided canoe trips down a section of the Jordan River to families that attended to help bring awareness to this important waterway that runs right through our community and is often overlooked.

Splore’s Salt Lake City office provides outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, canoeing, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing to individuals of all abilities and backgrounds and is dedicated to removing any and all barriers so that everyone can enjoy the magic of the outdoors.