Since its founding, Westminster University has developed initiatives that enhance the community and help community members succeed. Here’s a look at a few of Westminster’s current programs and centers that are making a difference.
–Violet Czech ('26)
Science Saturday
Taking place twice a year, Science Saturday provides a unique opportunity for middle school girls in the fall and high school students of any gender in the spring to engage with Westminster professors and students in hands-on math and science workshops. Participants have enjoyed workshops such as “Crime Scene Investigation” with Dr. Robyn Hyde (chemistry), “Diagnosing Diabetes” with Dr. Jocelyn Cuthbert (biology), “Math with No Problems” with Dr. Bianca Thompson (mathematics), and “Tricking Your Senses” with Dr. Anne Gibson (neuroscience). The camp concludes with a physical activity, like rock wall climbing or scuba diving, at the Dolores Doré Eccles Health, Wellness, and Athletic Center.
Westminster Tax Clinic
The Westminster Tax Clinic has been an essential part of the local community for over 25 years, offering free tax preparation and filing services for eligible community members through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. In addition, the Westminster Tax Clinic is a Low-Income Taxpayers Clinic (LITC) that offers pro bono education, advocacy, and representation services to community members who are low income or speak English as a second language. Westminster’s tax clinic continues to play a vital role in ensuring that all community members have access to quality tax services free of charge.
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded effort to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups in graduate study programs. The program aims to expand faculty diversity in colleges and universities by supporting students through their undergraduate programs and helping them apply for and transition to graduate school. The program draws students from four campuses: Westminster, the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, and College of Southern Idaho. Students in the program receive mentorship, research funding, and opportunities to visit graduate programs and attend conferences.
Gore Giovale Center for Innovative Leadership
The Gore Giovale Center for Innovative Leadership (GGCIL) focuses on incorporating a culture of leadership at Westminster. One of the center’s main priorities is to prepare students with tangible tools, training, and experiences for their future educational and career pursuits. The center aims to make the concept of leadership more holistic and approachable by including a variety of topics such as self-awareness and care, confidence, imposter syndrome, and diversity and inclusion. To reach a broad audience, GGCIL works to deconstruct traditional and stereotypical ideas of leadership to make it more accessible and relevant to the campus community.
Career Center
The Career Center is committed to helping Westminster community members get a head start on their future, from undergraduates exploring jobs to alumni seeking to advance their careers. The Career Center helps students connect with possible employers, build their résumés, search for jobs, and network with professionals in their field. Using current tools and industry insights, the certified career coaches provide free lifetime services to the students, alumni, and staff of Westminster.
