Copyright Salt Lake Tribune
I was pleased to see the Tribune’s Oct. 26 editorial applauding the University of Utah for joining the ranks of higher education institutions that provide tuition-covering programs for academically driven Utah students from low-to-middle income families. There’s no better investment that can be made in Utah’s future leaders than opening every possible door of opportunity for any student who’s willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. Research shows that college degrees bring great health, happiness, job stability and autonomy; expansive social networks; and high levels of civic engagement and purpose throughout the lives of graduates. We’re proud to be part of this solution; since 2021, our Westminster Commitment has provided four years of tuition – fully paid – for qualifying Utah students with a 3.3 GPA and a family income less than $75,000. Next spring, our first four-year cohort eligible for the Westminster Commitment will graduate, becoming changemakers and leaders in our community. A Westminster Commitment graduate may become a biologist working to save the Great Salt Lake, or a nurse caring for your family member. At a perilous time when trust in higher education has eroded, it’s inspiring to see institutions across our state – big and small, public and private – together affirm that completing a college degree is still incredibly valuable, and the opportunity to achieve one is worth expanding to every student willing to pursue it. Beth Dobkin, president of Westminster University, Salt Lake City
