USU to Cut Ribbon on Monument Valley Education Building

Utah State University will celebrate the grand opening of its Monument Valley education building on April 22. This milestone marks years of collaboration, planning and investment in expanding access to higher education in the Navajo Nation and the surrounding region.

The event will honor the students, community members, donors and partners who made this vision possible and will highlight the building as a place of learning grounded in the principles of Hózhó — balance, harmony and beauty.

Event Schedule:

• 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 22.
  • 3 p.m.: VIP tour.
  • 4 p.m.: Welcome
    • Kristian Olsen, Deputy Vice President, Utah State University
  • 4:05 p.m.: Prayer
    • Don Mose III, Center Coordinator, Utah State University
  • 4:07 p.m.: Speaker
    • Christy Fitzgerald, Superintendent, San Juan School District
  • 4:10 p.m.: Speaker
    • Dustin Jansen, Director, Utah Division of Indian Affairs
  • 4:15 p.m.: Speaker
    • Herman Daniels, Navajo Nation Representative
  • 4:20 p.m.: Speaker
    • Deidre Henderson, Lt. Governor, State of Utah
  • 4:30 p.m.: Performance
    • Tse’Bii’Nidzisgai Elementary School
  • 4:35 p.m.: Speaker
    • Valerina Adakai, Student, USU Monument Valley
  • 4:40 p.m.: Speaker
    • Matt White, Vice President of Advancement, Utah State University
  • 4:42 p.m.: Speaker
    • Andy Noorda, Board Member, Noorda Foundation
  • 4:50 p.m.: Speaker
    • Brad Mortensen, President, Utah State University
  • 5 p.m.: Ribbon cutting ceremony.
  • 5:15 p.m.: Community Tours and refreshments.

Why:

The new Monument Valley education building expands access to higher education for students in the region while strengthening community connections and economic opportunities. The facility provides modern classrooms, student resources, and a dedicated space for academic and cultural growth.

This project reflects a strong partnership between Utah State University and the Navajo Nation, as well as the generosity of donors committed to supporting education and community development in Monument Valley.

Key Highlights:

• Official ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.
• Remarks from university leaders, community partners, and Navajo Nation representatives.
• Guided tours of the new facility.
• Celebration of student opportunities and community impact.

Who Should Attend:

Community members, students, alumni, media, donors, tribal leaders and university partners are invited to attend.

Organizers:

• USU Blanding.
• USU Advancement.