A Tradition of Impact

Each year, the University of Utah pauses to reflect on its beginnings—and on the people who have carried its mission forward. Founders Day recognizes alumni and friends whose professional achievements, service, and philanthropy have left a lasting mark on the U and on communities far beyond campus. These honors represent some of the highest distinctions the university can bestow. Meet the 2026 Founders Day honorees.

Patricia Child BS’62

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

A dedicated philanthropist and lifelong supporter of the U, Pat Child has helped transform the university through decades of service and giving. The first in her family to earn a college degree, she built a career in health care and later served on numerous university advisory councils. Through the Child Family Foundation, Pat and her husband, Bill BS’54, have supported scholarships, research, and facilities across campus, including the Patricia W. Child Health and Wellness Tower.

Khosrow Semnani MS’75

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

An Iranian-American industrialist and philanthropist, Khosrow Semnani pairs entrepreneurial success with civic engagement. Founder of Envirocare of Utah—now EnergySolutions—he has advanced education and health care through the Semnani Family Foundation, including establishing the Maliheh Free Clinic for uninsured patients. A committed supporter of the U, Semnani has funded scholarships and projects across campus and recently commissioned the statue honoring his mentor Henry Eyring. He also champions compassion through his “One Kind Act a Day” initiative.

Jeff Cardon BS’80

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

A business leader and philanthropist, Jeff Cardon is president, portfolio manager, and CEO of Wasatch Global Advisors, one of Utah’s leading financial firms. His leadership has helped foster statewide economic growth while supporting student access to higher education. In 2015, Jeff and his wife, Helen, established the First Ascent Scholars Program, which supports underserved students on their path to college graduation and continued connection to the university.

Helen Cardon

Honorary Alumni Award Recipient

For more than 30 years, Helen Cardon has focused on education, social equity, and the well-being of children and families. She has held leadership roles with organizations including the Children’s Center and Neighborhood House and is a longtime civic volunteer. Together with her husband, Jeff, she continues to support the university through philanthropy rooted in access, mentorship, and community impact.

Mayra Sanchez Gomez

Honorary Alumni Award Recipient

A certified doula and founder of Comunidad Materna en Utah, Mayra Sanchez Gomez is a leading advocate for equitable maternal and child health care. Since immigrating to the U.S., she has served hundreds of families, led community workshops, and trained dozens of doulas. Her partnership with University of Utah Health helped shape the vision for the Eccles Health Campus and Eccles Hospital in West Valley, ensuring it reflects and serves the surrounding community.

Curtis Pierce HBS’17

GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Alumni Award

Curtis Pierce is a co-founder and managing partner of Weisburd Capital and producer of the top-ranked How I Invest podcast. After a career in investment banking, he has remained closely connected to the university. As a student, Pierce was a campus leader who helped raise more than $100,000 for the Rape Recovery Center. He now serves as president of the U’s New York Alumni Chapter and on the David Eccles School of Business Young Alumni Council.