Utah Valley University Receives Largest Single Gift of $35 Million from Rich and Marla Linder to Advance Health, Innovation and National Security

Funds Xenter Building for the College of Health and Public Service; Names Orrin Hatch Center for National Security Studies

OREM, Utah, Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Utah Valley University (UVU) has received a landmark $35 million commitment from Rich and Marla Linder — the largest single gift in UVU history — to establish the Xenter Building and the Orrin Hatch Center for National Security Studies. This historic investment will accelerate the development of the university's Vineyard Campus, focusing on health, wellness, innovation and community connection.

"Through the unprecedented generosity of Rich and Marla Linder, this commitment will shift the trajectory of this university," said Astrid S. Tuminez, President of Utah Valley University. "Students studying national security will be better equipped to lead in defense, diplomacy and cybersecurity. The Xenter Building for the College of Health and Public Service will anchor our new Vineyard Campus and provide incredible opportunities for students pursuing careers in the health professions. We are grateful to the Linders for their bold vision."

The Xenter Building will serve as the primary home of the College of Health and Public Services and will be the flagship facility for UVU's forthcoming Health and Wellness Village, where healthcare education, technology and innovation will come together in a state-of-the-art environment. The building will feature advanced simulation labs, applied AI systems, and collaborative spaces that prepare students in nursing, physician assistant, behavioral health and public health programs to work together in coordinated patient care.

The Orrin Hatch Center for National Security Studies will strengthen Utah's capacity to protect critical systems, healthcare data and communities through programs in cybersecurity, intelligence and emergency preparedness. Together, these facilities will prepare students for careers that serve Utah's workforce and address critical national and global needs.

Rich Linder, founder and CEO of Xenter, said the partnership reflects a shared belief in education as a foundation for innovation and community health. "We share UVU's commitment to improving lives through technology, data and collaboration. This is about preparing the next generation to solve real-world problems and strengthen the communities we serve," he said.

This historic investment in the Vineyard campus, located on more than 225 acres, will significantly complement its model of sustainability and accessibility with green spaces, mixed-use development and direct public transit access.

About Utah Valley University
At Utah Valley University, we believe everyone deserves the transforming benefits of high-quality education — and it needs to be affordable, accessible and flexible. With opportunities to earn everything from certificates to master's degrees, our students succeed by gaining real-world experience and developing career-ready skills. We continue to invite people to come as they are — and leave ready and prepared to make a difference in the world.

SOURCE Utah Valley University