Kara North

UVSC senior Kara North, a business management major from Orem, is using her experience and education at UVSC to better her community by fighting illiteracy. She has volunteered more than 200 hours of service to Project Read, an adult literacy organization, as well as partnering with Governor Olene Walker’s Commission on Literacy, where she assembled 2,000 learning kits for those struggling with the ability to read.

In June 2004, she also teamed up with Scholastic Books, Volunteers for America and the UVSC Athletic Department in sponsoring the event “Read with a Queen and a Wolverine” where 400 children from Orem received new books. North, who served as Miss Orem 2003-2004, organized the entire event. She was recognized for this service with a Presidential Student Community Service Award and the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Community Service Award.

"I believe if everyone took the opportunity to teach someone else this seemingly simple skill our tolerance and understanding of one another would increase beyond measure,” she said.

North will graduate with her bachelor’s degree this spring and plans to enter law school. In addition to practicing corporate law, North would like to practice pro bono work for small businesses in the community, and help people struggling with illiteracy to start their own businesses, make legal and ethical contracts and improve their situation. She also would like to become involved in politics and someday use her knowledge gained at UVSC to make a difference in Washington.

"Attending UVSC has become one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said.“ I have had the privilege of forming some very meaningful relationships with the faculty and staff of UVSC and know that I wouldn’t be where I am without them, UVSC has put me on the path to achieve my future goals.”