Events / Pioneers of Progress Awards

Days of '47 KUTV

Awards Gala Banquet

Presented by Mountain America Credit Union

2026 PIONEERS OF PROGRESS RECIPIENTS

Utah remembers those who courageously crossed the planes 179 years ago, as well as those who are pioneering our future in 2026. On the evening of July 16, 2026, The Days of ’47 organization honored six individuals who influenced our state through their leadership in business, art, academia, philanthropy, humanitarian service and science. A dinner sponsored by The Days of '47 and KUTV 2 was held at The Grand America Hotel to highlight the following individuals:

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Presented by: Mountain America Credit Union

SPORTSMANSHIP AND ATHLETICS

Jon Absey
Jon Absey was raised on a farm in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, graduated From Sacred Heart High School in 1986, attended Moorhead State University and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. His roots shaped the work ethic, humility, and resilience that carried him through- out his life. In 1994, Jon made history as the first person to bring the beloved Utah Jazz Bear to life. Jon didn't just wear a costume—he built a charac- ter, a program, and a culture that connected fans of all ages to the game. Long before mascots became a staple of professional sports culture, Jon under- stood the power of laughter, movement, and shared moments. His energy lit up arenas, his creativity broke new ground, and through his performances he gave generations of fans memories they will never forget—making basket- ball feel a little more magical for more than 25 years. Beyond the costume, Jon was a deeply kind and generous person. He was known for his quick wit, warmth and genuine ability to make people feel seen and welcomed. Whether performing, creating, or simply showing up for those he loved, Jon gave his whole heart in everything he did. Jon was not only a pioneer and performer with strength, humor and heart, he left a legacy of joy, creativity and connection that defined his life.

EDUCATION

Christy Tribe
Christy Tribe brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience to her role as President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Utah and Idaho. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Studies with a minor in Political Science from the Universi- ty of Utah. Guided by a deep belief in JA's mission and a collaborative, hands-on leader- ship approach, Christy is dedicated to helping young people develop the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to achieve successful fu- tures. She is especially passionate about ex- panding access to JA programs in underserved communities and champions the power of practical education and early intervention to help break the cycle of poverty. Within the global JA network, Christy is recognized for her commitment to innovation, partnership, and student-centered impact. She values the opportunity to col- laborate with JA leaders around the world who share a bold vision for pre- paring the next generation to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Christy is a graduate of the Salt Lake Chamber's Leadership Utah program and a recipi- ent of the Chamber's Pathfinder Award. She currently serves on the Adviso- ry Council for Women Tech Council.

HEALTH AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Thomas Rosenberg
Thomas D Rosenberg was born in Ogden and attended Weber State college for two years before an early entrance to the University of Utah Medical School. He trained in orthopedics at the University of Utah under Chief Sherman Coleman, then sports surgery at the University of Wisconsin under the mentorship of Dr. William Clancy. Tom practiced surgery at LDS Hospital where he developed The Fitness Institute in 1980. He joined the world-renowned Dr. Robert Metcalf at the Salt Lake Surgical Center. In 1989, Tom and Lonnie Paulos developed The Orthopedic Specialty Hospi- tal (TOSH) here in Utah. In 2000, he moved to Park City with his colleague, Dr. Vern Cooley, to develop what has be- come a nationally-recognized, leading orthopedic clinic. Tom has innovated and developed several arthroscopic techniques and instrumentations, taught and performed surgical procedures worldwide, pioneered the ProHealth Lab at Park City Medical Center, and developed the nonprofit Nutriex Preventive Health. In 2000, he helped organize Dry Creek Charity which has served grassroots projects around the world. Together, Tom and his wife, Lorena share eight children and ten grandchildren.

HEALTH AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Greg and Julie Cook
Greg and Julie Cook are co-founders of the Cook Center for Human Con- nection, a foundation expanding mental health resources, reducing stigma, and elevating suicide prevention. Their ap- proach is deeply rooted in empowering the family unit, fostering authentic human con- nection, and a commitment to doing good without delay. This past year, the Cook Cen- ter delivered vital resources accessed by over 6.5 million families across all 50 states. Greg and Julie also leveraged their profes- sional and philanthropic acumen to secure critical mental health support for families, establishing the Gregory P. and Julie Cook Behavioral Health Unit at Primary Chil- dren's Medical Center. Greg, a founding Executive of dōTERRA, serves on the board of Primary Children's Hospital, while Julie serves on the boards of the Stella H. Oaks Foundation and Tuacahn Theater. BYU graduates and devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they have five children and four grand- children.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Juhyeong Lee
Juhyeong Lee is an Associate Professor of Me- chanical and Aerospace Engineering at Utah State University (USU) and an internationally recognized researcher in advanced materials, multiscale and multiphysics mechanics, and composite manufacturing. Since joining USU in 2019, he has rapidly established a high- impact research program integrating experi- mental mechanics, high-fidelity computational modeling, and composite additive manufactur- ing to address critical challenges in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, with strong trans- lational impact on national priorities and Utah's aerospace and composites industries. Juhyeong has emerged as a globally engaged scholar with collab- orations across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His contributions have earned major national and international recognition, including the Alexan- der von Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers, the Royal Academy of Engineering Distinguished International Associate des- ignation, the NASA Glenn Faculty Fellowship, the Hanwha Non-Tenured Faculty Award, and the SAMPE Faculty Advisor Awards. Juhyeong is also a founding member of USU's M.S. program in Composite Materials and Structures, advancing workforce development.

LEGACY

Jeff Whiteley
Jeff Whiteley is the visionary founder of Excellence in the Community which he es- tablished in December of 2005, with a mis- sion to take Utah's best musicians out of background music and put them on profes- sional stages. He believed in the power of live music to transform and uplift communi- ties. His founding idea was to enhance the quality of life in Utah by weaving the ac- complishments of Utah's best artists more visibly, more accessibly and more profes- sionally into the fabric of Utah communities. He has been a dynamic force in the musical landscape, both here in Utah and in Europe. As the leader of Lark & Spur, he with his wife and his group, performed at Jazz Festivals in Europe. He produced over 1440 professional concerts in the 20 years since founding Ex- cellence, freely available to all. Jeff is also a writer with publishing credits in French and English. His life has been a composition of generosity, kindness, passion and community—one whose final cadence still echoes in every free concert, every young listener discovering live music for the first time, and every artist who has taken the stage striving for excellence.

When

Thursday - July 16, 2026
Reception @ 6:30pm
Dinner & Awards @ 7:00pm

Where

The Grand America
555 S Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Contact Information

"Tickets are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets for the dinner, please contact Margo Ayre at 801-809-3446 or mayre@xmission.com

About The Event

The Pioneers of Progress Awards were instituted in 1995 to recognize service and achievement in modern-day pioneering. These awards honor those who continue Utah's rich heritage of vision, industry, integrity, sacrifice and courage. Honorees are selected in the following categories:

Science & Technology
Education
Business & Enterprise
Health & Humanitarian Assistance
Sportsmanship & Athletics
Creative Arts & Entertainment
Legacy (posthumous)

Submitting Entries

You have two options for submitting a nomination: (online & paper form - choose one)

NOMINATE ONLINE - Pioneers of Progress Nomination Form.
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT - download and print the nomination form (Word Document).

To submit additional information for this nomination, please email mayre@xmission.com.
If you have questions or would like to attend, please contact:

Margo Ayre
Phone: 801-809-3446
Email: mayre@xmission.com

Eligibility

Any current Utah resident, regardless of age, can be nominated for a Pioneer of Progress Award. Nomination Procedures:

An individual or group may nominate more than one individual for any category.
Individuals may nominate themselves.
Pertinent supplemental information, not to exceed four (4) pages may be attached to the nomination form.
Judges may request additional information from nominees, nominators or nominating organizations.
The judges’ decision is final. Nomination forms, including all supplemental materials, become the property of The Days of ’47 and will not be returned.
Nominees agree to the use of their names and likeness in publicity connected with The Days of ’47 Pioneers of Progress Awards, including videos, press releases and audio reproductions.

Selection Criteria

Nominations are judged on the following criteria

Service—The dedication displayed by the nominee in providing service that betters individuals and communities.
Innovation and Industry—The ways in which the nominee has demonstrated vision and hard work in personal and professional roles.
Achievements—How the nominee has produced results that reflect the spirit of Utah’s pioneers.

As part of the annual celebration of Utah’s pioneer heritage, The Days of ’47 Board of Trustees honors modern-day Utahns who perpetuate a legacy of industry and integrity with Pioneers of Progress awards. These awards honor deserving Utahns whose lives and achievements commemorate such virtuous principles of pioneering as faith, courage, industry, integrity and sacrifice; and whose work benefits present and future generations.

Past Recipients

The Pioneers of Progress Awards are sponsored by The Days of ’47 and were instituted in 1995 in recognition of service and achievements in modern-day pioneering continuing Utah’s pioneer heritage benefiting past, present and future generations.