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| Katharine B. Garff |
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Katharine (Kathi) B. Garff has dedicated her life to education and community service but is quick to share credit for her accomplishments with others. “We are fortunate in Utah to have dedicated people, organizations, and institutions that believe in the power of education,” she says. “Their energy and passion have led to many successes.”
Kathi, a graduate of the University of Utah, and her husband, Bob, founded the Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Success in Education Foundation in 2004, which she continues to direct. The foundation’s offerings include its Keys to Success initiative, which connects high school students with college or careers, and its popular Road to Success program, designed to promote literacy among K-5 students by incentivizing daily reading. In 2023, the foundation’s programs were adopted for use by every school district in Utah. “We change the world – one student at a time,” Kathi says.
Kathi has served on many boards, dedicated to education, including the Utah State Board of Regents, the Utah State Board of Education, the Utah College of Applied Technology, , and the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind.
Outside of her philanthropic work and volunteer assignments, Kathi is the chair of Ken Garff Automotive, a position she took over when Bob passed away in 2020. She had previously served as one of the company’s board members for many years and was instrumental in driving its impressive growth. The company now boasts more than 70 auto dealerships across 9 states.
Kathi’s accomplishments are a testament to the impact a person can make with persistent hard work, which is at the heart of her favorite piece of advice to the students she encounters through her foundation. “Persevere,” she says. “The journey may be hard, but your education is worth it. Don’t give up.”
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| Patricia Jones-Horton |
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
A well-known figure in local business and politics, Patricia (Pat) Jones-Horton is a role model for female leaders across Utah. As CEO of the Women's Leadership Institute, Pat believes women often underestimate their potential. “Esteem comes from within and can be used in one's spheres of influence to change the world,” she says.
Born and raised in Utah, Pat graduated magna cum laude from the University of Utah in communications and has always been a dedicated learner. She believes curiosity is the key to growth and likes to learn by asking simple questions, a practice she attributes to her training as a qualitative researcher. Pat is convinced that Salt Lake Community College is a wonderful place for curious people to thrive and is a great asset for Utah. "If there was ever a need for an institution like SLCC, it’s now,” she says. “It is a marketplace of ideas from people representing all walks of life.”
Pat is also co-founder and former president of Dan Jones & Associates, a prominent public opinion and market research firm. During her 35 years at the company, she honed her skills in understanding people and their needs. In 2006, Pat plunged into Utah politics by running for the state legislature. As the first female legislator to hold leadership positions in both the Utah House and Senate she worked on several influential committees, including the Public Education, Higher Education, and Economic Development committees.
As Pat continues to drive change through the Women’s Leadership Institute, she advises graduating students to follow their own interests and worry less about where they will land. "Success comes from taking risks, and you take learning with you wherever you go, so enjoy the present and strive to be the best version of yourself every day,” she says. “Even an entry-level position is an opportunity to learn. Don't throw away your experiences because the hard things help complete you."
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