Malmgren’s work named outstanding entry at state

College of Eastern Utah student, Michael Malmgren, was honored at Salt Lake Community College on March 23 for his entry in the documentary arts category of the Utah Service Symposium. His work will be featured in a publication on Utah Service Symposium entries, slated for completion in April.
The 2006 Utah Service Symposium’s theme was Artivism which features four categories with a jury’s choice winner and an outstanding entry winner named in each one. The categories included creative writing, personal narrative, visual arts and documentary arts.
The symposium featured the artwork of college students from across the state. All art and writing – visual, performing, documentary, personnel narrative – reflects the theme of giving service to the community.
“Activism is using art as a means of activism. In other words, incorporating messages of change, empowerment and calls to action in any work of art,” says spoken-word artist and activist for non-violence, Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez, who also keynoted the symposium.
Malmgren received outstanding entry honors for his piece titled “Where Much is Given.” The jury’s choice for this same category went to “Working for the Children” by Mindy Trim of Utah Valley State College.
A native of Price, Malmgren, joined the Sun Center team this year in an effort to personally help strengthen society. He is a psychology major and over the Break Away Club.
He has been busy this year with helping and serving others. As the leader of the Break Away Club he took students on a week of service over spring break, through Arizona, into Mexico. The students that went with him all had a good time, worked hard and learned a lot as they served, said Kathy Murray, SUN Center director.
“Michael is one who goes the extra mile. He is busy with school, work and service. He is never too busy to say no to those who need his help. He is excellent working with Power Point presentations. Just a few weeks ago, the SUN Center had a call for help from the Carbon High School wrestling team. They needed something special to honor the students who worked so hard to represent Carbon High’s team. Although Mike was very involved, he made time to develop a great presentation for them,” she continued.
“We are proud of Malmgren and his Utah Service Symposium entry and presentation to the state. He has the talent of capturing the emotion of service to portray to others.
“The Power Point he presented at the Symposium focused primarily on a family who lived in complete poverty. He compared how the items we possess are far beyond luxury items to them. It helped the viewer realized how blessed they are, as well as instill a drive to serve. We are grateful that he was able to share his talent with us this year as a leader,” she said.