2013 Distinguished Alumni

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Over the past five years, few public research universities have risen in stature as quickly for both academic excellence and the creation of life-changing technological and medical innovation than the University of Utah.

Natalie Gochnour 

Natalie Gochnour earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in economics in 1984 and1988 from the University of Utah.

Natalie has been an adjunct professor for CSBS for the past decade, and was recently appointed to associate dean in the David Eccles School of Business. She is tasked with planning and implementing a new public policy initiative focusing on serving Utah businesses and community leaders. She also serves as the chief economist and senior advisor to the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Natalie's experience includes a diverse mix of public service and business acumen. She has advised Utah governors Bangerter, Leavitt, and Walker, and served as the media spokesperson for the governor's office during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. She was also a political appointee in the George W. Bush administration and served as an associate administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a deputy to the secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Natalie serves on numerous boards including the Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and the Primary Children's Medical Center. She is a gubernational appointee to the Governor's Economic Development Council, as well as the vice-chair of Envision Utah, one of the nation's most successful quality growth partnerships.

Natalie has received several awards including the 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award for business from the YWCA in Salt Lake City, and Wasatch Women's "Wasatch Woman of the Year" award in 2008.

Natalie and Chris, her husband of 28 years, live in Salt Lake City with their two children.

Vico Henriques

Vico E. Henriques earned a bachelor's in political science from the University of Utah in 1956 and went on to do graduate studies in public administration and mathematics. Vico's studies at the U were interrupted from 1950 to 1954 when he served in the U.S. Army where he was decorated and earned a battlefield commission during the Korean War.

Vico began his career at the National Bureau of Standards in the early days of the computer. He wrote code, designed circuits and managed operations research for a number of federal agencies. Vico's early years led to a career traveling the world encouraging the development of computer standards to allow hardware and software compatibility and to foster communication and information sharing. Vico spent 17 years as president and CEO of the Computer and Business Equipment Manufacturers Association where he oversaw the organization's efforts in creating standards, privacy and security, intellectual property, telecommunications and international trade.

Throughout his career, Vico has also taught at a number universities including: American, George Washington, New York, Syracuse and The State University of New York. He was a member of the advisory board to the NYU Stern School of Business and is currently serving a third term on the CSBS advisory board.

Vico and his wife Pat have given significantly to the college. After a number of years providing a CSBS Honor Roll Scholarship, they endowed the scholarship and delight in getting to know the student recipients each year. For eight years, Vico volunteered as a zookeeper's aid in the Greater Ape House at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C.

Vico has two children and five grandchildren.