CSBS Honors Six Exceptional Alumni at
2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration
Salt Lake City - On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the University of Utah’s College of Social and Behavioral
Science (CSBS) hosted its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration, honoring six exceptional alumni whose professional accomplishments and community
impact exemplify the values of the college.
This year’s honorees represent a broad range of fields - from public service and economics to community development, education, and global leadership - each demonstrating how social and behavioral science drives meaningful change in the world.
“Our honorees exemplify the very best of Social and Behavioral Science - leaders who think critically and deeply, act with compassion and integrity, and work collaboratively to build a better future,” said Michelle M. Camacho, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science. “They remind us of the extraordinary power of our disciplines to shape lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.”
Matthew J. Burbank (MS ‘86 Political Science, Ph.D. ‘93 Political Science)Lifetime Achievement Award
Matthew J. Burbank has dedicated his career to advancing the mission of the University of Utah and the College of Social and Behavioral Science through his leadership, teaching, and research. A proud alumnus of the University of Utah, he earned his MS in Political Science before completing his Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina. He later came back to the University of Utah to guide and shape the next generation of scholars and engaged citizens. Over the years, he has served as Graduate and Undergraduate Director, Department Chair, and Associate Dean, roles in which he strengthened programs, mentored countless students, and guided colleagues with wisdom and vision. Through his courses on American government, elections, public opinion, and political analysis, he has inspired thousands to become informed, active participants in civic life.
For decades, Matt’s teaching, scholarship, and leadership have strengthened CSBS and the University of Utah, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to benefit students, colleagues, and the broader community.
Bill Crim (BA ’91, Political Science)
Community Leadership Award
Bill Crim has dedicated his career to expanding opportunity and building stronger communities in Utah. As President and CEO of United Way of Salt Lake (UWSL) and Utah’s Promise, he leads efforts that bring people and organizations together to create lasting change in education and economic mobility. Bill played a central role in transforming UWSL into a nationally recognized model for collaborative, community-driven solutions.
Bill has championed innovative approaches to public policy, including launching Promise Partnership Utah and facilitating the nation’s first “pay for success” initiative in early childhood education. This is an effort that opened the door to high-quality preschool for thousands of children. Known for his ability to connect vision with action, Bill inspires others to see how data, collaboration, and shared accountability can transform lives.
Rob Dahle (BS '83 Political Science)
Service & Impact Award
Mayor Rob Dahle has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and community engagement. After being commissioned through the University of Utah Army ROTC in 1983, he served six years as an active-duty Army Aviation Officer before spending two decades leading Dahle Management Corporation, which operated 44 retail stores in 12 states. For the past 12 years, he has guided the City of Holladay as mayor, bringing integrity, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose to local government.
The values that shaped Rob began early, working alongside his father and learning that true leadership is measured not just by results, but by the respect and care shown to others. His time in the military deepened his belief in service above self, a lesson that still guides his leadership and fuels his encouragement for others to get involved and make their communities stronger.
Robbi Sutton Foxxe (MS '15 Economics, PhD '19 Economics)
Rising Star Award
Robbi Sutton Foxxe serves as Chief Economist and Managing Director of Policy and Economic Analysis in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, where she plays a central role in shaping Utah’s economic and fiscal policy. After earning her Ph.D. in economics from the University of Utah, she began her career researching juvenile justice and recidivism, using data-driven insights to inform policies that improved outcomes for vulnerable youth.
Since then, Robbi’s influence has steadily expanded across state government. She has served as Senior Research Analyst in the Division of Juvenile Justice Services, Director of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee, and Senior Economist, each role preparing her for the leadership position she holds today. Now, as co-chair of Utah’s Economic Council, she brings together leaders in business, government, and academia to chart the state’s future. With so much already achieved, Robbi’s vision and drive continue to open new possibilities as she continues to shape policy and innovation across Utah and beyond.
Maria Garciaz (BA ’81 Political Science)
Justice & Advocacy Award
Maria Garciaz has spent nearly four decades building stronger, more equitable communities. As CEO of NeighborWorks Salt Lake, she helped create more than 450 affordable housing units, launched the Community Land Trust, and established the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, which has leveraged over $500 million nationwide. Her leadership also expanded YouthWorks, connecting thousands of young people with their first jobs, mentors, and pathways to success, and she championed the Westside Leadership Institute, which empowers residents to become changemakers in their own neighborhoods.
The daughter of a working-class family and the first in her family to graduate from college, Maria’s lived experience gave her a deep understanding of the barriers many face. That perspective has shaped her life’s work in advancing equity, creating opportunity, and building community-driven solutions.
Augustino Ting Mayai (BS '06 Sociology, PhD '15 Sociology)
Change-maker Award
Augustino Ting Mayai is a South Sudanese scholar and leader in demographics and development. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah before completing a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He serves as Director General of South Sudan’s National Bureau of Statistics, overseeing national policy, research, and operations. His career spans academic teaching, research leadership, and consultancy for organizations including the World Bank, UN Women, and Save the Children, with expertise in health, education, gender equality, and development across South Sudan and Eastern Africa.
He started as a refugee student in Salt Lake City, and then began his academic journey at Salt Lake Community College. Later he transferred to the University of Utah, where faculty mentorship and leadership experiences shaped his path. He continues to advance research, policy, and opportunities for young South Sudanese, creating educational pathways and demonstrating how dedication and scholarship can transform communities.
Each of these honorees demonstrates the transformative impact that social and behavioral sciences have on communities, and their work continues to inspire future students, faculty, and society at large.
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