A Gift of Real Opportunity - EsNet Group

Corporate Donors
EsNet Group
Dan Campbell and Duff Thompson

Adventurers, collectors, philosophers, believers and visionaries are just a few of the titles that best describe the managing partners of one of Utah County's most industrious, innovative, and successful companies. Dan Campbell and R. Duff Thompson, of the EsNet Group, share an uncommon enthusiasm and energy for the future of Utah Valley State College and this community.

In 1998, Dan, Duff, and their partners expressed their commitment to the future growth and potential of UVSC and its role in this community by donating approximately 16 acres of undeveloped property adjacent to campus. The gift, valued at $2.4 million, is indicative of their philosophy that people with the interest and the ability have the responsibility to get involved in the betterment of this community.

Interest and ability are two things that Dan and Duff have in abundance. In just a few short years, since the EsNet Group was formed in 1994, they have substantially enhanced the cultural, aesthetic, and economic climate in Utah valley. Their stylish corporate offices in the Riverwoods area of Provo, graced with an elaborate art collection mixed with artifacts collected on their many adventures around the globe, portrays a bold portrait of how they have successfully meshed their passions into everything they do. From beautiful office complexes to luxurious shopping locales, like the new Shops at Riverwoods, these two definitely seem to have the Midas touch.

Both Dan and Duff are natives of other states, California and Idaho respectively. They came to Utah to attend BYU in the 1970's, and returned in the late 70's to earn their livelihoods. Neither of them have found another place where they would rather live and raise their children. And besides, as they put it, they both just really like this community and want to help create a well-planned place of culture and beauty as it extends itself through tremendous growth in the years to come.

Their commitment to UVSC is also tied to that growth. They see the College as an integral part of the fabric of this society, partly because of the interest shown in the community by President Romesburg. As Duff says, "It was our confidence in President Romesburg's strong leadership and vision that finally motivated EsNet Group to make the gift to UVSC."

They had been approached to make the gift several years ago, but shrugged it off. It was Dan's invitation to serve on the UVSC Foundation Board, where he sits on the Executive Committee and serves as the finance committee chair, that helped him to see the growing need for expansion on campus. He was able to convince Duff of that need and together they approached the rest of their partners and sold them on the idea.

According to Dan, "We both have had children attend UVSC and are aware of the needs that exist on campus as the college continues to provide a quality education for an ever-growing student population in this valley."

The gift of land was accompanied by the sale of three homes, with the remainder of the land undeveloped. Two of the homes have already been remodeled and will be in use by various departments on campus this fall, providing a great relief for the campus' ongoing space issues.

As this gift changes the face and future of UVSC, Dan Campbell and Duff Thompson continue to expand their horizons. Whether on safari in Africa or on a Russian nuclear ice breaker ship in the North Pole, you can be assured that the effects of their adventurous spirits will be felt on this campus and in this community as they continue to raise our cultural awareness with each new project they conjure up.

Printed in the UVSC Annual Report 1997-1998

For more information on UVSC Corporate Giving contact:
Cristina Pianezzola J.D. Director, Annual Giving
or call (801) 863-8204