Days of '47 KUTV
Pioneers of Progress

Awards Gala Banquet

Presented by Mountain America Credit Union

When

Thursday - July 16, 2026
Reception @ 6:30pm
Dinner & Awards @ 7:00pm

Where

The Grand America
555 S Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Contact Information

"Tickets are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets for the dinner, please contact Margo Ayre at 801-809-3446 or mayre@xmission.com

About The Event

The Pioneers of Progress Awards were instituted in 1995 to recognize service and achievement in modern-day pioneering. These awards honor those who continue Utah’s rich heritage of vision, industry, integrity, sacrifice and courage. Honorees are selected in the following categories:

  1. Science & Technology
  2. Education
  3. Business & Enterprise
  4. Health & Humanitarian Assistance
  5. Sportsmanship & Athletics
  6. Creative Arts & Entertainment
  7. Legacy (posthumous)

Submitting Entries

You have two options for submitting a nomination: (online & paper form - choose one)

NOMINATE ONLINE - Pioneers of Progress Nomination Form.
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT - download and print the nomination form (Word Document).

To submit additional information for this nomination, please email mayre@xmission.com.
If you have questions or would like to attend, please contact:

Margo Ayre
Phone: 801-809-3446
Email: mayre@xmission.com

Eligibility

Any current Utah resident, regardless of age, can be nominated for a Pioneer of Progress Award. Nomination Procedures:

  1. An individual or group may nominate more than one individual for any category.
  2. Individuals may nominate themselves.
  3. Pertinent supplemental information, not to exceed four (4) pages may be attached to the nomination form.
  4. Judges may request additional information from nominees, nominators or nominating organizations.
  5. The judges’ decision is final. Nomination forms, including all supplemental materials, become the property of The Days of ’47 and will not be returned.
  6. Nominees agree to the use of their names and likeness in publicity connected with The Days of ’47 Pioneers of Progress Awards, including videos, press releases and audio reproductions.

Selection Criteria

Nominations are judged on the following criteria

  1. Service—The dedication displayed by the nominee in providing service that betters individuals and communities.
  2. Innovation and Industry—The ways in which the nominee has demonstrated vision and hard work in personal and professional roles.
  3. Achievements—How the nominee has produced results that reflect the spirit of Utah’s pioneers.

As part of the annual celebration of Utah’s pioneer heritage, The Days of ’47 Board of Trustees honors modern-day Utahns who perpetuate a legacy of industry and integrity with Pioneers of Progress awards. These awards honor deserving Utahns whose lives and achievements commemorate such virtuous principles of pioneering as faith, courage, industry, integrity and sacrifice; and whose work benefits present and future generations.


Past Recipients

The Pioneers of Progress Awards are sponsored by The Days of ’47 and were instituted in 1995 in recognition of service and achievements in modern-day pioneering continuing Utah’s pioneer heritage benefiting past, present and future generations.

Science and Technology

Business and Enterprise

Education

Health and Humanitarian Assistance

Entertainment and Creative Arts

Sportsmanship and Athletics

Legacy Award

President’s Award

Presenting Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Sustaining

Friends and Partners of Days of '47