SENIOR PROFILE: Aiyana Uter leads the campus in conservation

Alyana Uter

Aiyana Uter is inspired to create the change the world needs.

“I know that in order for there to be change, you need to be the change. And that’s what drives me,” she said.

As an aspiring environmental lawyer, her passion for environmentalism and conservation have shaped her purpose, starting right on campus.

Among other roles, Uter has served as president of Friends of the Earth for three years. In this role, she has revived the organization and pushed the campus to be more environmentally friendly.

“The highlight of leading FOTE has been watching it grow, seeing the opportunities we’ve gotten, and impacting students,” she said.

Under her leadership, the organization has become an Audubon Campus Chapter, opening the doors for international travel, increased partnerships and even grant funding to strengthen the organization.

Even more, she received Audubon’s 2025 Dare to Soar Award for her leadership and commitment to Audubon’s mission.

But for her, it isn’t about the award. It’s the impact.

Uter is proud to have seen the growth of the organization and the benefit for Claflin and the community. 

“Students have had the opportunity to go into the community to volunteer and give back, and advocate to legislators about what they believe is right.”

In addition to leading Friends of the Earth, she is vice president of CU DEEP and treasurer of the CU Pre-Law Society.

“These have allowed me to hold space for my passions outside of the classroom, and allowed for me to connect with like-minded people,” Uter said.

As graduation quickly approaches, she expresses gratefulness for the way each of these organizations has prepared her for her career and aspirations.

She knows Friends of the Earth’s progress won’t end with her and encourages students to continue to engage with the organization and their mission.