SUU Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative

View the Digital Showcase Winners in our link in bio!
Each year, interns are invited to submit to our Digital Showcase and put together a project that highlights how they spent their summer. We want to know about their internship goals, what they learned, and how they've grown. 2025 winners are all and were awarded scholarships. Congratulations to each of you!

1st place: Lillian Puckett
2nd place: Kaitlyn Esplin
3rd place: Daxton Gibbs

2025 Scenic photo of the year was awarded to SUU student
The IIC staff vote on photo submissions and we loved this shot because it represents natural and historical structures, as well as the many living creatures found on public lands.
Intern: Ellie Iller, Crew Member, Multi-Agency Locations
Photo title: Lunchtime taken at

Congrats Ellie!

CRUSHED at the award ceremony last week!

There is a first time for everything!
Intern of the year, photo winner, and 3rd place in our Digital Showcase 😲🥳🤩
Oh and this fall he will be a freshman here at SUU- !

Daxton worked at Golden Spike National Historic Park in Interpretation & Visitor Services.

Photo 1: Intern of the Year
Photo 2: Photo Title: Pointing to a new opportunity
Photo 3: 3rd Place Digital Showcase (we will share those soon- stay tuned!)

Here is a tiny bit of what was written in his intern of the year nominations:
This year’s award goes to an intern who, fresh out of high school, showed maturity and initiative well beyond his years. He quickly became an essential part of our team, most notably by revamping a legacy reenactment program that hadn’t changed since 2004. Drawing on his theater background, he brought stage presence, creativity, and thoughtful feedback that transformed the experience for visitors.

Daxton's intellect, creativity, and integrity stand out. He has left a lasting mark on our park, and I have no doubt he will go on to make meaningful contributions in college and beyond.

Just wow!

Photo of the year
We loved this photo because it is a unique representation of how interns support public land in ways you might not expect!
Benjamin Huerta, Facility Management Intern at
Photo title: Dump Truck Repair
Photo credit: Aaron Tripp

Did you know our internships range from biology to interpretation to recreation to facilities to trail building and more!? IIC internships are all paid and support many degree offerings here at SUU!

Our SUU Partner of the Year was awarded to Carrie Childs of the SPARC Office.

Carrie Childs, Assistant Director of the SPARC Office has years of experience in Accounting Services, both an accounting degree and MBA from SUU, Carrie is our go-to guide when navigating the maze of grant management, financial rules, and university policies. She has an incredible talent for helping find a clear path through complicated processes—and always with patience, clarity, and good humor.

Carrie, thank you for keeping us on track, making the complex feel possible, and, of course, for having the best out-of-office auto-responses on campus. We’re so grateful to have you as a partner - you are an inspiration!”

The 2025 Mentor of the Year was awarded to Jennifer Fox, Ecologist, at

It takes a special person to teach on the job, which became clear when reading what interns had to say in their nominations. Read on to see what was shared about Jennifer:

This mentor has been nothing short of extraordinary throughout the season. Always approachable and generous with her time, she answers every question—no matter how small—with honesty, clarity, and patience. Her expertise extends far beyond botany, drawing on a rich understanding of related fields that has made her guidance exceptionally well-rounded and deeply valuable.

Beyond her technical knowledge, she brings a warmth, positivity, and encouraging spirit that make the work not only meaningful but truly enjoyable. She has a rare ability to inspire confidence, foster curiosity, and create an environment where learning feels natural and rewarding.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from someone so knowledgeable, grounded, and genuinely supportive. Her mentorship has not only expanded my skills but has left a lasting impact on my confidence and enthusiasm for this field.

Thank you interns for your thoughful words and Congrats Jennifer! 🫶

Meet our Agency Partner of the Year- Ben Gibson, Lead Ranger at . Our program thrives thanks to our incredible partners, mentoring interns, navigating complex agreements, and opening doors to new opportunities.
This year’s Agency Partner of the Year has done all that and more. Ben Gibson of Zion National Park has been a phenomenal mentor to our students, guiding them with patience and professionalism. He’s helped us write and track youth agreements, making sure every detail is handled, and he’s gone above and beyond by leading professional intern workshops that set our students up for success long after their internships end.
Thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your example. We’re honored to recognize you as our Agency Partner of the Year.

Time to cast your votes and enter our contests!

🏆 Voting Categories:

IIC Intern of the Year
IIC Mentor of the Year

💰 Enter to Win Scholarships or Prizes:

IIC Digital Showcase
IIC Photo of the Year
IIC Scenic Photo of the Year

📲 Check our link in bios to submit