Yuqi Liu
Yuqi Liu’s 2020 Crystal Crest Talent of the Year Award came as a surprise to her, especially since she had always painted as a hobby, not as a major. On the day the awards were announced in fall 2020, she received a congratulations email from a colleague at work. “‘What happened?’” she replied.
While she didn’t expect an award, her stunning art and charitable work make her the clear winner.
Liu graduated from ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø in business administration in December 2020 as an international student. She now recruits students for the International Student & Scholar Center. On the side, she has practiced oil painting and traditional Chinese watercolors since childhood. She donated her artwork to a Chinese charity established to help low-income families send children to school. Recently, she spoke with Huntsman Cancer Institute about donating artwork to display for patients.
“It means a lot to me to notice my talent in this area,” said Liu, whose art subjects range from cultural Chinese scenes to still lifes to go-kart racers.
While she expresses herself through art, she said ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø public speaking instructor Greg Larson helped her find her voice. “Because English is not my first language, the first time I came to Weber State I didn’t dare talk a lot with other people, but he was very patient, and he told me he’d like to help me to improve my English,” she said.
Liu chose ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø because she thought Utah would be a peaceful state for studying. She discovered an institution that supported international students. She made friends from many countries, including the U.S., and with them explored local culture.
“It’s a very fantastic opportunity to study at Weber State,” she said.
Liu is now deciding whether she should go to law school, earn her MBA or start a business. Whatever she decides, colleagues in the International Student & Scholar Center are happy she stayed at Weber after graduation.
“She is the kind of student that we hope to have at ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø, and she deserves to be recognized for her amazing talents and also commitment to making Weber State University GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!,” said Tiana Witkamp, administrative specialist for the International Student & Scholar Center who nominated Liu for the award. “She makes every effort to happily serve her fellow students and consciously wants to make a difference for others, especially those in need.”