Each year, the College of Social and Behavioral Science at the University of Utah honors a select group of alumni who uphold the university’s tradition of excellence through extraordinary achievement and exceptional service. Brian Haslam, president and CEO of Cityworks, was honored as one of those exceptional alumni at a ceremony held on October 30, 2015, at the University of Utah Alumni House.
Haslam completed his bachelor’s degree in 1986 and went on to earn a master’s degree in geography in 1990. While working as a graduate student in 1988, he established the DIGIT (Digitally Integrated Geographic Information Technology) Lab, an early adopter of geospatial technology combined with real world experience. The DIGIT Lab was designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied geographic information analysis and application development. Offering students real world experience within the high standards of the university’s curriculum, Haslam introduced the power of GIS to a generation of young professionals, many of whom have gone on to pursue fulfilling careers.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” Haslam said. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunities and experiences during my years at the university, though I realize more today than ever that it takes great people for someone to achieve great things. Beginning with the late Dr. Donald Currey, who fully embraced the idea of digital mapping, and Dr. George Hepner, under whose tenure we introduced GIS to the college. With their support, the DIGIT Lab became one of the premier GIS research centers in the country, producing a generation of very talented professionals who have gone on to make significant contributions hear Utah and around the country.”
Haslam continues to be involved with the university, serving as a member of the College of Social and Behavioral Science Advancement Board. He was honored together with Renee Morita, who was an adjunct professor and taught human resources workshops and courses for the university; Rocco Siciliano, who is recognized nationally for his lifelong dedication to public service and as a decorated combat infantry platoon leader in Italy; and Paula Swaner, who established the Rocky Mountain Psychological Center.
The DIGIT Lab also supports faculty research in the Department of Geography, as well as other departments at the University of Utah. The DIGIT Lab has worked for (or with) more than twenty different departments across campus.
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