11-02-2025
Funeral information for Jeffrey S. Tolk, first gentleman of UVU
Funeral information for Utah Valley University's 'first gentleman,' Jeffrey S. Tolk, has been released by his wife, UVU President Astrid Tuminez. A public viewing will be held on Feb. 27 from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Roots of Knowledge Gallery in the Fulton Library on the UVU campus. Tolk's funeral will be held the following day, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. in the UCCU Center on campus and will be livestreamed.
Tuminez shared that her 'soul mate, my pillar and partner, my beloved, Jeffrey S. Tolk, who will have my heart, my laughter, and my tears forever, left this world on February 5, 2025.'
An avid outdoorsman, Tolk summited Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Mount Whitney (U.S.), Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia), and Mera Peak (Nepal). His expeditions took him to Ojos del Salado high camp (Chile) and the Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit (Nepal). He died doing what he loved, climbing Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador.
Condolences have continued to come in since the news broke on Feb. 5. The UVU basketball team shared on X a photo of two empty chairs, with jerseys, flowers, pom-poms and a photo, and their heartfelt tributes.
The UVU Center for Constitutional Studies also shared its thoughts on the passing of one of its advisory board members.
UVU's Women Tech Council posted on LinkedIn its sadness at the death: 'When you build community you get the great honor of working closely with incredible people. Jeff was one of those, he had so many great qualities and one that we watched often was his unwavering support of his family, UVU and President. We simply love his quiet strength and support, he truly showed what it meant to be a partner and champion.'
In lieu of flowers, Tuminez asked for donations to 'Dare to Dream Philippines Foundation,' a 501(c)3 organization, by emailing dare2dreamphilippines@ The nonprofit's website is forthcoming.
