University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

For the fourth day of Techmas, we’re celebrating the remarkable achievements of four University of Advancing Technology (UAT) alumni whose stories showcase the power of UAT, resilience, and community. These graduates have not only made a mark in their respective fields but also continue to inspire the next generation of technology leaders.

Hope Thoms: Game Design Excellence

Hope Thoms’ academic journey at UAT is nothing short of extraordinary. Graduating with an Associate of Arts in Game Design and an Associate of Science in Game Programming midway through her studies, Hope completed her Bachelor of Arts in Game Design in August 2024, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her standout experiences included developing a 57-page screenplay in her World Building class and crafting a unique Student Innovation Project (SIP), Feminspire. Balancing academics and life, Hope encourages students to embrace imperfection and enjoy the process.

Jacob Glass: Emmy-Winning Storyteller

Jacob Glass, a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Video graduate, has made waves in the media industry. After graduating in 2016, Jacob transitioned from iMemories to Arizona PBS, where he edited the Emmy-winning docuseries Black in Arizona. He credits UAT’s real-world learning experience, especially the early exposure to cameras, with preparing him for the technical and creative demands of the film industry. Jacob’s work continues to impact the media landscape by highlighting social issues and personal stories within Arizona’s Black community.

Eli Muir: Innovating at Disney

Eli Muir, a Bachelor of Science in Game Programming graduate, is currently a leader in the e-commerce sector at Disney. During his time at UAT, Eli was exposed to a variety of emerging technologies and creative processes that set the foundation for his career. He emphasizes the value of UAT’s real-world, innovative curriculum, which taught him not just technical skills but also how to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing technology industry. Eli continues to advocate for lifelong learning as the key to thriving in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Ray Todd Blackwood: A Lifetime of Impact

Ray Todd Blackwood, who graduated with an Associate's Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Video from UAT, recently received the inaugural Lifetime Impact Award at UAT’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony. Ray’s journey from UAT student to Vice President of Product Management at Anthology exemplifies the transformative power of education and passion. He recalls how UAT’s groundbreaking VR classes helped ignite his interest in digital video, which evolved into a career spanning IT, product management, and community engagement. Ray remains an active member of the UAT community, serving on the UAT Foundation Board and continuing to mentor current students.

These four alumni embody UAT’s mission of advancing technology, and their successes remind us of the incredible potential within the UAT community.

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