Hikmet is a cherished member of the arts and environmental community in Utah.

Congratulations, Hikmet, on this well-deserved award. You should know that almost every time we talk, I learn something new and interesting about Great Salt Lake or land art. Thank you for your passion—which is inspiring, contagious, and educational. There’s a photo of you etched in my mind (it’s lovely and so appropriate): you, bathed in evening light from Sun Tunnels.

– Ashley Kramer, Assistant Dean, School of Arts & Sciences, Westminster College

It is a rare person who puts others before themselves, who connects people, who follows their conscience and heart to make the world a more interesting place. Over the years, Hikmet Sydney Loe has shocked me with her tireless energy and enthusiasm for the people and places dear to her–Great Salt Lake being one of them. She is an unselfish scholar, a delightful sprint, and I am lucky to call her a friend.

– Christine Baczek, Photographer

Hikmet is a community treasure for her dedication to broadening understanding of the lake as an inspiration for art and a force in the lives of those who live on or near it.  I was privileged to be her colleague at the Utah Humanities Council while she was writing her book about the Spiral Jetty.  Her enthusiasm encouraged me to take a trip to see the Jetty for myself, where I was struck by the quiet beauty of the lake in an entirely new way.  Hikmet has been the Jetty and the lake’s tireless lover, Interpreter, champion, and historian.  Kudos to her!

– Jean Cheney, Associate Director, Utah Humanities Council

Hikmet Loe is a great friend of all of the natural and human communities of the Salt Lake Valley. Her scholarship is rooted in the beauty of this unique place and its distinctive artistic heritage. She works tirelessly to promote appreciation of the lake and the arts across the Salt Lake Valley.

– Lance Newman, Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences

Three cheers in appreciation of all Hikmet has done to teach us all the value of our salty place as reflected in the world of art. Thanks for your commitment to the aesthetic of Great Salt Lake!

– Bonnie Baxter, Director, Great Salt Lake Institute

Hikmet Loe’s knowledge of The Spiral Jetty is not only encyclopedic but also passionate. That combination of fact and emotion makes her a Very Special Resource!

– Natasha Saje, Ph.D., English Professor and Director of the Weeks Poetry Series, Westminster College

Hikmet is wonderful! In my work with her, she has always been willing, engaged, and dynamic. She is an important contributor to the arts community and is a skilled collaborator and researcher. Utah is lucky to have her.

– Felicia M. Baca, Visual Arts Program, Utah Division of Arts & Museums

Along with a killer sense of fashion, Hikmet truly encompasses a charm and confidence that most people would be jealous of. She brings a lively energy to the Westminster campus: to colleagues, faculty, and (most importantly) the students. Her presence is invaluable—and for that—I am so lucky to call her a co-worker and friend.

– Joanna Pham, Publications and Web Coordinator, Westminster College

Kudos to Hikmet for this wonderful honor. We love working with Hikmet and our paths cross often – both in town and on the desert! I’m especially grateful to Hikmet for the many, many students she brings to the UMFA. Hikmet is a wonderful and engaging educator – and we so appreciate the interaction she facilitates with our Museum and her fabulous students.

– Gretchen Dietrich, Executive Director, Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Thanks Hikmet for helping me look and listen to the Lake in a very different way.

In saline,
Lynn de Freitas, Executive Director FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake