Orem » Nate Bagley hopes "truthiness" will prevail.

The Utah Valley University student is waging a one-man campaign to get a room in the Digital Learning Center named for Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report."

Day after day, the sophomore communications major sits in the Sorensen Student Center's hallway soliciting money to buy the naming rights for a library room.

His argument: The TV personality has had a great influence on the South Jordan resident's generation.

"I feel he's played an active role in getting college students active in politics," Bagley said.

Plus it's a chance for students to leave something lasting.

So far, Bagley's a tenth of the way toward the $5,000 minimum donation for room naming rights, but he says he believes he has the support.

And what does Colbert think of the college student's efforts? Neither he nor his representatives returned calls this week seeking comment.

Colbert's program, a spin-off of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," parodies conservative Fox News talk-show host Bill O'Reilly. With his trademark "truthiness" -- trusting his gut while ignoring evidence to the contrary -- Colbert skewers those he deems demagogues and hypocrites.

Bagley said Colbert's buffoonery belies a man who is well-educated and has a firm grasp on current events. Plus, he said the performer connects with a younger generation, which doesn't look to network news anchors to find out what's going on.

The idea of a Colbert room germinated in August as Bagley started fall semester. The library is nearing completion, and the university hopes donors will buy naming rights to some of the conference areas and classrooms.

Along with honoring Colbert's contribution to his generation, Bagley said naming a room gives students a chance to contribute to their alma mater. Plus, it will give UVU national exposure -- especially if Colbert mentions it on TV.

"Ideally, it would be great to have him on campus to christen the room," Bagley said. He said it would also demonstrate that political diversity exists in a state viewed as a Republican stronghold.

Courtney Welch, UVU Student Association vice president of student activities, likes the idea. The student government is letting Bagley set up a table in the student center and to use its name in publicity.

Chantry Inkley, a sophomore from Salt Lake City, thought the idea of a Colbert room was "cool."

"It gives us a name and gets us some recognition," Inkley said.

Chris Taylor, UVU spokesman, said if Bagley raises the money, the name will have to be approved by the university's board of trustees.

"We're glad to see the students take an interest in the fundraising process," Taylor said.

dmeyers@sltrib.com