The only Univega I've owned is from their "last" (so far) incarnation when they were owned by Derby Cycles. Mine is a '99. Though modern bikes the Univegas (and Raleighs which were also a Derby owned marque) threw at least a bone to their heritage as they were Columbus steel frames equipped with Campy.

Regarding the questions above: I have no idea about Ben Lawee but am pretty sure "Vega" translates to something like "star."