University of Wyoming 2023 Commencement Program L

Candidates for graduation must complete all degree requirements prior to a degree being awarded. Stated degree honors for candidates for graduation may change based on grades earned in the final semester.

Order Commencement photos using the QR codes or the direct links below:

Direct link for 8:30 a.m. Ceremony: http://regis.viewyour.photos/direct/67647/27187711

Direct link for 12:15 p.m. Ceremony: http://regis.viewyour.photos/direct/67647/27187717

Direct link for 3:30 p.m. Ceremony: http://regis.viewyour.photos/direct/67647/27187714

Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), Honoris Causa: John A. List ...................51

Board of Trustees

2022–2023

Officers of the Board

John C. McKinley, Cheyenne, Chair

Kermit C. Brown, Laramie, Vice Chair

Michelle M. Sullivan, Sheridan, Treasurer

Laura Schmid-Pizzato, Rock Springs, Secretary

Members of the Board

Brad Bonner, Cody

Elizabeth Greenwood, Pinedale

David R. Fall, Gillette

Brad LaCroix, Newcastle

Carol Linton, Jackson

Jim Mathis, Wheatland

Macey R. Moore, Douglas

Dave True, Casper

Ex-Officio Members of the Board

Mark Gordon

Governor of Wyoming

Megan Degenfelder State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Sandra Caldwell

Executive Director of the Wyoming Community College Commission

Ed Seidel

President of the University of Wyoming

Allison Brown

President of the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming

May 13, 2023

Dear UW Graduates, Family, and Friends:

Welcome to the University of Wyoming’s 2023 Spring Commencement ceremonies. Thank you for joining us to celebrate one of the most important and memorable moments in a student’s academic journey.

To our graduates: when you embarked on your academic career towards this momentous occasion none of you could have envisioned the challenges and opportunities you would experience on your journey. You had highs and lows. You experienced the sweetness of success and the lessons of struggle. You forged new relationships and learned how to navigate those you formed before UW. You experienced both the thrill and rigor of academic discovery. I hope those experiences shaped you during your time at UW and I know they have prepared you for whatever is coming next.

Now, you are turning the page to a new chapter in a book only you can write. You will step into the future with your degree conferred upon you. Your degree, your education, your knowledge, and experiences are uniquely yours. Your University of Wyoming degree is a culmination, and the catalyst from which you will build your and our futures.

You are my sixth graduating class as President of the University of Wyoming, and I can say—with the utmost sincerity—that each commencement is special because the hopes, dreams, and accomplishments we are celebrating today are unique to each class and each graduate. It is my deepest honor to celebrate this day with you. I share your elation, your excitement and—yes, for some of you—your anxiety about tomorrow! I am so glad we can be here together to honor you—and share this time with family, friends, faculty, and staff.

To family and friends of our graduates: Our graduates would not be here today without your support, advice, and encouragement. Know that you have played a crucial role in their success that cannot be understated. I know you will continue to support them, wherever their plans take them next!

Today, our graduates permanently join the ranks of a Cowboy or Cowgirl for life. Graduates, you are part of a community that includes all who have studied, taught, researched, and worked at UW. This community is global, embracing, and is ready to partner with you in the days and years ahead. You make this community stronger and better by joining the alumni ranks of the Brown and Gold. You have my heartfelt congratulations, and my best wishes for a great future!

Ed Seidel President

Wyoming Territorial Seal

The University of Wyoming provides a transitional chapter in the history of the central Rocky Mountain frontier. In 1886, when the university was founded, the Wyoming Territory was nearly two decades old. The territorial seal is reproduced in beautiful stained glass above the west door of Old Main, the first campus building.

In the upper half of the seal, a railroad train is set against the mountains. In the lower left, a plow, a pick, a shovel, and a shepherd’s crook are depicted. An arm upholds a sword in the lower right. Above the Norman shield appears the inscription Cedant Arma Togae (let arms yield to the gown).

In 1890, when Wyoming became a state, the official state seal was adopted. Historically, the university seal bridges the territory and the state. It symbolizes educational excellence and complements the growth of the state it serves.

Alma Mater

Where the western lights’ long shadows Over boundless prairies fling And the mountain winds are vocal With thy dear name, Wyoming. There it is the Brown and Yellow Floats in loving loyalty, And the College throws its portals Open wide to all men free.

Refrain

And so our songs we bring. Our Alma Mater sing, To her our hearts shall cling, Shall cling forever more. Yonder we can see it standing, Circled by the purple hills, While the flaming fire of sunset Every western window fills; ’Tis the College! Ah, we know it! Shrine of many joys and tears, And the rays that light upon it Are prophetic of its years.

By June Etta Downey

UW Professor of English and Philosophy

(1905)

First woman in the United States to head an academic department (1915)

Ragtime Cowboy Joe

He always sings raggy music to the cattle as he swings Back and forward in the saddle on a horse (a pretty good horse!)

He’s got a syncopated gaiter And you ought to hear the meter to the roar of his repeater How they run (yes run!)

When they hear that he’s ‘a-comin’, Cause the western folks all know, He’s a high-falootin’, rootin, tootin’ Son of a gun from ol’ Wyoming Ragtime Cowboy, (talk about your cowboy), Ragtime Cowboy Joe.

Fight, Wyoming, Fight

Come on, Cowboys, gold and brown! Show them how, boys, hold them down! Start right now, boys, don’t delay, Break away, win today. Take that ball, and one, two, three! Carry on triumphantly—Come on and fight! Fight! Fight, you Cowboys, fight! Come on and fight to victory!