UWYO Magazine Vol. 26 No. 3

OF PHILANTHROPY THE POW ER

Visual arts student Aurora Meadows explored the autumn colors of the Laramie Greenbelt as part of her 2D Foundations class taught by Samara Johnson.

FEATURES

18 / SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS

Matching programs encourage generous donors to support a wide range of student success initiatives.

22 / FACULTY EXCELLENCE

Named and endowed positions help UW recruit, reward and retain top talent.

28 / EDUCATION IS THE WEAPON

A growing momentum is boosting support for Native American students and programs.

32 / IT’S HERE

The Kemmerer family’s reverence for Wyoming tradition is shaping what’s next.

38 / A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

Thanks to the Dick and Lynne Cheney Study Abroad Endowment, thousands of UW students have gained international experiences.

44 / TREMENDOUS POSSIBILITIES

E.G. Meyer dedicated more than 60 years of his life to the University of Wyoming.

82 / A HELPING HAND

The Myra Fox Skelton Scholarship for single parents at UW–Casper provides multigenerational benefits.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

48 / Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

66 / AlumNews

Departments

04-6 / Welcome Letters

08 / News & Notes

13 / Arts & Humanities

15 / Snapshots

27 / Athletics

43 / Giving: Life of a Gift

ON THE COVER

62 / Art Museum

64 / Giving: Gateway Center

85 / Giving: Stewardship

86 / Al Simpson Tribute

88 / By the Numbers

UWyo

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

Spring 2025 | Volume 26, No. 3 uwyo.edu/magazine

University President: Edward Seidel

Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing: Chad Baldwin

Editor: Micaela Myers

Design: Michelle Eberle, Emily Edgar, Fernando Lechuga, Casidy Mittelstadt, Brittny Wroblewski

Photo and Video: Ali Grossman, Kyriessa Lane, Andrew Wee, Austin Jackson, Daine Gostas unless noted

Contributing Editors: Chad Baldwin, Tamara Linse

Contributing Writers: Cameron Johnston, Sunnie Lew, Tamara Linse, Missy Samp, Michelle Sunset, UW Communications

AlumNews/WyoGrams: Michael Blaney, Abi Gerhard, Tamara Linse, Shelby Sinclair

UWyo is published three times per year as a partnership among UW Institutional Marketing, UW Foundation and the UW Alumni Association. UWyo is supported by UW Foundation, UW Research & Economic Development, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and the Office of the President. ©2025 by the University of Wyoming. All rights reserved. Excerpts from this magazine may be reprinted with permission, provided appropriate credit is given to the University of Wyoming and copies of reprinted materials are provided to the editor.

To access past UWyo publications, visit uwyo.edu/archive

The University is committed to equal opportunity for all persons in all facets of the University’s operations. All qualified applicants for employment and educational programs, benefits, and services will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, creed, ancestry, political belief or any other applicable category protected by law and University policy.

Read about Jay and Karen Kemmerer’s transformative gift to create the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute at UW on page 32.

UWYO / University of Wyoming

1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3226 Laramie, WY 82071-2000 uwyomag@uwyo.edu

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Philanthropy Is Driving UW Forward

This edition of UWyo Magazine reflects the strong partnership between the University of Wyoming and the University of Wyoming Foundation, highlighting the profound impact of philanthropy in shaping the university’s future. Through the generosity of our alumni and supporters, UW continues to prosper as an institution that fosters innovation, excellence and leadership.

UW is a truly special place — not only because it is the state’s only fouryear university, but also because of its incredible impact on people, extending far beyond the students who graduate from here. So many of us take immense pride in UW and the role it played during such a formative time in our lives. Some may question the value of higher education, and others may wonder if UW is what it once was. A closer look

reveals a university that is not only thriving, but also evolving and reaching new heights. Recently, UW earned the prestigious R1 research designation, placing it among the nation’s top research universities. Our College of Business holds elite accreditation, ranking in the top 5 percent of business schools nationwide. The newly established interdisciplinary School of Computing is set to lead in computational research, education and engagement, while the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program is positioning the College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Life Sciences as a national powerhouse. The Jay Kemmerer WORTH (Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality) Institute and groundbreaking work in energy innovation at the School of Energy Resources further demonstrate UW’s commitment to progress, excellence and the industries that drive Wyoming’s economy. UW is also making significant strides in engineering, law, natural resources and the creative economy. With so many advancements, the university continues to shape the future, proving its enduring value and impact.

Serving on the UW Foundation Board has been a privilege, allowing me to witness firsthand the extraordinary leaders this university has produced. These individuals are making a difference across Wyoming’s communities — as attorneys, mayors, city council members, youth leaders,

judges and in countless other roles. Wyoming would not be the same without their contributions.

One of the most inspiring aspects of my involvement has been seeing the generosity of UW alumni and supporters. I have met alumni from across the country who, despite leaving the state to pursue their careers, continue to give back — supporting students they have never met and funding programs that ensure future graduates remain competitive, whether in Wyoming or beyond. Many of our alumni have gone on to lead major companies and organizations across the nation and around the world, yet they attribute their success to the strong foundation they built at UW. One alumnus described his UW education as his “unfair advantage,” propelling him ahead of peers from supposedly more prestigious institutions.

The UW Foundation team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to connecting donor passion with purpose. Their work fuels a powerful cycle of giving, strengthening both our university and our state. As an alumnus myself, I am proud to support UW and encourage others to do the same.

The World Needs More Cowboys!

Doug Stark Chair of the Board, University of Wyoming Foundation (B.S. ’80), University of Wyoming, Agricultural Business

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LAW ALUM PAYS IT FORWARD

Charles Mead, a nontraditional UW student turned successful trial attorney, earned his J.D. from the UW College of Law in 1990. He is still in touch with classmates, and he proudly displays his class photo in his office. In 2022, Mead shared with the UW Foundation’s donor experience officer team

that he planned to leave a significant gift to UW in his will. It was to express his gratitude for the opportunity, the second chance to attend law school, that he was given. After several conversations and visits, he set up a remarkable planned gift in 2024 that benefits the UW College of Law. This generosity underscores the transformative impact UW had on his life.

ALUM’S GIFT CREATES FIRST ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP IN MATH

A landmark gift from UW alumnus Patrick Heasler establishes the first-ever endowed professorship in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The Patrick Heasler Professorship will enhance the university’s ability to recruit and retain outstanding faculty. “My experiences at the University of Wyoming and particularly the mathematics department determined my choice for a rewarding career as a statistician,” Heasler says. “I received scholarships during my time at the university and resolved to pay back the institution for its generosity with this gift.”

MAJOR GIFT CREATES SALES PROFESSORSHIP

A major gift from UW alumnus Dimitrios Smyrnios, matched to $500,000 by the state, creates the Smyrnios Family Sales Professorship. The professorship will boost the university’s ability to recruit and retain exceptional faculty members in the College of Business Center for Professional Selling, which is dedicated to excellence in sales education and to advancing the sales profession. The center promotes professional selling and sales management, delivers innovative sales instruction, provides industry engagement opportunities and conducts research that advances the sales field.

$1M ENDOWMENT SUPPORTS PETROLEUM ENGINEERING STUDENTS

A $500,000 major gift from Joseph and Stephanie Leimkuhler, matched to $1 million by the state, supports UW petroleum engineering students. The Joseph and Stephanie Leimkuhler Fund for Student Success in Petroleum Engineering provides educational and enrichment opportunities for students pursuing master’s degrees in petroleum engineering, especially drilling engineering. This fund furthers the university’s commitment to producing highly skilled professionals in this essential field.

Law students Cashlyn English and Allison Karasiewicz

10TH ANNUAL UW GIVING DAY SETS NEW RECORD

UW’s 10th annual Giving Day set a new record with 11,202 donors from all 50 states and 14 other countries who gave more than $4.1 million, making it the most successful Giving Day in the university’s history. This year’s success showcases how UW’s network of alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters continues to rally for the future of the university.

WOLD FOUNDATION SUPPORTS STUDENT SUCCESS IN OIL AND GAS

A major gift from the Wold Foundation to the School of Energy Resources supports UW’s long legacy of serving Wyoming’s oil and gas sector. It provides graduate fellowships to students working with the SER Centers of Excellence on oil and gas projects. The $225,000 contribution, doubled by the state’s matching program, creates the Wold Foundation Oil and Gas Student Success Fund. A longtime donor to the university, the Wold Foundation has generously supported every facet of energy-related research, education and outreach at UW. In 1990, the Wold family created the university’s first fully funded endowed academic chair — the John and Jane Wold Centennial Chair in Energy.

A key driver of Giving Day’s success was the more than $1.4 million in matching funds and challenges, including matching funds from the UW Foundation Board of Directors and the UW Board of Trustees, which provided donors the opportunity to multiply their impact. This year featured 256 individual giving campaigns from units large and small all across the university.

LEGACY MATCH OFFERS IMMEDIATE IMPACT FOR DONORS

The Legacy Match Program created by the UW Foundation and funded by the UW Foundation Board of Directors offers matching funds to donors who establish planned gifts. Through this program, a legacy gift unlocks matching funds that have an immediate impact on a UW area of the donor’s choice. When donors document a planned gift to UW, they qualify for a 10 percent match of up to $10,000 on the estimated future value of the gift. Matching funds are directed immediately to the UW area of choice so that donors can not only have a long-term impact on UW, but also see the immediate impact of their giving.

MAJOR GIFT CREATES CHAIR IN ECONOMICS

A $1 million gift to UW, doubled to $2 million by state matching, from alumnus Paul Turner and his wife, Karleen, creates the Paul and Karleen Turner Faculty Fund in Economics. Turner is the senior vice president for business development for Hecate Energy LLC. “The late John Tschirhart, who was my thesis adviser and friend, had a significant impact on how I think about economics,” Turner says. “John’s impact on my life cannot be understated and figured prominently into the decision that Karleen and I made to start contributing to UW.”

PLANNING WITH CONSULTANT BWF ADVANCES UW

The UW Foundation and UW are teaming up with BWF, a leading fundraising consulting firm, to plan for a potential comprehensive campaign. This campaign would set the university’s strategic direction for fundraising and engagement. The collaboration focuses on private giving priorities, internal readiness, external readiness and messaging to build an authentic, aspirational and achievable campaign aligned with the university’s goals. A vital component of UW’s strategic plan, “Forward for Wyoming,” the potential campaign would engage donors and alumni in innovative ways while enhancing the university’s reputation both nationally and globally.

The College of Arts & Sciences o ers a distinct and well-rounded education in Fine Arts, the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Programs. Whether you're interested in pursuing a degree in A&S or looking for ways to unlock your creativity, nationally-ranked degree programs and courses with A&S provide an opportunity to gain valuable education and skills. Our programs involve work in the creative fields, using data, learning new languages, understanding the world around you, and much more.

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In addition to being a dedicated teacher, Roberts is recognized as a meticulous researcher, a prolific writer and an engaging speaker.

To honor Roberts’s legacy, a new faculty fellowship has been named for the professor emeritus. The Phil Roberts Faculty Fellowship in Wyoming History and the West was established recently, thanks to a major gift from an anonymous donor combined with state matching funds.

“That was one of the nicest tributes I’ve ever had,” Roberts says. “I was mighty honored to have that happen.”

The new fund will be used to recruit and retain a scholar who will specialize in the history of Wyoming and the West.

“Through the Phil Roberts Faculty Fellowship in Wyoming History and the West, UW ensures that Dr. Roberts’s legacy will live on and that students will continue to learn about the fascinating history of Wyoming and the West,” says Jeffrey Means, chair of UW’s Department of History and an associate professor.

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Roberts sees the fellowship as an opportunity for a faculty member to travel around the state, conducting research and speaking with citizens.

“We learn a lot when we go out to various corners of the state, because there are always things changing, and that would help the faculty member or whoever used the fellowship to stay abreast of what’s going on,” he says.

The faculty member is not the only one to benefit from the fellowship, Roberts says.

“I think everybody benefits — the university because it raises our position around the state, where they say, ‘Oh, well, you think of Wyoming history, you’ve got to remember UW,’ and it helps students because it encourages students to get into history, and they see that it’s relevant to life today,” he says.

The Phil Roberts Faculty Fellowship in Wyoming History and the West not only honors Roberts’s legacy, but it also provides students with the opportunity to learn from the past to prepare for the future.

Paying It Forward

FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR DOUG STARK WORKS TIRELESSLY TO HELP FUTURE GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS.

By Micaela Myers

Doug Stark grew up in Riverton and after high school worked jobs such as road construction. He then chose to attend the University of Wyoming to create a better life for himself and his family, but with no scholarships or family support, he couldn’t afford it. After a semester, he had to stop and go back to work to earn the money needed to finish. But he persevered, earning his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business in 1980.

“My experience formed the foundation of why I give back and why I think philanthropy is so important,” Stark says. “There are a lot of kids in similar situations. I got the chance to get a good education and to have a really nice career, and I attribute that to my UW education. I couldn’t have done that otherwise, and so I’m inclined to find ways to give back so that other young men and women can experience those opportunities.”

Stark retired as president and chief executive officer of Farm Credit Services of America in 2017 after a 37-year career there where he helped the financial cooperative’s assets grow from $9.7 billion to $25.8 billion. His contributions to UW include facilitating the UW and Farm Credit Services of America collaboration

on research and outreach projects; co-teaching a leadership class in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources; working to help establish the first minor in leadership; and serving on the Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Board. To honor his leadership, Stark received the Agricultural Outstanding Alumni Award in 2013 and the UW Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022. His wife, Deniz, also is a UW alum, and they live on their ranch north of Shawnee, Wyo. The couple established the Stark Family President’s Endowed Scholarship, which supports transfer students to the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources.

In 2017, Stark joined the UW Foundation Board of Directors.

“We’re focused on how we can continue to grow our impact at the University of Wyoming, especially for students and faculty,” Stark says. “The UW Foundation Board is a phenomenal group of very accomplished business men and women. It’s humbling to be a part of this group, who — as a result of their time at the university — have gone on to very successful careers.”

When the board travels, it meets with alumni around the country. “It

never ceases to amaze me the alumni I meet,” Stark says. “I hear stories of their time at UW and what it meant to them and then to see how successful they have become. The University of Wyoming has outkicked its coverage in terms of impact.”

Stark believes what sets UW apart is the people — from the students to the professors and advisers.

“The fact it’s our only university in the state really creates a lot of pride,” he says. “And there’s so much personal benefit to giving back. Seeing the impact you can have on faculty and students is really inspiring.”

Lifelong Connections

MARTHA WYRSCH FOLLOWED IN HER FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS, GIVING HER TIME AND TALENT TO UW.

By Micaela Myers

When people have successful and high-powered careers, what makes them decide to give their valuable time to their alma mater? For Martha Wyrsch, giving back to the University of Wyoming is a way to ensure future students get the same amazing opportunities she received.

“I’m a person who believes in gratitude as a way of life,” says Wyrsch, who currently serves as secretary of the UW Foundation Board of Directors and previously served on the UW Energy Resources Council, the Haub School Advisory Board and the UW Art Museum National Advisory Board.

Wyrsch grew up in Laramie. Her parents, Dick and Marty Brown, along with two of her siblings also attended UW. For them, supporting UW is a family affair.

“My dad was the first alumni director, and he served on the UW Board of Trustees and on the UW Foundation Board — so giving back to the institution that did so much to inform my thinking is quite natural for me,” Wyrsch says. Her service began as a student. In addition to being one of the earliest members of the Honors College program, Wyrsch was a member of Tri Delta sorority and Mortar Board honor society. She served as an Associated Students of UW senator, then as president, again following in her father’s footsteps — the first father and daughter to serve as student body president.

“ASUW gave me access and insight to leadership at the university and to the Board of Trustees,” she says. “I was involved in serious and weighty discussions, and there was a great deal of respect paid to the student body president, so I felt like I had a voice and could make a difference. That experience was foundational as I moved into business leadership roles.”

After graduating with her degree in English (1980), Wyrsch found her way to Washington, D.C., to work with U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson in his first term. She earned her law degree from George Washington University and went on to a career in the energy industry. Wyrsch served as president and CEO of two large divisions of global energy companies — Spectra Energy Transmission and Vestas Wind Systems North America. She also served as general counsel for three different public utilities. Wyrsch is currently serving on the boards of directors of three public companies along with her work on the UW Foundation Board.

Wyrsch won UW’s Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri outstanding senior award. Her impressive career accomplishments earned her distinguished alumna honors from the UW College of Arts and Sciences and the UW Alumni Association. Martha and her late husband, Gerry, have two children, and she currently lives in Snowmass, Colo. Before Gerry’s passing, the couple made an endowed gift of $1 million in support of the Honors College, which established the Martha and Gerry Wyrsch Student Enrichment Fund in Honors.

In her current role on the UW Foundation Board, Wyrsch is helping with the planning for a potential comprehensive campaign for the university.

“We have an obligation to the people of Wyoming and the future students to ensure that we have sufficient resources to continue to grow and build,” Wyrsch says. “I believe the people of Wyoming and alumni want to give back — we just need to give them the opportunity. We’re creating a dynamic framework that allows people to give in areas they care about and that will bring so much vitality to the university.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Matching programs encourage generous donors to support a wide range of student success initiatives.

By Micaela Myers

Supporting Student Success

The University of Wyoming’s nearly 11,000 students come from every state in the nation and countries around the world. They arrive with all types of backgrounds, and what they need to succeed and thrive varies widely. In order to help students at every stage of their journey, the state of Wyoming, the UW Board of Trustees and the UW Foundation have all made student success a top priority.

In order to fund student success initiatives — from scholarships to mentoring and hands-on learning opportunities — a number of matching funds were created, including $2.5 million from the UW Foundation Board and $10 million from the state for the University Endowment Challenge Program. These funds encourage philanthropy by allowing donors to double their impact. To date, 28 endowed student funds have been created with gifts and associated state match funds ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000.

“Each of our students comes to UW with unique goals and talents, and their success is our top priority,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “We are grateful for investments by the Wyoming Legislature, UW Board of Trustees and UW Foundation Board that have enabled us to support our students in new ways, including through completion grants and enhanced hands-on learning opportunities, which are critical for students’ success in their careers.”

John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation, says student success is always top of mind for donors. However, the recent push for these initiatives as an institutional priority helped grow momentum.

“It sends a strong message not only to our donors but also to our constituents in the state and potential students and parents,” Stark says. “Seeing these major investments becomes a real recruiting tool for students.”

Enduring Legacy

For donors such as alumnus Jerry Schuman, a gift to UW can help their life’s work live on through future generations. Schuman enjoyed a successful career as a soil scientist specializing in mine land reclamation and carbon sequestration research. Along the way, he mentored many UW graduate students. When Schuman learned about UW’s Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE) initiative to develop longterm strategies for invasive grass management, he wanted to support student involvement, including internships, and made a matched gift.

“The thing that’s really nice is the university has put matching funds forward, so my donations are doubled right up front, which is very tempting,” Schuman says.

Growing up on a ranch in Sheridan County, Schuman saw firsthand the devastating effects of invasive species, including cheatgrass, and wants to make sure this important work continues.

Biology undergraduate Elijah Ward, of Montgomery, Ala., interned at the Sheridan Research and Extension Center with IMAGINE this past summer.

“I would not have been able to participate in this great experience if it had not been for people like Jerry Schuman

who financially support IMAGINE,” he says. “I would like to work in native habitat conservation. During my internship with IMAGINE, I was involved in agricultural research projects as well as rangeland management. I gained a true appreciation for the unique ecosystem the rangeland supports. The experiences I had while hiking around Wyoming are some that I will never forget.”

Peter Cole also interned with IMAGINE then returned as a UW graduate student majoring in plant sciences, where he’s advised by IMAGINE Director Brian Mealor.

“The internship is focused on monitoring for invasive annual grasses throughout Wyoming,” he says. “We frequently traveled to different parts of Wyoming, so we got a good view of the state and the different places. On days we were not monitoring, we helped out with research projects at the center. I learned a great deal, and it would not have been possible without the funding of the sponsors like Jerry Schuman.”

Student Inspiration

Ken Griffin came to UW in 1970. For more than 30 years, he served UW as a classroom teacher, student adviser, scholar and administrator. He concluded his career as the dean of the College of Business in 2003. The students he met along the way motivated his philanthropy. Upon their retirement, he

and his wife, Leah, decided to pass on their wealth to worthy charitable causes. UW headed their list.

Recently, Griffin made two matching-level gifts toward student success at UW, the first one creating the Verdell Dodge Memorial Native American Student Enrichment Fund.

Griffin met Dodge as an advisee. They were both firstgeneration students, and Griffin was impressed with Dodge’s hopes, dreams and potential before Dodge passed away at a young age.

“Verdell touched my heart, mind and soul, so I decided to give a gift in his name to support Native Americans on campus,” he says. “I hope it will help students see their way through to degree completion and that their educational experiences will better position them — both in pursuing a better life and in transforming society.”

Seeing firsthand the impact a UW education can make — including his wife and daughters, who earned a total of six UW degrees — inspired Griffin to make a second matchinglevel gift, this time to support UW’s Cowboy Coaches peer mentoring program.

“UW is the kind of institution that transforms people’s lives,” he says. “It’s the place I initially invested my life. Now, I have an opportunity to invest my remaining financial resources to further the mission.”

Close to the Heart

Donors often direct their student success-related philanthropy toward issues near and dear to their hearts.

Wyoming natives and alumni James and Jill Anderson supported agriculture and geology at UW before turning their attention to student veterans. They contributed toward the construction of the Marna M. Kuehne Foundation Veterans Services Center in the Wyoming Union, and they recently made a matching-level gift to establish the James E. and Jill S. Anderson Veteran Student Scholarship.

“The purpose of our gift is to provide support and respond to opportunities and needs that are unique to veteran students and not ordinarily addressed within the traditional university or academic community,” the Andersons says. “Moreover, this endowment is dedicated to the proposition that we shall never forget our veterans and what they have done for us as a nation.”

UW Veterans Services Center Director Marty Martinez says: “As nontraditional students, veterans often face many life challenges while working through the rigors of their college experience, such as part-time or full-time employment, families, car and house and insurance payments, and much more. The Anderson scholarship will provide financial relief and assistance as these warrior scholars meet the challenges life and academia can present. I cannot express enough my gratitude to Jim and Jill Anderson for this effective and wonderful way to remind our student veterans that their service and sacrifice are appreciated and remembered.”

Like the Andersons, Don and Judy Legerski both graduated from UW. Two of their children and five of their grandchildren also are UW alumni. Their love of the university, combined with their love of national parks, inspired their endowment gift to create the UW Teton Graduate Scholars in Biodiversity. The fund supports graduate student research at the AMK Ranch, UW’s research institute located in Grand Teton National Park. Recent scholars have studied mule deer migration, parasites in bees and many other biodiversity issues.

“We believe in education and its ability to change lives and improve the world,” Judy says. “It’s a privilege to assist graduate students as they move forward with their research. Our hope is that by spending productive time at the AMK Ranch, they’ll become big supporters of the national parks.”

Left page: Cowboy Coaches, who serve as peer mentors, pose for a photo. Left: Student Elijah Ward interned with IMAGINE, learning rangeland management.

COURTESY PHOTO

Faculty Excellence

Named and endowed positions help UW recruit, reward and retain top talent.

By Micaela Myers

Excellent faculty members are key to a successful university. They teach and mentor students, but they also help draw top students to the university, bring in research dollars and lead innovation. For these reasons and more, the state of Wyoming and the University of Wyoming Foundation increasingly make investments in faculty excellence an institutional priority.

“Our talented and dedicated faculty provide our students with an exceptional educational experience and lead cutting-edge research that advances our state, nation and world,” says UW President Ed Seidel.

“We’re enhancing our investments in our faculty through new initiatives like the President’s Distinguished Scholars Program that recognizes and rewards outstanding scholarship among faculty in all academic disciplines.”

Another way the state and university are attracting and retaining top faculty is through named and endowed positions. This includes four deanships, five department heads, 25 chairs, 38 professorships and 16 fellowships — each one a testament to UW’s dedication to groundbreaking research, high-impact education and the continued advancement of knowledge.

“Named dean positions for colleges at the University of Wyoming are valuable on many levels,” says Interim Provost J. Scott Turpen. “These gifts provide a sustainable source of funding for a dean’s strategic initiatives, faculty recruitment, research projects, student scholarships and other projects. They enhance institutional prestige and attract talent to the college by elevating the stature. Deanships also signal

robust donor support and confidence in the university, further enhancing our reputation.”

Investment in Faculty

Matching programs are a critical way the state and university fund endowed and named positions. The original state matching program was established in 2001 by the Legislature, and UW has received more than $227 million in state matching funds supporting faculty, students and academic and athletic facilities across campus. It was designed to leverage the generosity of donors and to encourage a new level of giving. Through this program, endowment gifts of $50,000 or more and facility gifts of $25,000 or more are doubled by the state of Wyoming.

In 2022, two new efforts helped boost student and faculty excellence. First, the UW Board of Trustees made an investment in funds for students, faculty and research excellence. Second, the UW Foundation Board made an investment to create two endowment matching funds: $2.5 million for student success and $2.5 million for faculty excellence. UW partnered with donors to match these gifts. In 2024, the state invested $10 million in state matching funds (in the already-established Endowment Challenge Program), and the trustees designated $5 million for student success and $5 million for faculty excellence. UW has been working with donors to match those funds as well, creating named positions, including the H. A. “Dave” True Jr. Family College of Business Deanship, the Thomas and Shelley Botts Department Head in Civil Engineering, the John P. Ellbogen Foundation Professor of

Early Childhood Education, and the Donald L. Blackstone Jr. Professorship in Geology.

Foundation President and CEO John Stark is thankful for the steadfast support of donors and the matching programs from the state and university.

“The matching program has been wildly successful,” he says. “There aren’t many universities or states around the country that truly have a corpus matching program like ours for endowment.”

Seeing donors’ interest in named positions also inspired further support from the state.

“When you make it an institutional priority, then you really build that culture of philanthropy around those named faculty positions, and momentum grows,” Stark says. “In turn, named deanships and department chairs are essential in cultivating exceptional leadership at the highest levels, recognizing those who drive excellence and attracting world-class faculty to elevate UW to its fullest potential.”

Often, these donors also are UW

Mary Ellbogen Garland and Rob Garland

alumni who appreciate the professors and administrators who had such an impact on them as students.

“There’s a real sense of ‘I love my alma mater, and I want to see us stack up with the big boys,’” Stark says. “I think all those factors really inspire donors to support these positions.”

John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean

John P. “Jack” Ellbogen is the benefactor of the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, which is committed to improving the lives of Wyoming citizens through charitable investment. A Wyoming native, he earned a bachelor’s degree, law degree and honorary doctorate from the UW College of Business. He attributed his success in business and as an independent oil producer to his education and outstanding teachers, so it’s no wonder the Ellbogen Foundation chose to invest in UW, including the first named deanship

in the College of Education, which was established in 2020.

“In alignment with the Ellbogen Foundation mission, the College of Education deanship is an important resource dedicated to advancing the dissemination of faculty expertise in both teaching and research,” says John P. Ellbogen Foundation President Mary Ellbogen Garland. “It also supports essential outreach and innovative programming to foster excellence through improved learning outcomes and broader impact across communities in Wyoming.”

Jenna Min Shim serves as the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean and says the funding has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives within the College of Education that directly benefit Wyoming’s educators, students and communities.

“Through this fund, we have been able to provide scholarships, research assistantships and travel opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students, expanding their academic

and professional development,” she says. “Additionally, we have allocated resources toward hiring faculty and ensuring the availability of essential courses. One of the fund’s most significant impacts is supporting statewide education initiatives. For example, the fund has enabled us to expand the career and technical education teacher pipeline, addressing critical workforce shortages in Wyoming. The fund also has played a pivotal role in the success of our Rural Teacher Corps, an initiative in partnership with the Teton Science Schools that prepares students for teaching in rural communities.

In essence, the Ellbogen deanship provides the financial agility and strategic backing needed to elevate the College of Education’s mission.”

Beyond financial support, Shim says the deanship reflects a deep and lasting commitment to the power of education in Wyoming.

H.A. “Dave” True Jr. Family College of Business Deanship

For 75 years, the extended family of Wyoming wildcatter H.A. “Dave” True Jr. has been actively engaged in oil and gas, ranching, building companies and supporting communities. The family also has a four-generation tie to UW. After establishing the H.A. “Dave” True Jr. Chair in Petroleum and Natural Gas Economics at UW in 2007, the True family established a deanship for the College of Business in 2023.

“I believe UW and our state need to have a strong business school because we need the skill and the economic mindset,” says Dave True, who is a

John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean Jenna Min Shim

uwyo.edu/plantsciences

former trustee of the university, coowner of True companies and a son of H.A. “Dave” True Jr.

“We are proud to have the True Family Deanship in the College of Business,” says inaugural H.A. “Dave” True Jr. Family College of Business Dean Scott Beaulier. “We see the fund supporting outstanding faculty in the college as well as key initiatives such as excellence in energy economics, where we are one of the best programs nationwide. Having the True deanship attached to our college has allowed us to grow closer with the True family and the amazing team of True Company employees, and these relationships are helping our students with job placement — a win-win for both entities.”

Beaulier says endowed deanships give colleges and deans financial means to fund initiatives, attract and retain talent and perpetuate excellence.

“A named deanship says loud and clear to others that the college is a good investment and has a lot to offer alumni, donors and students,” Beaulier says. “The True family represents the values our college upholds, such as

training students on the integrity of a handshake, and their gift extends their legacy in our state into perpetuity.”

Patrick Heasler Professorship in Mathematics and Statistics

UW alum Patrick Heasler gave a landmark gift to establish the firstever endowed professorship in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics — the Patrick Heasler Professorship in Mathematics and Statistics.

“My experiences at the University of Wyoming, and particularly the Mathematics department, determined my choice for a rewarding career as a statistician,” Heasler says. “I received scholarships during my time at the university and resolved to pay back the institution for its generosity with this gift.”

The professorship will enhance the university’s ability to recruit and retain outstanding faculty in the Department

of Mathematics and Statistics, furthering its mission to provide an exceptional educational experience for students and to advance research and scholarship in the mathematical sciences.

“The professorship will greatly impact the department’s mission for years to come,” says Department Head Jason Williford. “We are profoundly grateful for this visionary gift, which strengthens our commitment to academic excellence and innovation.”

The Heasler fund was matched through the 2024 state endowment matching program, for a total of $500,000. This matching program provides a significant boost, doubling the impact of Heasler’s gift and supporting the university’s long-term commitment to faculty excellence.

One of the most significant aspects of Heasler’s gift is its broad and flexible funding structure, which ensures that the department can adapt the funding to meet its most pressing needs, maximizing the impact of the gift and helping the university respond to changing priorities and opportunities over time.

Students take part in a tutoring session in the Center for Assistance with Statistics and Mathematics.

H.A. “Dave” True Jr. Family College of Business

Dean Scott Beaulier

Difference Makers

THANKS TO GENEROUS DONORS, UW ATHLETICS CONCLUDED A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR MUCH-NEEDED RENOVATIONS.

Families come from all over the region to watch University of Wyoming athletics. Now, those fans will have an enhanced experience at the Mountain West Conference’s oldest football stadium, while student-athletes will enjoy a new competitive pool to replace the outdated 50-year-old version. It’s thanks in large measure to a successful Difference Makers Campaign, which raised $20 million in private support. That private fundraising will combine with investments by UW and the state.

“There is no question that this will be an advantage to the state of Wyoming and its citizens,” says Dave True, a UW Board of Trustees member and a trustee with the Double 4 Foundation, which donated to the campaign. “Major athletic programs bring a huge benefit not only to the institution but to the students. As a student, a major part of your experience is outside the classroom, and a good program at the Division 1 level contributes to that experience.”

The War Memorial Stadium west-side renovations will be completed this summer to provide fans with 216 premium loge seats and 3,000 chairback seats in the lower stands. Upgrades also include improved concessions, Americans with Disabilities Act access, restrooms and lighting. Additionally, the renovation of the press box and media area will elevate the university’s image, as national media outlets converge on UW to cover the Cowboys. During phase 2, a UW Aquatics Center will be built on the corner of Willett Drive and 22nd Street near the UW Athletics Indoor Practice Facility. The center will include a 50-meter pool, locker rooms and seating areas. In addition to serving UW student-athletes, the facility will provide a 50-meter

training opportunity for area youth that is currently unavailable in southern Wyoming.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have several key donors who have supported our athletics program and our capital facility campaigns over the years, and the Difference Makers Campaign was no different,” says Senior Associate Athletic Director Randy Welniak. “These are some amazing people who truly care about the future of UW Athletics.”

In all, more than 50 donors supported the campaign, including a combined $2.5 million from the McMurry Foundation and a previous $1 million from the late Susie McMurry. In recognition of this remarkable investment, the new premium club area on War Memorial Stadium’s west side will be named the Wyo Sports Ranch Club, after the Wyo Sports Ranch in Casper.

“We are deeply honored to support the revitalization of War Memorial Stadium and the construction of the new swimming and diving facility,” says Trudi McMurry Holthouse, executive director of the McMurry Foundation and daughter of Mick and Susie McMurry. “This gift reflects our family’s commitment to enhancing the University of Wyoming’s athletic programs and providing outstanding experiences for students and fans alike.”

The final gift came from Gene Humphrey, cofounder of the 9H Research Foundation, who says, “Wyoming, ranch life, UW and flying Army combat helicopters in Vietnam provided me with the foundation for my success, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to the state and its people.”

Left: a rendering of the Aquatics Center (courtesy of Perkins&Will). Above: stadium renovations in progress.

EDUCATION IS THE WEAPON

A growing momentum is boosting support for Native American students and programs. By Micaela Myers

Above: Accounting sophomore and High Plains American Indian Research Institute intern Daniel Cardenas poses with UW Foundation Director of Development Lucus Hansen.

Left: Junior kinesiology major Cynthia St. Clair and her daughter Josephine study and play at the NAERC Center.

In front of Washakie Dining Center on the Laramie campus, clearly visible from Grand Avenue, sits the iconic statue “Battle of Two Hearts,” featuring a proud Chief Washakie. The Shoshone leader’s famed quote sits on the plaque below: “I fought to keep our land, our water, and our hunting grounds — today, education is the weapon my people will need to protect them.”

Over recent decades, the University of Wyoming has worked tirelessly to improve its partnerships, communication and recruitment of students from Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation, which is home to the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho tribes. It encompasses 2.2 million acres, making it the seventhlargest reservation in the country.

“There’s a real desire to create a pathway for Native American students to pursue higher education at UW,” says John Stark, CEO and president of the UW Foundation. “We’ve added a number of funds in recent years, including scholarships,

summer student enrichment funds and programs designed to help students feel a sense of community and remain successful once they’re here. I sense some real momentum around support for Native American students, particularly those who come from the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming.”

Part of that success is due to leadership from UW presidents and the state matching program, which allows donors to double their impact. These efforts are sorely needed. According to 2021 census data, among American Indian or Alaskan Native residents aged 25 or over, only 15.4 percent hold a bachelor’s degree or

higher, which is less than half the national rate of 32.9 percent.

UW Foundation Director of Development Lucus Hansen focuses much of his time and effort on building funds to support Native American students. Many of these students have unique needs, Hansen says. For example, it can be hard to leave their tight-knit families and communities, so providing a sense of community and support is key. In addition, some students are nontraditional, and many are first-generation.

As a first-generation student himself, Hansen struggled at several colleges before finding the support he needed at UW.

“First-generation students cannot imagine opportunities that they’ve never seen. We can’t picture things that we don’t know exist,” he says. “UW has a lot of alumni and donors who have incredible student success stories and want to give back and foster those opportunities for other students.”

Funds cover all areas of student success — from scholarships to mentoring. Emphasis also is placed on making the transfer process easy.

“A lot of students need to stay close to home, so they attend Central Wyoming College for their first two years,” Hansen says. “We love that. But we also know that the communities need the next generation of leaders

David McGary’s sculpture, “Battle of Two Hearts,” sits between Washakie Dining Center and Grand Avenue.

to have skills that require students to continue their education — things such as pharmacists, lawyers and engineers. UW is a great place to accomplish your goals and dreams.”

The many scholarships that support Native students at UW are aimed at providing accessibility and opportunity, easing students’ financial burdens so

they can focus on their studies and families.

One of the newest offerings established by donors is a peer-to-peer mentoring program that pairs incoming Native students with more experienced mentor students. Both mentee and mentor receive financial support, and the program encourages students to

meet and attend events, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

In addition to amazing donors, Hansen credits campus leadership: “I’m very proud of our Native American leaders here at UW and how they are catering their resources and support directly to the tribes in a way that is really impactful.”

PHILANTHROPIC FUNDS SUPPORTING NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS

UW is home to numerous funds, centers and programs that support Native American scholars as well as connections between UW and tribal nations. These offerings are generously supported by UW donors.

Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center: The center serves as a place of community, support, engagement and learning all while assisting students in maintaining their cultural identity. The center houses support staff, the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program, and the High Plains American Indian Research Institute. It also offers internships, part-time employment, student organizations, such as Keepers of the Fire and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, leadership

opportunities, and a new peer-to-peer mentoring program. The facility provides a variety of spaces, including a computer lab, library, classroom, kitchen, study areas and a lounge.

High Plains American Indian Research Institute: HPAIRI facilitates research partnerships between tribal nations and the world-class researchers at UW. Its goals are to strengthen and facilitate relationships between UW and Wyoming-based tribal nations, to empower tribal citizens through direct participation in nation-building, to educate the UW community and the state regarding opportunities to develop positive relationships with tribal nations, to support efforts for Native American research and data sovereignty, and to facilitate collaborations and outreach between tribal entities and UW.

Native American Summer Institute: This six-day residential summer program introduces Native American high school students to UW, where they participate in the full college experience by staying in the residence halls, attending academic workshops and taking part in Native American cultural activities to promote and maintain their cultural identity.

Northern Arapaho Endowment Fund: This first scholarship program for Native students was created in 1987 when the Northern Arapaho Tribe gave UW a gift matched by the state. The endowment produces $115,000 a year in scholarship support.

Chief Washakie Memorial Endowment Fund: This endowment, established in 2003 with support from the state matching program, promotes cooperation between UW and the Wind River Reservation — educating graduates who are grounded in their own culture and also are prepared with the social, civic and work skills they need to live and contribute

Senior Darwin St. Clair earned a number of scholarships while majoring in secondary education/math and Native American and Indigenous studies.

THE KEMMERER FAMILY’S REVERENCE FOR WYOMING IS SHAPING WHAT COMES NEXT.

It’sHere

By Sunnie Lew

Wyoming is a marvel. The final stronghold of the untamed West. One of the nation’s best-kept secrets. Here, we have it all.

Each year, people from around the world feel called to Yellowstone National Park, to the Tetons, to Devils Tower. Some are beckoned by the unbridled wilderness — most return for our Western hospitality. Even in the spaces between our landmarks, in the vast stretches of rural nothingness, one is privy to some of the darkest skies in the country. There’s nothing quite like stargazing in the Forever West. Here is where true adventure begins.

It comes as no surprise that tourism is Wyoming’s second-largest industry. The sector’s success as an economic cornerstone can, in large measure, be traced back to the vision and investment of one family whose roots run deep into the red soil of the Equality State.

Beginning in the 1890s, Mahlon S. Kemmerer, having previously been involved in his family’s mining operations back East, made the decision to expand his efforts westward. Mahlon established mines in southwest Wyoming, and in 1897, the town of Kemmerer was founded.

Jay Kemmerer, great-grandson of Mahlon, always believed he would one day take the reins of the family mines, just as his father, John L. Kemmerer Jr. had before him. However, in the early 1980s, John announced that it was time to sell, ending the family’s 90-year history in the Wyoming coal industry.

“I felt in my heart I should find a way for our family to make a reinvestment in Wyoming because of the success Wyoming had created for us in the coal business,” Jay says.

Jay became a board member of First Wyoming Bank, the largest banking institution in the state at the time, and chaired the investments committee, leading him to travel across Wyoming and deepen his knowledge of the state and its needs.

“As a board member, I was made aware of the financial situation

that the Jackson Hole Ski Corp. was in and that they were looking for a buyer,” Jay says. “I was able to make the purchase in 1992. My goal was to build a successful business from it — a business that would contribute to Wyoming as well. Since buying, our family has continued to invest, growing the business and creating an important success for Wyoming.”

The Jackson Hole Ski Corp. was transformed into the world-renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR), reshaping Wyoming’s economy and solidifying its status as a premier ski destination. Today, the Kemmerer family has invested more than $350 million into Wyoming’s tourism sector. Alongside the investment in JHMR, the family

purchased the CM Ranch in 1997 — one of Wyoming’s oldest dude ranches and a frequent vacation spot for the Kemmerer family — with the goal of preserving its legacy and upholding Western hospitality traditions. Karen Kemmerer, Jay’s wife and an equally passionate advocate for Wyoming’s legacy, has played a key role in their family’s commitment to preserving the state’s traditions and investing in its future.

“We meet so many people who say, ‘Jackson Hole is on my bucket list,’ or ‘I came here once and never wanted to leave.’ That’s what Wyoming does — it draws you in and becomes a part of you,” Karen says. “One of our guests at the CM Ranch once told me, ‘This is the only place I feel like I’m truly in America.’ That’s because Wyoming holds onto values that matter — family, freedom and a respect for the land.”

The Kemmerers’ relationship with the University of Wyoming began in 1992, with the John L. Kemmerer Jr. Scholarship — a program aimed at supporting top high school graduates from Kemmerer, Cokeville and Dubois through full-ride scholarships. Their hope was that these students would build their careers and raise their families within the state.

“We feel that the culture of Wyoming as the Equality State where we embrace the Code of the West allows the university to have a unique culture in attracting students not just from

Haub School Knobloch Associate Professor of Conservation Economics Jacob Hochard and undergraduate research assistant Gary Gassaway use spotting scopes and digital technology to provide live-streamed access to Wyoming’s remote wildlife.

Karen and Jay Kemmerer

COURTESY PHOTO

Wyoming but from across the country,” the Kemmerers say. “We could become a leading university in the country, not just because of the strong curricula we offer but because we embrace important values such as a strong work ethic and a love of country and of each other.”

The Kemmerer family also has established the Kemmerer Fellowship at the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, providing vital support for UW graduate students as they work toward their professional aspirations. Additionally, Karen has made a significant impact through her service to the university. She has played an active role on the Haub School Advisory Board, contributed to the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Advisory Committee and participated in the working group on freedom of expression.

Most recently, the Kemmerers have made a groundbreaking $5 million gift to the WORTH Initiative, transforming it into the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute. Their vision is to enhance, expand and diversify Wyoming’s economy by fostering growth in outdoor recreation, tourism and the hospitality industries. This gift will help ensure that tourism continues as a vital industry in Wyoming.

“This is a historic milestone for WORTH and the university,” says Dan McCoy, director of the WORTH Institute. “Thanks to the Kemmerer family’s generosity, we now have the resources to elevate our programs and services, empower students and deliver even more tangible benefits to the state’s visitor economy.”

At the heart of the Kemmerers’ vision is a commitment

to education and workforce development. The institute will provide internships, career counseling and global learning opportunities to give students real-world experience in Wyoming’s expanding tourism sector. Faculty will benefit from fellowships, visiting professorships and professional training — ensuring that the university remains a leader in outdoor and hospitality education. Additionally, the institute will advance research and innovation, exploring new ways to enhance Wyoming’s status as a premier destination for outdoor recreation.

UW President Ed Seidel acknowledges the profound impact of the Kemmerers’ generosity, calling it a gamechanger for the university and the state: “The Kemmerers are remarkable stewards of Wyoming’s economy and legacy. Their vision and leadership ensure that UW will continue to play a pivotal role in preparing students and professionals to excel in the tourism, hospitality and outdoor recreation industries, which are critical to our state’s future.”

For the Kemmerers, Wyoming’s beauty, values and opportunities have guided their family’s journey for generations. Their investment in education, outdoor recreation and tourism is more than just a commitment — it’s a way of ensuring that future generations can experience the same Wyoming that shaped them. It’s here where their gratitude took root and grew into a monumental legacy.

“Wyoming isn’t just a place — it’s a way of life — and we want to see it thrive for generations to come,” the Kemmerers say. “Wyoming gave so much to our family, and we want to give back. It’s that simple.”

Students get outside the classroom to enjoy some backcountry skiing through UW’s Outdoor Program.

Backcountry skiing at Centennial Ridge

A World of Opportunity

Thanks to the Dick and Lynne Cheney Study Abroad Endowment, thousands of UW students have had the opportunity of international experiences.

Mason Baum in South Island, New Zealand

AseelAbuTarboushinSouthKorea

Riley Wilkerson in Rangárþing eystra, Iceland

By Micaela Myers

In 2007, UW alumnus and former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, donated $1.8 million, doubled by the state matching program, to create the largest endowment for study abroad of any public land-grant university in the nation. Since then, the fund has awarded thousands of studyabroad grants, as well as fellowships and grants for faculty-directed programs.

“The Dick and Lynne Cheney Study Abroad Endowment is more than just a financial resource — it is a gateway to student transformation,” says Education Abroad Director Shelley Jewell. “It has opened doors for over 3,500 students to step beyond their comfort zones, challenge their assumptions, and immerse themselves in countries and cultures across the world by way of studying abroad. Through this gift, students not only gain knowledge about their particular field of study, but they also gain a new perspective on themselves and their futures, learning skills and confidence that will serve them their whole lives. It is an honor to

Student Perspectives

Brinley Barnes, a sophomore kinesiology major from Mountain View, Wyo., earned a Cheney Scholarship to study in Rome for three months.

“I took advantage of the opportunities the program offered and had weekends filled with informative excursions,” says Barnes, who plans to become an occupational therapist. “We visited places such as Palermo, Pompeii and Florence, just to name a few.”

During her experience, she learned how to navigate new and difficult situations including language barriers, reveled in the amazing art and architecture, and made lifelong friends.

Most students who study abroad report that the experience is truly lifechanging.

“I believe all students should experience studying abroad at least once,” says Aseel Abu Tarboush, a junior marketing, management and entrepreneurship major from Amman, Jordan, who earned the Cheney Scholarship to study business for a semester in Seoul, South Korea. “It’s a unique opportunity to challenge yourself and learn about who you are and how you respond to different situations. It’s also a fantastic way to explore the world and build invaluable connections with people from diverse backgrounds.”

NoahRiffeeinEdinburgh,Scotland

Alexis Steinle in Seoul, South Korea

Brinley Barnes in Italy

EmiGlassphotographedbyhersister, Sera, in Japan

Abu Tarboush plans to pursue an MBA and internship abroad, one day working in venture capital.

“The business classes I took in Korea provided me with valuable insights into how the business world operates outside of the U.S.,” she says. “I learned how people in other countries think and perceive information differently, which broadened my understanding of international business practices. This experience is a tremendous asset to me and my career journey. Traveling is an excellent way to develop skills that are highly valued by employers and build character. It’s also the beginning of my journey to explore the world, gain knowledge and understand different approaches to business and education.”

International Opportunities

The Cheneys’ gift helped create a culture of internationalization at UW that continues to gain momentum today.

“The Cheney endowment has been absolutely transformative for study abroad at UW,” says Vice Provost for Global Engagement Isadora Helfgott. “It not only defrays students’ costs when pursuing international experiences, but it also has fostered a culture in which UW students, parents, academic departments and advisers all know that study-abroad opportunities are within reach for every student in every major. Studying abroad has so many benefits — from learning another language and being exposed to other cultures, to learning the true meaning of global citizenship, to developing job-critical skills in communication and problemsolving that help our students gain the competitive edge in landing their dream jobs. The Cheney Study Abroad Endowment opens doors in ways that our graduates carry with them

throughout their entire professional careers and lives.”

Administered by the Global Engagement Office out of the Cheney International Center, the endowment includes popular scholarships for education abroad as well as the Richard and Lynne Cheney Fellowship for Excellence in Study Abroad, which is awarded to outstanding students with strong records of academic excellence and the potential for enhanced professional development while abroad. Recipients earn full stipends for pursuits such as international research. In 2020, first-generation students could apply to become Cheney First Gen Abroad Scholars. These scholars earn a study-abroad scholarship and receive mentorship. Without the Cheney endowment, education abroad would be inaccessible for many students.

In addition to the fund making experiences affordable, UW personnel work to ensure that students can study abroad without delaying graduation, even in majors where that has typically been difficult such as engineering. They work tirelessly to develop and identify international opportunities, including faculty-led courses, exchanges and internships.

“The idea is to enrich the degree program, not slow it down,” Helfgott says. “The Cheney Scholarship is critical to our goal of providing an international experience for every UW student who wants one.”

Monica Deru in Melrose, Scotland

IrelandEarlintheSahara Desert,Morocco

CONNECTING WYOMING TO THE WORLD Wyoglobal

By Sunnie Lew

Life of a Gift

CONNECTING DONOR’S PASSION WITH UW’S PURPOSE

At the University of Wyoming, private philanthropy plays a vital role in shaping our future. While state funding and tuition support the basis of UW’s operations, private gifts provide the margin of excellence — enhancing student success, faculty support, advancing research and strengthening the university’s impact across Wyoming and beyond. But what happens once a donor makes a gift? How does it move through the UW Foundation and transform into student success, faculty support and groundbreaking initiatives?

It all starts with generosity — the donor’s generosity and desire to make a difference. Whether it’s a contribution to scholarships, research or facilities, donors give with a purpose — often inspired by their own experiences, passions or a desire to give back. Many gifts are unrestricted, allowing the university to allocate them where they’re needed most. Others are designated for specific programs, ensuring long-term impact in areas meaningful to the donors. Once a donor commits to supporting UW, the UW Foundation steps in to steward the gift, ensuring that it is used effectively and in alignment with the donor’s intent.

The UW Foundation serves as the bridge between private donors and the university, managing and investing funds to maximize impact. UW’s institutional fundraising priorities are student success, faculty excellence and research support. For endowed gifts — those designed to provide lasting support — the foundation carefully invests the funds to generate annual returns while preserving the principal. This ensures that scholarships, faculty positions and programs continue to benefit from the gift for generations to come. Annual gifts, which are spent immediately, go directly into action — funding student services, classroom improvements,

hands-on learning experiences and much more. These gifts provide the university with the flexibility to address urgent needs and seize new opportunities.

Once a gift is allocated, it transforms into real-world impact. A scholarship provides tuition support, easing financial burdens for students. A private research grant fuels innovation, allowing faculty and students to pursue discoveries that benefit Wyoming’s industries and communities. A capital gift contributes to new facilities, creating state-of-the-art learning environments.

Private giving also elevates the university’s ability to recruit top-tier faculty, offer hands-on learning experiences and invest in emerging fields in energy innovation, agriculture and health sciences, among others. It strengthens UW’s ability to serve as Wyoming’s flagship institution — driving economic development, supporting workforce needs and addressing critical challenges facing the state.

The UW Foundation’s role doesn’t end once a gift is distributed. Stewardship ensures that donors see the lasting effects of their generosity. Through impact reports, thankyou letters from students and donor recognition events, the foundation fosters a culture of gratitude and transparency. For many donors, giving is not just a financial transaction — it’s a lifelong partnership with the university. They witness firsthand how their support changes lives, strengthens communities and propels UW forward.

Private support fuels UW’s excellence. The UW Foundation ensures that every dollar is managed with care, used with integrity and honored with gratitude. Every gift, large or small, contributes to a greater mission — building a resilient university, a stronger Wyoming and a brighter future for all.

TREMENDOUS

E.G. Meyer has dedicated more than 60 years of his life to the University of Wyoming.

By Missy Samp

1963. That’s when E.G. “Gerry” Meyer began his longstanding relationship with the University of Wyoming.

UW President George Duke Humphrey hired Meyer to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and as a professor of chemistry. Although his start date was Sept. 1, Meyer arrived on the UW campus from New Mexico that summer. He temporarily lived in McWhinnie Hall, which was a dorm at that time.

“The purpose was to acquaint myself with the campus and see what the heck I had to work with and understand the problems that I faced,” Meyer says.

He had accepted the position as dean knowing that he had a monumental task ahead of him — “to help Humphrey meet his commitment to build a science center.” Meyer was charged with finishing raising money and overseeing the construction of a complex that would house the departments of Physics, Chemistry, Zoology and Psychology. In addition to faculty and graduate student offices, the center would include teaching and research space, a machine shop, a glass shop, an electronics shop and a science library.

Meyer worked with the Wyoming architects hired by the UW Board of Trustees to design the science center. What resulted was the construction of the Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Classroom buildings. The massive project was completed in 1969.

“What I tried to do — and I think there was some success — was to build the buildings so that there was sufficient flexibility to accommodate what you don’t know is coming,” Meyer says.

During Meyer’s 12-year tenure as dean, the College of Arts and Sciences experienced tremendous growth. Not only were new facilities built, but also existing ones were repurposed to house departments and graduate programs. The college shifted its teaching-only focus to one that

emphasized both teaching and research.

Besides serving as the College of Arts and Sciences dean, Meyer filled other administrative roles at UW. He was appointed the university’s first vice president for research in 1976. Five years later, he served as director of the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center.

Another significant role he played during his UW career was that of donor. Although he retired in 1990, he has remained a strong supporter of the university. His nearly half-century of philanthropy to UW has impacted scores of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the state’s only fouryear university.

“I chose to give to UW because I had invested a lot of energy in UW. I also was aware of the possibilities of getting programs improved,” Meyer says.

His latest gift, combined with state matching funds, will create an endowed fund — the E.G. Meyer Family Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department Head in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

“My undergraduate degree was in chemical engineering, and I just feel that chemical engineering has tremendous possibilities,” Meyer says.

Much like a new building can transform the physical landscape of a campus, an endowed position can transform the academic landscape. An endowed department head position can elevate the department’s profile and the university’s reputation. It can help the department recruit and retain a strong leader who is driven to boost the department’s standing by fostering faculty excellence and supporting student success. An endowed position provides dedicated financial resources that can be used to support cutting-edge research, innovative teaching methods, special projects and other departmental needs.

Meyer hopes the university can develop innovative cutting-edge programs. He says having both graduate and undergraduate students involved in research is critical.

Typically, graduate students participate in research activities, whereas undergraduate students usually do not. He says undergraduates should be “properly encouraged and given facilities and opportunities to do things.”

Another gift to UW created the E.G. Meyer Family Staff Recognition Award.

The idea to set up a fund to recognize staff came from a conversation with a staff member. “She said, ‘You know, we go to these award programs, and staff never gets any awards.’ I told her that she was right and that we were going to try to do something,” Meyer recounts.

The E.G. Meyer Family Staff Recognition Award honors two staff members who show initiative, helpfulness,

dependability, and a positive and cheerful demeanor. Each winner receives a cash award and plaque at the annual Staff Recognition Day each spring.

Meyer says he and his family are proud of the award. “The staff is an integral part of the university,” he says.

Besides creating named funds with his major gifts, Meyer has supported numerous existing funds and programs at UW. His philanthropy has touched all corners of campus. Then, there’s the art.

One of Wyoming’s foremost art collectors, Meyer gifted a significant portion of his primarily Western American art collection to the UW Art Museum. The collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings includes original

E.G. “Gerry” Meyer

A gift of the E.G. Meyer family to the UW Art Museum: Martin Grelle (American, b. 1954), “Goin’ for Supplies,” 1980, acrylic on linen, 19-1/2 x 29-1/2 inches, 2020.6.14

works by well-known Western artists, such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Joseph Sharp, William Gollings, Thomas Moran, John Clymer and Edward Borein.

The collection was started by his grandmother, Anna Ilfeld, a patron of the Taos Society of Artists. She would travel from Albuquerque to Taos to meet the artists and buy paintings.

“That was the beginning of my interest in art, as I saw those paintings around the house, and they were really something,” Meyer recalls.

He took some time to learn about the artwork and then expanded the collection. “The result was that we got a fairly decent collection,” he says.

Thanks to Meyer’s generous gift, visitors to the UW Art Museum — those who are part of the campus community and those who are not — can engage with and deepen their understanding of Western American art.

Nearly 62 years have passed since Meyer, now 105, joined UW and began his long-lasting relationship with the

university. During his lengthy career, he played a key part in shaping the university and contributing to its growth and success. He continues to impact UW with his philanthropy.

Given his many roles and numerous accomplishments over the years, how would Meyer like to be remembered? Simply put, he says, “as a guy who learned to be very interested in this university and worked very hard to help it in various ways.”

PHOTO BY WM ARTIST SERVICES, COURTESY OF THE UW ART MUSEUM

Dear University of Wyoming Community,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) at the University of Wyoming. As director, I am honored to lead this dynamic hub where creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thrive. Whether you are a student, faculty, staff member or community partner, our goal is to support and empower you in your entrepreneurial and innovative pursuits.

The CEI operates as part of the Research and Economic Development Division, but our services extend to the entire university community. We believe that entrepreneurship is not confined to business alone — it is a mindset that can benefit all disciplines. Through our various programs, we provide hands-on learning, mentorship and realworld experiences that help students and faculty turn ideas into impactful ventures.

Our work is built on strong collaborations with key partners, including the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other organizations dedicated to fostering economic growth and innovation in the state. Together, we offer comprehensive support for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and industry leaders.

At the CEI, we are proud to lead and support numerous initiatives:

• University Student Entrepreneurship Club – We provide guidance and

Welcome from the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

mentorship to students leading the campus entrepreneurship club, helping them connect with industry leaders, refine their business ideas and gain real-world experience.

• NSF I-Corps – Our team assists Health and Bioscience Innovation Hub Director Steve Hanlon and Assistant Instructional Professor Ramsankar Veerakumar in delivering this prestigious program, helping participants to explore commercialization pathways for their research and innovative ideas.

• Technology Commercialization Fellowship Program – This initiative teaches graduate students and Honors College students about technology transfer, intellectual property and how to bring innovations to market.

• University Venture Capital Fund – We manage a hands-on venture capital fund that provides students with practical experience in evaluating and funding earlystage startups in collaboration with the Entrepreneurial Finance class in the College of Business.

• Venture MBA Program Instruction – Our faculty contribute to the Venture MBA program, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to launch and scale ventures.

• Engineering Senior Design Assistance –We collaborate with engineering students on their senior design projects, helping them to integrate entrepreneurial thinking and commercialization strategies.

• CEI Faculty Fellows Program – This initiative celebrates and supports faculty

Robert Macy

fellows who champion innovation and entrepreneurship across campus, fostering a culture of creativity and forward-thinking.

• Innovation Consulting Course – In partnership with the Wyoming SBDC, we link student consulting teams with local businesses and community partners, providing valuable problem-solving and strategic insights to advance companies and projects.

• Master Craftsman Program – A unique initiative in collaboration with visual arts that provides students with hands-on experience in artistic design, fabrication, public art installation and sponsored projects. Through this program, students gain valuable skills in sculpture, metalwork and other artisan techniques while contributing to the university’s visual landscape.

Our programs are designed to be cross-campus, accessible and impactful, providing participants with opportunities to gain knowledge, network with like-minded individuals, and engage with the broader business and innovation ecosystem. Whether you have a business idea, an invention

or simply a passion for creativity and problemsolving, the CEI is here to support you. I invite you to reach out, attend our events and explore how we can help you bring your ideas to life. We look forward to working with you and witnessing the incredible innovations and ventures that will emerge from the UW community.

Sincerely,

Robert Macy, J.D., Ph.D. Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation University of Wyoming

Law student Jacob Lirio and Technology Transfer Office Manager Andy Applegate look through patent portfolios.

Computer engineering student Aijun Hall is the founder of Teton NodeLabs LLC, which focuses on open-source software services.

The producers of “Grinding Gear” took part in the CEI’s Entrepreneur Talk Series. Left to right: Robert Macy, innovation consulting class student Jessica Dotson, and “Grinding Gear’s” Garrett Weinzierl and Kyle Fergusson

History of the Small Business Institute

The Small Business Institute (SBI) began in 1972 as a cooperative pilot venture between the U.S. Small Business Administration and Texas Tech University. After the pilot year, about 20 leading universities and colleges joined in the innovative, faculty-guided, student-based, field case consulting program. In 1976, the first stand-alone SBI conference was convened in Orlando, Fla.

with the producers of “Grinding Gear,” a video game-focused YouTube and podcast series.

Through their semester-long projects, students learn to apply their people skills as team members and consultants, examine business issues from the viewpoint of several disciplines, engage in real-world problem solving, and use analysis and creativity.

“The students meet with their client to learn about their business and any potential issues they’re having that could be examined in a semester,” Macy says. “Then they write up an engagement letter and scope of work. The projects could be anything from a business plan to a marketing issue or help with product design. For government, it could be helping to solve housing or other local issues. The students will work on it for the semester. At the end, they will produce both a written document and a presentation.”

In future semesters, the innovation consulting course will continue to partner with the Wyoming Small Business Development Center. While the initial course offers students credit as a topics class, Macy hopes it will eventually count toward the interdisciplinary entrepreneurship minor at UW and fit into other majors and minors.

Small Business Development Centers

The U.S. Small Business Administration funds SBDC programs across the country such as the Wyoming SBDC. These programs deliver professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small

In 1996, the SBI program became independent of the Small Business Administration. The SBI program is now self-funded by participating schools through a variety of sources, including college and university support, nominal client fees, student fees, donations, and state and local grants. To date, more than 500 universities and colleges have participated.

The SBI program bridges the gap between typical classroom learning and the entry-level training that firms critically need. Teams of qualified university students, under expert faculty supervision, provide consulting to small business owners and managers, as part of their educational training at the university. The emphasis is on practical, realistic and affordable solutions to problems confronting small businesses.

Since the program’s inception, the Small Business Institute Directors’ Association has served as the coordinating body for the SBI program. Member schools provide smallbusinesses consulting experience for their students and management assistance to small businesses in their communities using the SBI model. Some SBI programs work with community organizations to develop economic development strategies to bring businesses to the communities as well as to develop businesses that already exist.

Learn more at www.smallbusinessinstitute.biz.

businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. SBDCs provide problem-solving assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial

management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity and innovation.

Students in UW’s innovation consulting course worked with the producers of the “Grinding Gear” video series, as well as other businesses this semester. Pictured are Garrett Weinzierl and Kyle Fergusson (in headsets), student Jessica Dotson and Robert Macy.

The new UW chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization will foster connections, creativity and learning.

By Micaela Myers

The nonprofit Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization was founded in 1983. Currently, through more than 250 college chapters, it supports 16,500-plus emerging entrepreneurs annually with idea bootcamps, a distinguished speaker series, pitch competitions, regional and global conferences and more.

However, the University of Wyoming didn’t have a Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) chapter until this year, when Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Director Robert Macy helped launch the club.

One motivation for starting the club, he says, is to get students from different majors together.

“A lot of undergraduate businesses will start because a couple of students have stumbled into each other,” he

says. “One may have an idea but not know how to do the finance stuff. When you get students together who have different interests and backgrounds, that’s when you get the best collision of ideas for getting companies going.”

The club meets twice a month, with dinner provided. There is time for students to talk and socialize, plus educational talks and guest speakers. This format allows students in busy majors such as engineering, who may not be able to easily take entrepreneurship classes, to join in and network.

“Previously, there wasn’t an entrepreneurship or innovation type of club on campus,” Macy says. “I chose to partner with CEO because they have a strong track record, a great deal of materials and programs, and a quality annual conference. We’ll be sending a group of students to the conference this November in Florida.” (See sidebar.)

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s faculty fellows, who you can read about on page 54, help spread the word and recruit students from across all colleges to the club. There will be one fellow from each college, and these fellows also will help with club programming.

“My aim is to recruit at least 100 students to the club and get them all talking and working because it’s important to get a critical mass,” Macy says.

The center’s intern, Venture MBA student Thayne Thatcher of Laramie is helping launch the club.

“I envision a place where entrepreneurs can come together and talk,” he says. “I know for me personally, when I talk to other entrepreneurs, it motivates me and keeps me going. I like learning from other people’s mistakes and successes.”

Thatcher says that, because entrepreneurs must wear many hats, the CEO club also will partner with other clubs, such as the finance and ethics clubs. Members will help drive the club’s direction.

Thatcher has launched a couple of businesses himself, including one creating materials for social media influencers and a second selling 3D printed items such as chess sets, vases and cutting boards out of Laramie’s Bent and Rusty basement, where local makers sell their wares.

Macy says that the main aim of the new CEO club is to help students think entrepreneurially. As students learn about the offerings available, one initiative feeds into the other. For example, Macy is teaching an innovation consulting class this spring (see page 50). Students from the class can participate in the club, and students in the club can learn about entrepreneurial course offerings.

One of the club’s first guest speakers was stuntman, entrepreneur and University of Central Florida faculty member Ray Eddy. Eddy’s background includes running the band camp company Superior Marching Band Enterprises Inc. for 20 years, performing as Indiana Jones in the “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” at Walt Disney World and launching Lost Coven Films LLC. At the University of Central Florida, he teaches in the integrated business program.

Macy also brought in the two content creators who produce “Grinding Gear,” a video-game-focused YouTube and podcast series. They gave talks on how to turn a hobby into a business and produced an episode of their show on campus.

“I want to keep it fun,” Macy says. During club meetings, he and other experts on campus will also give short talks on pertinent topics. The club fills in a missing piece of the puzzle as UW continues to grow its entrepreneurial ecosystem across campus and around the state.

“ I KNOW FOR ME PERSONALLY, WHEN I TALK TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS, IT MOTIVATES ME AND KEEPS ME GOING. I LIKE LEARNING FROM OTHER PEOPLE’S MISTAKES AND SUCCESSES. ” — Thayne Thatcher

Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization

This fall, UW will send its first cohort of students to the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s 42nd annual Global Conference and Pitch Competition in sunny Tampa, Fla. The conference welcomes CEO members, partners, investors and seasoned business mentors. Young entrepreneurs will learn from more than 65 renowned experts and nearly a dozen keynote speakers. They will also compete for a $20,000 prize pool as part of the annual pitch competition. Learn more at www.c-e-o.org.

identify, approach and engage with potential customers to understand their needs and challenges. By speaking directly to these stakeholders, researchers gain valuable insights into whether their work addresses critical concerns and how it can be adapted to meet real-world demands. This training process helps to align the research activities with market needs, paving the way for impactful commercialization.

Additionally, I assist Hanlon and CEI Director Robert Macy — who is also an instructor — with the logistics for regional training events. These events are integral to building a vibrant culture of innovation and offering researchers the resources and guidance they need to explore entrepreneurial pathways.

Why do you think the CEI faculty fellows are needed on campus, and what do you hope they can accomplish?

The entrepreneurial energy level in Wyoming is growing. Many entities in the state recognize the need to diversify and have alternative paths of economic development. Programs at the state, university and community college level actively seek out entrepreneurial teams to support.

The CEI faculty fellows are critical for cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial mindset on campus. Academic institutions are often rich in groundbreaking research, yet they lack the necessary mechanisms to help researchers translate their discoveries into practical marketable

solutions. Faculty fellows play a vital role in bridging this gap by mentoring researchers, connecting them to programs like NSF I-Corps mentioned earlier, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize that even at the undergraduate level senior design projects have the potential to evolve into successful startups with the right guidance. Many of these projects solve real-world problems and involve innovative technologies, but undergraduate students often lack the business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to commercialize their ideas. Faculty fellows can mentor these students by helping them understand how to engage with

Candace Ryder, of UW’s Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation, poses with student intern Aijun Hall. Hall’s senior design project looks at using bitcoin miners as dynamic load balancers to help stabilize energy grids.

WE CAN START CONNECTING TEAMS BECAUSE THE FACULTY FELLOWS WILL KNOW STUDENTS INTERESTED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

— ROBERT MACY

potential stakeholders, to conduct customer discovery and to align their projects with market needs.

Through their mentorship, faculty fellows can empower both undergraduate and graduate students to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path and can equip them with the knowledge they need to navigate market dynamics. This creates opportunities not only for startup creation but also for longterm partnerships with industry and the commercialization of impactful research. Ultimately, this enhances the university’s contribution to economic and social development while inspiring a new generation of innovators, inventors and leaders.

A mechanical engineering senior design project teamed with UW’s swimming and diving team to design resistance training equipment. Team leaders Miranda Landry and McGinley

What are you personally looking forward to in terms of your increased involvement with CEI and working as a faculty fellow?

As a faculty member in engineering, I am uniquely positioned to engage with senior design projects from my department and others across the university. Some of these have immense potential to address real-world challenges, and I am excited about the opportunity to identify viable ideas that could be developed further with the right support and guidance.

One of the key aspects I look forward to is connecting students to the right resources and people. Many undergraduates working on these projects lack the entrepreneurial knowledge or industry connections needed to take their ideas beyond the classroom. As a faculty fellow, I can act as a bridge, helping them refine their ideas, align them with market demands and connect with mentors, industry partners, or funding sources that can support their journey.

I also see an opportunity to foster collaboration among disciplines — encouraging students from engineering, business and other fields to work together. This cross-disciplinary approach not only strengthens their projects but also prepares them for the complexities of the real world. By providing this kind of support, I hope to nurture a culture of innovation where students feel empowered to turn their ideas into impactful solutions, whether as startups, patents or partnerships with industry.

Zastrow are pictured here with swimmer Jakob Borrman.

By Cameron Johnston

A NEW MASTER CRAFTSMAN INITIATIVE AT UW HELPS STUDENTS GAIN REAL-WORLD ART EXPERIENCE.

Ashley Hope Carlisle, professor of art in sculpture at the University of Wyoming, has long been involved in hands-on community-oriented artmaking. Alongside her academic role, she owns a business that focuses on public art, featured artworks for homes and creative restoration projects. Her experience merging teaching and creative problem-solving inspired her to develop the Master Craftsman program, a unique initiative designed to help students gain real-world experience creating functional art and secure careers in industries such as manufacturing, design and fabrication.

Carlisle’s approach to sculpture teaching aims to equip students with an all-encompassing knowledge of the field. She gives her students practical tools they can use in various industries — ranging from foundries to fabrication companies and design problem-solving of all sorts. Her students often go on to pursue careers that involve both artistry and craftsmanship, proving that art degrees offer

“In this program, students gain hands-on experience in welding, woodworking, metal casting and more,” Carlisle says. “We work with bronze, aluminum and cast iron, and our annual Iron Pour event each fall gives the community a chance to see these skills in action. We’re giving them the tools — both literal and figurative — to build their futures.”

Through Carlisle’s work, she also hopes to disprove the “starving artist” stereotype that has led to a misunderstanding of the value of artistic skills in the modern economy. She works to highlight the significant role artisans, designers and sculptors can play in contributing to industries such as manufacturing, tourism and industrial operations. She envisions that, by expanding the scope of the creative economy in Wyoming — particularly in manufacturing and fabrication sectors — artists can become key players in economic growth.

Venture MBA student Emily Jarrell joined the Master Craftsman program to learn skills for her branding company.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JARRELL

“The creative economy is instrumental for growth in Wyoming and across the country,” she says. “It’s artisan industrial applications that can lead to us to becoming a real contributor in our state’s strongest sectors, which includes manufacturing, travel, tourism and industrial operations.”

Carlisle participated in a yearlong leadership program called the Academic Management Institute, where she was the first female visual artist to participate. This program, run by the Colorado and Wyoming Network of Women Leaders, encouraged participants to develop passion projects that could drive positive change. Carlisle’s idea for the Master Craftsman Program emerged from her belief that students trained in hands-on artistic trades can thrive in a wide range of industries by combining craftsmanship with creativity. She sees great potential in combining art, design, fabrication and business in a way that equips students with the knowledge and experience to succeed in industries that value creative problem-solving. As just one example, she highlights artists working for NASA, sculptors creating public art and entrepreneurs in design fields who thrive by blending artistic talent with industrial applications.

During her time as a Presidential Faculty Fellow (2022–23), Carlisle explored how such a program could function at UW. She was initially inspired by Florida State University’s Master Craftsman Studio, which began as a department and eventually grew into a stand-alone entity. At Florida State, the program’s artisans create functional, beautiful pieces for campus, such as ADAaccessible railings and large bronze emblems embedded in sidewalks. Carlisle sees similar potential at UW, where a Master Craftsman program could integrate paid internships for students and collaborations with units across campus, potentially boosting both student career prospects and campus aesthetics.

Carlisle believes that merging technical training with creative problem-solving is critical, and through the Master Craftsman program, UW students could gain skills that set them apart in a competitive job market. The potential for this initiative to grow into a comprehensive program — whether a minor, certificate or even graduate degree —

WATCH A VIDEO

Iron Pour

At UW’s annual Iron Pour, students recycle donated materials while learning to create sculptural art out of iron.

remains under exploration. The program is still in its early stages, but Carlisle’s vision is already gaining momentum. She has recently been working on a project with Venture MBA candidate Emily Jarrell, who reached out to Carlisle for help creating prototypes for her prospective branding company.

“In one of my Venture Entrepreneurship classes, I developed an idea based on a trade I wanted to learn and saw a market gap for,” Jarrell says. “I connected with Ashley and attended her Sunday sculpture society classes, where I learned to cast, forge, weld and refine my project for sale. Ashley is an incredible mentor who cares deeply about all students, regardless of their background. I’m grateful for the experience and the chance to learn a new trade.”

Carlisle continues to collaborate with colleagues across campus to shape the future of the program, which could offer students an opportunity to participate in real-world projects, internships and apprenticeships — ultimately helping them build resumes that highlight both technical and entrepreneurial capabilities. During their time in the program, students will be able to gain hands-on experience, to work on projects from start to finish, and to learn how to pitch ideas, bid for jobs and manage the production process. She also envisions collaborating with community colleges across Wyoming, providing a pathway for students who’ve gained skills in welding or other trades to continue their education at UW and expand their career opportunities.

Additionally, the program could foster collaborations between UW students and organizations such as “By Western Hands,” a Wyoming-based group of artisans located in Cody, which would create further opportunities for students to intern and learn from experienced craftsmen. Carlisle is excited about these possibilities and is actively seeking partnerships and support to bring the vision to life.

“This is all about creative thinking and problem-solving, and that’s at the heart of what we do as artists,” Carlisle says.

Beyond UW, the program could also have a broader impact on Wyoming’s economy. Artists and artisans continue to play a significant role in public art, architectural design and fabrication, and so the Master Craftsman program could help keep state dollars within Wyoming by providing local solutions for projects that are typically outsourced to other states.

Carlisle also aims to shift the narrative about art degrees and offer students more pathways to success. By combining artistry with business acumen, craftsmanship with creativity, and technical skills with entrepreneurial thinking, students can forge diverse careers that contribute meaningfully to the state and beyond.

“I think it’s innate in me to work hard to make solid connections so our students have access to opportunities and can be successful once they graduate,” Carlisle says.

Whether it becomes a degree program or a series of collaborative internships, the program holds the potential to offer students a comprehensive education that equips them to thrive in today’s job market while contributing to the state’s growth.

“Ultimately, this initiative is not just about building objects — it’s about building careers, communities and a more robust creative economy in Wyoming,” Carlisle says. “Master Craftsman is definitely a passion project for me and one that I am excited to see flourish.”

Professor Ashley Hope Carlisle is developing UW’s Master Craftsman program.

A new technology commercialization fellowship helps UW inventions create social and economic impact.

By Micaela Myers

Every day at the University of Wyoming, researchers, professors and students are working on new tools, inventions, products and services. UW’s Technology Transfer Office protects those innovations, and new programs help commercialize them.

Simply put, a patent is a government-granted intellectual property right that gives the inventors exclusive rights to an invention for a set period of time, thus protecting their invention. Inventors at UW reach out to UW’s Technology Transfer Office, which then reviews innovation disclosures, conducts impact assessments, engages in protection and management of UW intellectual property, and charts the path towards economic and social impact.

Technology Transfer Manager Andy Applegate says UW has about 160 active patents in its portfolio. Part of the office’s goal is to turn these patents into products or services that create economic and social impact. This is achieved through working with industry, government and nonprofit organizations to translate university innovations into useful programs, tools, inventions, products and services that help build social and economic prosperity in Wyoming and beyond. The effort is being aided by a new technology commercialization fellowship for graduate students and Honors College students.

Students accepted for the fellowship receive a stipend, form teams and study the portfolio to move innovations forward. The teams are interdisciplinary, such as an MBA student, a law student and an engineer.

“The fellowship will teach students how to carry out technology commercialization,” says Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Director Robert Macy.

“They’ll dig into the university’s patent portfolio, help commercialize inventions and get more of our science out the door.”

Students from any major or discipline can apply.

“It’s a nice thing for their resume and will teach them skills. Plus, they don’t have to fit it into their busy class schedule but can do it in their spare time,” Macy says. “We hope to have 15 to 20 who will make up four to five teams.”

Once the teams identify a patent to explore, they will first look at the industry the inventor originally targeted. Macy will then direct them to explore totally different applications and industries because often that creative thinking is what leads to success. For example, Macy shares

Law student intern Jacob Lirio works with Technology Transfer Manager Andy Applegate in the Technology Transfer Office.

the story of a drought-resistant maple tree developed at New Mexico State University. Developers had no luck selling the tree for its drought-resistant properties. However, its leaves turned a bright shiny red. When a team of students looked into how to sell the tree, the art students had the brilliant idea to market it for its ornamental properties. This led to commercial success.

“It was a great invention, but it was actually the side-effect of the process that made it commercially viable,” Macy says. “And it tends to be students who will see these things because

they all have different experiences and outlooks.”

The fellowship will be offered each spring, and Macy hopes that, as innovations are moved forward, they will feed into other programs such as the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program, an immersive entrepreneurial training program that facilitates the transformation of invention to impact. (Read more on page 54.)

Macy says, “We will also partner with other state resources and hopefully attract more management talent to Wyoming.”

$6M NSF Grant Aids Research Commercialization Effort

By UW Communications

The University of Wyoming is one of 18 institutions nationwide selected to receive $100 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under its inaugural Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program to accelerate the pace and scale of translational research that will grow the nation’s economy.

UW’s award is for $6 million over four years to reengineer its research and commercialization enterprise. Other universities receiving funding include Clemson University, Florida State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Missouri.

“The funding provided by the National Science Foundation through the Accelerating Research Translation grant will allow the University of Wyoming to continue to grow as the driver of translational research and economic development in Wyoming,” UW President Ed Seidel says.

The NSF grant will allow for the creation of the Wyoming Translation Research Accelerator, whose overall aim is to turn UW research into commercial applications. Expected outcomes include an increase in industry collaborations and startups, diversification of the state’s economy and greater preparedness of graduate students and postdoctoral students to enter industry.

“This ART project will catalyze university-wide change to foster and speed up the pace of research-enabled innovation,”

says Parag Chitnis, UW’s vice president for research and economic development. “Experiential training will be conducted, with an emphasis on graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Translational research projects will be selected to help diversify and grow the Wyoming economy.”

Seidel, Chitnis and Arun Pradhan, the UW Deputy Director for Research and Economic Development, will implement this project.

In a media release, NSF says the 18 ART recipients will use the funding to identify and build upon academic research with the potential for technology transfer and societal and economic impacts, to ensure availability of staff with technology transfer expertise, and to support the education and training of entrepreneurial faculty and students.

“NSF endeavors to empower academic institutions to build the pathways and structures needed to speed and scale their research into products and services that benefit the nation,” says NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “The Accelerating Research Translation program in NSF’s new Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate identifies and champions institutions positioned to expand their research translation capacity by investing in activities essential to move results to practice.”

The program is authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Seidel has made it a priority to prepare UW for opportunities presented by the act for spurring innovation in Wyoming.

Photographer Brett Weston

THE UW ART MUSEUM ADDS PHOTOGRAPHS FROM A RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER TO ITS EXPANDING PERMANENT COLLECTION.

By Michelle Sunset, Director of Curatorial Affairs

The University of Wyoming Art Museum manages a permanent collection of more than 11,000 artworks, which has been carefully maintained and expanded over the past 50-plus years. One of the museum’s primary methods of acquiring art is through generous donations that align with its mission. At the close of 2024, the museum was fortunate to receive a donation of 50 photographs from the Brett Weston Archive. This acquisition fills a significant gap in the museum’s collection of abstract photography.

Brett Weston (American, 1911–93) developed his photographic skills from a young age working closely with his father, the renowned photographer Edward Weston (American, 1886–1958). As a teenage apprentice, Weston accompanied his father on an extended trip to Mexico, where he immersed himself in modern art, drawing influence from iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. These early experiences combined with his

natural affinity for photographing plant life culminated in the creation of his signature abstract nature photographs.

Throughout his life, Weston traveled extensively, creating a diverse body of work that spanned the globe. His photographs included those taken in Mexico as well as Spain and Hawaii, where he lived in his later years. The works generously donated to the Art Museum reflect Weston’s broad vision, highlighting his lifelong exploration of form, texture and abstraction.

The majority of the Art Museum’s photographic holdings are documentary and representational, and so acquiring Weston’s work significantly strengthens the collection of abstract photography from the 1940s to the 1970s. His photographs prioritize form and texture over the literal depiction of the subject matter. Works such as “Rock Formation” (1971) and “Tool Shed Wall” (1940) exemplify Weston’s ability to transform everyday subjects into striking compositions that emphasize shape and abstraction.

In a bold move to maintain control over his work, Weston famously burned most of his photographic negatives on his 80th birthday. He firmly believed that only artists should print their own work, and so he took this drastic step to ensure that every photograph bearing his name had been printed by his own hands. This decision underscores his commitment to his artistic vision and the integrity of his work.

The UW Art Museum is thrilled to expand its photographic collection with these important works and looks forward to sharing them with UW students and the broader public. Weston’s photography offers a unique and thought-provoking way of seeing the world, challenging viewers to look beyond the surface and appreciate the subtle beauty of form and texture.

The Art Museum continues to accept donation and acquisition proposals year-round. A newly re-formed Collections Advisory Committee reviews these proposals for their quality and alignment with the museum’s mission and scope. We are grateful to the Brett Weston Archive and all the museum’s generous donors who have helped shape this important resource for UW.

Brett Weston (American, 1911-1993), “Tool Shed Wall,” 1940, silver gelatin print, 8 x 10 inches, gift of the Christian Keesee Art Collection, 2024.6.3

Student Success Services can help with topics such as:

FAFSA assistance

Semester course pre-planning

Early class registration

One-on-one & small group tutoring

Academic success and financial literacy workshops

Help balancing life challenges

Access to a scholarship for program participants & general scholarship assistance

Access to key college staff and offices

Visit our website: uwyo.edu/seo/sss

UW’s history.

“Ten years later, the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway still stands as a beacon of light, hope and inspiration on the UW campus,” Brimmer Kunz says. “The building was built to encourage UW students to break through their own walls and journey to the stars.” Rochelle and Brimmer Kunz also funded the sculpture “Breakin’ Through” located at the north entrance. Planning team member and former UW Foundation board chair Greg Dyekman shares his pride in the project: “I’m still so proud to have been part of the Gateway Center and to have helped make it possible. It’s a tremendous gift to the university

Ten years later, the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway still stands as a beacon of light, hope and inspiration on the UW campus.

— April Brimmer Kunz

and the community. Every time I give someone a tour of the Gateway Center, I love the way they light up, recognizing that they are in an extraordinary space that celebrates our extraordinary university.”

And no one appreciates the facility more than those who work there every day. “A resounding thank you to the donors who made the Gateway possible,” says Josh Carroll, the center’s director of facilities. “Your vision and generosity continue to make an incredible impact.”

Learn more about the Rochelle Gateway Center and the donors who made it possible at www.uwyo.edu/ gatewaycenter.

UW Alumni Association Joins Office of the President

The University of Wyoming is reinforcing its commitment to alumni engagement by transitioning the UW Alumni Association to report directly to the university president, effective Jan. 1. This move strengthens alumni involvement and integrates their contributions more deeply

into UW’s mission. It also prioritizes alumni engagement as a key part of UW’s strategic vision.

“I am thrilled that the Office of Alumni Affairs is joining the Office of the President,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “Under Executive Director Jack Tennant’s leadership, our efforts to support and engage our alumni have strengthened significantly, and this reorganization will only help to elevate alumni’s impact inside of UW and throughout the state, world and nation.”

Since 1895, the UW Alumni Association

(UWAA) has fostered pride, loyalty and engagement among UW’s alumni worldwide — 150,000 at last count. Nearly half of UW graduates reside in Wyoming, but the association’s reach extends nationally and internationally. This transition in reporting underscores UW’s commitment to strengthening alumni ties and broadening their contributions to the university’s success.

“The UW Alumni Association Board of Directors is excited about our new relationship with President Seidel,” says UWAA Board President Jane France. “He has been incredibly supportive of our efforts, and we look forward to working closely with him and his office as we continue to grow alumni engagement to reach every alum.”

With more than 11,000 active members, the UWAA Board consists of 22 directors from across the state of Wyoming and the entire country. With this realignment, the association gains increased access to university resources and leadership, facilitating closer collaboration across departments and external partners.

“This partnership presents an incredible opportunity to amplify our alumni community’s impact,” says Jack Tennant, UWAA executive director. “UW alumni have a profound connection to their alma mater, and this move allows us to support and engage them in even more meaningful ways. I look forward to working with President Seidel to strengthen these lifelong ties and further elevate the role our alumni play in UW’s future.”

This marks a new chapter for UW’s alumni relations — harnessing the strength of its extensive alumni network to benefit students, faculty and the broader university community. As UW expands its outreach efforts, this alignment promises to further strengthen the lifelong bond between the university and its graduates.

For more information, visit uwyo.edu/alumni.

Jack Tennant, Jane France and Ed Seidel

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

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UW Night at the Diamondbacks

Entrepreneurship Alumni Network

Signature Event - Laramie

ASUW Alumni Network

Signature Event - Laramie

UW in Your Community - Evanston

Steamboat Social - Houston

Senior Send O - Laramie

Rodeo Alumni NetworkTribute to Our Athletes - Laramie

WYOCPA Steamboat Social - Casper

CTE Alumni Network

Steamboat Social - Casper

Billings Alumni Network

Signature Event - Billings

Denver Alumni Network

Signature Event - Denver

Calgary Alumni Network

Signature Event - Canada

UW Day at the Mariners

Park County Alumni Network

Signature Event - Cody

Colorado Springs Alumni Network

Hike - Colorado Springs

UW Night at the Rockies

OCT 25

OCT 25

Tucson Alumni Network

Signature Event - Tucson

Nationwide Watch Party

By Tamara Linse

For Karen and Dean “Doc” Schroeder, UW is more than just a place of higher learning — it’s a community that has shaped their lives, one that they are deeply committed to supporting.

Karen’s path to higher education was not a traditional one. Raised in Wyoming and Nebraska, she juggled work and raising two sons while slowly accumulating college credits at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. With the encouragement of her future husband, Doc, who taught at LCCC, she completed her associate degree in business administration and then earned her bachelor’s in office administration at UW. She worked for Laramie County School District 1 for 28 years as an executive secretary.

“I got my bachelor’s degree, and it was really a thrill for me because it took me a long time, but I kept plugging at it,” Karen says. “Having a bachelor’s degree opened a lot of doors for me. It opened up my world.”

Doc’s journey in education followed a different path. A native of North Dakota, he pursued his academic career at the University of North Dakota before earning a doctorate in psychology at the University of Northern Colorado. He served as a teacher at Cheyenne East High School, as a professor at Laramie County Community College and in his own clinical psychology practice.

Education has always been so

Alumni Philanthropy Makes a Difference

The Lasting Impact of Karen and Doc Schroeder

important to both Karen and Doc. Their long careers were in education, and Doc’s family has long been involved in it.

“Both my parents were school teachers,” he says. “My mother taught what was called, in those days, home economics, and my father became the superintendent of schools in my hometown and held that position for 23 years.”

Throughout it all, Doc and Karen have been involved with UW. They have been football season ticket holders since 1973. In fact, he and Karen met on a bus chartered to take football fans from Cheyenne to Laramie and back.

“Coming back from a football game, I met this young lady who was there with a mutual friend of ours, and we started talking,” Doc says. “And guess what — 50 plus years later we’re still talking.” He and Karen have been active members of the Cowboy Joe Club, and Doc served as its board president.

Karen and Doc dated for almost 25 years before tying the knot. “We dated for 24 years and 11 months,” Karen says with a laugh. “We said, well, the kids are gone now and we have had five cats between us, so we thought maybe

it’s time to get married.” They celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year, with sons, grandsons and greatgrandsons all living near them in Cheyenne.

“This big extended family — we call them the in-laws and the outlaws,” Doc adds with a smile.

For Karen and Doc, giving back was a natural extension of their values. Their deep involvement with the UW Alumni Association and Cowboy Joe Club made them keenly aware of the challenges students face — both academically and financially.

“When I worked for the school district, we had little scholarships that would have a little bit of money in them,” Karen says. “I handled all of those. The donors of those scholarships really appreciated it. We’ve always believed in education, and we’ve always believed in doing everything we can to make sure that students have enough money that they don’t have to stress about it.”

Their generous bequest will establish two funds: the Dean “Doc” and Karen L. Schroeder UWAA Scholarship, benefiting students with alumni family ties, and the Dean “Doc” and Karen L. Schroeder Athletics Excellence Fund,

ensuring the continued success of UW’s student-athletes.

Their scholarship supports students who are family members of UW alumni, helping to sustain the rich tradition of a UW education across generations. And having spent decades following the Cowboys to stadiums across the country — sometimes every single game in a season — the Schroeders understand the dedication student-athletes bring to their craft. Their fund will ensure that UW’s athletic programs continue to provide world-class opportunities for studentathletes to excel both on and off the field.

One of the moments that the Schroeders will always remember is standing on Jonah Field during halftime for Doc to receive the White Hat Award — the Cowboy Joe Club’s most prestigious honor presented only on special occasions in recognition of an individual’s outstanding support of UW Athletics and the Cowboy Joe Club.

Their generosity isn’t confined to UW. The Schroeders have also established scholarships at Laramie County Community College, the University of North Dakota and the University of Northern Colorado — institutions that played pivotal roles in their lives. They also hope their story encourages others to consider how they, too, can make a difference.

For Karen and Doc Schroeder, philanthropy is about so much more than writing a check — it’s about ensuring that every student has the opportunity to build a future as bright as the one they’ve created together. Their legacy at UW will live on in the students whose lives they touch, ensuring that the Cowboy spirit of generosity and resilience endures for years to come.

MEMBERSHIPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

MOST VALUABLE POKE YOU ARE THE

Your support ignites the UW Alumni Association’s mission while building connections, celebrating achievements, and strengthening the Cowboy community. Thanks to our members, we host an incredible Homecoming celebration, we launch thriving networks which now have over 1,600 members, and we reach more alumni than ever. Your membership isn’t just a gift—it’s an investment in the future of UW alumni.

The generosity of our alumni is the foundation of our success. Every member helps shape the university we love.

— JACK TENNANT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JOIN OR RENEW TODAY AND MAKE A LASTING IMPACT!

CALL FOR writers

The UW Alumni Association is looking for alumni writers to welcome our incoming Cowboys and Cowgirls! Join the Student Writing Project and receive a mailer with pre-addressed postcards to share your UW experience and encouragement.

Sign Up By June 5, 2025

https://gopokes.formstack.com/forms/swp

Recognizes UW alumni who have made a difference in the lives of people in Wyoming and is a source of UW strength and pride.

Recognizes UW alumni who are active members of the UWAA and have been leaders and actively engaged in a UWAA network.

Recognizes UW alumni who have graduated in the last ten years and distinguished themselves through a high level of professional accomplishment in their career.

Recognizes a UWAA Life Member who has shown outstanding and exemplary service primarily on behalf of or for the UWAA and the UWAA community.

Network Leaders Giving Back

“I enjoy attending UW alumni events and became more involved when both my daughters decided to become Cowboys! We have season football tickets and love the Cowboy Joe fundraisers. I was a guest conductor of the Western Thunder Marching Band at a home football game in 2024. I am passionate about being one of the network leaders and meeting alumni from the 1960s to 2020s. The Colorado Springs network meets for watch parties, writing notes to incoming freshmen and attending basketball games. I look forward to growing our local alumni community and never miss an opportunity to talk about our network when I see other UW Cowboys around town.” – Kelly Robertson

“I am proud to be part of the alumni team here in Arizona! Engaging with our dynamic community has energized me, and I am honored to serve in the role of local network leader. The university has provided me with invaluable opportunities, and I am committed to giving back while maintaining strong connections with my fellow Pokes!” – Mark Warren

“The Cowboy Country Swing Club (CCSC) is run by students with a goal of connecting to our Laramie community. This goal has allowed us to work with local schools, organizations and more throughout Wyoming in an effort to spread the love of country swing dancing. After graduation, I was drawn to continue working with CCSC due to my love of dancing and a new personal goal to help other CCSC alumni connect across the country. I am excited to be working with the CCSC alumni network and am looking forward to bringing our alumni back to UW through annual events like our Cowboy Prom and Tribute to Steamboat. Go Pokes!” – Lilly Gardner

“As a network leader, I have had the great pleasure to reunite our alum — knowing they each value the university and want to ensure we have a robust career and technical education program long into the future. Generations of our CTE teachers have been trained by faculty at the College of Education. Graduates are in all our communities helping build a skilled and prepared workforce. Connecting them back to campus has created a sense of belonging and purpose. Our group members are active and dedicated to giving back to the institution that started their careers. Seeing the enthusiasm of our alum makes the work even more impactful.” – Rob Hill

coach role. She shares with students: “Say yes to every opportunity that you can. You will encounter obstacles, but they usually open the door to some incredible experiences.”

Emily Sweet, B.S. ’22, physiology, recently started Casper Orthopedics as a physician assistant. Sweet navigated PA school’s demands with UW’s pre-health program, honing skills for interviews, GRE prep and personal statements. Her advice to students: “Tune out skeptics and maintain self-belief. Balance confidence with humility — trust your potential and never hesitate to seek knowledge.”

Hannah Scott, B.A. ’24, history, was recently promoted to property management leader at Target. Scott was a transfer to UW who found the process smooth and supportive with a wide array of classes to fit history studies around work. Scott’s tip to students: “Take chances, and

make your intentions clear. What I thought was going to be a tough role change has actually turned out to be an incredible fit.”

Isaiah Rodolph, B.M.S.E. ’03, mechanical engineering, recently became an engineer for Bridger. Rodolph was determined to become a professional engineer and work near family and friends in Casper. He says UW’s training helped him achieve both milestones effortlessly. His advice for students: “Start humble and stay humble! Your co-workers won’t care how much you know if you’re obnoxious about it.”

Jack Murdock, B.S.C.S. ’16, computer science, started a new job as a senior software engineer at Crunchyroll. Post-UW, Murdock carved a tech path from Comcast to Crunchyroll, leaning on the Cowboy Up mindset developed in Laramie. Murdock’s tip for students: “If I could go back, I’d emphasize the importance

of networking beyond just work tasks. Making connections and expanding your professional network are more important.”

Jennifer Harris, B.S. ’09, biology, started a new job as resource coordinator for Maine DMR. Thanks to UW’s supportive ski coaches and advisers, Harris navigated a winding path to her new role. She tells students: “No one succeeds alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your family and friends. Pull yourself up, seek out opportunities and remember: You can do this!”

John Aschenbrenner, B.S.C.E. ’16, civil engineering, started a new job with Verra Mobility as the manager for design and engineering. He began his career at WWC Engineering during his senior year at UW, where he thrived — advancing from logistics design to a leadership role at Verra Mobility. Aschenbrenner shares with

promotion to organizational development coordinator at Mountain West Farm Bureau. Johnson’s journey kicked off at Mountain West during her freshman year, leading to her landing her current role after her MBA. Johnson credits the College of Business for essential skills. She advises: “Never underestimate the value of hard work. I know it sounds cliché, but showing up and being willing to help really can go a long way”

Marcus Cantu, B.S.C.S. ’20, computer science, started a new role as vice president of engineering at Scalar. Cantu thanks UW’s practical and theoretical training for sparking his success with innovation, acquisitions and global tech collaborations. His tip to students: “Say yes. Take the risk, seize the opportunity and push boundaries. As UW alumni, I believe we have a responsibility to aspire to greatness and drive innovation. The World Needs More Cowboys.”

Mark Hunzie, B.S. ’03, physical education teaching, was promoted to industrial maintenance plant mechanic at PacifiCorp. Hunzie credits UW with equipping him with skills and confidence for new ventures. He tells students: “Savor your Laramie days and UW — it’s a blast and a brilliant education rolled into one.”

Morgan Kenner, B.S. ’22, management, MBA ’23, business administration, got a new job at the University of Wyoming Graduate Medical Education as a business manager. Kenner credits UW’s MBA for blending solid business skills with a network of caring professors, setting her up for a solid career. Her tip to students: “Take full advantage of the opportunities available to you

and focus on building meaningful relationships. These connections can help open doors.”

Noesjka Brink, B.A. ’24, communication, was recently promoted to tennis director of social media with the University of Wyoming. From playing UW tennis to working in UW Athletics, Brink credits the university’s supportive environment for her shift from racket to camera. Her advice to students: “Step outside your comfort zone, especially if you don’t have everything figured out yet. Say yes to opportunities.”

Patricia Gayle Bradford, Ph.D. ’24, counselor education and supervision, started a new job as assistant professor at the University of North Georgia. It started for Bradford at UW’s Ph.D. program, where faculty mentorship and conference networking launched her into a tenure-track counseling role. Her tip to students: “Prioritize networking and professional engagement. Take advantage of every opportunity to attend conferences, seek mentorship and engage with professionals in your field.”

Shanna Geslin, Ph.R.D. ’09, pharmacy, started a new job at STRIDE Community Health Center as a pharmacy manager. Geslin’s career began at Walgreens, where she mentored pharmacy students and helped elderly during COVID. She credits UW’s resilience training for her success. She advises: “What you do and who you are are totally in your own hands. It is possible to reshape your career path and persevere.”

Sue Consolo-Murphy, B.S. ’77, recreation and park administration, recently wrote a novel, “The Bears of Grand Teton.” Consolo-Murphy spent

40 years as a park biologist and then retired to write her recent novel, which traces bears’ history in Jackson Hole. She encourages students: “Pursue what fascinates you — decades of passion can lead to lasting impact.”

Tera Swaby, B.S. ’24, physics, recently started a new job as the technical solutions engineer at Epic. Swaby credits UW for shaping her career path with research, internships and conference opportunities that build skills and confidence. Diverse collaborations expanded her outlook. Her tip for students: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there — applying for opportunities teaches you, even if they don’t pan out.”

Trey Campbell, B.S. ’21, political science, B.S. ’21, economics, recently started at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit as a judicial law clerk. Bjornson pursued a senate internship during his UW senior year and then studied at Harvard Law, targeting natural resource law. He praises UW’s practical opportunities for shaping his career. He tells students: “Go into every opportunity eager to learn, not just prove yourself.”

Tyler Tirevold, B.S. ’21, kinesiology and health science promotion, was recently hired as a physical therapist at Cedar Park Regional Medical Center. Tirevold credits UW for fostering independent thinking and teamwork — skills that guided him from GRE prep to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and then led to an exciting new role. Tirevold’s tip for students: “Always be open to new opportunities and the people you meet during those opportunities because the people you meet are stepping stones to a great career.”

RETROGRAMS

Discovered and summarized by Emmett Chisum Special Collections staff and Jennifer Kirk

In 1957, the Student Council of Religious Organizations (SCRO) continued its service and community engagement mission. Their World University Service Auction was a highlight of the year. It allowed students to bid on creative experiences — from themed parties to dates with campus personalities — to support international students in need. Proceeds were distributed through WUS, fostering global student support and self-sufficiency. Beyond fundraising, SCRO helped students find faith communities and hosted Religious Emphasis Week, which brought together spiritual leaders to encourage reflection and dialogue on campus.

Citation: The University of Wyoming 1957 Wyo. Hebard LD6268.W86 V.44 1957 pg. 313. UW Libraries Emmett Chisum Special Collections.

In 1988, the Tri-Delta sorority made a lasting impact through its Sleigh Bell Days initiative, bringing joy to children at Denver Children’s Hospital. Led by Amylee Rouse, the chapter crafted and filled festive drum-shaped gift containers with stuffed animals, puzzles, books and crayons and delivered them dressed as elves alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus. Funded by an alumnae donation and a fall spaghetti dinner, this heartwarming tradition was a testament to Tri-Delta’s dedication to supporting children with cancer and spreading holiday cheer.

Citation: The University of Wyoming 1988 Wyo. Hebard LD6268.W86 V.70 1988 pg. 44. UW Libraries Emmett Chisum Special Collections.

In 1982, UW residence halls rallied together for a remarkable cause — hosting blood drives every 56 days, which contributed to approximately 1,400 pints of life-saving blood. Led by White Hall Residence Director Garth Shanklin, the initiative expanded from a single drive per semester to nearly 40 annual events, reinforcing a culture of generosity and community impact.

Citation: The University of Wyoming 1983 Wyo. Hebard LD6268.W86 V.65 1983 pg. 68. UW Libraries Emmett Chisum Special Collections.

The Myra Fox Skelton Scholarship for single parents at UW–Casper provides multigenerational benefits.

Multigenerational Impact

Myra Fox Skelton was born in 1899 in Nebraska. Her family relocated to Wyoming when she was 12. In 1922, she graduated from UW and served as superintendent of schools in Hot Springs County — one of the youngest superintendents in Wyoming history. After she married Warren V. Skelton, she and Warren became involved in the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission. Myra Fox Skelton’s philanthropic activities are notable, including the UW Alumni Association, Casper College, and various religious and service organizations. In 1973, she founded the Myra Fox Skelton Energy Institute at Casper College. At the time of her death in 1986, all of her funds became assets of the Myra Fox Skelton Foundation, with instructions to distribute the income annually to those areas that were important to her — church, education and charity.

The Myra Fox Skelton Foundation Board created an endowment at the University of Wyoming, doubled by the state matching program, that supports the UW–Casper scholarship in perpetuity. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to between 6 and 16 single parents through a rigorous selection process. In addition to maintaining their grades and completing their degree programs,

recipients of the scholarship are required to volunteer 15 hours per semester within Natrona County.

“Part of the scholarship program is encouraging them to be engaged in the community,” says UW Foundation Senior Director of Foundation Development and Research Collaborations Katrina McGee. “The students I’ve heard from have been really happy to have this kind of opportunity to give of themselves in a way that they have always wanted to.”

UW–Casper Academic Adviser Valorie Garrett, who helps administer the scholarship, agrees: “The volunteerism aspect is often multigenerational, and I think that’s something that’s really beautiful. I challenge these students to have their children come and volunteer with them whenever possible. It’s not just making an impact on the student’s life, but it’s really making an impact that’s meaningful to the family and community. Students will say, for example, ‘My children helped with Meals on Wheels or packed food for Thanksgiving, and it was really impactful for them to see the difference that just a little time and effort makes in the community.’”

Recipients also are required to attend a yearly banquet and to share their stories with foundation board members.

“I’ve had so many students tell me stories that really bring goosebumps to your skin,” Pickett says. “For example, one student said, ‘Every night after dinner, I would sit down and do homework for an hour. I made my daughter sit down next to me, and we each did our respective homework. My grades improved, and her grades improved.’ The Myra Fox Skelton Scholarship has an impact that is both immediate and multigenerational.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Myra Fox Skelton

What Is Stewardship?

By Sunnie Lew

At the University of Wyoming, stewardship is more than a practice — it is a promise. It represents a commitment to honor and uphold the generosity of donors who invest in the future of our university and its students. Stewardship is a partnership, a connection and an enduring relationship that fuels our shared mission to empower students, advance research and create opportunities that transform lives.

At its core, stewardship is about gratitude. It’s recognizing and honoring the generosity of those who believe in the mission of an institution, ensuring their gifts are not only managed responsibly but also deeply appreciated. At the UW Foundation, stewardship has evolved from a series of donor relations touchpoints into a dedicated effort shared throughout the university to create meaningful and lasting relationships with donors. Helping spearhead this collaborative effort is UW Foundation Donor Relations Director Kristin Morrison.

“Stewardship is about recognizing that giving itself is an act of trust and generosity that deserves to be acknowledged in a meaningful way,” Morrison says. “The best embodiment

of stewardship is ensuring that donors’ generous gifts are deployed responsibly and effectively and then conveying to the donor the amazing impact that their generous gifts made.”

Creating a culture of gratitude requires more than routine acknowledgments — it demands intentionality. From coordinating heartfelt thank-you letters from students to ensuring that donors hear directly from those impacted by their generosity, stewardship at UW is about making appreciation tangible. In 2024, the UW Foundation hosted the first-ever UW Stewardship Summit, where deans, directors and department heads from across campus gathered at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center to talk about stewardship and UW’s vision to embrace a culture of gratitude and appreciation at every level.

The UW Foundation also acknowledges stewardship through the prestigious UW Foundation Stewardship Award, given annually. In 2024, the award went to two faculty members: Mark Guiberson, head of the Division of Communication Disorders, and Joe Carver, director of the Western Thunder Marching Band. The award recognizes the leadership of UW faculty members who excel in the relationship-building

and stewardship of alumni and donors through effective use of private gifts, engaging former students in the activities of the university and a commitment to strong external relationships for the betterment of UW.

“Connecting with our donors, understanding their UW journey and aligning with their vision has been a true joy for me,” Guiberson says. “I thank our donors for the role they’ve played in shaping the division’s evolution and success.”

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award,” Carver says. “Engaging with supporters of the Western Thunder Marching Band is one of the great joys of my role here at UW. I am deeply grateful for the students in the band who have worked hard to better our program.”

Previous award winners have included Cindy Price Schultz, head of the Department of Communication and Journalism; John Kaszuba, the John and Jane Wold Centennial Chair in Energy; Chip Kobulnicky, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy; and Jean Garrison, professor and co-director of the Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program.

In 2025, the UW Foundation will continue its tradition of recognizing two faculty members for their outstanding stewardship efforts. For the first time, the foundation also will honor a staff member, emphasizing that stewardship is a shared responsibility and plays a crucial role in fostering relationships and securing private support for UW.

Left: Mark Guiberson accepts his Stewardship Award from UW President Ed Seidel. Right: Joe Carver

WATCH A VIDEO

Joe Carver

An Unstoppable Force of Nature REMEMBERING SENATOR ALAN K. SIMPSON

Alan Kooi Simpson, who passed away March 14 at the age of 93, was a force of nature whose influence shaped not just Wyoming but the nation for decades.

“Senator Alan K. Simpson was a statesman, a cowboy, a straight shooter and, above all, a proud son of Wyoming and the University of Wyoming,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “UW was a central part of his life.”

A man of wry wit and what he called “lyrical profanity,” Simpson grew up in Cody and came to UW to earn a bachelor’s degree in history in 1954 and a Juris Doctor in 1958. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the student senate. During law school in 1954, Simpson married the love of his life, Ann (Susan Ann Schroll), a fellow UW student from Greybull. During this time, he also served in the U.S. Army in Germany in the “Hell on Wheels” division. He was president of the “W” Club letterman’s organization, lettering in both football and basketball. In 2009, he was inducted into the Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame, along with his brother Pete.

“I spent six years of my life on that campus, two of them married, and that’s where I was shaped and forged, right there in that place,” Simpson said. “And it matters not whether I was on a lark or finally taking it seriously — the issue is that those people and those professors were really the root of what I am.”

Throughout his 18 years in the U.S. Senate, Simpson dedicated his efforts to his constituents and represented

the state with charm and integrity. He developed friendships with world leaders and other luminaries, and he was instrumental in bringing those leaders to UW, including Mikhail Gorbachev, George H.W. Bush, George McGovern, James Baker, David McCullough and Sandra Day O’Connor. Simpson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022 — just one among his very long list of accomplishments. No matter what else he was doing, Simpson served UW. He was chair of UW’s fiveyear DISTINCTION fundraising campaign, 2000–05, which raised $204 million. He served on the UW Foundation Board of Directors, the UW Art Museum National Advisory Board, the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources Board, the Alumni Advisory Board and the Alumni Association Board. Occasionally, he taught courses with his brother Pete.

“Al Simpson was a force of nature, a champion for Wyoming and a true friend to so many,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “His love of and pride for UW were unconditional, just as his commitment to this state and its people never wavered. His humor, wisdom and larger-than-life presence will live on in the lives he touched and the legacy he built. Our hearts are with Ann and the entire Simpson family — we share in their sadness and in profound gratitude for a life so well lived.”

UW bestowed its highest honor, a Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa, to Simpson in 1999. Other awards from

PRIVATE SUPPORT TOTALS

FY24: $61.6

FY23: $59.6

FY22: $51.4

FY21: $48.8

FY20: $43.3

NUMBER OF DONORS

ENDOWMENT EXPENDITURES

TODISBURSEMENTS UW

FY24: $41.1

FY23: $37.1

FY22: $30.2

FY21: $31.3

FY24: $28.0

FY23: $22.9

FY22: $21.5

FY21: $20.7

FY20: $20.6 in millions

FY20: $26.9

FY24: 27,646

FY23: 23,554

FY22: 22,739

FY21: 23,637

FY20: 24,195 in millions

FY24: 1,823

FY23: 1,774

FY22: 1,690

FY21: 1,646

FY20: 1,589

NUMBER OF ENDOWMENTS

GIVING DOLLARSDAY

FY24: $833.5

FY23: $789.5

FY22: $751.3

FY21: $794.7

FY20: $585.9 in millions

FY24: $4,175,132

FY23: $3,605,192

FY22: $4,107,408

FY21: $2,421,333

FY20: $840,602

FY24: 11,202

FY23: 8,978

FY22: 6,293

FY21: 3,629

FY20: 2,409

Division of University Public Relations