The Westerner | Spring 2023

SPRING 2023

THE WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

The College Tour | Mountain Sports | Alumni Spotlights

Summer 2023 VOL. 23 NO.4

The Westerner is published for alumni and friends of Western by Western Colorado University.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Megan West

Kinlee Whitney ’21

Maliah Abeyta ’21

Mike LaPlante

DESIGNER

Jennifer Swift ’14

COVER PHOTO

Mason Schultz

PRESIDENT

Brad Baca

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

Mike LaPlante

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Megan West

ALUMNI ADVISORY COUNCIL

Paul Giberson ’01 | Laurel Becker ’07

Shannon Bounds ’92 | Jared Hooks ’04

Mike Horn ’04 | Gabe Martin ’05

Olivia Murphy-Welconish ’21

Vicki Wheeler ’86

READERS MAY SUBMIT ITEMS TO:

Megan West Director of Alumni Relations

mwest@western.edu

970.943.2493

/WesternColoradoUniversityAlumni

@WesternColoradoAlumni

westernfoundation.mylegacygift.org

westernup.org

Mason Schultz Inside cover: Western students show their Mountaineer spirit while ice climbing the Lake City ice wall.

Kappa Delta Mu Throwback

Western’s 1st Fraternity

The College Tour Episode

Western on the Big Stage

The

Western

Letter from the director Megan

West

There is a lot of buzz on campus with commencement approaching fast. We can feel the anticipation and excitement of the students and the pride of the faculty. It is an exciting time when we welcome another class into the Alumni Family, but it is also a scary time, particularly for the graduating class. It is a time of uncertainty and fear of the unknown. The students feel like they are leaving their Western family and venturing into the the world alone, but that is the thing about families. They never really go anywhere, and families come in all shapes and sizes. Western is a family, after all, and that is what makes it unique from so many other universities. Mountaineers are fiercely passionate, caring, driven individuals who care deeply about the success of their peers. Just look at the annual Rail Jam event; where else would you find such headstrong individuals willing to brave the freezing temperatures on a Friday night to support a student lead event? Seriously! It was madness, it was freezing, and yet so many Mountaineers showed up with a smile on their face and cheered until the end.

We are all part of the Western family, and we are all Mountaineers. In this issue of the Westerner, we are profiling Alumni who represent the Mountaineer spirit and whose connection with the Western community impacted their lives deeply and helped make their dreams come true. We look at the successes of our athletic teams and students, and we celebrate some of the events that make Western shine.

If you missed any of these events, there is plenty more to enjoy! I encourage you to attend a play in our theatre, join us at the 20th Annual Sam Boyd Crab and Steak Feed Dinner and Auction, show your mountaineer spirit at the Rockies game, celebrate Western at Homecoming, and, if you haven’t yet, check out Rail Jam and Western Ski Weekend in 2024.

I am proud to have joined the Western family. I am inspired by the people I have met and look to the future with optimism. I hope to live up to your expectations as we move Western forward together, and to our graduating seniors, I say, welcome to the Alumni Family; we are so glad you are here!

Go Mountaineers!

Megan West Director of Alumni Relations

“I am inspired by the people I have met and look to the future with optimism.”

—Megan West

We value our Alumni family and we want to hear from you!

Once completed, you will be entered to win two Western mugs, two Western coasters, a Western drybag, and a Western t-shirt! Scan the QR code or visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ wcualumnifeedback2023

Kappa Delta Mu Throwback

Western’s 1st Fraternity

Written by Maliah Abeyta

In 1923, House Bill 65 changed the name of the Colorado Normal School to Western State College of Colorado. The school was now a liberal arts college and, with this change, the school's role and mission changed also. Western became the first publicly-supported liberal arts college in Colorado, the first in the Rocky Mountain time zone, and one of the first in the United States. This sparked the beginning of many honorary fraternities, literary societies, social fraternities and sororities, clubs, choruses, student governments, and intercollegiate sports. Out of all the many fraternities and sororities on Western’s campus to come to fruition, the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Delta Mu was the first organized social fraternity, founded in May of 1924 and initially organized by thirteen active members. Membership was at its highest point in the 30s, with a peak roll call of 76 members.Kappa Delta Mu was organized as a local fraternity and has received opportunities to affiliate itself as a national fraternity. Instead, it chose to remain as an organization exclusive to Western.

Dr. Frank Visconti (’51) and fellow alumni established the currently active Kappa Delta Mu Scholarship Fund to assist Western student-athletes with scholarships. The Kappa Delta Mu fund was established in 1985 and purchased memorial benches in memory of their deceased brothers. They have continued to contribute since then and now see their vision of providing scholarship support come to fruition.

The fraternity participated in many social, intramural sports, and athletic events throughout the school year. For thirteen consecutive years, the Mus won the intramural Sweepstakes Championship from 1925 to 1937. They also sponsored events like Mu’s annual KDM Ski Meet, Hell Week, Mu Formal, and the Hustler’s Concert. The members of Kappa Delta Mu were known to have cohosted the Springfest in the early 60s. Springfest initially started as raft races, followed by picnics until the early 60 came around. Kappa Delta Mu and the Vets Club then took over the celebration, expanding the entertainment portion and naming it Springfest, which the Program Council later took over.

“The big event was when we would cohost with the veterans for the Mu-Vet Springfest. It was in the spring. We had raft races, concerts, and some beer was involved,” said Roger Hutchinson, class of 1975 and Vice President of Kappa Delta Mu.

Kappa Delta Mu has been described as “Wild and crazy. A crazy bunch of people, the best group of guys that I was ever with. We had a lot of vets there; it was just a wonderful group of men,” according to Timothy Soule ’70 (Secretary of KDM in 1969). Still, it was filled with intellectual individuals that later became the warden of the state penitentiary, the mayor of Gunnison and the Governor of Colorado. The Mu’s also obtained the highest academic standard out of any other fraternity on Western’s campus. Western alumni

“I made life-long friendships; I still talk to some of the guys from Kappa Delta Mu,” explained Timothy Soule, ’70. Overall, Kappa Delta Mu was a powerful fraternity that left a meaningful impact on Western’s campus for decades. From the Kappa Delta Mu Scholarship to elevating Western’s annual Springfest concert, it is still an ongoing tradition on Western’s campus to this day.

"I made life-long friendships; I still talk to some of the guys from Kappa Delta Mu."—Timothy Soule

The College Tour

Western on the Big Stage

Written by Kinlee Whitney | Photos by Kate Wasson

National television program, The College Tour, showcased Western Colorado University for the first time ever on a big screen. The program came to Western’s campus last fall to tour our school and interview ten Western students about the amazing sights, community, and opportunities Western has to offer.

Each episode of The College Tour, hosted by Alex Boylan, tells the story of students’ real life at their specific college. The show has been streaming on Amazon Prime for three years and has toured over 60 colleges nationwide, now including Western. Western’s episode showcased the University’s Mountain Sports teams, EPIC mentorship program, the Rady Computer Science and Engineering program and so much more, viewed through the eyes of our students.

Kate Wasson, a Western alumna and employee, had the opportunity to be part of The College Tour both as a student spokesperson and behind the scenes as a part of her job in Western’s Marketing Department. Wasson spoke about her experience on Western’s Free-Ride Ski Team for her show segment.

“The College Tour was such a great opportunity to spread the word about Western and showcase all the components that make this university so unique, especially those related to the outdoors. The film crew was blown away by the beauty of the Gunnison Valley,” said Wasson.

Along with the tour of the Western campus, The College Tour segment, Education America, featured Rady Computer Science and Engineering program director Jenifer Blacklock, who is referred to on the show’s website as “a leader in our country who is moving the needle forward in education.”

“I am excited and honored that the partnership program is the first to be showcased in this section.” Said Blacklock. “Having Western Colorado University on The College Tour is a great opportunity for individuals outside of the valley to learn about Western and our amazing community. From the accessibility to the outdoors, to the humanities and STEM experiences, to small classroom sizes, this show provides us the opportunity to show the world how special Western and Gunnison really is.”

For the segment, Blacklock spoke about Western’s Rady Computer Science and Engineering program showcasing the partnership's unique, practical, hands-on, and industry-focused education. The segment also draws attention to the program's innovative approach to create collaboration between students and industry.

“I was blown away by how innovative Western's Rady Computer Science and Engineering program is, as well as their forward-thinking partnership with CU Boulder,” said Bolan. “Their students are truly being set up for a successful future.”

Watch the full segment here: https://western.edu/college-tour/?utm_ source=Westerner&utm_medium=Newsletterl&utm_campaign= TheCollegeTour&utm_id=TheCollegeTour_20230123&utm_content=WatchHere

“Having Western Colorado University a great opportunity for individuals learn about Western and our amazing accessibility to the outdoors, to experiences, to small classroom the opportunity to show the world Gunnison really is.”—Jenifer Blacklock

University on The College Tour is individuals outside of the valley to amazing community. From the to the humanities and STEM classroom sizes, this show provides us world how special Western and Blacklock

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Do You Know a Future Mountaineer?

Students at Western are independent, resilient, driven and compassionate. They are analysts and artists, environmentalists and engineers, researchers and writers. Together, they make up our supportive and inclusive community where everyone can thrive and grow.

Recommend a new Mountaineer to us and we’ll send you a Western sticker!

Olivia Reinhardt

Megan West

Mason Schultz

Western Hits the Slopes

Ski Weekend Recap

Written by Maliah Abeyta

Western's 14th Annual Rail Jam kicked off the weekend on Friday night. It was a cold night on Taylor Lawn in sub-zero temperatures, but the competition was on fire! Skiers and snowboarders came out from around the valley to compete for prizes. The categories were broken into male and female for overall performance, best trick and best fail/full send, with 40 participants competing to win the prize.

On Saturday, Mountaineers filled the mountain for a day full of skiing and riding. We kicked off the day with a scavenger hunt where ski weekend attendees scoured the mountain, gathering photos to win prizes. Finally, we closed the day with our annual Après Ski Party at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square. We got to hear from our new Director of Alumni Relations, Megan West, Director of Athletics, Miles Van Hee 94', Founder of Mountain Sports at Western and current Trustee, David Wiens '90, Mountain Sports Advancement Specialist, Lindsey Herman '20, Director of Student Success and Retention, Paul Giberson '01 and university President Brad Baca. Plus, enjoyed some music played by the Jam Club at Western.

While many attendees packed up to get ready to go home from the weekend, most of us, including the Alumni Relations team, headed up to the Crested Butte Nordic trails for a guided tour with Crested Butte Nordic on the legendary Lower Loop Trail just north-west of the town. It was a beautiful bluebird day on the Nordic tracks. Overall this was one of our highest-attended Western Ski Weekends, with more events than ever. Western alumni, parents, family and friends of the college came together for their passion for skiing and love for Western. Attendees came from all over the states, from New York to California. We look forward to getting together again for Western Ski Weekend next year and would love to hear your feedback if you attended using this quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ skiwkndfeedback2023.

The Greatest and Best Play in the World

SonofaGunn bringing laughter to the Gunnison Valley since 1989

Written by Craig Beebe | Photos Gunnison Arts Center

For 34 years, SonofaGunn has been a Gunnison tradition. It has also been a Western tradition.

One of the year’s biggest fundraisers for the Gunnison Arts Center, SonofaGunn is a lampoon of local people and politics crossed with a comedic take on all that makes Gunnison, well, Gunnison, and in recent years members of the Western community have played a large part in pulling it off.

But in 2019, SonofaGunn was on the verge of becoming a thing of the past. After 30 years, the production team was ready for a break. The play had served its purpose as a centerpiece of Gunnison’s cultural scene and had generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Arts Center.

Then one fateful night, alumni Paul Giberson (‘00), Erik Kjosness (‘03), and Craig Beebe (‘02) struck up a conversation with SonofaGunn producers Shelly Pierson, wife of Western Dean Gary Pierson, and Jen Orth, wife of then-Western professor Dale Orth, at a local watering hole. Upon hearing that SonofaGunn was possibly coming to an end, the three former classmates saw an opportunity and jumped at the chance to keep SonofaGunn alive.

Alumna and Gunnison Valley Habitat for Humanity director Julie Robinson (‘97) sees SonofaGunn as “laughter therapy” for the Gunnison community and joined the team in 2021, bringing a fresh perspective and a penchant for costume design. With no acting, writing, or producing experience among them, the four alumni jumped at the chance to work with the Arts Center and take over a favorite local tradition. “We couldn’t let the tradition die,” Gilberson said.

On SonofaGunn’s first year back from the brink, the quartet put on It’s Always Sunny in Gunni, where it was officially decided that “Gunni” is spelled with an “i.” The following year, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, but the crew kept the tradition going with an outside performance of Molly Get Your Gunn at the I-Bar Ranch. Then in 2022, 3001: A Space Oddity was a look back at the pandemic and a return to what some might consider normalcy, as the production returned to the Arts Center’s iconic Black Box Theatre.

“SonofaGunn sees Gunnison locals, most of whom have never acted, go from being petrified of getting on stage to getting a standing ovation from packed houses of neighbors, friends, and family,” Kjosness said.

The production team looks forward to continuing Western’s engagement with the Gunnison Arts Center for years to come. SonofaGunn’s most recent production, The Greatest and Best Play in the World, took place February 23-25 and March 2-4, 2023 at the Gunnison Arts Center.

"SonofaGunn sees Gunnison locals, most of whom have never acted, go from being petrified to getting a standing ovation from packed houses of neighbors, friends, and family."—Erik Kjosness

Develop Your Expertise in Rural Community Health

Western’s MBS in Rural Community Health is for people who want to pursue or deepen their careers as health educators, addictions specialists, prevention workers, supervisors in youth- or elderserving organizations, supervisors in health-related organizations, and program officers at public health agencies or in K-12 schools, non-profits, and academic institutions.

• Multidisciplinary, two-year, 39-credit program

• Passionate faculty, personalized mentorship

• Rewarding graduate experience in beautiful communities of western Colorado

LEARN MORE

• Low-residency (distance learning) option for qualified applicants, dependent on circumstance

• Qualified undergraduates may pursue an accelerated path for earning both a Sociology bachelor’s and an MBS master’s in five years

Do you know someone who might be a good fit for the MBS in Rural Community Health? Learn more online.

Contact us:

Matt Aronson, Ph.D. – maronson@western.edu

Jessica Eckhardt, Ph.D. – jeckhardt@western.edu

Instagram: @westernruralhealthmbs

Facebook: @westernruralcommunityhealth

“We’re using behavioral science approaches to really look at the root causes of health, which so often are about the social conditions that a person is living in.”

- DR. JESSICA ECKHARDT, MBS FACULTY

David Dieckhaus

Rise Above.

This two-year online program allows you to work anywhere while earning your MBA. Whether you want to move up the ladder or start your own small business, you’ll find your niche in Western’s Outdoor Industry MBA program.

Western Receives Research and Education Grant from the Department

of Energy

Funding a Sustainable Future

Written by Kinlee Whitney | Photos by Katie Lyons

To support underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Western Colorado University’s Environmental Science and Forest Ecology programs were awarded a grant for $720,000 from the United States Department of Energy. Western is one of 37 institutions awarded this grant as a part of the DOE’s Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) initiative. The RENEW program aims to support internships, training programs, and mentorship opportunities for minority groups and research institutions.

“We are excited to begin to use this grant to support diverse student involvement with cutting-edge research in ecology and environmental sciences in the region,” said Jonathan Coop, PhD., Professor of Environment & Sustainability and principal investigator in the grant’s project. “The work they will do will help answer critical environmental questions around maintaining forest and watershed health as climate change advances, help inform land management strategies for a time of change, and provide students with knowledge and experiences that position them for rewarding careers in research and natural resources management.”

The Project

Western will use the grant to fund fellowships for graduate students and pay summer salaries for undergraduate students doing research work. Faculty and students have teamed up with researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) National Laboratory to study the processes and outcomes of changing ecosystems as a result of climate change. These changes also impact people, especially communities that are socio-economically disadvantaged.

“Addressing these issues compels strong and sustained investment in inclusive training for scientists representing all affected human communities,” Coop said, “It takes a lot of collaboration to make these kinds of efforts happen.”

The co-investigators of the research project include Kristen Boye and Vincent Noël from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Ken Williams from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Amy Ellwein, David Marchetti, Micah Russell, and Madelon van de Kerk from Western Colorado University.

Upward Movement

“The initiatives we’ve proposed will advance critical science questions and provide inclusive training for students who would not otherwise have access to such opportunities,” Coop said. “These will facilitate the development of long-term partnerships between DOE and a rural university to link the next generation of diverse, innovative scientists to fulfilling career opportunities addressing environmental challenges.”

Western Colorado University is dedicated to expanding inclusivity in research and education. Applying for and receiving federal grants that fund research opportunities for diverse and underserved communities is a testament to that commitment. With this grant, Western showcases its eagerness to compete with other higher education institutions nationally and explore the boundaries of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The team of researchers is focused on two objectives: researching climate-driven impacts on the functionality of forest ecosystems and watershed systems, and creating innovative educational and training opportunities for diverse students. Over four years, their goals include supporting a new Environmental Science program to immerse diverse students at Western into research opportunities, expanding graduate fellowship opportunities for underrepresented and firstgeneration students, and building mentorships and classroom curricula that include the research data and narratives from the project.

"We are excited to begin to use this grant to support diverse student involvement with cuttingedge research in ecology and environmental sciences in the region."—Jonathan Coop, PhD

Western Theatre Company

Shakespeare in the Most Unlikely of Places

Written by Megan West | Photos by Sarah Lingenfelter

One of the defining characteristics of the Gunnison Valley is the surprising number of talented, driven, and inspiring individuals who make it what it is. The same could be said of Western Colorado University’s student-led theatre company, Western Theatre Company, which offers students the unique experience of working in all areas of theatre production.

Under the leadership of Steven Cole Hughes and guidance of Heather Hughes, the Western Theatre Company has become a staple of the Gunnison community. Since taking over the role of Director of Theatre, Steve has made it his goal to give Western’s theatre program a focus and identity and to bring classic, beloved plays to life with the help of dedicated students. No other undergraduate program in Colorado offers as much Shakespeare as Western, and it is no wonder: Shakespeare runs through Steve Hughes’ veins.

Steve discovered Shakespeare as an undergraduate, but it became a passion during graduate school at the National Theatre Conservatory in Denver. Learning from Tony Church, a Royal Shakespeare Company founding member, Shakespeare became a passion.

Steve started sharing his passion with Western students in 2016 when the Western Theatre Company performed Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Since then, the Western Theatre Company has put on three shows a year and hosts the Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival in the summer. Each year, there is at least one Shakespeare play during the regular season and one during the Festival. But Shakespeare is not all WTC does.

“We want to bring people back to the theatre by offering plays with recognizable titles” says Steve.

In the last few years, WTC has offered familiar favorites such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Into the Woods, A Christmas Carol, and many more. This Spring, the Western community will have the opportunity to see Thornton Wilder’s Our Town under the direction of Heather Hughes, a ’97 Western alumna. “Our Town really speaks to what Western is. So many of our students have that zest for life and come to Gunnison because of what the valley has to offer. This play will be a reminder to our audience to live life like our kids do and appreciate every moment,” Heather said.

To continue including the community in the theatre world, Heather has opened auditions to the community and offers two matinees for the Middle School and High School for free. Performances of Our Town will take place during the last two weekends in April. Tickets will be for sale online, but if you are an alumnus visiting Western and would like to see the play, you are encouraged to contact Steve Hughes at schughes@western.edu to reserve free tickets.

To purchase tickets, visit http://westerntheatrecompany.squarespace.com

"We want to bring people back to the theatre by offering plays with recognizable titles."—Steven Cole Hughes

Mason Schultz

Evan Lindquits Donates Traveling Art Exhibit to

Western

Spreading Western’s Name

Written by Kinlee Whitney | Photos by Erica Kinias

Western Colorado University’s Art Department was recently gifted a 30-piece collection of print engravings by famed American printmaker Evan Lindquist. Now, the department intends to use the collection as a traveling exhibit to spread Western’s name around the country and eventually raise funds for the department.

As an undergraduate student at Arkansas State University, Norwood Creech was honored to take on the mentorship of Lindquist and learn the art of engraving. Now, as a student in the Master of Gallery and Museum Management (MGMM) program at Western, Creech’s relationship with Lindquist is evident in the collection of print engravings he donated upon Creech’s request.

“I would like to think that Evan’s body of work can be a platform for learning about prints, printmaking, narrative in art, cataloging artworks, and all that involves,” said Creech. “His generosity supported an opportunity for a quality of spirit, attention, care, and community that, for me, transcends words. And, for me, that is a big deal and what ‘art’ is about.”

Each piece in the collection is an engraving representing a different printmaker in history. The story starts with artists from the 14th century and continues into the big names of the current printmaking scene.

Now that Western has the rare art collection, the Art Department is in the process of lending it out as a traveling exhibit. After the first few showings, the department hopes that art institutions will begin to book the show themselves. The first showing is set for November 2023 at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk, Conn.

“It's a really wonderful collection by a leader in printmaking, but it also has Western’s name associated with it, reaching audiences that we normally don't get to a lot. So it's kind of like a win-win,” MGMM Program Director Erica Kinias, said.

"His generosity supported an opportunity for a quality of spirit, attention, care, and community that, for me, transcends words. And, for me, that is a big deal of what ‘art’ is about."—Norwood Creech

Energy at Western Awards to Jessica Laramie and

Dalton Lorenz

Written by Veronica Wilde

The Western School of Business is proud to announce that Jessica Laramie, Director of the Energy Management Program at Western Colorado University is the 2022 Recipient of the DAPL Education Awards, as well as the 2022 AAPL Director of the Year Award. Thank you to industry partners, the team at Antero Resources, and the Denver Association of Professional Landmen, (DAPL), and the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) for recognizing Jessica’s efforts in Energy Education.

In addition to Jessica’s achievements, the School of Business is proud to announce that Dalton Lorenz interviewed with a panel of AAPL board members at NAPE Expo LP earlier this month and was selected as this year’s recipient. His competition included Colorado Mesa, Marietta, Texas Tech, UT Austin, UT Permian Basin, Tulsa, Louisiana-Lafayette, Oklahoma University, University of WY, and West Virginia University. He is the 3rd student in the history of the program to receive this recognition and, as a program, we have achieved the distinction of winning this award for two consecutive years.

Dalton is a humble, consistent, and selfless leader amongst his peers. The award is welldeserved, and we’re so proud to have him representing our program. Dalton will be honored this summer at the AAPL’s annual meeting in Huntington Beach, CA. He has accepted a position with Ovintiv after graduation.

Katie Lyons

Olivia Reinhardt

Quick Rise for Mountaineer Cheer

Third place at 2022 Nationals after going varsity in 2019

Written by Gregg Petcoff

Historically, the cheer program at Western has been a club sport. But with the hiring of head coach Stacy Fuller in the 2019-2020 academic year, the team made its move to the athletic department.

Fuller took the reins of the program and put her squad at the forefront of spirit at Mountaineer athletic events. In 2022, she mentored the team to a third-place finish — the highest placing Division II program — in the Small Co-Ed Show Cheer 4-year College Division at the United Spirit Association (USA) Nationals.

The team’s roster continues to grow each year under Fuller's guidance. The squad of just four women in 2019-20 rose to a 13-member USA Nationals roster in 2022. This season, the team has 20 members, 16 of whom traveled to Anaheim, CA for the 2023 USA Nationals competition on February 25 and 26.

Fuller brings a wealth of experience to her role in leading Mountaineer cheer; she was a member of the University of Alabama cheer program, earning two third-place finishes and one second-place finish at the UCA College Nationals. While earning her master’s degree at the University of Central Florida, she coached the Knights’ varsity squad to a national championship title.

Western’s program also offers clinics and camps for high school cheerleaders and a week-long youth camp for ages five and older. To support these efforts, The Mountaineer Cheer Club offers the opportunity to support the program with different donation levels and escalating member benefits.

Mountaineer spirit will continue to grow as Fuller expands the roster and the visibility — locally and nationally — of the Western Colorado University cheer squad.

At Nationals, the Mountaineers placed 4th overall, only being beaten by Division I teams. The cheer team outscored all other Division II teams including Colorado Mesa and CSU - Pueblo!

WCU Athletics Communications

WCU Athletics Communications WCU Athletics Communications

Universal Event Photography

Western Ski Team Give it Their Best Nordic Wins at National Championship

Written by Seth Mensing

For the last year, Western Colorado University Nordic Team coaches Kevin Geisen and Spencer WareJoncas have been preparing for what they would face on Mammoth Mountain. A second-place finish will light a fire in a team like nothing else can. They wanted to be ready so that when their team came home from competing in collegiate Nordic skiing’s biggest race, they would be National Champions.

“Our goal was to approach every race knowing that anything was possible and leave everything out on the course,” Geisen said. “Whatever the result was, we would walk away knowing that we gave it our best.”

But while the race brought out the best Nordic programs from around the country, it was an unforeseeable foe, the weather, that served up the stiffest competition in Mammoth Lakes, CA, March 7-9. With an “atmospheric river” bringing historic snowfall and gusty winds to the event, a lot would need to change to accommodate the conditions.

“I have traveled all around the world for ski racing and have never seen as much snow as Mammoth had this year,” Geisen, said. “In the week leading up to Nationals, they received ten feet of snow.” And then the venues received a few more feet just as the competition was starting.

through the blowing snow,” Geisen said. “Overall, conditions favored us, as we are used to training on cold, dry snow, at altitude, with soft grooming conditions. The venue was at 8,500 feet in altitude, so that helped a bit too.”

After skiing what Geisen called “an inspired race” on the final day of competition, with Albert Hesse coming in 1st, Eric DiFolco in 3rd, Conner Nilson in 5th, Graydon Walker 7th and Tyler Hippchen in 15th place in the 15K skate, the Western Nordic Men’s team skied away with the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association’s National Championship title with a seven-point advantage over Paul Smith’s College.

“The 15km race was another beautiful day, although we only narrowly escaped the stormy conditions that blew in that afternoon,” Geisen said. The final race of the competition, The Team Sprint, was canceled due to the accumulation of an additional 4 to 8 feet of snow on the course.

In addition to the men’s title, Hannah Cryder skied her way to an All-American performance on all three days, with an 8th place finish in the 7.5K individual start classic, a 12th place finish in the skate sprint, and a 10th place finish in the 15K. By the end of the week, she had finished in 8th place in the individual combined competition. To be named All-American, a skier needs to finish among the top 15 skiers.

In total, the Mountaineer team claimed seven All-American titles, 25 All-American finishes, seven scholar All-Americans and Albert Hesse, a junior from Bend, Ore. who was named Individual National Champion in the 15K Freestyle event.

Instead of beginning the week with a few days to train and acclimate, the conditions only allowed athletes one day to get ready. Still, the Western men came out with a strong start in the first event, the 7.5K individual start classic race, finishing second behind the reigning champ, Paul Smith’s College.

It was just the kind of scenario the team had been preparing for since the Nordic season started in November: three points down with two races to go.

The second race would yield a different outcome, with the Western men’s team taking top honors in the skate sprint. But even after the win, the team remained just three points behind Paul Smith’s going into the final race, the 15K skate.

“The sprint day was very windy and snowy, but we managed to pull it off. There were a few moments where I couldn’t see more than 50 feet

“Our goal was to approach every race knowing that anything was possible and leave everything out on the course. Whatever the result was, we would walk away knowing that we gave it our best.”

—Kevin Geisen

Greg Johnson

Mountain Sports at Western A student’s perspective on what makes it so special

Written by Lindsey Herman | Photos by WCU Athletics Communications

Western’s Mountain Sports is a unique collegiate athletics program with competitive teams in Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, freeride skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, trail running, and mountain biking. Meet multi-sport athlete Bria Rickert. Bria has found success on the collegiate national podium in Nordic skiing, runs on the trail running team, and now has her sights on Olympic-level goals in ski mountaineering. Studying elementary education, she is earning a master’s in teaching leadership with a minor in psychology. Bria holds a 4.0 GPA and is learning to step outside her comfort zone, reflecting that Western helps her trust herself and believe in the goodness of feeling uncomfortable at times. She’s learned to take more risks, which has paid off in academics, personally, and in her athletic pursuits.

When asked about her experience as a Mountain Sports athlete, Bria replied: When I came to Western at the start of my sophomore year, I was on the Nordic Team, as that was what I wanted to pursue at the time and where I was comfortable. The 2021/2022 Nordic season was incredible, and I realized how amazing the Mountain Sports program is, and I wanted to be a part of the program in more ways than just one sport. I grew up trail running with my parents and knew how much I enjoyed it, so in the fall of 2022 I joined the trail running team, providing me with so many new opportunities. Trail season began ending, and I was transitioning to Nordic season, feeling the want for something more again. I wanted a change. I had been Nordic skiing since age four, and I wanted to change it up, so I joined the Ski Mountaineering team, and I am so thankful I made the switch. I always knew I wanted to be a part of college athletics, but I didn’t want the pressure of an NCAA program and also wanted more structure than a club sport, so once I started looking into the Mountain Sports program more I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I was drawn to Western in general because of the surrounding mountains and activities the Gunnison Valley has to offer. Western also stood out to me because of the exceptional education program and because it offered the 3+2 program, as well as the small class sizes.

Want to know more about how alums can be involved in Mountain Sports student-athlete experiences? Reach out to Lindsey Herman, Mountain Sports Advancement Specialist, at LHerman@western.edu.

50 Years of Boxing at Western

Tom ‘T.J.’ Barber’s Impressive Career

Written by Cierra Abbott | Photos by Brandy Yager

In 1972, boxing legend, Tom ‘T.J.’ Barber, brought his expertise, dedication, and community-first mindset to Western. This season is a milestone in Tom’s extensive boxing career, marking 50 years of Club Boxing here at Western. No stranger to winning, the Boxing program has brought home twenty-two Colorado State Golden Gloves Boxing Champions, twenty-one Colorado State Golden Gloves Boxing Runner-Ups, two second-place finishes at the USA Junior Olympics, one first-place medalist at the 1976 Rocky Mountain Olympic Trials, a second-place finish at the 1976 Western United States Olympic Trials, nine National Champions among countless other top-three finishes over the past 50 years under Tom’s leadership and coaching.

Tom’s commitment to the Boxing Club shines in many ways. He volunteers his time to coach both collegiate and community boxing. When Tom started, the Boxing Gym was tucked away in a basement on campus. Today, the Boxing gym is in the southwest corner of the Mountaineer Field House where patrons can watch as future National and State Champions train under the watchful eye of Tom “T.J.” Barber.

Boxing has always been one of the most successful student clubs on campus, but the campus stoke some Club Sports thrive for is irrelevant to the Boxing program. Their team mindset has always been directed towards doing whatever it takes to perfect their skills and succeed. Tom’s coaching style helps influence this winning mentality engrained into the Club Boxing Team.

USIBA 2022 201-pound Beginner/Novice Class Champion Garret Lane attributes his success to Coach Tom. In an interview last year, Lane said “I just don’t think I could give enough credit to Coach Tom. There were moments during our training for nationals where we couldn’t practice together because we didn’t have a space. Coach would call me every day to hold me accountable and keep me going.” Another boxer, USIBA 2022 154-pound Open Class National Champion Daniel McCord, said “Tom has helped grow the Club by being a part of it for over 50 years. He has so much Boxing knowledge and is a great coach for any level of fighter. His best three characteristics could be his knowledge of boxing, his ability to effectively coach all levels of fighters, and his dedication to developing us as boxers. He is a fantastic coach and has done so much for the Club and the boxers within it.”

This consistency is why Tom has been such an influential piece in Western Club Boxing’s success. There have been times when the future of Club Boxing was uncertain, but Tom fought to keep the winning tradition alive. Tom’s achievements with Western Club Boxing are no easy feat, and he will truly go down in history as one of the greatest coaches and athletes to grace Western’s campus. Help us congratulate Coach Tom “T.J” Barber on 50 years of service to Western Club Boxing and to many more successful years!

Daniel McCord pictured left, Tom pictured middle, 2022 National Championship

“Tom has helped grow the Club by being a part of it for over 50 years. He has so much Boxing knowledge and is a great coach for any level of fighter. His best three characteristics could be his knowledge of boxing, his ability to effectively coach all levels of fighters, and his dedication to developing us as boxers. He is a fantastic coach and has done so much for the Club and the boxers within it.”

Daniel McCord,

and Garrett Lane pictured right at the USIBA

Tom “T.J.” Barber

USIBA 2022 154-pound Open Class National Champion

Mountaineer Wrestling placed fourth at

Nationals

Four All-American Titles

Written by Kinlee Whitney

Photos by Laken Detweiler

Western Colorado University Mountaineer Wrestling took fourth-place at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship competition in Indianapolis, Ind. on March 11. This was the best finish the program has had since a fourth-place finish in 2004. The team also took home four All-American titles from Jason Hanenberg, Hunter Mullin, Patrick Allis, and Cole Hernandez. For Mullin, who is a senior, it was his second time earning an All-American title.

At the competition, All-American athlete Hernandez finished sixth, Allis finished third, and Hanenberg and Mullin took runnerup finishes in the championship round. In his final season as a Mountaineer, Mullin reflected on his career and his experience in the program.

“Making the finals at the national tournament was very exciting. It is something that you think about and play in your head thousands of times before it happens,” said Mullin. “I think that the biggest thing that I took from my time in the program was a belief in myself. I learned that my ‘why’ is bigger than wrestling and that I am bigger than my results.”

To read more about the detailed competition results, visit https:// gomountaineers.com/news/2023/3/11/ wrestling-mountaineers-earn-4th-place-atnationals-with-4-all-americans.aspx.

Sam Boyd/MAA Crab & Steak Feed Dinner & Auction Invite

20th year supporting Western Athletics

Written by Nika Martinez | Photos by WCU Athletics Communications

The Mountaineer Athletic Association (MAA) would like to invite members of the community to attend the 20th Annual Sam Boyd/MAA Crab & Steak Feed Dinner & Auction - the largest fundraising event of the year for Western Athletics - on Saturday, April 1 in the Mountaineer Field House.

The theme of this year’s Crab & Steak Feed Dinner & Auction, presented by United Companies and Lacy Construction, is a Luau Beach Party and the attendee with the best costume will get a prize.

The doors will open at 4 pm, with dinner starting at 5:30 pm. Anyone who is interested in child care during the event can contact Bree Hare, Assistant AD of Business Operations at (970)943-2109 or bhare@ western.edu, prior to buying a ticket.

Tickets for this year's event are $70 and guarantee you an all-you-can-eat dinner of fresh Pacific Dungeness crab, steak (from Great Range Bison), pasta, salad and beverages.

Tables of 8 or 10 can also be purchased for $800 or $1,000, respectively, and are encouraged to decorate to have a chance to win the table decoration contest. Additionally, raffle tickets can be purchased for your chance to win a side-by-side ATV and other prizes. Winning tickets will be drawn at the event but presence is not required to win. A $20 ticket, or buying six for $100, will put you in the drawing.

Other auction items and prizes are also being collected at this time. If you or someone you know would like to donate an item for the auction, or to purchase raffle tickets, please contact Nika Martinez at (970) 943-2026 or email nmartinez@western.edu

Squeak! Takes Western Alumni on a New Adventure

Capturing the Love of the Outdoors in a Children’s Book

Words and Photos by Megan West

When Western alums Scott Borden (’05) and Mallory Logan (‘09) became friends, never in their wildest dreams did they imagine they would one day be working together to release a children’s book. Fifteen years later, that is exactly what happened. Now, the author and illustrator have two books featuring their main character, Squeak!, entitled Squeak! Goes Climbing in Yosemite National Park and Squeak! Goes Backcountry Skiing.

The books all started with Borden’s passion for the great outdoors and a trip he took five years ago to Yosemite National Park. While exploring the park, he got the inspiration for Squeak! and decided he wanted to use his character to introduce children to nature, safety, conservation and tell the story of rock climbing.

“This book is intended to teach the next generation about safety and nature, but it is also an intergenerational piece that will teach kids about conservation and female empowerment,” Borden said.

Along with his message about the importance of caring for the natural environment and climbing safely, the book includes a glossary of terms that lists some of the safety gear needed for rock climbing and introduces children to the variety of animals one can run into while adventuring in Yosemite. Shortly after he started the book, he invited Logan, who has been a friend since the two attended Western together, to join as the illustrator. Mallory, who graduated in 2009 with B.A. in Graphic Design, is the owner of RoShamBo, a graphic design firm in Gunnison. As an accomplished business owner, designer, marketer, and illustrator, she was the perfect partner for the project.

“I always dreamed of illustrating a children’s book and was really excited for the opportunity. It was a dream come true,” Logan said. “One of the most important things I learned while at Western was the value of community. Western was the gateway to knowing my friends and having the opportunity to work on this project”.

Not only did Borden turn to a Western alum to illustrate the book, he and Logan asked another alumni, Luke Mehall, to publish Squeak! Goes Climbing in Yosemite Park. As a close friend of both Borden and Logan, he was happy to help with the launch.

In keeping with their message about conservation, 50 percent of the proceeds from each book will go to the non-profits Access Fund and Protect Our Winters.

Squeak! Goes Climbing in Yosemite National Park can be purchased at the Climbing Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park or ordered online at https://beaconguidebooks.com/product/squeak-goesbackcountry-skiing/ or https://shop.climbingzine.com/collections/books/ products/squeak-goes-climbing-in-yosemite-national-park-a-climbingchildrens-book.

Mallory Logan

Scott Borden

50 Years on the Road

A Journey from Peace Corps Volunteer to Author

Written by Megan West | Photos by Mark Walker

Mark Walker’s journey isn’t like most. As a young man attending Western Colorado University during a time of turmoil and protests during the Vietnam War, it was easy to be tempted to lose focus on his studies. As a history major, Walker met two of his most influential professors, Duane Vandenbusche and Abbott Fay. Vandenbusche was demanding and gave him rigorous coursework, while Fay exposed Walker to the greater world and encouraged him to explore.

“My experience at Western felt personal and I created ongoing relationships with my professors, which allowed for more success in my life. I attended Western during a very challenging period of time. There were lots of distractions, but I was still able to focus on completing a degree.” Walker said.

With the influence of his professors and the possibility of being sent to Vietnam, Walker ultimately decided he wanted to travel and help people in need. So immediately after graduating in 1971, he joined the Peace Corps. As an avid traveler passionate about helping people, Walker spent 50 years working with organizations such as CARE International, Food for the Hungry, Make-A-Wish International, and Rotary International, where he received the “Service Above Self” award. He was also CEO of Hagar International, which is dedicated to the fight against human trafficking.

Today, Walker is an accomplished author. His first book, Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond, was recognized by the Arizona Literary Association, and he received a Solas Literary Award for best travel writing. Walker has also written articles for Ragazine, WorldView Magazine, Literary Yard, Scarlet Leaf Review, and the Crested Butte News.

Walker’s latest publication, My Saddest Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road, reflects on his experiences traveling and all the things that can go wrong. Inspired by The Tao of Travel by Paul Theroux, Walker takes readers on a journey demonstrating the differences between traveling with family. He also highlights that the most memorable moments when traveling are often those of miscalculation and disasters.

“The worst things that can happen in travel is what makes you appreciate other countries and learn about other cultures,” Walker said.

The book is also a commentary on how travel can open your mind and change your perspective on global issues. By being exposed to different cultures and experiencing difficult and sometimes dangerous situations, one is often forced to rely on the resources at hand and shed the spreconceived ideas one arrives with. In the words of Paul Theroux, “travel is the saddest of the pleasures. It gave me eyes.”

Walker now lives in Arizona and is working on his next book called The Guatemala Reader.

Mark Walker is also president of Million Mile Walker, a platform he created to share his works with the public. To find articles, reviews, videos, photos, and so much more, visit www.millionmilewalker.com and get to know him a little better.

“The worst things that can happen in travel is what can make you appreciate other countries and learn about other cultures.”—Mark Walker

Mark in Tikal, Mayan ruins in the Peten jungle, Guatemala.

Mark at Christmas with 3 children and 8 grandkids.

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We teach both the artistic and the business side of being a writer.

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MORE: https://western.edu/program/graduate-program-creative-writing @western_creative_writing | rdeluccia@western.edu | 970.943.2163

An Unforgettable Adventure

Making the World a Better Place while Chasing a Dream

Words and Photos by Olivia Murphy-Welconish & CJ Edgar

Graduating from Western Colorado University during a global pandemic made diving into a career uncertain. As the world opened, graduates adapted and explored new endeavors they would not have otherwise considered. Caught between career paths and planning for the future, best friends and Western alumni C.J. Edgar (‘20) and Olivia Murphy-Welconish (‘21) saw a window of opportunity to chase a dream.

Inspired by a documentary about orphaned orangutans and baby elephants, Olivia dreamed of working with elephants since she was

young. Since meeting as Western Orientation Leaders, C.J. and Olivia have become adventure buddies and set out to see that dream come to fruition at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT). For a whole month, they joined nearly 30 other volunteers varying in age, background, and nationality to work with endangered Asian elephants. Among the many lessons learned volunteering overseas, they learned about the ethics of caring for elephants. All the elephants in the care of WFFT had, at one point or another, been exploited or abused. Their situations ranged from being forced to work in the logging industry to being placed in trekking camps for tourist entertainment. For this lifestyle to be imposed on an elephant, they go through a process called “Phajaan,” which translates to “the breaking of the spirit.” Once an elephant’s spirit is broken, it can never again care for itself in the wild. Currently, there are more Asian elephants subjected to Phajaan than there are left in the wild. The staff and volunteers at WFFT strive to make a difference in the lives of their nearly 700 rescued animals by creating a safe, open, and caring place for them to peacefully live for the rest of their years. Most, except the elephants, can even eventually be released. All animals are given access to a steady source of food, medical care, and the option to socialize with each other during their stay at the sanctuary.

To witness and contribute to a force of good greater than oneself was an empowering experience neither C.J. nor Olivia will soon forget. The leadership skills instilled in them from their time as Western students gave them the courage to try something far newer than anything they had experienced before, ultimately resulting in the manifestation of a truly once in a lifetime adventure. Above all, the bonds they formed with the staff, volunteers, and animals were incredibly impactful and taught them more about the world as a whole than they could have ever imagined.

To learn more about WFFT and its mission, please visit: www.wfft.org.

“If there is anything we can say about chasing a dream, it’s that now is the time to do it. Don’t wait.”—Olivia & C.J.

Academic department updates

Art

In January, the WCU Art Department and the Quigley Art Gallery welcomed the fantastic illustrations of Ellie Fortune, local artist and Western alumna.

Newly appointed Art Historian and Director of the Masters of Gallery and Museum Management, Dr. Erica Kinias, collaborated with Art Department Chair, Chase Hutchison, to develop a traveling exhibition for the recent Western acquisition of Evan Lindquist’s Master Engravings. The engravings will be showing at the Rhode Island School of Art and Design throughout the month of March. Dr. Kinias and Prof. Hutchison developed a catalog of the print collection with the University of Arkansas Press in conjunction with WCU Graphic Design students and printmaking experts from throughout the country.

In March, the WCU Art Department celebrated the significant achievements of graduating Senior BFA contingent for the Spring 2023: Alex Abarro, Rees Clay, Emma DeHaven, & Adelyn Zimmer.

Foundations Professor Anders Johnson had an exhibit of his recent paintings: Landscape Mode/Portrait Mode, on display through the month of March at the Gunnison Arts Center. Anders celebrated the exhibition with Western and community members during a reception coinciding with Gunnison’s First Friday Art Walk event.

Painting Professor Tina Butterfield will be presenting her recent portrait series which feature prominent outdoorswomen from the Gunnison Valley alongside collaborator and local author, Quincy Knight, at the Wildlife Society Women in Wildlife Conversation Conference in Grand Junction.

Behavioral & Social Sciences

Dr. Cohn served as the psychometrician for the review teams evaluating eight subject areas in the Evaluation of Cambridge AS-Level and A-Level exams. His focus is on identifying evidence that the exams are fair and valid measures of student learning. Cambridge Assessment International Education has been focusing on opening campuses in lower-income areas in the US, and program participation is associated with increases in US high school students successfully transitioning to college, succeeding, and graduating.

Dr. Thiessen Reily was recently awarded a Research Fellowship from the Arizona State Historical Society. This award will support archival research at Arizona State Archives in relation to her book project on the environmental history of the San Bernardino Ranch on the U.S.Mexican border this May and June.

School of Business

School of Business senior and WEMSA club president, Dalton Lorenz, won this year’s AAPL’s Outstanding Graduate Award. Dalton was selected as this year’s recipient after submitting an essay and interviewing with a panel of AAPL LST Board members at this year’s NAPE conference in Houston. His competition included Colorado Mesa, Marietta, Texas Tech, UT Austin, UT Permian Basin, Tulsa, Louisiana-Lafayette, Oklahoma University, University of WY, and West Virginia University. He is the 3rd student in our program’s history to win the award.

Communication Arts, Language & Literature

Western Theatre Company presented William Shakespeare’s Hamlet this February, featuring an amazing cast of students and community members, with musical accompaniment by Music Percussion faculty Dr. Ben Justis in the Taylor Hall Studio Theatre. And new this year, they offered two free student matinees, both of which packed the house.

Masters of Science in Ecology

Western professors Dr. Jonathan Coop, Dr. Dave Marchetti, Dr. Micah Russell, Dr. Madelon van de Kerk recently received a grant for $720,000 from the DOE, with the following objectives: to develop collaborative research on climate-driven impacts to ecosystems and watershed system functionality, linking forests to floodplains; to create new educational opportunities that provide innovative training to diverse students.

Education

Western is now recognized by Colorado's department of early childhood education as an institution offering required courses to prepare and train preschool teachers. The department now has two online offerings and is taking advantage of stipends provided by the state to get more preschool teachers qualified on the Western slope. The Education Department faculty and staff has been working hard to ensure that every eligible alternative licensure candidate has access to $10,000 in stipend money from the Educator Recruitment and Retention program offered through the Colorado Department of Education. This fund was designed to offset the tuition costs for those who have been hired as teachers and who need to finish the requirements to get a teaching license. In exchange for the funding, candidates commit to teaching in rural and high needs areas for up three years. Working together with the Adult Degree Completion program, the education department has helped 39 candidates access these funds this year alone.

Tomah Whitney

Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Nature Writing Director Laura Pritchett has big news: World rights to her novel Three Keys was sold to Penguin/Random House/ Ballantine. Publisher’s Lunch announced it this way: “Pritchett— whose novels include her PEN USA Award–winning debut, Hell’s Bottom Colorado—was represented by Peter Steinberg. Ballantine said Three Keys “follows a middle-aged recent widow and empty nester as she embarks on an international and lawbreaking adventure guided by three keys to empty homes of her past.” This means she’ll have two novels coming out in 2024—the other being Playing with Wildfire (Torrey House). Her essay “Renovations” (CNF #77) was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and her monthly column in the Colorado Sun broached the sorrows of all the prevalent sickness right now.

Rick Wilber and Publishing Director Kevin J. Anderson won the Canopus Award for Excellence in Interstellar Writing for their novelette "The Hind," that appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine. The same story previously won the magazine's Readers' Award for Best Novelette. Recently, Asimov's accepted for publication the sequel to that story, "The Death of the Hind," a novella.

In early February, Kevin and Publishing Professor Allyson Longueira co-presented a panel called "Masters of Publishing" to the attendees at the Superstars Writing Seminar in Colorado Springs. In addition to presenting information to prospective Publishing and Genre Fiction students about the GPCW and Western as a whole, they were joined by 12 program alumni, current, and prospective students to talk about their own experiences in the program.

Music

Over the months of January and February, the Department of Music brought to Western over 100 high school students across the region as host for Honor Band and Honor Choir intensive studio sessions and community performances, while also fundraising in collaboration with the local and long-term supporter of Music at Western, the Gunnison Firefighters.

Now in its 70th year, Western Colorado University Department of Music hosted the All Colorado Honor Band and Honor Choir with top performing high school student musicians from throughout the state of Colorado. The Honor Band was directed by internationally acclaimed composer and conductor Dr. Tom Davoren. The events include the Western Symphonic Band and the Colorado Brass Band. All proceeds benefit the Gunnison Fire Department. Combined, the events brought approximately 350 students to Western’s campus.

Natural & Environmental Sciences

Dr. Derek Houston is taking eight undergraduates to the CO/ WY American Fisheries Society conference in February. At the conference he has a poster titled "A pikeminnow by any other name: Reassessing the taxonomy of the pikeminnows (Teleostei: Leuciscidae: Ptychocheilus) using a phylogenomics approach" that was co-authored with two Western alumni, David Hopp and Alyssa Tatum. Dr Houston is also the co-author on a talk given by MS ecology student Sara Prokosch titled "A state-wide survey of the distribution of the gill louse Salmincola californiensis in Colorado," along with two CPW co-authors, George Schisler and Estevan Vigil.

While at University of Oslo on sabbatical last fall, Dr. Liz Petrie worked with colleagues to complete an evaluation of data collected during the COTECT Project (CO2 containment and monitoring techniques project) and identified possible future research activities. Her stay was supported by an NCCS mobility grant.

Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering

Mountaineers Without Borders (MWB), a student-led club at Western Colorado University, with a mission to broaden students views and enhance abilities through real-world projects will be implementing two engineering design projects related to sustainability in conjunction with a real partner community in Colombia. Students and faculty will be traveling to Colombia together in May 2023.

The new “Rady Engineering Summer Program” will run for six weeks in Summer 2023. The driving purpose of the program is to inspire, educate, and empower middle-school aged students in the Gunnison Valley through hands-on, inquiry- and project- based learning that connects engineering to issues and challenges that students find interesting and fun. The program will run for six weeks during Summer 2023, with each week focused on a different engineering theme.

Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

Associate Professor in Exercise Sport Science, Dr. Crystal Southall was named as a co-editor of the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics. Dr. Southall will be attending the College Sport Research Institute (CSRI) Annual Conference on

Academic department updates

College Sport at the University of South Carolina (USC) Campus. One undergraduate student, Jessica Blahnik, will also be attending. Dr. Southall will, in addition, be part of a panel of judges for the Annual Case Study Competition, graduate division. Finally, she will present research entitled "College football “kids”: Infantilizing language in FBS bowl game broadcasts" with her colleagues from USC, Troy University, and the University of Houston.

Dr. Mark Gibson was appointed the Americans with Disabilities Team Lead for Bonfire Entertainment. He will work to develop programs that ensure equal access to Winter Wonder Grass Steamboat, Lake Tahoe, and the Renewal Festival in Buena Vista, Colorado. This appointment will allow him to involve Western Students in volunteer service provider roles working multi-day outdoor music events with behind-the-scenes access and hands-on

Class notes

Henry “Hank” Forman (’77) is now living in Ocean Park, Maine working as a handyman and teaching skiing at Wildcat Mt., NH. This is his 36th season coaching. His wife’s name is Val and he has two boys, ages 35 and 39.

Bob Marshall (’73), a founder of Friends of Dinosaur National Monument, said “One of the interesting aspects of our Founders is that six out of the 10 knew each other and graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, now Western Colorado University. Known for its elite mountaineering athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, WCU can now watch as their legions help further Western's influence in the West.”

Harry Peterson (’96-’02) and Sylvia “graduated" from Western in 2002 when Harry retired as University President. They are doing well, keeping in touch with Western and would love to hear from you at hpeterson@tds.net.

Steven Quattlebaum (’81) was recently sworn in as the president of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). ABOTA is a prestigious, invitation only organization with more than 7,300 experienced trial attorneys. He will serve as president of the organization in 2023.

experiential educational opportunities.

Recreation & Outdoor Education

This past winter, the ROE 189 Principles of Outdoor Education course embarked on a 7-day expedition with 11 students, 1 teaching assistant, and 2 instructors. The group spent a day ice climbing in Lake City and a day backcountry skiing in Crested Butte. Students developed technical skills, assessed risks, and practiced avalanche rescue techniques.

In conjunction with the Student Affairs Team’s Spring Wellness Fest, the ROE Program will be hosting Fara Tolno and his artist from the Kissidugu Foundation in a series of 5 DEII Campus Workshops that focus on the cultural exchange of West African Drum and Dance.

Mark Walker (’71) published a book, My Saddest Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road. He was also interviewed

Anthony Walker (’93) shared his advice for current students, “I'll keep it short, the best 4 years of my life!! Please take advantage of what's in front of you...” by Global Connections TV and made a presentation for the Arizona Professional Writers group on January 28, 2023. He was asked to join the team at the Authors Show as a book review contributor.

Drake Warren (’78) shared his advice for current students, “The late 70s were very special on several levels. First, it was my time at Western which I will cherish all my life. The comrades that I spent time with were a combination of “live life” and yet “be responsible.” Get that degree but have fun in the process! Many of us moved on after graduation to successful careers even though, if you knew us back then, you would raise your eyebrows in question. It just goes to show you can balance a good time with a quest for success! We did it! I still carry that philosophy, and probably could be better than I am, but I’m happy!

Tell us about your professional successes, life updates and wild adventures by writing us at alumni@western.edu.

Dinner, Program & Presentation of the Mountaineer Award of Excellence

Honoring Nancy Chisholm Cherry Hil s Country Club | Cherry Hills Vi lage Colorado

In Memoriam

Dwight Crowder (’53)

James Arthur Dutcher (’61)

Jean (Finney) Halligan (’67)

Stephen Haver (’73)

William J Holland (’77)

Don Lucy (’68)

Karen McCrary (’70 & ’71)

Clarence Rost (’68 & ’71)

Save the Dates

Crab & Steak Feed Dinner & Auction

April 1 | Mountaineer Field House

This year’s Crab & Steak Feed Dinner & Auction, presented by United Companies and Lacy Construction, is a Luau Beach Party theme, best costume wins a prize! To register, https://westernup.org/crab-feed

“Our Town”

April 20-21, 26-27, 28-29 | Taylor Hall Studio Theater

"Our Town" tells the story of the fictional American small town of Grover's Corners between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. Tickets at https://westerntheatrecompany.squarespace.com

Mountaineer Gala

May 20 | Cherry Hills Country Club, Cherry Hills Village, CO

A night to honor Nancy Chisholm and support scholarships for Western’s well-rounded and high-achieving students in sports. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mountaineergala2023

Mountaineer Nation Rockies Game vs. Oakland Athletics

July 29 | Coors Field | Denver

Show your Western Spirit and have some fun while rooting for your hometown baseball team! For tickets, visit https://www.mlb.com/rockies.com/WESTERN

Homecoming

September 29 - October 1

Celebrating 100 years of Western becoming a college. More details and registration forthcoming.

2023 Mountaineer Football Schedule

To view the football schedule and get exciting updates on the Mountaineer Bowl, visit https:// gomountaineers.com/news/2023/3/16/fb-2023-football-schedule-announced.aspx

Mason Schultz