Lancer Luminaries Winter/Spring 2012 Edition

Lancer LuminariesVol. No. 13Winter/Spring 2012Inside:Read about EWC’s partnership withthe Wyoming Law EnforcementAcademy A magazine for EWC alumni, contributors and friends

Foundation Board MeMBers Patrick Korell, President Tom Gardner, Vice-President In This Issue Dr. Donna Beth Downer, EWC President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Secretary/Treasurer EWC Foundation President . . . . . . . . . . 4 Dr. Tom Armstrong, College President Office of Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Barbara Bonds Cosmetology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Bruce Brown New Foundation Members . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Chuck Brown Donors and Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Joe Guth EWC Workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Kathryn Kelly Livestock Judging Team . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Sherri Lovercheck Alumni Event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Deidre Newman EWC Donor Dinner . . . . . . . . . . 15 Blake Ochsner Student Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Gary Olson EWC & Law Enforcement Academy John Patrick Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Todd Peterson Science Wing Completion . . . . . . . 20 Bill Rueb EWC Foundation Golf Tournament . . . . . . 21 Tom Saunders Marion Smith, MD Ryan Schilreff Wayne Tatman Lancer Luminaries Eastern Wyoming College 3200 West C Street Torrington, WY 82240 (307) 532.8200 1.866.EASTWYO (1.866.327.8996) Lancer Luminaries is published twice a year by the EWC Institutional Development Office and the College Relations Office. It is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of the college. We welcome letters, articles, and updates! Oliver Sundby, Institutional Development Director EWC Board Trustees oliver.sundby@ewc.wy.edu Carl Rupp, President George Nash Tami Afdahl, College Relations DirectorHolly Lara, Administrative Assistant for Development Julene Asmus John Patrick Sondra Dent, Graphic Designer Angie Babcock Mike Varney Visit our college website at ewc.wy.edu Cover photo by: Sondra Dent Sherri Lovercheck

Spring 2012 From the EWC President Friends and Family, I’d like to share an email that went to our EWC staff in June. This is typical of the nature and content of similar messages shared throughout the year. I’ll attempt to keep people up to date and also address concerns that surface. We are moving ahead deliberately and intentionally. It is with great confidence that I say we are good and getting better. Our challenges and celebrations lie ahead of us; this year will require some authentic introspection and sharing with others. It’s about focusing on shared goals, rolling up our sleeves, and working shoulder to shoulder. We are on track. New lights, windows, labs, and landscaping. Strong recruiters, quality faculty, strong support services, dedicated physical plant staff, caring coaches. Involved college trustees and committed foundation directors. Successful students who enter the workforce or transfer to four year schools. From:Tom Armstrong Sent:Wednesday, June 22, 2011 11:49 AM To: Lancers Subject: Moving ahead Eastern Wyoming College has submitted four capital construction requests to the Wyoming Community College Commission. 1) These include a request for funding new Ag facilities on our North campus to house exciting program enhancements and changes through positive collaborations with community focus groups and strong ag advisory committee and begun well over a year ago—with amazing progress made in a very short period of time. 2) We have had almost weekly meetings in Douglas developing concepts for the new Converse County Campus, a single building structure to house general education transfer with a pronounced interest in education; other key focus areas include pre-nursing, welding & joining. This facility will also provide flexible, dynamic work space to assist business and industry training as well as address specific workforce demands. It will replace our current functional but failing 1931 elementary school location. 3) We will complete the Lancer Hall project with approval of the addition of two wings that were present in the original plans. 4) Further, we are seeking state funding for our Data,Voice, and Emergency Alert Network. This includes support for telephone, internet, wireless, digital controls, and a variety of campus solutions reliant on a strong fiber backbone and modern compatible equipment.Ultimately, however, it’s not about rocks, or carpet, or buildings. It is and has always been about people. It is about all of uspitching in, being available full-time, contributing at capacity, getting along, not cutting corners, enjoying the journey,and giving whatever it takes.We have great people moving vital projects ahead, breathing life into programs, creating new opportunities for students inactive and ongoing advising. Updating and streamlining curricula. Working well across departments. EWC is contractingwith a company called Culture Prep to facilitate a series of activities ranging from campus climate surveys to town hallmeetings dealing with difference. Such interventions will also assist us continuing internal dialogues in advancing our positivetraits and honestly seeking new understandings of how we can grow together to better serve students and better supporteach other in all of our individual and institutional efforts.I encourage you to share, optimistically, a glass that is more than half full,TomAt our full staff opening activity on August 23, we shared a quote: “Transition is never easy and it isn’t always aimed at makingus more comfortable. Dealing with transition is only partly a matter of good analysis and problem solving. It is also a matterof the conditions of our hearts.” Author unknown.Thank you for joining us on an exciting journey; thank you for contributing to the success of our students.Tom 3

Spring2012 From the EWC Foundation In late July of this year, the Board of Directors for the Foundation held a special retreat in Hulett for the purpose of confirming its mission and for developing its vision for the future. The Board, in choosing the venue, wanted to reach out to other locations within the college’s service area to gain new friends and to establish a greater presence. The Eastern Wyoming College service area consists of Goshen, Platte, Niobrara, Converse, Weston and Crook counties. The retreat was facilitated by an outstanding consultant who gave the Board a “launching pad” to move ahead in concert with Dr. Armstrong and the EWC Trustees. The Foundation relies upon the college to identify its needs and the needs of its students so that the Foundation may better offer support. Along with an extensive analysis and discussion of the Founda- tion’s strengths, and weaknesses, the Board intently listened to the vision which Dr. Armstrong has for the future of Eastern Wyoming College. It is invigorating for me, and I know for the other members of the Foundation, to hear the direction of the college. This is particularly true for the foreseeable development of a stronger and more vital program in agricultural education. At some future date, the Foundation anticipates assisting with the construction and development of a facility which will (in the words of college leadership) help Eastern to have “the best agricultural program in the state.” We do not know as of this moment what it may mean for the Foundation, but, because of our thoughts in advance about our mission and future relationship with the college, we are well positioned to move ahead with Dr. Armstrong and the trustees when the time comes. The college recently hosted its annual banquet to recognize the donors and recipients of scholarships. Through the help and financial commitments many have made, the college awarded over ninety scholarships to its students. It is amazing to see some of Eastern’s brightest and most capable students be recognized and rewarded as a result of the generosity and forethought of our friends. Finally, I want to welcome three new members to our Foundation Board of Directors who many of you know: Chuck Brown of Wheatland, who is one of EWC’s distinguished alumni; Wayne Tat- man, Lingle rancher and former UW Extension Educator; and Ryan Schilreff, CEO of Points West Bank in Torrington. The Board will greatly benefit from their enthusiasm, experience and commitment to the college. Please let them know you recognize their involvement when you see them. As always, my personal appreciation to all who do so much to help students succeed at EWC. Patrick Korell, President EWC Foundation 4

Spring 2012 A Note from the Office of Development and the EWC FoundationOver the course of the last year – even the last several years – many friends and alums have madesignificant commitments to improve educational opportunity for our students. Through the ongoingendowed scholarship program, through gifts for books and educational materials, or gifts forspecialized equipment related to program needs, the support of the EWC family of donors and friendscontinues to be remarkable. We at EWC and the EWC Foundation want to take a moment to onceagain thank you for that commitment.In the last year, the EWC Foundation initiated its first gift annuity, which provides current income tothe donor and will eventually provide a significant source of ongoing support for the College’s finearts and natural science programs. Endowment gifts have also grown, and continue to be matchedby the State of Wyoming Endowment Challenge program on a dollar for dollar basis. Memorialgifts for friends we miss have also grown – often directed to scholarship support for succeedinggenerations to come. Annual support has grown as well, allowing the College and Foundation to“leverage” important activities in such areas as the institutional diversity project, cultural programs,and specialized classroom equipment. Special events such as our elegant Sagebrush and Roses dinnerdance, and the Foundation golf tournament continue to support similar needs related to the EWCagriculture program, and ongoing College enhancements.If you have been on the campus in the last year, you have seen how the Foundation has been able tosupplement funding of the College’s landscaping plan, which has brought new vitality to the campusand provided a tangible feeling of pride for not only our students but our faculty and staff. The 2010gift from the estate of Mary Lou Atkins gave the College the impetus to move ahead with additionalcampus beautification from both public and private sources.The State of Wyoming will continue to be the primary source of funding for ongoing operationaland construction requirements. Having said that, it is clear that the support of a growing number ofdonors over just the past few years has made a major difference in the “extra edge of quality” that ourstudents need for success. As we move into and past another holiday season and on to the challengesof 2012 and beyond, it is the sincere desire of all of us at the College and the Foundation involved indevelopment and fund raising to thank every individual, every family, and every business for theircommitment to building a future of excellence at your college. Thank you ! 5

Spring2012 EWC Cosmetology Program . . . then Bill Schmidt arrived on the EWC campus in the 1983. The first was to survey community demand summer of 1983, and says “Before I knew where for trained cosmetologists, which was accomplished I was, I was in a car with Guido driving south by communicating with the businesses in the area and through corn fields. I wasn’t sure what to think, determining the need for trained people in their shops. but in no time we were pulling into Huntley, and While there was some community concern, virtually Guido stopped the car by a small green building. all of the area cosmetology-related businesses were ‘This is where you’ll be,’ Guido told me. I literally enthusiastic about the employability of graduates in the didn’t know what to say. I had signed up as the program. The next step was to gain the approval of new cosmetology instructor and before I knew it I the Wyoming Community College Commission, which was walking into a tiny building with two shampoo was obtained in the fall of 1982. sinks. Guido assured me that I’d be in a brand new facility on campus within a year, but the first view I With the necessary preliminary steps taken to had of the program I would operate was somewhat establish the program, the next critical step was to of a shock.” This from Bill Schmidt, the first director hire instructors who had the talent and background to of the EWC Cosmetology program, recounting his establish the program successfully. As Guido Smith introduction to the College and the program in 1983. says, “ I had never hired a cosmetologist, and luckily It took two years of preparation to get to that point. for me and the College, former dean of students As Eastern Wyoming College moved into the 1980’s, Billy Bates walked in my door and said “I think I have president Chuck Rogers and dean of instruction the person you need. It didn’t take me long to see Guido Smith were looking for ways to broaden the that he was right, and within just a few months I had college’s occupational program offerings. Already met, interviewed, and hired Bill Schmidt, who was strong in academic transfer program areas, they felt operating his own beauty salon in Casper. It turned the need to provide a better balance of offerings to out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.” students who were aiming at technical and vocational The first class of eleven students worked with clients training related directly to moving graduates into the from the Torrington senior center, who were bused workplace. At the same time, the Goshen County to Huntley. But true to Smith’s word, the College school district was planning to drop its program in had moved ahead with the new facility, which opened cosmetology. Seeing a community need to continue in early 1984, and Schmidt was able to move from this program, Rogers and Smith began the process of Huntley onto the main campus. While still in taking on the program at the college level as a way to Huntley, Schmidt hired another instructor – Donna bolster its vocational offerings. Charron, who came to the College from Rapid City. Judy Stellpflug was also instrumental in providing In 1982, Eastern took several important actions that her years of experience as an instructor as the led to the establishment of the program in the fall of program developed. Together, these people built the 6

Spring 2012 . . . and nowonly public cosmetology program in the Wyoming right away. Working in Las Vegas I have appeared oncommunity college system into a solid and thriving television ‘makeover’ shows, and have had the chanceactivity. “Starting out, none of us had ever related to work with many celebrities. After being awayour work to development of a college curriculum, eleven years, I can sit back and reflect on the startwith everything that goes with that in terms of student I got with EWC and the wonderful instructors andcredit hours and those types of things” said Schmidt. friends I knew.”“We knew our subject inside out, but it took a lot ofeffort and help from Guido and Chuck Rogers to get Taking over the leadership role for the programthe educational side of the program established, as well after the retirement of Bill Schmidt, Donna Charronas to be sure we met State licensure requirements.” and her team have continued to strengthen theToday, the program offers students a two year associate program with Pam Capron and Nancy Landers onof science degree in cosmetology, and separate one board as instructors. The community continues toyear certificates in hair, nail and skin technician and is be involved with the public being able to schedulelicensed by the State Board of Cosmetology. appointments with students for haircuts, pedicures and manicures. Charron says “the programDonna says “cosmetology has always been about hair, continues to provide a well trained student to thenails and skin. Even after more than 25 years in workforce in our area and throughout the region.operation, our program still emphasizes these three We have a first rate modern instructional facility,areas. The bottom line is that we are in the business highly qualified instructors, and – most importantlyof training students to make people look good and feel -- strong demand for our graduates. We lookgood about themselves, and making them employable. forward to maintaining our quality at the highestWe have of course moved ahead with new technologies level, and in fact we just received our annual re-in the field to make sure our students have the best licensure from the State of Wyoming’s Board ofpossible background as they move into their jobs, Cosmetology.”and bring more in the area of health science into thecurriculum. We have worked with other departments In its nearly 20 years of operation, the EWCon campus to expand our training in areas of business cosmetology program has developed into one ofmanagement and the things a person needs to know to the College’s strongest occupational/workforceoperate a shop of their own.” programs. Along with welding, veterinaryThe EWC cosmetology program is stronger technology and a growing agriculture program,today than ever, and continues to attract students cosmetology plays a major role in providing afrom throughout Wyoming and the region. 2000 strong program that puts people to work. FromCosmetology graduate Amanda Tanner told Lancer the original vision of people like Chuck Rogers,Luminaries “I didn’t really know cosmetology was Guido Smith, Bill Schmidt and Donna Charron, thesomething I could excel at. It was tough but I loved cosmetology program will continue to play a keyit, and I left with the skills I needed to start work role in EWC’s instructional mix for years to come. 7

Spring2012 New Foundation Members Chuck Brown Chuck is president of C.H. Brown Company, a nationally-recognized equipment finance business in Wheatland. Chuck is a 1958 graduate of EWC, who moved on to UW to obtain a BA in Business Administration. He served in the US Army Security Agency and was stationed in Korea. He was selected as the EWC Distinguished Alumni for 2007. Chuck is a member of the Denver Branch of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, and recently completed his term on the UW board of trustees – serving as its president. Chuck has served on many state and local boards and agencies, and is a long time single and multi engine- rated pilot. Chuck is married to Katie, and they have two daughters. Wayne Tatman Wayne graduated from Rock River High School and attended the University of Wyoming where he was a Cowboy Joe (mascot) handler, and graduated in 1974 with a BS in Ag Business. He worked for the UW Cooperative Extension Service in Park and Niobrara counties, and returned to UW in 1985 to obtain an MS in Animal Sciences. He continued with the Extension Service in Albany County prior to moving to Goshen County in 2008. Wayne currently ranches in Goshen and Niobrara counties. He and his wife Kathy have three sons with UW degrees in Agriculture and a new granddaughter. Ryan Schilreff Ryan has worked with Points West Community Bank for nearly ten years, and is currently Senior Vice President of Lending and President of Points West Community Bank of Torrington. Ryan is a native of Casper, but was raised in Goshen County. He graduated from Torrington High School in 1991, and then served from 1992 to 2000 in the Navy with the US Naval Intelligence Community. His service in the Navy included being assigned to the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. Ryan graduated from Excelsior College in Albany, New York in 2001 with a BS degree, and completed the Graduate School of Banking in 2007. Ryan and his wife Sommer have two children, Owen and Afton. 8

Spring 2012 EWC Foundation Corporate Event Donors and Sponsors 2010-2012Adorn John’s Pump Service, Inc.Autumn Pine Construction LLC Kath Broadcasting Company, LLCBanner Health Kelley Bean Co. Inc.Bartlett, Doug & Lynnea Kelly’s Superette Inc.Bear Creek Veterinary Services, PC Kenda Knudsen CPA & AssociatesBenchmark of Torrington, PC Lance H. Griggs, D.D.S.Best Value Inn Leitheads, Inc.Bloedorn Lumber Madden Brothers, LLCBrice’s Refrigeration Inc. McBrayer Insurance CenterBrown Company McGee, Hearne, & Paiz, LLPBucking Horse Steakhouse & Lounge Mike Rafferty Insurance Agency, Inc./State Farm*Buck’s Pizza Mikro Inc./Taco JohnsBurger King/G.F. Foods LLC Miller Cattle & Feedyards, LLCBurns Insurance Agency Inc. Newman RealtyC.H. Brown Co. Northern Exposure Computer CenterCentury 21 Valley Realty Olson Tire CompanyCentury Lumber Center Panhandle Co-Op/Main Street MarketChesapeake Energy Corporation Patrick Brothers, Inc.Colyer Funeral Home Peak Wellness CenterCommunity Drug Inc. Pinnacle BankConverse County Bank Pizza HutCottonwood Country Club Platte Valley BankCottonwood Pro Shop Points West Community Bank - LingleCourtesy Automotive Points West Community Bank - TorringtonCulligan Water of Torrington Porchlight Real Estate, Inc.Deacon’s Restaurant Powell Title & Escrow Inc.Destry’s Secret Garden Premier Properties, Inc.Devils Tower Forest Products & Neiman Timber Print ExpressDinklage Feed Yard Inc. Raben RanchEdward Jones Investments Rock N’ Horse LoungeFaces N’ Furs Rose Bros.Falkenburg, Garret & Shelly Bill & Paula RuebFamily Dentistry, P.C. Scott & Son Inc.Farm Bureau Insurance/Chuck Curry T.D.S. Collection Service, Inc.Farm Credit Services of America Torrington Beverage Inc.Farmers Insurance Torrington Livestock Markets LLCFirst State Bank Torrington Travel PlazaFisher and Weisshaar, LLC Torrington Vision ClinicFrank Implement Company US BankFreudenthal & Bonds P.C. Valley Mercantile Co.George Ochsner Ranch, Inc. Valley Plumbing & HeatingGoshen County Abstract & Title Co. Vandel DrugGoshen Veterinary Clinic, Inc. Wagner’s FloralHageman Ranch WestCoHartman Family Dentistry Western MallHein’s Greenhouse Wyoming Newspspers, Inc./Torrington TelegramHickey & Evans, LLP Wyrulec CompanyHorizonWest Inc. Z & W Mill Inc.Matching Gift Company * 9

Spring2012 Eastern Wyoming College Workforce “Where the Rubber Meets the Road” W orkforce development is front and center in Goshen County and at Eastern Wyoming College. It literally is “where the climate of economic stagnation both in Wyoming and across the country. It is difficult to find a conversation that doesn’t include jobs, training, rubber meets the road” at EWC and with its national infrastructure or business development. partnerships in business and industry. In fact, National leaders recognize and emphasize the one of EWC’s many workforce projects was value of community colleges in rebuilding our with the Goshen County Road and Bridge economy, and in his first “state of the State” Department where the College provided hands- address, Governor Matt Mead emphasized once on work experience for students who worked again the importance of Wyoming’s community to repair and rebuild a portion of County colleges in the area of workforce development Road 68. Goshen County Road and Bridge as a fundamental underpinning of the State’s Superintendent Gary Korell made special note economy – both in initial job training for high of this project, saying “When the College and demand needs in Wyoming, and in retraining the McMurry Training a population for new Center approached the careers as old ones Goshen County Road disappear. and Bridge Department to implement a heavy The EWC Workforce equipment class, I staff, directed by was delighted to help. Ashley Harpstreith, As the project was has developed and completed, I found the offered a wide range of students, training staff programs, certifications, and everyone involved and customized training to be responsible and throughout the College’s positive in their efforts. service area of Converse, I would look forward Crook, Weston, to working with them again next season on a Goshen, Niobrara and Platte counties. Through similar project.” Instructors Tom Reed and partnerships that utilize the best business and Jim Kalinski added “We appreciate the chance industry professionals as instructors, the EWC to train with younger people. Most of these Workforce office has delivered valuable training kids come from farm and ranch backgrounds, directly related to the region’s growing oil which is helpful. We can train them in a lot of and gas industry. Safety training and OSHA the mechanical aspects of the heavy equipment requirements are major concerns for the industry, they’ll use in their jobs, and take them beyond and EWC is responding. being just operators. It is good to see EWC involved with us as well as major national In describing the impact of EWC workforce companies in teaching trouble shooting, programs and their role as a fundamental part electronics and diesel mechanics – and bring of the area’s growth, Goshen County Economic them into the workforce as qualified entry level Development Corporation Director Lisa Johnson mechanics.” says, “In the economic development field, it is vital to have the right resources readily available Preparation for the world of work through in recruiting companies to the area. One of expanded emphasis on community colleges GCEDC’s most important resources in its tool continues to be a major theme in the current kit is the extremely effective and responsive 10

Spring 2012workforce program operated through Eastern families who need initial training or re-trainingWyoming College. They provide an extensive to develop sustainable employment skillsrange of industry-specific training programs that including basic computer skills, workplacecan be a deciding factor in a company’s decision and personal safety, money managementon whether or not to come to Goshen County. and job searching, resume building andEWC is right on target in helping to boost the interview techniques. ETSS grant recipienteconomy of our county.” and Torrington native Adrian Flores said, “I was working at odd jobs, but knew that withThe EWC Welding program, long recognized as three young boys I couldn’t just sit aroundone of the finest in the country, understandably and wait for something to happen. The ETSSplays a major role in the growing workforce commercial driver’s license program helped meneeds in the region and even state-wide. As begin to build a foundation to make progress,Ashley Harpstreith notes, “Nothing highlights and I’m going beyond that and starting thethe College’s ‘flexible training built for industry’ EWC program in heavy equipment operation. Iattitude like our welding department. The think this a huge opportunity for me.”College’s mobile welding lab allows us to offertheory and practice of welding and joining and EWC President Dr. Tom Armstrong says,industrial repair virtually anywhere. Through “Through its workforce development programs,American Welding Society accredited offerings Eastern Wyoming College delivers high-held on and off the campus, employers have demand, customized, and job-specific training.access to training and certification in machine Working closely with business and industry,tool technology, boiler and pressure vessel EWC partners to identify existing needs andcodes, shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, flux match up the best possible candidates. Suchcored arc, gas tungsten, oxycetyline cutting and educational opportunities provide new studentsrepair and maintenance welding. Entities such an entry point and incumbent workers theas the Wyoming Department of Corrections, chance to advance. Special training givesBasin Electric Power, them all they need toWarren Air Force join and more fullyBase and major coal contribute to a skilledmining operations in Wyoming workforce.both Converse and With education andCampbell counties training come improvedhave all used the EWC choices. Completersmobile welding lab are positioned to earnfor initial training, a good income, tostandards testing and enjoy the satisfactionwelder certification with of working, and toadditional uses in the oil experience a betterand gas industry being quality of life.”planned. EWC will continue to be an active andYet another aspect of the College’s responsibility involved partner in the growth of the Goshenin workforce related activity involves a strong County economy, and in the economies in itspartnership with the Wyoming Department multi-county service area. A commitment toof Workforce Services, and a special grant student success, and a commitment to strongcalled the Employment and Training for Self partnerships with business and industry willSufficiency program (ETSS). The ETSS grant remain the cornerstone of this valuable andproject, coordinated by Jo Ellen Keigley, necessary aspect of the regional, state andsupports educational expenses for students with national economies. 11

Spring2012 Livestock Judging T he Eastern Wyoming College Livestock Judging Program was established as an because of their work ethic, critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate. innovative program under the Wyoming Excellence in J.D. Sexton left the program to work with his family Higher Education Endowment Program (EHEE) in business in Colorado in 2008, and the College brought 2006. Developed at the State level, the program is in yet another highly qualified instructor, who teaches designed to encourage innovation and new academic not only livestock judging but animal science and programming in all of the State’s community colleges. agriculture economics. Nebraska native Rob Eirich The first instructor in came to the college with a the new program was wealth of experience in all John “J.D” Sexton, areas of agriculture education who came to EWC and livestock programming. from private ranching. Rob holds a BS in Agriculture J.D. also worked with Economics from the University the University of of Wyoming, and an MS in Wyoming’s College Agricultural Leadership from of Agriculture, and as the University of Nebraska assistant coach for the at Lincoln. He brought UW livestock judging extensive experience in the team. livestock production area, One of the advantages the new EWC program including cow-calf and feedlot operations, plus enjoyed early on was the willingness of local ranching experience working with UNL agricultural extension operations to work with our judging team by programming. He has judged and facilitated clinics allowing our students to work with their animals. in livestock evaluation in Wyoming, Nebraska, South Because the program was new, a dedicated facility Dakota, Kansas and Colorado, as well as internationally for judging and for holding an appropriate number in Kenya and China. of animals was not available. Organizations and The program attracts students from a variety of ranches from Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado College major areas, including Ag Business, Farm were instrumental in giving the budding program and Ranch Management, Animal Science and even the chance to build from the ground up. Wyoming Welding. Students that graduate in these areas and ranches and institutions included Booth Cherry who participate in the livestock judging program all Creek Ranch, Ochsner Herefords, Haas Angus, benefit from the added skills in livestock evaluation, Middleswarth Herefords, Morrison Angus, University decision making, and verbal communication that can be of Wyoming, Casper College, and various other utilized either in their personal/family business, or in operations and colleges in Nebraska and Colorado their company’s perspective. They represent not only also assisted in this early effort. Wyoming, but Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas While not a College academic major as such, and South Dakota and Eirich says that about two-thirds livestock judging students are prepared with critical of the team members in the last four graduating teams skills needed for a variety of jobs in agriculture, have transferred to complete bachelor’s degrees in including work in feedlots, agriculture sales, ag agriculture, animal sciences or ag business, mainly at education, livestock evaluation, and ag journalism UW. There have also been three team members from among many other areas. Many employers seek out Eirich’s last two teams transfer on to compete at the individuals who have participated on judging teams four-year university level in livestock judging. 12

Spring 2012“The livestock judging team has been a large part of my life When asked where the agriculture and livestockat EWC. Our team is a close-knit family that works well judging programs can be at EWC in the comingtogether both on the road and at home. Judging has been years, Eirich says, “EWC sits in the strongesta great experience that helped me develop decision making agricultural county in the State of Wyoming, by anyskills, and become a better speaker in front of people. This measure you want to use. It is a natural fit for ourwonderful opportunity also gave me the chance to network agricultural efforts as we support the needs of ourwith other judges and producers around the country that will community and region. I want to have a top qualityhelp further my career.” program that gives our students the best opportunity - Susan Button, Newcastle in the region to excel. With the likely development of a major Agriculture/Veterinary Technology facility on the campus in the near future, I know we can beLivestock judging means travel, and lots of it. The recognized as one of, if not the top programs in the2011-12 team will compete at the Flint Hills Classic region.” He adds, “The first steps include not onlyin El Dorado, Kansas, the National Barrow Show the facility, which will contain major animal holdingin Austin, Minnesota, the American Royal Show improvements, classrooms and a dedicated teachingin Kansas City, the North American International arena, but acquisition of livestock, such as, eightLivestock Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, the Houston to ten head of beef cattle, ten sheep and ten hogs.Stock Show and Rodeo, and the National Western Ideally, these will be market quality animals that willStock Show in Denver. Eirich has expanded the be purchased and sold on a revolving basis annually.”involvement and partnerships with local and regionalranching operations and businesses related to animal In his third year as Livestock Judging Coach atproduction. Along with those originally participating Eastern Wyoming College, Eirich has taken the solidduring the program’s early years, the 7X Angus Ranch, base built by J.D. Sexton and stepped up the programDudley Booth and Family, Miller Cattle and Feed in terms of recruiting and numbers of high qualityyard, Lazy Heart Ranch, Jeff Chapman Family, Duello students. He says, “in the not too distant future, IRanch, High Plains Feedlot and Lippincott Farms have want to have eight to ten solid sophomores, and eightstepped up to help EWC students become exposed to to ten solid freshmen on my teams – with studentsthe “real world” of animal evaluation and production. who are dedicated, competitive and want to comeEirich’s connection to Nebraska has also allowed home with recognition and awards from some ofthe College to work closely with the University of the best shows in the country. With the support I’mNebraska-Lincoln and western Nebraska producers. getting from the College and the EWC FoundationBeing on the Livestock Judging team also means that as to put the tools in place, we can build a regionallya student you join other agriculture and rodeo students recognized agriculture department here at EWC.”in working with the Foundation’s annual Sagebrush andRoses dinner dance – with funds raised being dedicatedto the Agriculture program, including scholarships andeducational materials for these students.“Livestock judging was an awesome way to travel aroundthe nation and see top livestock operations that otherwiseI wouldn’t have been able to experience. It is a lot of workto be devoted to judging, but in the end I gained valuablecritical thinking and communications skills, plus made tons ofmemories and friends I’ll never forget.” Members of the 2011-2012 Livestock Judging Team - Susie -Rustin Roth,TorringtonWyoming Button, Olivia Garl, Ashley Ralco, Kaden Hubbard, Keelyn Hubbard, Rob Eirich - Coach. 13

Spring2012 1st Annual Alumni Event August 2011 Attention Alumni and Friends ! EWC alumni are making a difference in Goshen County, and throughout Wyoming and the nation. If you wish to nominate someone as a Distinguished Alumni, we’d love to hear from you. Nominations are taken throughout the year for this annual award. Also, if you know of anyone who should be receiving our Lancer Luminaries magazine, either as an alumni of the College, or as someone who wants to keep up on its activities, please let us know. Contact the Office of Development (307- 532-8304) or the Office of College Relations ( 307-532-8206) for details on the Distinguished Alumni program or any other questions you may have related to the Lancer Luminaries magazine. 14

Spring 2012 2011 EWC Foundation Donor Recognition and Appreciation Dinner EWC Leadership Award Kathy Francisco Memorial Scholarship R.W. Fullmer Memorial Rodeo Scholarship Ruth & Glen Gorman Scholarship Goshen County Beet Growers/Rotary Scholarship Goshen County Quilters Scholarship Margaret Hageman Memorial Scholarship Albert Harris Memorial Scholarship Lisa M. Hinkley Experience Scholarship William W. & Beverly D. Hovey Memorial Scholarship Jolovich Family Scholarship Kerm Kath Memorial Scholarship Mara Garcia Jane Hommel Elizabeth Kelly Memorial ScholarshipThe EWC Foundation Donor Recognition and Kenyon Family ScholarshipAppreciation dinner and reception event began in 1996, Mildred Kidney Scholarships Marna M. Kuehne Endowed Scholarshipallows the Foundation to thank donors for their ongoing Irv Larsen Memorial Scholarshipand growing support of the endowed scholarship Lenhart Agriculture Scholarshipprogram. Working with the office of financial aid, the Lenhart Nursing ScholarshipFoundation annually expends over $85,000 toward Tom Lowry Memorial Scholarshipstudent opportunity in every area of the College. Donors (Goshen County Rooster Boosters)have the opportunity to designate the program they wish David Ludwig Memorial Scholarshipto support as well as the qualifications the students must Edward Lynch Memorial Scholarshipmeet to obtain the scholarship. The dinner is also an Ima Lynch Memorial Scholarshipopportunity for selected students to speak about how their Maffe Family Scholarshipscholarship has advanced their academic goals and thank L.W. and Jean Maxfield Memorial Scholarshipthe donors in a personal way. The Foundation once again Lloyd and Marian McElhaney Scholarshipthanks all of those listed for their support of the College Norwest Bank Scholarship Carl and Orma Oberg Scholarshipand student success. Carl Sawyer Memorial Award Lee Seid Memorial ScholarshipEastern Wyoming College Foundation Arlene Shindledecker Memorial ScholarshipScholarship Endowments John C. & Ora M. Simons Memorial Scholarship William and Edna Smith Memorial ScholarshipAlma Anker Memorial Scholarship Margaret Tebbet ScholarshipL.C. & Mary Lou Atkins Scholarship Rex Tebbet ScholarshipGail Branham Memorial Scholarship Thaler Family ScholarshipDr. F.S. Brown Scholarship The Torrington Lions Club ScholarshipKellie Burden Memorial Scholarship Tucker Memorial ScholarshipCecilia Casillas Scholarship Union Pacific Corporation ScholarshipThe Wayland H. Cato, Jr. Foundation Inc. Scholarship John and Joyce Vandel ScholarshipJo Davis Memorial Scholarship Kelley Vandel Welding & Machine Tooling AwardJo Davis Memorial Vet Tech Scholarship R.W. Weickum Memorial ScholarshipTuffy Dicken Agriculture Scholarship Jeannie Wells Memorial ScholarshipKenneth Dill Memorial Scholarship Betty Wesch Memorial ScholarshipDowning-Reed Memorial Scholarship Neal Willhite Memorial ScholarshipDavid Eddington & Gertrude Poage Eddington Ray E. Wilt Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Kathryn Winship ScholarshipsBob and Martha Erickson Memorial Scholarship Jim Wiseman Memorial ScholarshipEWC Employees’ Scholarship Wyoming National Guard ScholarshipEWC Foundation Scholarship Endowment Kenny and Alice Youtz Memorial Scholarship 15

Spring2012 Eastern Wyoming College Student Senate EWC Student Senate members exemplify dedication to education, attainment of personal goals, integrity and perseverance. To a person, they are high energy, personable, conscientious and spirited. Throughout their time at Eastern Wyoming College, they balance academic demands, off-campus jobs, extracurricular activities and social opportunities. Lancer Luminaries is proud to once again give you a brief glimpse of the students who have taken on leadership roles with the Student Senate – and who work with talent, dedication and humor to make the college experience of their fellow students challenging and enjoyable. S tudent Senate President Colby Sturgeon is a Torrington W yatt Clark hails from Wellfleet, Nebraska. As Student Senate native who is working toward his Vice President, he is majoring in AAS in Agriculture Business. He is a Business Management and is known member of Phi Theta Kappa, the national for his quiet approach to leadership community college student honor with his peers. Wyatt is also a member society. Colby works part-time off of the EWC rodeo team, where he is campus, as well as being a member of a calf roper, team roper and bare back the EWC rodeo team as a team roper and rider. calf roper. 16

Spring 2012 S tudent Senate Parliamentarian Shianna Fry comes to the College fromO Harrisburg, Nebraska. Her major at EWC is ne of the primary responsibilities of Farm and Ranch Management, and she will the Student Senate is allocating funds also earn a certificate in beef production. Sheto various clubs and projects on the campus. is a leader on the EWC livestock judgingThat responsibility belongs to Senate treasurer team, and a member of the Block and BridleJosie Bretzman, who hails from Lakefield, Club. Shianna is well known, not only forMinnesota. A Criminal Justice major, Josie her academic and campus involvement, butbelongs to the Criminal Justice Club, and also also for her voice -- she sings the nationalworks off campus. Her goal is to transfer to anthem at many home athletic events. Athe University of Wyoming and eventually testament to perseverance, Shannon spent herwork in law enforcement. first semester at EWC in a wheel chair – the result of two broken ankles in an automobile accident. Not one to feel sorry for herself, she came to the Senate’s Halloween costume party as a crash dummy! T roy Wilcox from Red Owl, South Dakota , is the Student Senate Secretary. He is a Farm and Ranch Management major and as with his fellow Student Senate officers, Troy is a member of the rodeo team where he participates as a roper, steer wrestler and tie down roper. 17

Spring2012 Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy and Eastern Wyoming College Partnership Almost 20 years ago, Eastern Wyoming articulation meetings involving all College and the Wyoming Law community colleges and the Enforcement Academy in University of Wyoming as they Douglas forged a great work together to deliver high partnership. Through this quality courses. agreement, cadets at the Academy were able to Another benefit of this earn college credits for agreement involves some of their courses the criminal justice which afford them program being available a great start towards through EWC’s distance earning an associate’s education offerings. degree in Criminal Many officers will Justice. continue as EWC students after they graduate from the For the cadets, this move WLEA, or they return to their further professionalized the home communities and continue academy experience and served as a the pursuit of a criminal justice degree further incentive for them. Since that time at their local community college. there has been an ongoing agreement between the two entities. Students enrolled in Peace EWC Criminal Justice instructor Dr. Rick Officer Basic and Detention Officer Basic at Patterson has worked hand in hand with the the Academy can earn EWC credit for those WLEA for the past four years. He travels to courses. Douglas and teaches about interaction with the mentally ill for peace officers, detention officers Originally, cadets had to register and pay a and communication officers. He also teaches small administrative fee for the courses. Now suicide prevention for the detention officers the students qualify for EWC scholarships advanced class. Patterson indicated, “This long which cover the tuition and fees. This change standing relationship will certainly continue and coincided five years ago with a request from there could possibly even be other classes that EWC to the Wyoming Community College may be available for EWC credit.” He further Commission to count the enrollment numbers explained, “This agreement gives students in official college reports. an opportunity to get started with a college education and their career at the same time. The curriculum is constantly evolving Educational credits help officers advance to the as EWC Criminal Justice instructors and next level of certification for career moves.” administrators meet with WLEA instructors on a regular basis to review and modify the WLEA Director, Dave Harris indicated, “This agreement and course content as needed. Not relationship is a win-win for those officers only do EWC and the WLEA coordinate attending our basic training, not only are they efforts, both also participate in the state meeting their P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards 18

Spring 2012 opportunities for their officer’s formal education.” “We value this long-standing partnership with WLEA. A recent meeting involved discussing the possibility of working with them to develop a continuing education course via distance methods,” said Dr. Dee Ludwig, Vice President for Learning, “The WLEA enrollments represent part of the enrollment growth in Outreach we have seen in the last few years, and the average annual enrollment of WLEA participants in EWC courses is 118 students. In addition to criminal David Harris Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy Director justice instructors Rick Patterson and Larry Curtis, several EWC folks are involved inand Trainings commission) mandated basic supporting our efforts with WLEA includingtraining requirements, but they can also start Mike Durfee, Associate Vice President foror add to their existing college course work Learning; Sue McBride, Director of theas they further their formal education. I Douglas branch campus, and Jamie Sullivan,truly believe that this not only benefits the Administrative Specialist in Douglas. “law enforcement officers themselves, butmore so the communities that they serve. As technology and resources evolve it isThe feedback we receive from the students critical that EWC and the WLEA embracehas been very favorable once they realize these changes in resources as we continue tothe benefits of the program. More noteworthy provide quality, up-to-date and cutting edgewould be the feedback we receive from our law training resources to the communities weenforcement administrators. They certainly serve. This long-standing partnership is trulysupport providing incentives and continued a win-win for all involved.Dr. Richard Patterson instructing peace officers at the Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas Wyoming. 19

Spring2012 Science Wing Completed up-to-date feel of the space. It sends a message to students that EWC wants them to have the advantages of well-appointed classrooms that are the norm in higher education. We have always had very good students, but they are possibly even more engaged with their in-class work in the updated areas with updated and modern equipment.” The student “pods”, seen in these photographs, accommodating six students each, have replaced the rows of wooden tables that were in the biology labs for nearly fifty years. The major science wing classroom renovations in the Tebbet building were completed in Along with the science wing renovation, early August. Funded primarily through the the campus was re-fitted with new lighting State Fiscal Stimulus and Federal Stimulus throughout the facility, and all exterior windows funds which were dedicated to renovation and were replaced. Not only did these projects updating classroom space, the project updated improve the look of the campus and its usability, classrooms that suffered from over 50 years but will save the college several hundred of wear and tear. EWC Vice President for thousand dollars in future utility costs. Vice Finance Bob Cox said, “the biggest challenge President Cox said, “the window and door for our maintenance, custodial and purchasing replacements, new interior lighting, new heating, staff was the short four month time frame we air conditioning and ventilation controls, and had to coordinate and complete the renovation. new boilers and air conditioning units were Moving faculty offices and lab equipment all major projects that make the entire campus to storage, tearing out old cabinets, timing so much more usable, comfortable and safe. delivery of new equipment, fixtures and The team of faculty, staff and maintenance furniture was quite a feat.” people at EWC who worked to make this happen in a coordinated way deserve a special Faculty who returned to their newly remodled commendation.” classrooms were extremely satisfied with the outcome. EWC chemistry instructor Dr. Lorna Pehl said, “I am exceptionally pleased with the remodeling of the chemical storage and preparation areas. Chemicals are now stored appropriately, with filters to remove toxic and corrosive fumes from the prep area. The whole teaching environment is fresh and modern, and I especially appreciate the upgrades that relate to the health and safety of our students.” Again referring to the improvement in quality directly related to student learning, biology instructor Dr. Peggy Knittel said, “Students notice and appreciate the newness and the 20

Spring 2012EWC Graduates CaptureFoundation GolfTournament Title Andrew Jackson and Ryan Yung are EWC Alumni and past EWC Golf Team Members. 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Buck Klemola Rad Smith Kris Brooks Gary Pittman Roger Feagler Ron Brooks Andrew Jackson Mary Feagler Bob Childs Ryan Yung Rick Stapleton Bonnie Childs 21

Spring2012 Riders In The Sky Thank you to our sponsors! Pinnacle Bank First State Bank Platte Valley Bank US Bank Points West Community Bank Westco Kelley Bean Company Dinklage Feed Yard Brown Company Freudenthal and Bonds, PC EWC Foundation Eastern Wyoming Arts Council CP Ranch - Ron & Sherri Lovercheck Ochsner Ranch - The Ochsner Family Lone Tree Ag - Virgil & Peggy Jackson Rocking B Ranch - Julie Kilty & Dave Bartlett Patrick Brothers - John & Katherine Patrick V Box Ranch - Wayne & Kathy Tatman Dennis & Sandra Thaler Madden Brothers - Torrington Livestock Exchange Shawn & Lex Madden 22

Spring 2012Eastern Wyoming CollegeRodeoGillette CollegeMarch 16-18Gillette, WYColorado State UniversityMarch 30- April 1Ft. Collins, COEWC L NCER RODEO AApril 5-7Torrington, WYCasper CollegeApril 20-22Casper, WYUniversity of WyomingApril 27-29Laramie, WYCollege National Finals RodeoCasper Events CenterJune 10-17Casper, WY EWC Alumni competed at the 2011 National Finals Rodeol Dean Gorsuch - Steer Wrestlingl Seth Brockman - Steer Wrestlingl Jake Reinhart - Steer Wrestling 23

EASTERN WYOMING COLLEGE PRSRT STD3200 West C Street US POSTAGETorrington, WY 82240 PAID TORRINGTON, WY 82240 PERMIT NO 14 Return Service Requested Wyoming College Commission Fall Meeting Eastern Wyoming College

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