Lancer LuminariesVol. No. 13Winter/Spring 2012

A magazine for EWC alumni, contributors and friends

Inside: Read about EWC’s partnership with the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy

Foundation Board MeMBers

Patrick Korell, PresidentTom Gardner, Vice-PresidentDr. Donna Beth Downer, Secretary/TreasurerDr. Tom Armstrong, College PresidentBarbara BondsBruce BrownChuck BrownJoe GuthKathryn KellySherri LovercheckDeidre NewmanBlake OchsnerGary OlsonJohn PatrickTodd PetersonBill RuebTom SaundersMarion Smith, MDRyan SchilreffWayne Tatman

Lancer LuminariesEastern Wyoming College

3200 West C StreetTorrington, WY 82240

(307) 532.82001.866.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 Directoroliver.sundby@ewc.wy.edu

Tami Afdahl, College Relations DirectorHolly Lara, Administrative Assistant for Development

Sondra Dent, Graphic DesignerVisit our college website at ewc.wy.edu

Cover photo by: Sondra Dent

Carl Rupp, President Julene Asmus Angie BabcockSherri Lovercheck

EWC Board TrusteesGeorge NashJohn PatrickMike Varney

In This IssueEWC President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3EWC Foundation President . . . . . . . . . . 4Office of Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Cosmetology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7New Foundation Members . . . . . . . . . . . 8Donors and Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9EWC Workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11Livestock Judging Team . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13Alumni Event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14EWC Donor Dinner . . . . . . . . . . 15Student Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17EWC & Law Enforcement Academy Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Science Wing Completion . . . . . . . 20EWC Foundation Golf Tournament . . . . . . 21

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From the EWC President

George NashJohn PatrickMike Varney

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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 AMTo: LancersSubject: 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 us pitching 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 in active and ongoing advising. Updating and streamlining curricula. Working well across departments. EWC is contracting with a company called Culture Prep to facilitate a series of activities ranging from campus climate surveys to town hall meetings dealing with difference. Such interventions will also assist us continuing internal dialogues in advancing our positive traits and honestly seeking new understandings of how we can grow together to better serve students and better support each 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 making us more comfortable. Dealing with transition is only partly a matter of good analysis and problem solving. It is also a matter of 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

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 fu-ture 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 scholar-ships. 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 commit-ment 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

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From the EWC Foundation

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Over the course of the last year – even the last several years – many friends and alums have made significant commitments to improve educational opportunity for our students. Through the ongoing endowed scholarship program, through gifts for books and educational materials, or gifts for specialized equipment related to program needs, the support of the EWC family of donors and friends continues to be remarkable. We at EWC and the EWC Foundation want to take a moment to once again thank you for that commitment.

In the last year, the EWC Foundation initiated its first gift annuity, which provides current income to the donor and will eventually provide a significant source of ongoing support for the College’s fine arts and natural science programs. Endowment gifts have also grown, and continue to be matched by the State of Wyoming Endowment Challenge program on a dollar for dollar basis. Memorial gifts for friends we miss have also grown – often directed to scholarship support for succeeding generations 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 dinner dance, and the Foundation golf tournament continue to support similar needs related to the EWC agriculture 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 to supplement funding of the College’s landscaping plan, which has brought new vitality to the campus and provided a tangible feeling of pride for not only our students but our faculty and staff. The 2010 gift from the estate of Mary Lou Atkins gave the College the impetus to move ahead with additional campus beautification from both public and private sources.

The State of Wyoming will continue to be the primary source of funding for ongoing operational and construction requirements. Having said that, it is clear that the support of a growing number of donors over just the past few years has made a major difference in the “extra edge of quality” that our students need for success. As we move into and past another holiday season and on to the challenges of 2012 and beyond, it is the sincere desire of all of us at the College and the Foundation involved in development and fund raising to thank every individual, every family, and every business for their commitment to building a future of excellence at your college.

A Note from the Office of Development and the EWC Foundation

Thank you !

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Bill Schmidt arrived on the EWC campus in the summer of 1983, and says “Before I knew where I was, I was in a car with Guido driving south through corn fields. I wasn’t sure what to think, but in no time we were pulling into Huntley, and Guido stopped the car by a small green building. ‘This is where you’ll be,’ Guido told me. I literally didn’t know what to say. I had signed up as the new cosmetology instructor and before I knew it I was walking into a tiny building with two shampoo sinks. Guido assured me that I’d be in a brand new facility on campus within a year, but the first view I had of the program I would operate was somewhat of a shock.” This from Bill Schmidt, the first director of the EWC Cosmetology program, recounting his introduction to the College and the program in 1983.It took two years of preparation to get to that point. As Eastern Wyoming College moved into the 1980’s, president Chuck Rogers and dean of instruction Guido Smith were looking for ways to broaden the college’s occupational program offerings. Already strong in academic transfer program areas, they felt the need to provide a better balance of offerings to students who were aiming at technical and vocational training related directly to moving graduates into the workplace. At the same time, the Goshen County school district was planning to drop its program in cosmetology. Seeing a community need to continue this program, Rogers and Smith began the process of taking on the program at the college level as a way to bolster its vocational offerings.

In 1982, Eastern took several important actions that led to the establishment of the program in the fall of

1983. The first was to survey community demand for trained cosmetologists, which was accomplished by communicating with the businesses in the area and determining the need for trained people in their shops. While there was some community concern, virtually all of the area cosmetology-related businesses were enthusiastic about the employability of graduates in the program. The next step was to gain the approval of the Wyoming Community College Commission, which was obtained in the fall of 1982.

With the necessary preliminary steps taken to establish the program, the next critical step was to hire instructors who had the talent and background to establish the program successfully. As Guido Smith says, “ I had never hired a cosmetologist, and luckily for me and the College, former dean of students Billy Bates walked in my door and said “I think I have the person you need. It didn’t take me long to see that he was right, and within just a few months I had met, interviewed, and hired Bill Schmidt, who was operating his own beauty salon in Casper. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.” The first class of eleven students worked with clients from the Torrington senior center, who were bused to Huntley. But true to Smith’s word, the College had moved ahead with the new facility, which opened in early 1984, and Schmidt was able to move from Huntley onto the main campus. While still in Huntley, Schmidt hired another instructor – Donna Charron, who came to the College from Rapid City. Judy Stellpflug was also instrumental in providing her years of experience as an instructor as the program developed. Together, these people built the

EWC Cosmetology Program . . . then

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only public cosmetology program in the Wyoming community college system into a solid and thriving activity. “Starting out, none of us had ever related our work to development of a college curriculum, with everything that goes with that in terms of student credit hours and those types of things” said Schmidt. “We knew our subject inside out, but it took a lot of effort and help from Guido and Chuck Rogers to get the educational side of the program established, as well as to be sure we met State licensure requirements.” Today, the program offers students a two year associate of science degree in cosmetology, and separate one year certificates in hair, nail and skin technician and is licensed by the State Board of Cosmetology.

Donna says “cosmetology has always been about hair, nails and skin. Even after more than 25 years in operation, our program still emphasizes these three areas. The bottom line is that we are in the business of training students to make people look good and feel good about themselves, and making them employable. We have of course moved ahead with new technologies in the field to make sure our students have the best possible background as they move into their jobs, and bring more in the area of health science into the curriculum. We have worked with other departments on campus to expand our training in areas of business management and the things a person needs to know to operate a shop of their own.”The EWC cosmetology program is stronger today than ever, and continues to attract students from throughout Wyoming and the region. 2000 Cosmetology graduate Amanda Tanner told Lancer Luminaries “I didn’t really know cosmetology was something I could excel at. It was tough but I loved it, and I left with the skills I needed to start work

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right away. Working in Las Vegas I have appeared on television ‘makeover’ shows, and have had the chance to work with many celebrities. After being away eleven years, I can sit back and reflect on the start I got with EWC and the wonderful instructors and friends I knew.”

Taking over the leadership role for the program after the retirement of Bill Schmidt, Donna Charron and her team have continued to strengthen the program with Pam Capron and Nancy Landers on board as instructors. The community continues to be involved with the public being able to schedule appointments with students for haircuts, pedicures and manicures. Charron says “the program continues to provide a well trained student to the workforce in our area and throughout the region. We have a first rate modern instructional facility, highly qualified instructors, and – most importantly -- strong demand for our graduates. We look forward to maintaining our quality at the highest level, and in fact we just received our annual re-licensure from the State of Wyoming’s Board of Cosmetology.”

In its nearly 20 years of operation, the EWC cosmetology program has developed into one of the College’s strongest occupational/workforce programs. Along with welding, veterinary technology and a growing agriculture program, cosmetology plays a major role in providing a strong program that puts people to work. From the original vision of people like Chuck Rogers, Guido Smith, Bill Schmidt and Donna Charron, the cosmetology program will continue to play a key role in EWC’s instructional mix for years to come.

. . . and now

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New Foundation Members

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.

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.

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.

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EWC Foundation Corporate Event Donors and Sponsors 2010-2012

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AdornAutumn Pine Construction LLCBanner HealthBartlett, Doug & LynneaBear Creek Veterinary Services, PCBenchmark of Torrington, PCBest Value InnBloedorn LumberBrice’s Refrigeration Inc.Brown CompanyBucking Horse Steakhouse & LoungeBuck’s PizzaBurger King/G.F. Foods LLCBurns Insurance Agency Inc.C.H. Brown Co.Century 21 Valley RealtyCentury Lumber CenterChesapeake Energy CorporationColyer Funeral HomeCommunity Drug Inc.Converse County BankCottonwood Country ClubCottonwood Pro ShopCourtesy AutomotiveCulligan Water of TorringtonDeacon’s RestaurantDestry’s Secret GardenDevils Tower Forest Products & Neiman TimberDinklage Feed Yard Inc.Edward Jones InvestmentsFaces N’ FursFalkenburg, Garret & ShellyFamily Dentistry, P.C.Farm Bureau Insurance/Chuck CurryFarm Credit Services of AmericaFarmers InsuranceFirst State BankFisher and Weisshaar, LLCFrank Implement CompanyFreudenthal & Bonds P.C.George Ochsner Ranch, Inc.Goshen County Abstract & Title Co.Goshen Veterinary Clinic, Inc.Hageman RanchHartman Family DentistryHein’s GreenhouseHickey & Evans, LLPHorizonWest Inc.

John’s Pump Service, Inc.Kath Broadcasting Company, LLCKelley Bean Co. Inc.Kelly’s Superette Inc.Kenda Knudsen CPA & AssociatesLance H. Griggs, D.D.S.Leitheads, Inc.Madden Brothers, LLCMcBrayer Insurance CenterMcGee, Hearne, & Paiz, LLPMike Rafferty Insurance Agency, Inc./State Farm*Mikro Inc./Taco JohnsMiller Cattle & Feedyards, LLCNewman RealtyNorthern Exposure Computer CenterOlson Tire CompanyPanhandle Co-Op/Main Street MarketPatrick Brothers, Inc.Peak Wellness CenterPinnacle BankPizza HutPlatte Valley BankPoints West Community Bank - LinglePoints West Community Bank - TorringtonPorchlight Real Estate, Inc.Powell Title & Escrow Inc.Premier Properties, Inc.Print ExpressRaben RanchRock N’ Horse LoungeRose Bros.Bill & Paula RuebScott & Son Inc.T.D.S. Collection Service, Inc.Torrington Beverage Inc.Torrington Livestock Markets LLCTorrington Travel PlazaTorrington Vision ClinicUS BankValley Mercantile Co.Valley Plumbing & HeatingVandel DrugWagner’s FloralWestCoWestern MallWyoming Newspspers, Inc./Torrington TelegramWyrulec CompanyZ & W Mill Inc.

Matching Gift Company *

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W orkforce development is front and center in Goshen County and at Eastern Wyoming College. It literally is “where the rubber meets the road” at EWC and with its partnerships in business and industry. In fact, one of EWC’s many workforce projects was with the Goshen County Road and Bridge Department where the College provided hands-on work experience for students who worked to repair and rebuild a portion of County Road 68. Goshen County Road and Bridge Superintendent Gary Korell made special note of this project, saying “When the College and the McMurry Training Center approached the Goshen County Road and Bridge Department to implement a heavy equipment class, I was delighted to help. As the project was completed, I found the students, training staff and everyone involved to be responsible and positive in their efforts. I would look forward to working with them again next season on a similar project.” Instructors Tom Reed and Jim Kalinski added “We appreciate the chance to train with younger people. Most of these kids come from farm and ranch backgrounds, which is helpful. We can train them in a lot of the mechanical aspects of the heavy equipment they’ll use in their jobs, and take them beyond being just operators. It is good to see EWC involved with us as well as major national companies in teaching trouble shooting, electronics and diesel mechanics – and bring them into the workforce as qualified entry level mechanics.”

Preparation for the world of work through expanded emphasis on community colleges continues to be a major theme in the current

Eastern Wyoming College Workforce“Where the Rubber Meets the Road”

climate of economic stagnation both in Wyoming and across the country. It is difficult to find a conversation that doesn’t include jobs, training, national infrastructure or business development. National leaders recognize and emphasize the value of community colleges in rebuilding our economy, and in his first “state of the State” address, Governor Matt Mead emphasized once again the importance of Wyoming’s community colleges in the area of workforce development as a fundamental underpinning of the State’s economy – both in initial job training for high demand needs in Wyoming, and in retraining

a population for new careers as old ones disappear.

The EWC Workforce staff, directed by Ashley Harpstreith, has developed and offered a wide range of programs, certifications, and customized training throughout the College’s service area of Converse, Crook, Weston,

Goshen, Niobrara and Platte counties. Through partnerships that utilize the best business and industry professionals as instructors, the EWC Workforce office has delivered valuable training directly related to the region’s growing oil and gas industry. Safety training and OSHA requirements are major concerns for the industry, and EWC is responding.

In describing the impact of EWC workforce programs and their role as a fundamental part of the area’s growth, Goshen County Economic Development Corporation Director Lisa Johnson says, “In the economic development field, it is vital to have the right resources readily available in recruiting companies to the area. One of GCEDC’s most important resources in its tool kit is the extremely effective and responsive

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workforce program operated through Eastern Wyoming College. They provide an extensive range of industry-specific training programs that can be a deciding factor in a company’s decision on whether or not to come to Goshen County. EWC is right on target in helping to boost the economy of our county.”

The EWC Welding program, long recognized as one of the finest in the country, understandably plays a major role in the growing workforce needs in the region and even state-wide. As Ashley Harpstreith notes, “Nothing highlights the College’s ‘flexible training built for industry’ attitude like our welding department. The College’s mobile welding lab allows us to offer theory and practice of welding and joining and industrial repair virtually anywhere. Through American Welding Society accredited offerings held on and off the campus, employers have access to training and certification in machine tool technology, boiler and pressure vessel codes, shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, flux cored arc, gas tungsten, oxycetyline cutting and repair and maintenance welding. Entities such as the Wyoming Department of Corrections, Basin Electric Power, Warren Air Force Base and major coal mining operations in both Converse and Campbell counties have all used the EWC mobile welding lab for initial training, standards testing and welder certification with additional uses in the oil and gas industry being planned.

Yet another aspect of the College’s responsibility in workforce related activity involves a strong partnership with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, and a special grant called the Employment and Training for Self Sufficiency program (ETSS). The ETSS grant project, coordinated by Jo Ellen Keigley, supports educational expenses for students with

families who need initial training or re-training to develop sustainable employment skills including basic computer skills, workplace and personal safety, money management and job searching, resume building and interview techniques. ETSS grant recipient and Torrington native Adrian Flores said, “I was working at odd jobs, but knew that with three young boys I couldn’t just sit around and wait for something to happen. The ETSS commercial driver’s license program helped me begin to build a foundation to make progress, and I’m going beyond that and starting the EWC program in heavy equipment operation. I think this a huge opportunity for me.”

EWC President Dr. Tom Armstrong says, “Through its workforce development programs, Eastern Wyoming College delivers high-demand, customized, and job-specific training. Working closely with business and industry, EWC partners to identify existing needs and match up the best possible candidates. Such educational opportunities provide new students an entry point and incumbent workers the chance to advance. Special training gives

them all they need to join and more fully contribute to a skilled Wyoming workforce. With education and training come improved choices. Completers are positioned to earn a good income, to enjoy the satisfaction of working, and to experience a better quality of life.”

EWC will continue to be an active and involved partner in the growth of the Goshen County economy, and in the economies in its multi-county service area. A commitment to student success, and a commitment to strong partnerships with business and industry will remain the cornerstone of this valuable and necessary aspect of the regional, state and national economies.

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T he Eastern Wyoming College Livestock Judg ing Program was established as an innovative program under the Wyoming Excellence in Higher Education Endowment Program (EHEE) in 2006. Developed at the State level, the program is designed to encourage innovation and new academic programming in all of the State’s community colleges. The first instructor in the new program was John “J.D” Sexton, who came to EWC from private ranching. J.D. also worked with the University of Wyoming’s College of Agriculture, and as assistant coach for the UW livestock judging team.

One of the advantages the new EWC program enjoyed early on was the willingness of local ranching operations to work with our judging team by allowing our students to work with their animals. Because the program was new, a dedicated facility for judging and for holding an appropriate number of animals was not available. Organizations and ranches from Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado were instrumental in giving the budding program the chance to build from the ground up. Wyoming ranches and institutions included Booth Cherry Creek Ranch, Ochsner Herefords, Haas Angus, Middleswarth Herefords, Morrison Angus, University of Wyoming, Casper College, and various other operations and colleges in Nebraska and Colorado also assisted in this early effort.

While not a College academic major as such, livestock judging students are prepared with critical skills needed for a variety of jobs in agriculture, including work in feedlots, agriculture sales, ag education, livestock evaluation, and ag journalism among many other areas. Many employers seek out individuals who have participated on judging teams

Livestock Judgingbecause of their work ethic, critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate.J.D. Sexton left the program to work with his family business in Colorado in 2008, and the College brought in yet another highly qualified instructor, who teaches not only livestock judging but animal science and agriculture economics. Nebraska native Rob Eirich

came to the college with a wealth of experience in all areas of agriculture education and livestock programming. Rob holds a BS in Agriculture Economics from the University of Wyoming, and an MS in Agricultural Leadership from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He brought extensive experience in the livestock production area,

including cow-calf and feedlot operations, plus experience working with UNL agricultural extension programming. He has judged and facilitated clinics in livestock evaluation in Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas and Colorado, as well as internationally in Kenya and China.

The program attracts students from a variety of College major areas, including Ag Business, Farm and Ranch Management, Animal Science and even Welding. Students that graduate in these areas and who participate in the livestock judging program all benefit from the added skills in livestock evaluation, decision making, and verbal communication that can be utilized either in their personal/family business, or in their company’s perspective. They represent not only Wyoming, but Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas and South Dakota and Eirich says that about two-thirds of the team members in the last four graduating teams have transferred to complete bachelor’s degrees in agriculture, animal sciences or ag business, mainly at UW. There have also been three team members from Eirich’s last two teams transfer on to compete at the four-year university level in livestock judging.

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“The livestock judging team has been a large part of my life at EWC. Our team is a close-knit family that works well together both on the road and at home. Judging has been a great experience that helped me develop decision making skills, and become a better speaker in front of people. This wonderful opportunity also gave me the chance to network with other judges and producers around the country that will help further my career.” - Susan Button, Newcastle

Livestock judging means travel, and lots of it. The 2011-12 team will compete at the Flint Hills Classic in El Dorado, Kansas, the National Barrow Show in Austin, Minnesota, the American Royal Show in Kansas City, the North American International Livestock Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo, and the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Eirich has expanded the involvement and partnerships with local and regional ranching operations and businesses related to animal production. Along with those originally participating during the program’s early years, the 7X Angus Ranch, Dudley Booth and Family, Miller Cattle and Feed yard, Lazy Heart Ranch, Jeff Chapman Family, Duello Ranch, High Plains Feedlot and Lippincott Farms have stepped up to help EWC students become exposed to the “real world” of animal evaluation and production. Eirich’s connection to Nebraska has also allowed the College to work closely with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and western Nebraska producers. Being on the Livestock Judging team also means that as a student you join other agriculture and rodeo students in working with the Foundation’s annual Sagebrush and Roses dinner dance – with funds raised being dedicated to the Agriculture program, including scholarships and educational materials for these students.

“Livestock judging was an awesome way to travel around the nation and see top livestock operations that otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to experience. It is a lot of work to be devoted to judging, but in the end I gained valuable critical thinking and communications skills, plus made tons of memories and friends I’ll never forget.” -Rustin Roth, Torrington Wyoming

When asked where the agriculture and livestock judging programs can be at EWC in the coming years, Eirich says, “EWC sits in the strongest agricultural county in the State of Wyoming, by any measure you want to use. It is a natural fit for our agricultural efforts as we support the needs of our community and region. I want to have a top quality program that gives our students the best opportunity 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 be recognized as one of, if not the top programs in the region.” He adds, “The first steps include not only the facility, which will contain major animal holding improvements, classrooms and a dedicated teaching arena, but acquisition of livestock, such as, eight to ten head of beef cattle, ten sheep and ten hogs. Ideally, these will be market quality animals that will be purchased and sold on a revolving basis annually.”

In his third year as Livestock Judging Coach at Eastern Wyoming College, Eirich has taken the solid base built by J.D. Sexton and stepped up the program in terms of recruiting and numbers of high quality students. He says, “in the not too distant future, I want to have eight to ten solid sophomores, and eight to ten solid freshmen on my teams – with students who are dedicated, competitive and want to come home with recognition and awards from some of the best shows in the country. With the support I’m getting from the College and the EWC Foundation to put the tools in place, we can build a regionally recognized agriculture department here at EWC.”

Members of the 2011-2012 Livestock Judging Team - Susie Button, Olivia Garl, Ashley Ralco, Kaden Hubbard, Keelyn Hubbard, Rob Eirich - Coach.

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1st Annual Alumni EventAugust 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.

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2011 EWC Foundation Donor Recognition and Appreciation Dinner

The EWC Foundation Donor Recognition and Appreciation dinner and reception event began in 1996, allows the Foundation to thank donors for their ongoing and growing support of the endowed scholarship program. Working with the office of financial aid, the Foundation annually expends over $85,000 toward student opportunity in every area of the College. Donors have the opportunity to designate the program they wish to support as well as the qualifications the students must meet to obtain the scholarship. The dinner is also an opportunity for selected students to speak about how their scholarship has advanced their academic goals and thank the donors in a personal way. The Foundation once again thanks all of those listed for their support of the College and student success.

Eastern Wyoming College FoundationScholarship EndowmentsAlma Anker Memorial ScholarshipL.C. & Mary Lou Atkins ScholarshipGail Branham Memorial ScholarshipDr. F.S. Brown ScholarshipKellie Burden Memorial ScholarshipCecilia Casillas ScholarshipThe Wayland H. Cato, Jr. Foundation Inc. ScholarshipJo Davis Memorial ScholarshipJo Davis Memorial Vet Tech ScholarshipTuffy Dicken Agriculture ScholarshipKenneth Dill Memorial ScholarshipDowning-Reed Memorial ScholarshipDavid Eddington & Gertrude Poage Eddington ScholarshipBob and Martha Erickson Memorial ScholarshipEWC Employees’ ScholarshipEWC Foundation Scholarship Endowment

EWC Leadership AwardKathy Francisco Memorial ScholarshipR.W. Fullmer Memorial Rodeo ScholarshipRuth & Glen Gorman ScholarshipGoshen County Beet Growers/Rotary ScholarshipGoshen County Quilters ScholarshipMargaret Hageman Memorial ScholarshipAlbert Harris Memorial ScholarshipLisa M. Hinkley Experience ScholarshipWilliam W. & Beverly D. Hovey Memorial ScholarshipJolovich Family ScholarshipKerm Kath Memorial ScholarshipElizabeth Kelly Memorial ScholarshipKenyon Family ScholarshipMildred Kidney ScholarshipsMarna M. Kuehne Endowed ScholarshipIrv Larsen Memorial ScholarshipLenhart Agriculture ScholarshipLenhart Nursing ScholarshipTom Lowry Memorial Scholarship(Goshen County Rooster Boosters)David Ludwig Memorial Scholarship Edward Lynch Memorial ScholarshipIma Lynch Memorial ScholarshipMaffe Family ScholarshipL.W. and Jean Maxfield Memorial ScholarshipLloyd and Marian McElhaney ScholarshipNorwest Bank ScholarshipCarl and Orma Oberg ScholarshipCarl Sawyer Memorial AwardLee Seid Memorial ScholarshipArlene Shindledecker Memorial ScholarshipJohn C. & Ora M. Simons Memorial ScholarshipWilliam and Edna Smith Memorial ScholarshipMargaret Tebbet ScholarshipRex Tebbet ScholarshipThaler Family ScholarshipThe Torrington Lions Club ScholarshipTucker Memorial ScholarshipUnion Pacific Corporation ScholarshipJohn and Joyce Vandel ScholarshipKelley Vandel Welding & Machine Tooling AwardR.W. Weickum Memorial ScholarshipJeannie Wells Memorial ScholarshipBetty Wesch Memorial ScholarshipNeal Willhite Memorial ScholarshipRay E. Wilt Memorial ScholarshipKathryn Winship ScholarshipsJim Wiseman Memorial ScholarshipWyoming National Guard ScholarshipKenny and Alice Youtz Memorial Scholarship

Mara Garcia Jane Hommel

Spring 2012

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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.

Wyatt Clark hails from Wellfleet, Nebraska. As Student Senate Vice President, he is majoring in Business Management and is known for his quiet approach to leadership with his peers. Wyatt is also a member of the EWC rodeo team, where he is a calf roper, team roper and bare back rider.

Student Senate President Colby Sturgeon is a Torrington native who is working toward his AAS in Agriculture Business. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the national community college student honor society. Colby works part-time off campus, as well as being a member of the EWC rodeo team as a team roper and calf roper.

Student SenateEastern Wyoming College

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Troy 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.

O ne of the primary responsibilities of the Student Senate is allocating funds to various clubs and projects on the campus. That responsibility belongs to Senate treasurer Josie Bretzman, who hails from Lakefield, Minnesota. A Criminal Justice major, Josie belongs to the Criminal Justice Club, and also works off campus. Her goal is to transfer to the University of Wyoming and eventually work in law enforcement.

Student Senate Parliamentarian Shianna Fry comes to the College from Harrisburg, Nebraska. Her major at EWC is Farm and Ranch Management, and she will also earn a certificate in beef production. She is a leader on the EWC livestock judging team, and a member of the Block and Bridle Club. Shianna is well known, not only for her academic and campus involvement, but also for her voice -- she sings the national anthem at many home athletic events. A testament to perseverance, Shannon spent her 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!

Eastern Wyoming College

Spring 2012

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Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy and Eastern Wyoming College PartnershipAlmost 20 years ago, Eastern Wyoming College and the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas forged a great partnership. Through this agreement, cadets at the Academy were able to earn college credits for some of their courses which afford them a great start towards earning an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.

For the cadets, this move further professionalized the academy experience and served as a further incentive for them. Since that time there has been an ongoing agreement between the two entities. Students enrolled in Peace Officer Basic and Detention Officer Basic at the Academy can earn EWC credit for those courses.

Originally, cadets had to register and pay a small administrative fee for the courses. Now the students qualify for EWC scholarships which cover the tuition and fees. This change coincided five years ago with a request from EWC to the Wyoming Community College Commission to count the enrollment numbers in official college reports.

The curriculum is constantly evolving as EWC Criminal Justice instructors and administrators meet with WLEA instructors on a regular basis to review and modify the agreement and course content as needed. Not only do EWC and the WLEA coordinate efforts, both also participate in the state

articulation meetings involving all community colleges and the

University of Wyoming as they work together to deliver high

quality courses.

Another benefit of this agreement involves the criminal justice program being available through EWC’s distance education offerings.

Many officers will continue as EWC students

after they graduate from the WLEA, or they return to their

home communities and continue the pursuit of a criminal justice degree

at their local community college.

EWC Criminal Justice instructor Dr. Rick Patterson has worked hand in hand with the WLEA for the past four years. He travels to Douglas and teaches about interaction with the mentally ill for peace officers, detention officers and communication officers. He also teaches suicide prevention for the detention officers advanced class. Patterson indicated, “This long standing relationship will certainly continue and there could possibly even be other classes that may be available for EWC credit.” He further explained, “This agreement gives students an opportunity to get started with a college education and their career at the same time. Educational credits help officers advance to the next level of certification for career moves.”

WLEA Director, Dave Harris indicated, “This relationship is a win-win for those officers attending our basic training, not only are they meeting their P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards

Spring 2012

and Trainings commission) mandated basic training requirements, but they can also start or add to their existing college course work as they further their formal education. I truly believe that this not only benefits the law enforcement officers themselves, but more so the communities that they serve. The feedback we receive from the students has been very favorable once they realize the benefits of the program. More noteworthy would be the feedback we receive from our law enforcement administrators. They certainly support providing incentives and continued

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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 justice instructors Rick Patterson and Larry Curtis, several EWC folks are involved in supporting our efforts with WLEA including Mike Durfee, Associate Vice President for Learning; Sue McBride, Director of the Douglas branch campus, and Jamie Sullivan, Administrative Specialist in Douglas. “

As technology and resources evolve it is critical that EWC and the WLEA embrace these changes in resources as we continue to provide quality, up-to-date and cutting edge training resources to the communities we serve. This long-standing partnership is truly a win-win for all involved.

David HarrisWyoming Law Enforcement Academy Director

Dr. Richard Patterson instructing peace officers at the Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas Wyoming.

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The major science wing classroom renovations in the Tebbet building were completed in early August. Funded primarily through the State Fiscal Stimulus and Federal Stimulus funds which were dedicated to renovation and updating classroom space, the project updated classrooms that suffered from over 50 years of wear and tear. EWC Vice President for Finance Bob Cox said, “the biggest challenge for our maintenance, custodial and purchasing staff was the short four month time frame we had to coordinate and complete the renovation. Moving faculty offices and lab equipment to storage, tearing out old cabinets, timing delivery of new equipment, fixtures and furniture was quite a feat.”

Faculty who returned to their newly remodled 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

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.

Along with the science wing renovation, the campus was re-fitted with new lighting throughout the facility, and all exterior windows were replaced. Not only did these projects improve the look of the campus and its usability, but will save the college several hundred thousand dollars in future utility costs. Vice President Cox said, “the window and door replacements, new interior lighting, new heating, air conditioning and ventilation controls, and new boilers and air conditioning units were all major projects that make the entire campus so much more usable, comfortable and safe. The team of faculty, staff and maintenance people at EWC who worked to make this happen in a coordinated way deserve a special commendation.”

Science Wing Completed

Spring 2012

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EWC Graduates Capture Foundation Golf Tournament Title

1st PlaceBuck KlemolaGary PittmanAndrew JacksonRyan Yung

2nd PlaceRad SmithRoger FeaglerMary FeaglerRick Stapleton

3rd PlaceKris BrooksRon BrooksBob ChildsBonnie Childs

Andrew Jackson and Ryan Yung are EWC Alumni and past EWC Golf Team Members.

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Riders In The Sky

First State Bank Platte Valley Bank

US Bank Points West Community Bank

Westco Kelley Bean Company

Dinklage Feed YardBrown Company

Freudenthal and Bonds, PCEWC Foundation

Eastern Wyoming Arts Council

Thank you to our sponsors!

CP Ranch - Ron & Sherri LovercheckOchsner Ranch - The Ochsner Family

Lone Tree Ag - Virgil & Peggy JacksonRocking B Ranch - Julie Kilty & Dave BartlettPatrick Brothers - John & Katherine Patrick

V Box Ranch - Wayne & Kathy TatmanDennis & Sandra Thaler

Madden Brothers - Torrington Livestock Exchange Shawn & Lex Madden

Pinnacle Bank

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Eastern Wyoming College

RodeoGillette College March 16-18 Gillette, WY Colorado State University March 30- April 1 Ft. Collins, CO EWC LA NCER RODEO April 5-7 Torrington, WY Casper College April 20-22 Casper, WY University of Wyoming April 27-29 Laramie, WY College National Finals RodeoCasper Events Center June 10-17 Casper, WY

EWC Alumni competed at the 2011 National Finals Rodeo

l Dean Gorsuch - Steer Wrestlingl Seth Brockman - Steer Wrestlingl Jake Reinhart - Steer Wrestling

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EASTERN WYOMING COLLEGE3200 West C StreetTorrington, WY 82240

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PAIDTORRINGTON, WY

82240PERMIT NO 14

Wyoming College CommissionFall Meeting

Eastern Wyoming College