Posts from May, 2017

Eastern Wyoming College will be closed Monday May 29, 2017 in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday May 30. The Fitness Center will be closed May 27-29 and will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday May 30.

Eastern Wyoming College is pleased to announce the honor rolls for the Spring 2017 semester. There were 93 students receiving recognition for achieving high scholastic grades.

The President’s Honor Roll recognizes students that are full time (12 or more credit hours) and achieve a 4.0 grade point average.  To qualify for the Dean’s Honor Roll, students must also be full time and achieve a grade point average of 3.5, but less than 4.0.

President’s Honor Roll

Torrington, WY- Cameron Barthel, Wyatt Bergeson, Elias Chavez, Spencer Derr, Alyssa Hunter, Cody Lane

Casper, WY –  Miltone Nyambu

Cheyenne, WY – Naomi Mordahl

Douglas, WY – April Klava

Guernsey, WY – Jessica Blakeley

Glendo, WY – Jasmine Wilcox

Jay Em, WY – Nichole Smith

Laramie, WY – Robert Nissen

Lusk, WY – Chelsea Baars, Tristan Graham

Newcastle, WY – Becky Checketts

Upton, WY – Ashley Knowlton

Wright, WY – Kylee Tresch

Gering, NE – Grant Olsson

Harrison, NE – Mitchell Mansfield

Lyman, NE – Cody Peachey

Ogallala, NE – Alexandria Simmerman

Scottsbluff, NE – Jared Pilkington

Spearfish, SD – Keyvin Rauscher

Cheney, WA – Elizabeth Wright

Dean’s Honor Roll

Torrington, WY – Zachary Bearnson, Jace Canaday, Kyle Chapman, Summer Cole, Lance Gulley, BreEnna Heil, Alexis Jaramillo, Gaelen Lane, Susan Lane, Jean Lawlor, Katherine Norton, Tylar Osterman, Cody Powell, Matthew Reichert, Daniel Schneider, Diandra Turner, William White

Albin, WY Jessica Sowards

Cheyenne, WY – Bethany Burkart, Dustin Hauf, Noble Hoover, Christopher Moody, John Skarohlid, Ryan Stief

Douglas, WY – Wesley Morris, Dale Wilkens

Guernsey, WY – Wes Reyher

Hartville, WY – Jessica Rotz

Kemmerer, WY – Morgan McClaren

Lingle, WY – Taylor Bever, Kenneth Henry, Paige Johnson, Clay Limmer

Manville, WY – Frank Falcon

Newcastle, WY – Kami Lopez

Riverton, WY – Kelsie Wells

Veteran, WY – Darcy McKiney

Wheatland, WY – Marissa Meyer

Wright, WY – Katie Strohschein

Yoder, WY – Cody Alps, Kylee Brothwell, Jenielle Kohl, Jamie Thompson, Blaine Wilker

Flagler, CO – Kyle Leoffler

Kersey, CO – Zachary Barker

Phippsburg, CO – Jessica Rossi

Wray, CO – Levi Walter

Bozeman, MT – Danielle Long, Patricia Penor

Ekalaka, MT – Tiana Fix

Judith Gap, MT – Allison Hajenga

Crawford, NE – Joelle Von Forrell

Dalton, NE – Tanner Bellmyer

Gering, NE – Anna Walker

Morrill, NE – Janice Fanning

Ogallala, NE – Sophia Arensdorf

Scottsbluff, NE – Bryant Gilbert, Kelsey Schank

Whitman, NE – Ashlee Nollette

Black Hawk, SD – Tosha Wilburn

Manila, UT – Dana Henry

Edgerton, WI – Megan Walrack

Horsens, Denmark – Sarah Bersang

Sebotica, Serbia – Carna Prokic

Canet d Mar, Spain – Anna Gomez-Perez

Madrid, Spain – Adrian Ruiz-Torres

left to right: Janice Atkins-Neva with her mother Mary Lou Atkins, recipient of the 2016-2017 Albert C. Conger Distinguished Service Award from the Eastern Wyoming College Foundation.

The Foundation of Eastern Wyoming College is pleased to announce the selection of Mary Lou Atkins as the 2016-2017 recipient of the Albert C. Conger Distinguished Service Award posthumously. The award is given to individuals who demonstrate excellence in leadership, provide major financial support, or who enhance the college through civic activities. Mary Lou met 100% of the criteria and left an indelible footprint on EWC.

Throughout her many years of involvement with EWC, she rarely missed an event: plays, athletics, speakers, student programs.  She poured her heart into the college and each semester she placed a basket of homemade treats in the residence halls, giving students a taste of home while they were away from their families. Sharing a part of her life with others led Mary Lou to become a generous philanthropist who firmly believed in engaging students.

Mary Lou’s lifetime support and matched giving dollars through the State of Wyoming’s challenge program; totaled over $300,000 towards bettering the College. Anyone who visits EWC can witness the impact of her philanthropy, Mary Lou’s gift helped transform the College’s landscaping from an open green space to one filled with vibrancy of fountains, babbling brooks, flagstone  and, beautification.  Ultimately, she wanted the outside of the College to reflect the quality of students, faculty, and staff at EWC. Touches of Mary Lou reside all around the campus and the Commons within Lancer Hall is named in her honor.

Mary Lou believed in the mission and vision of the College, and joined the Foundation Board of Directors in 2001. Through her nine years of service on the Foundation, she gave small-targeted gifts to assist students with books and larger leadership gifts to help spur other donors. She was a strong advocate for philanthropy and investing in the lives of students. Through it all, her heart, and belief in the College lives on, especially thanks to her daughter, Janice Atkins-Neva who continues the family tradition of service as a Board of Director for the EWC Foundation.

Eastern Wyoming College has announced that three new student registration events will be held at the main campus in Torrington on June 2, June 23 and July 10.  Students will meet with an advisor and register for the Fall 2017 semester.

Students will have the opportunity to begin with ACCUPLACER placement exams, if needed. This placement exam is used to ensure placement into the appropriate English, reading and math courses.  There is a fee of $20 for these computer-based exams.  Students should bring a calculator for the mathematics portion of the test.

Parents are invited to attend a program called “You and Your Student” while the students are testing.  Advisors will be available following the testing to assist students in registering for classes.  Lunch will be provided for students and their families from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Financial Aid staff will be available to assist students with the financial aid process and preparing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students are encouraged to sign up early for the new student registration sessions. To sign up, call Marisol at 307.532.8230 or visit the EWC website at ewc.wy.edu to sign up online.

Registration for the Summer 2017 session is also currently open.  A complete schedule is available online at ewc.wy.edu.

Employees recognized at EWC – Back row (L to R): Tom Andersen, Linda Evans, Kim Jones, Dr. Peggy Knittel, Jamie Sullivan, Andy Espinoza, and Kate Steinbock. Front Row (L to R) Jake Clark, Dr. Rick Patterson, Lynn Wamboldt, Karen Posten, Kim Russell.

Eastern Wyoming College recently held a reception to recognize employees and honor them for their years of service to the College. President Dr. Rick Patterson, and Edward Meyer, Human Resource Director each spoke to congratulate and thank each person for the contributions they have made to the College.

Those employees who will be retiring from the College this year were also recognized.  Retirees include Andy Espinoza, 17 years; Dr. Rick Patterson, a combined total of 17 years; and Dr. Peggy Knittel, 27 years.

Receiving recognition for 30 years of service to the College was Linda Evans; 25 years – Jamie Sullivan, Douglas Campus; 20 years – Jake Clark, Karen Posten, and Lynn Wamboldt; 10 years – Tom Andersen, Casey Debus, Kim Jones, Diane McQueen, Kim Russell, and Kate Steinbock.

On Friday, May 12, Dean Gorsuch was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for Eastern Wyoming College. Gorsuch, who first attended EWC in 1998, was unanimously selected by the EWC Foundation for his character, award winning rodeo career, and embodiment of the spirit of EWC. Gorsuch’s story and rise from humble beginnings to being crowned a two-time world champion provides a glimpse of what is possible when a person pursues their passion with relentless force.

After completing a certificate in Welding and Joining Technology from EWC, Gorsuch spent five years as a pipeline welder where he honed his skills and perfected his craft. Gorsuch credits his quality education at EWC with helping him secure a coveted welding position. However, as Gorsuch continued to have success on the NFR circuit he left his welding career behind and pursued his childhood dream of becoming a world champion steer wrestler. Gorsuch attributes a major part of his success to his lovely wife Bekah. “Bekah is the best partner you could ask for. Without her none of it would have been possible, she kept it all going; it was her dream too.” Gorsuch has been married to Bekah for 17 years and they have three strapping young boys Taydon 12, Trell 8, and Teagan 4. Gorsuch credits his wife and family with always keeping him grounded and counts them as his most important achievement.

Dean Gorsuch, EWC’s 2017 Distinguished Alumnus Recipient speaking at the EWC Commencement.

When Gorsuch reflects back on his time at EWC, there are three instructors that made a lasting impression in his life (Leland Vetter, Stan Nicolls, and Jake Clark). When mentioning Leland Vetter’s name, Gorsuch flashes his famous smile “Leland not only wanted you to be a good welder but to be accountable in life for your actions. He taught us about hard work and what it means to have true work ethic.” Work ethic is something Gorsuch knows firsthand; in fall 2016, he was added to the ranks of welding faculty at EWC. Upon being offered the position he promptly called Leland Vetter who retired from EWC in 2014 after 34 years and in classic Vetter style, the long-time welding instructor offered the following advice “get to know the students and get to know the families, it makes all the difference.”

Gorsuch has been busy putting Vetter’s advice into action and it’s evident when asking him about his current job. “I just love this place.  At other schools it’s easy for students to get lost; here at EWC, we get to know you, care about you, and put our hearts into ensuring your success.” Additional success for Gorsuch happened on May 12^th 2017, when he earned his Associates of Applied Science degree from EWC. Gorsuch knows all too well the importance of education and shares his insight with current students routinely “life is never going to be easier than it is right now; it’s important to earn your degree, while you have your whole life in front of you.”

When asking Gorsuch about other instructors who made a difference in his life, he is quick to mention Stan Nicolls. “Stan is a teacher who cares about each of his students; he gets to know them, and holds them to a high standard of quality.” Additionally, one of the things that Gorsuch appreciates most about EWC, is the quality of welding faculty that he works with. Joel Allworth has been his mentor this year and is always ready with input and guidance along with Lynn Bedient who is an accomplished instructor with vast industry experience.

In asking Gorsuch about success, his stories center around not the accomplishments, but the people who have impacted his life.  One such person is EWC’s Rodeo Coach, Jake Clark.  Gorsuch states “Jake really made EWC feel like a family. He’s a competitor, and he helped me get my start.” Over the years Clark and Gorsuch have maintained a friendship and it illustrates the bonds that EWC rodeo brings forth. Clark is famous for his two mantras “win something every day” and “Lancer for Life.”

Gorsuch concluded his Distinguished Alumni interview by reflecting about what it means to be an instructor at EWC. “It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to teach here and be a part of this team. It’s one of the most important accomplishments in my life.”  For Gorsuch his faith, love of family, the NFR, and EWC are what add value to his life.

Nyambu shows Governor Matt Mead how to check a pulse during the Governors visit to the Douglas Campus last fall.

Eastern Wyoming College nursing student Miltone Nyambu, Casper, WY was nominated for the Casper Star Tribune Top Nurse. Nyambu was recently recognized in the nominated nurses section of the Casper Star Tribune A-Salute to Nurses.

In his nomination submission, nominator Susan Balfour, MSN, RN wrote “I realize that “real” nurses are supposed to be nominated for this recognition. Miltone exemplifies what being a nurse truly embodies even though he doesn’t have the letter RN after his name yet. I am honored to nominate Miltone for excellence in nursing. As he continues his education, he will gain knowledge, but the critical nursing components of caring, compassion, empathy, advocacy, and helping others come naturally for him.

“I read Ms. Balfour’s email and the nomination letter to the nursing class and we were all in tears, great job Miltone, we are blessed to have you in our program” said Suzey Delger, MSN,APRN (Ret) RN  Director of the EWC Nursing Program at the EWC Douglas Campus.

Rev. Dr. Simmons

Eastern Wyoming College Campus Ministries Club announces that the noon Presentation by Rev. Dr. Donald Simmons titled “Leadership and Communication in a New Age” that was going to be held on May 11, 2017, has been canceled.

Dr. Simmons will still speak at the baccalaureate address on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. for graduates and their families.

Left to right – Carna Prokic, Anna Perez-Gomez, Emily Evans, and Sarah Bersang

Eastern Wyoming College is pleased to announce that four members of the women’s basketball teams have signed a letter of intent to continue their basketball careers.

Emily Evans, Cheyenne, WY, has committed to the University of Alaska – Fairbanks.  This is a NCAA division II college.  “I am really excited.  It will be an awesome experience and opportunity to be in Alaska,” said Evans.

Sarah Bersang, Horsens, Denmark, has committed to the University of Idaho, a NCAA division I college.  “I am excited to finish my basketball career at the highest level.  It is a pretty area and the coaches seemed professional and friendly,” said Bersang.

Carna Prokic, Subotica, Serbia, will play at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ, a NCAA division II college.  “I feel excellent about my decision and I am ready to go.  It will be a new experience and good to see different things,” said Prokic.

Anna Perez-Gomez, Canet de Mar, Spain, has committed to Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, a NCAA division I college.  “I am really excited.  It will be different because it is so big.  It is a good program in a large city.  I am happy and excited,” said Perez-Gomez.

Eastern Wyoming College has announced that new student registration will be held for Goshen County students on May 30, 2017 at the main campus in Torrington.  Students will meet with an advisor and register for the Fall 2017 semester.

Students will have the opportunity to begin with the ACCUPLACER placement exams, if needed.  This placement exam is used to ensure placement into the appropriate English, reading and math courses.  There is a fee of $20 for these computer-based exams.  Students should bring a calculator for the mathematics portion of the test.

Financial Aid staff will be available to assist students with the financial aid process and preparing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students are encouraged to sign up early for the new student registration session.  To sign up, call Marisol Chavez at 307.532.8230 or visit the EWC website at ewc.wy.edu to sign up online.

Registration for the Summer 2017 session is also currently open.  A complete schedule is available online at ewc.wy.edu.