Downer to speak at EWC commencement
Donna Beth Downer to serve as the 2019 EWC Commencement Speaker
Eastern Wyoming College has announced that Dr. Donna Beth Downer has been selected as the commencement speaker at the 70th annual event to be held on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the EWC Verl Petsch, Jr. Activities Center Gymnasium.
Dr. Downer is a Goshen County native, she grew-up on the family ranch north of Torrington and developed a love for animals, people, and rural connections. Dr. Downer went on to earn her PhD from Purdue University and while her travels and have taken her around the world, her heart has always resided in Goshen County.
Dr. Downer’s passion and belief in higher education comes from 20+ years of service as a faculty member and service as the former Dean of Home Economics at the University of Nevada and the University of Alabama.
Dr. Downer’s life has been one of service, she has proudly served on the Goshen County Planning Commission for 13 years, Banner Health’s Foundation and as a Foundation Director for EWC for eleven years. During her time on the EWC Foundation, Dr. Downer was integral in promoting the bond for new buildings at EWC, fundraising for the Agricultural Technology Education Center, service on the Foundation Finance Committee, and as a steering member for the EWC presidential selection process.
Dr. Downer’s service and belief in Eastern Wyoming College led to her selection as the 2019 Commencement Speaker.
A graduation barbecue for students and their families will be held in the Student Center from 4:00 – 6:00 pm prior to the commencement ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm in the Petsch Center Gymnasium. Mr. Roger Humphrey, Vice President for Student Services, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
Dr. Lesley Travers, President, will then provide a welcome and introduce special guests.
Following the address by Donna Beth Downer, EWC Foundation President Mr. Todd Peterson will then present the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Albert C. Conger Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Heidi Edmunds, Vice President for Academic Services, will present the candidates for graduation. Following will be the presentation of degrees and certificates by Mr. John Patrick, President of the Board of Trustees.
The EWC Commencement ceremony will be available by webcast. Please visit the College’s website or social media pages for the link. Overflow seating will be available in the EWC Cafeteria with the webcast available for viewing. For more information about Commencement at EWC, please call 307.532.8303.