John Rhodes (Image courtesy of John Rhodes)
By Heather Baker
For over 30 years, John Rhodes, graduate from the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (’78), has consistently given time, talent, resources and more to support UW and the UW Alumni Association. Rhodes became a life member of the UWAA in 1987.
Rhodes earned the UWAA’s Life Member Service Award for 2023. The award recognizes a UWAA Life Member who has shown outstanding and exemplary service on behalf of or for UWAA and UWAA’s community.
“We so often hear the words ‘They bleed brown and gold’ when talking about a person who loves the University of Wyoming,” says Adrienne Loveland, UW’s assistant director of admissions. “I even use this term to describe incoming students when they are fervent about starting their college journey in Wyoming. But when I think of how this term began, or why we say this, I instantly think of the deep affection and admiration John Rhodes has for this incredible institution.”
Among a long list of services for the university, Rhodes advocates for prospective students to attend UW. He has worked closely with the Admissions Office to represent UW at high school college fairs, hosted receptions for prospective students and their families, and written personal notes to prospective students, encouraging them to become Pokes.
“John not only ‘bleeds brown and gold,’ but John is exactly the reason this term came to fruition,” Loveland continues. “He truly respects and admires UW in a way I have never seen before.”