‘UW in Your Community’ Event Sept. 25 in Casper

Members of the public will learn about the University of Wyoming’s efforts in Natrona County, and UW alumni will connect with their alma mater during a “UW in Your Community” gathering Monday, Sept. 25, in Casper.

The public is invited to the event from 5-7 p.m. at Gruner Brothers Brewing, located at 1301 Wilkins Circle. Free appetizers will be served, and there will be a cash bar.

UW President Ed Seidel will attend and speak during a brief program, highlighting collaborative efforts to prepare students for the modern economy and boost entrepreneurism and the state’s economy. Additionally, UW-Casper Dean Brent Pickett will speak about UW’s branch campus in the community.

Other speakers will include:

-- Associate Professor Amanda DeDiego and Greta Maxfield, an assistant lecturer in social work, who are developing virtual reality-based training to help counselors, social workers and other mental health care workers better identify suicidal risks in clients.

-- Assistant Professor Paul Maddox, who has developed a play therapy lab at UW-Casper with the support of the local Board of Cooperative Educational Services and a local donor. Maddox trains preschool and K-6 educators across the state in play therapy techniques.

-- Rochelle McCoy, director of UW-Casper’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree program, who is helping raise funding for scholarships for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

-- Eric Schlidt, director of UW’s IMPACT 307 Casper business incubator.

And current UW students from Natrona County -- Kelly Walsh High School graduates Caleb Cockrum and Jessica Yang, and Natrona County High School graduates Gabriella Haigler and Ryan Loghry -- will share their experiences at UW. Haigler is a standout diver on UW’s swimming and diving team.

During the day before the Sept. 25 evening event, Seidel, a UW faculty member and the current UW students from Natrona County are scheduled to speak to students during assemblies at both high schools.

As well, Seidel will participate in a Homecoming luncheon for UW-Casper alumni starting at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 25 in Room 322 of the Casper College Student Union/University of Wyoming Building. UW-Casper alumni who RSVP and attend the luncheon each will receive a drink token for the evening “UW in Your Community” event at Gruner Brothers Brewing.

The Natrona County gathering is the 10th in a series of “UW in Your Community” gatherings planned around the state.

“This will be a great opportunity for community members to interact with President Seidel; learn about exciting initiatives for students and the state; and see some of the collaborative work UW is doing with local partners,” says Chad Baldwin, UW’s associate vice president for marketing and communications. “UW alumni and everyone across Natrona County are invited for what will be a fun evening.”