Fall 2018 Laramie

University of Wyoming

Classroom Building | Room 129

1000 E. University Ave. | Laramie, WY

October 6, 2018 | 9:00 AM

 Doors open at 8:30 AM for coffee and donuts

 

Remembering Matthew Shepard and his Murder: 20 Years Later

In October 1998, Matthew Shepard, a gay, UW college student was kidnapped, beaten and left to die tied to a fencepost. His discovery and death had a huge impact on the university and its students and on the town of Laramie and its residents as they tried to deal with the horrible tragedy that had happened in their midst. Their difficulties were exacerbated by those from the outside world who rushed to judgment and condemnation, whether of the person, the school, or the town. Twenty years later, some of the original participants come together to discuss what happened in those days and weeks, set the story straight, and to discuss the impact on their lives. They are joined by the creators and performers of Considering Matthew Shephard, who have through music presented this story not only as a local tragedy but as a broader experience that speaks to the nation.

Matthew Shepard: The Investigation and Beyond

Sheriff Dave O’Malley, Albany County

The discovery of Matthew Shepard’s fatally injured body launched an investigation which uncovered sufficient evidence to determine the attack’s details as well as the murderers’ identity and motive. It also led to their conviction. Join Sheriff O’Malley—who played a key role in the events surrounding the case—to learn what actually happened that night, and in the days, weeks and months that followed.

Click here for the Youtube video.

 

Panel - Mourning Matthew: The Shock and the Challenges

The beating, abandonment and death of student Matthew Shepard had an enormous impact on the students at the University of Wyoming and on the people of Laramie. This panel brings together several people who took leadership roles in the activities responding to Matthew’s murder in the days and weeks following. They will discuss public and private feelings about the death, community rites of mourning and burial, and the impact of the different kinds of outsiders who descended on Laramie.

Click here for the Youtube video.

 

Panel - “Considering Matthew Shepard”: An American Musical Reflection

Join artists from the Conspirare choral ensemble, including composer Craig Hella Johnson and librettist Michael Dennis Browne, along with Jason Marsden of the Matthew Shepard Foundation to discuss the inspiration and creation of Considering Matthew Shepard. Hear how this powerful blend of American musical textures and styles that conveys the story of Matthew and his death moved from the spark of an idea to a three-part oratorio worthy of a Grammy nomination.

Click here for the Youtube video.

 

Saturday University is sponsored by the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Humanities Council, Wyoming community colleges, and Wyoming communities