John Kindle Named UW's Outstanding Graduating Man

April 25, 2008

Remarkable. Positive. Charismatic. Amazing.

Those are just a few of the adjectives Erin Olsen uses to describe John Kindle, the 2008 winner of the Tobin Memorial Award as the University of Wyoming's outstanding graduating man.

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The son of Joel and Nancy Kindle of Riverton received the award based on his academic excellence and achievement, service to the university, participation and leadership in community and campus activities and citizenship qualities.

Kindle, who will graduate with a degree in kinesiology and health promotion, has maintained a high grade-point average while working as a leader on various student and community organizations, serving a tour guide for UW's Admissions Office and volunteering his time to several organizations including Wyoming Special Olympics.

"John Kindle," says Olsen, assistant director of the UW Admissions Office, "is incredible!"

Adds Kelly Hubbell, coordinator of interdisciplinary programs for the Wyoming WWAMI Medical Education Program, "I feel fortunate to have taught and worked with so many talented, enthusiastic University of Wyoming students.

Of all those students, John stands out in my mind as the type of student we wish could fill our classes: Bright, quick-witted and committed."

Outside the classroom, Kindle has built a legacy as a passionate promoter of UW. He has led more campus tours than any student in university history, says Olsen, who also touts Kindle's ability to engage prospective students and parents.

"John is the reason many students have made the decision to attend the University of Wyoming," Olsen says. "He goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to connecting with students and their parents."

A transfer from Central Wyoming College in Riverton, Kindle says he hopes he'll be remembered as a student who gave as much to UW as he received.

"As a tour guide, I am, in many ways, selling a product. But UW is a product that I believe in," Kindle says. "I pride myself in my campus tour-giving because I love the University of Wyoming and love to tell my story of how I ended up here and all the enjoyable experiences I've had, friendships I've made and the education that I received at this amazing institution."

He adds, "The University of Wyoming has provided me with an atmosphere to grow, learn and be successful, in and out of the classroom."

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