Klebba Finalist for UWs Top Graduate Award

Phil Klebba, of Sheridan, was among seven finalists for the 2017 Tobin Memorial Award as the University of Wyoming’s outstanding graduating man.

The annual award is based on academic excellence and achievement, service to the university, participation and leadership in the community and campus activities, and citizenship qualities.

Anthony Farmer, of Cheyenne, received the Tobin Award, while Sarah Maze, of Ranchester, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient as the outstanding graduating woman during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Klebba will graduate with degrees in rangeland ecology and watershed management, and environment and natural resources.

Klebba says being a leader for the Wyoming Conservation Corps was a challenge but extremely worthwhile, which helped him succeed at UW.

“Nothing felt better than leading a determined crew and overcoming tough conditions to complete a project,” Klebba says. “Such projects taught me to be flexible, taught me to approach problems from multiple angles and increased my interest in designing similar projects in the future. The University of Wyoming played a crucial role in providing the support and atmosphere, which enabled my growth.”

A nominator says Klebba’s motivation and drive were key in his academic success.

“I was consistently impressed with his ability to map out new lines of research, come up with solutions and analyze his data to explain the mechanisms that drive the hydrologic cycle in the Snowy Range,” the nominator says. “Phil is the rare student who achieved mastery of all the subjects he covered.”

Another nominator recognizes Klebba’s passion and engagement in leadership and the environment.

“Phil’s passion for and willingness to dedicate his time and effort to environmental causes is admirable and sets him apart,” his nominator says. “I found Phil to be a highly engaging and articulate student with genuine enthusiasm and desire to learn, possessing a powerful combination of strong work ethic, innate talent, collegiality and positivity.”