Wiswell Finalist for UWs Tobin Award as Top Graduating Man

Sam Wiswell, of Wilson, 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.

Wiswell will graduate with degrees in environmental geology and geohydrology, and environment and natural resources. He also will graduate with minors in geographic information science and outdoor leadership.

Wiswell says he has grown as a researcher, athlete and person while at UW.

“Through my time at UW, I have undergone an immense period of growth that has not only allowed me to contribute to the university from a scholastic perspective, but as a researcher and athlete representing UW across the country and around the world,” he says. “The Nordic ski team has not only enabled me to become a better leader, but also as an engaged global citizen, and social and environmental activist.”

A nominator says Wiswell is not only a dedicated scholar and athlete, but also a dedicated global citizen.

“Sam is a leader, a scholar and a fierce competitor,” the nominator says. “He has become the epitome of a scholar-athlete and a global citizen. Sam is dedicated, has unending tenacity and sheer grit. He is a leader, and he inspires not only his teammates and classmates, but his coaches and professors.”

Another nominator recognizes Wiswell’s single-minded pursuit of anything that he sets his mind on.

“Sam is very intellectually capable, one of the smarter UW students I have worked with. He is bright, creative, mathematically proficient, inquisitive and an extremely hard worker,” the nominator says. “Sam is a conscientious student who works well both independently and in groups. I have never taught or worked with such a highly motivated undergraduate.”