UW Alumni Association Scholarship Reception/Auction April 20

The University of Wyoming Alumni Association (UWAA) 26th annual Scholarship Reception and Auction is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 20, at the Sweetwater County Events Complex Exhibit Hall in Rock Springs. Proceeds from the event contribute to the funding of the UWAA scholarship program.

The UWAA provides scholarships to Wyoming students, out-of-state students, and undergraduate and graduate students. Within these scholarships, awards have been added to support Wyoming community college transfer students, nontraditional, U.S. veterans and multicultural students. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic excellence, leadership, extracurricular activities and an essay on why they wish to attend UW.

Since its inception in 1906, the UWAA scholarship program has grown steadily through its coordination of the Scholarship Club, Named Scholarships and the Wyoming License Plate Program. Per academic year, approximately $232,000 is disbursed to nearly 145 students, with awards ranging from one to four years.

While proceeds from the scholarship auction and reception contribute to the funding of the scholarship program, it also is funded from private donations and the sale of Wyoming license plates.

“Our annual scholarship auction and reception is a tradition that runs deep for the Alumni Association. Not only do we rotate the location of the event every spring to different communities around the state, but the items themselves come from all corners and represent Wyoming as a whole,” says UWAA Board President Tim Wilson (B.S. ’98). “I have attended the event for the better part of the last decade and am always in awe with how many alumni come together to share in the experience, as well as share their stories of UW. What better way to kick off the New Year than to come together as alumni and raise money for scholarships that will support creating a generation of new alumni.”

Over the last six years, the auction has provided $118,000 in support of the scholarship program.

The title sponsor of this event is Wyo4News. The cost to attend the event is $40 per individual and $70 per couple. Price includes hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary beverages including beer, wine or nonalcoholic drinks. Highlights of the evening are a silent and live auction, a brief presentation from UWAA leaders, recognition of UWAA scholarship recipients and a raffle drawing for a “Talk About Your Cowboy” bronze sculpture by D. Michael Thomas valued at $3,500. Attire for the evening is cowboy casual.

UW alumni and friends interested in attending or sponsoring the event can register online at http://wyoalumni.uwyo.edu/uwaa26. The deadline to register is Monday, April 9.

If you are not able to attend the event and are interested in participating in the “Talk About Your Cowboy” raffle, you may purchase tickets at http://wyoalumni.uwyo.edu/raffle17.

To submit an item for the auction, call the Alumni Office at (307) 766-4166 for a donation form.