Recognizing Service that Makes a Difference

By Amy Morgan

At the core of the three UWAA service awards are outstanding service to UW, making a difference in the lives of the people of Wyoming and exemplary service on behalf of or for the UW Alumni Association and UW community.

The Building a Better Wyoming Award, the Medallion Service Award and the UWAA Life Member Service Award are three awards given to both alumni and friends of the university in recognition of their unselfish commitment

of their time, talents and loyal support to the university.

The UWAA Life Member Service Award takes a more central view and goes to a UWAA Life Member whose service has been voluntary and of direct benefit to the UWAA and its related engagement activities. Awardees have been engaged in service to members of the UWAA and have been active in program development and student impact. 

The Medallion Service Award goes to a person who has demonstrated unyielding and uncompromising integrity

in support of the highest standard of excellence for the UW community, whether that involves faculty, staff, students, alumni or often a combination of all. Awardees have been involved in the growth of the university and

the recruitment and retention of top-notch faculty and staff as well as ensuring the highest quality education program for its students learning and futures.

The Building a Better Wyoming Award encompasses a full vision of the state of Wyoming. This awardee is recognized for making a difference in the lives of the people of Wyoming and is a source of UW strength and pride. They are recognized for success in their particular fields and personal contribution to not only their respective communities but all communities across Wyoming. The inaugural award was given to First Lady Jennie Gordon in recognition of her work through the Wyoming Hunger Initiative to end food insecurity across Wyoming. The awardee also receives a $15,000 check from the UWAA, sponsored by the McMurry family, to make a gift to a Wyoming nonprofit of their choice in alignment with the values of the McMurry family.

Amy Morgan, who oversees special projects and awards for the UWAA, says, “To see the generosity of these awardees to the University of Wyoming and its community often takes my breath away. The level of passion and pride in all things UW fuels their unselfish service.”

Nominations for these service awards can be made through the UWAA website.