A Letter from the UWAA Director

Hello, University of Wyoming Alumni and Friends:

It seems like just a few days ago that we were welcoming back students. Throughout the rest of the spring semester, I anticipate good things ahead for our alumni and friends. We have enjoyed engaging with our alumni and friends through our digital connections and are grateful for the strong community we have. This particular issue of the UWyo Magazine is focused on our students, specifically featuring UW students and “the world they are creating.” I believe you will be inspired and proud as you read the experiences of these remarkable students who have followed in your footsteps.

While the primary mission of the UWAA is to engage and communicate with our alumni to build pride and loyalty for a lifetime relationship, we do stay connected with students throughout their academic journey and on to become Cowboys for life. We serve our current students through multiple programs that, in collaboration with our campus partners, are supported by many alumni and that enrich the UW student experience. A snapshot of a few of these includes career connections, UWAA scholarships, and joining alumni and current students through the Know 5 Student Success Program. 

UWAA Career Connections

Almost a year ago, the UWAA partnered with the Advising Career and Exploratory Studies (ACES) center and campus career service partners in establishing the When Cowboys Call, We Answer (WCCWA) career support campaign. It has been an incredible program thus far. Our personalized employer engagement connections with UW alumni, friends and affiliates have made it possible for us to provide professional opportunities and resources to recent UW graduates and alumni. Many of these connections resulted in new industry-specific career opportunities and meaningful employment for participating graduates and alumni. For more information on how to participate, click HERE.

Additionally, our Cowboy2Cowboy (C2C) Informational Interview program continues to be a valuable resource for professional opportunities. We connect current UW students with alumni in a specific industry so that the alumni can share their career advice for those interested in their profession. These connections are a valuable resource for students when deciding on their desired career path or when learning about a new industry. This year, we have expanded our online career resources for students and alumni with a growing library of C2C recorded alumni interviews. Students and alumni may watch these videos on our YouTube Channel or click HERE to view these virtual recordings on our website. 

UWAA Scholarships

Since 1906, the UWAA has provided scholarships to deserving students. This program continues to thrive, and during the last few years financial aid has been awarded to 120-130 students a year, with annual awards totaling from $190,000 to $232,000. The academic achievements made by our scholarship recipients are possible because of those who donate to our Scholarship Club, those who have created endowed scholarships, the thousands of people who have purchased UW license plates, and those who attend and sponsor our annual scholarship reception and auction. Click HERE to learn more! 

Know 5 Student Success Program

We launched the Know 5 Student Success Program with the UW Student Success Office to connect alumni with current students. Our alumni engage with their partner students and, through meaningful conversation, support and encourage them during their UW experience. Alumni can also have a pivotal role in continuing their students’ success through graduation and beyond. We believe that the students will build a unique sense of connection to the UW community through these relationships.

As you may already recognize, the key to success of each of these programs for our students is the passionate involvement and encouragement from our alumni. I often share that our alumni are UW’s greatest asset, and for certain you all are vital for the advancement of these invaluable student programs in the future.

Please know that the association staff are here for you. We would welcome and appreciate your thoughts, ideas and comments, and you may email them to uwalumni@uwyo.edu. 

My best in Brown and Gold,

Keener Fry, UWAA Executive Director