Program of Events
Welcome and Introductions
J. Scott Turpen College of Arts & Sciences, Dean
Opening Remarks
Edward Seidel
President, University of Wyoming
Greetings from the Thomson Family
Bruce Thomson
Keynote Address
Kara Calvert , Vice President of U.S. Policy at Coinbase
Student Speaker Presentations
DJ Lueloff
IylieMae Hobbs
Presentation of Student Honorees
Susan Aronstein, Adrienne Freng, Eric Wodahl
College of Arts & Sciences Associate Deans
Closing Remarks
J. Scott Turpen College of Arts & Sciences, Dean
University of Wyoming Happy Jacks Send-off
Convocation Reception
Arts & Sciences Lobby
Keynote Speaker - Kara Calvert
Kara Calvert has been at the intersection of public policy and the innovation industry for over 20 years. She is currently the Vice President of US Policy for Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the United States, and works with lawmakers, regulators, and the crypto community across the country to advocate for sensible crypto policy.
Kara began her career in Washington working for U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY). Most recently, she was a partner at the Franklin Square team, where she represented the world’s most innovative and impactful technology companies for 13 years. Prior to her time at the Franklin Square Group, Kara worked for the Information Technology Industry Council.
Student Speakers
DJ Lueloff
DJ Lueloff is an anthropology major from Jefferson, Wisconsin. During his time at
UW, he has been a member of the Honor’s College, a McNair scholar, President of the
Anthropology Club, and a member of the Club Tennis Team. After graduation, DJ aspires
to pursue a PhD in paleogenetics at Harvard University.
Presentation Title: Neanderthals and Modern Human Population Structures Defined by
Bottlenecks
IylieMay Hobbs
Iylie Hobbs is finishing up her bachelor's degree in the English Literary Studies track and she has never once regretted picking that major. From Elk Mountain, Wyoming, during her 2.5 years here at UW, Iylie has participated in three study abroad programs in four different countries and studied everything from Ancient Greek Pharmacy to Shakespeare and Theatre. On the Shakespeare trip she developed a strong passion for studying the works of Shakespeare and used much of the knowledge gained on that trip to write her senior honors thesis about the portrayal of 17th century marital law in Shakespeare's plays. After successfully receiving a high pass on her thesis project, Iylie presented her research at undergrad research day, enjoying the opportunity to share her passion for her subject with other faculty and students. After finishing this degree, Iylie plans to be accepted into the University of Wyoming's joint degree program and simultaneously earn a Master of Public Administration and JD Law Degree.
Presentation Title: Shakespeare's Plays: An Early Modern Commentary on Marital Law and Marriage
Honors Convocation Performance
The Honors Convocation is a time to celebrate some of our most accomplished students. The College of Arts & Sciences is fortunate enough to have a pool of talented young musicians, dancers, actors and other performing artists that can help honor these students. This year, the Honors Convocation will feature a performance from the UW Happy Jacks.
UW Happy Jacks
The University of Wyoming Happy Jacks enjoy a sense of camaraderie and congeniality that permeates rehearsals and performances alike. They are an auditioned tenorbass ensemble that are also members of the UW Singing Statesmen. Through performances of a diverse body of repertoire, the Happy Jacks strive to continually increase their musicianship skills, thereby positively contributing to high-quality musical endeavors.
About Keith and Thyra Thomson and the Honors Convocation
Keith and Thyra Thomson were married in 1939 and became one of Wyoming's most notable couples. Recognized for exemplary service and dedication to the University of Wyoming, Keith and Thyra Thomson "paid it forward" before the term was coined. Keith was the first UW graduate to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. In 1960, Keith was elected United States senator, but, before he could assume office, he had a heart attack and died. Thyra was the first woman to be elected Wyoming's Secretary of State. Wyoming voters elected her to that office six times. When she retired, she had served 24 years--longer than any statehouse official in Wyoming history. In 1997, Thyra, along with her family and friends, established an endowment to ensure that academically successful College of Arts and Sciences undergraduates be recognized annually for their achievements. Thyra died in June 2013.
After completing a law degree at UW, Keith, a Wyoming native, served in World War II. He received numerous medals, including the U.S. Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Italian Cross of Valor, and the Czech Medal of Merit. When he returned home from the war, Keith joined the Cheyenne law firm of Henderson and Thomson. Keith served two terms on the UW Board of Trustees and one term as president of the UW Alumni Association. In 1950 and 1952, he was elected to the Wyoming State Legislature. At age 35, in 1954, Keith was the first UW graduate to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. After three terms in the House, he was elected United States senator in 1960. Tragically, before he could assume office, Keith passed away.
In 1962, Thyra was the first woman to be elected Wyoming’s secretary of state. Although her name repeatedly was suggested for higher office, Thyra chose to remain secretary of state and ex-officio lieutenant governor. When she retired from office in 1987, Thyra had served 24 years—longer than any other statehouse official in Wyoming’s history. She was acting governor in the absence of both Republican and Democratic chief executives, Governors Hansen, Hathaway, and Herschler. Thyra was named a UW Distinguished Alumna in 1969 and College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Alumna in 1987. Thyra, who died in June 2013, served on many advisory boards throughout the state, including the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors.
