Foundations have made a lasting impact on Wyoming’s students and the colleges, programs,
and facilities that support them. Student by student, foundation-supported scholarships
have built a wealth of human capital. Foundations give because it is part of their
core mission—to make the world a better place.
Through the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, the Edelweiss Nontraditional Student Fund supports nontraditional university students who experience barriers in completing their college education. Its effect is profound and has allowed numerous students to continue and finish their education despite economic uncertainty. One recipient says, “The gratitude I feel in receiving this scholarship is immeasurable. It is a huge relief knowing that a portion of my education is supported so that I may continue to take care of the needs of my family while I finish school.” The Edelweiss Nontraditional Student Fund has changed the lives of many UW students, and its impact will continue for years to come.
The Natrona County Non-Profit MPA Scholarship was created by the Natrona Collective Health Trust to support UW students who are employed by a nonprofit organization that serves Natrona County and are enrolled in the Master of Public Administration degree program through UW. Over time, this scholarship will build the leadership capacity of nonprofit professionals in the Casper community.
The Windy Ridge Foundation has recently expanded their giving to support the Windy Ridge Foundation Astro Camp and the Professor Harry C. Vaughan Professorship in Astronomy at the University of Wyoming. “The Harry C. Vaughan Professorship provides faculty and students with unique opportunities to support their research,” says Daniel Dale, associate dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. “The flexibility of the funding helps minimize time spent applying for grants and maximizes time exploring the cosmos.”
The John P. Ellbogen Foundation is a longtime partner of the UW College of Education and has generously supported UW’s efforts in early literacy, countless university faculty and students, and the university’s first-ever named academic deanship—the highly regarded John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Deanship. Earlier this year, the Ellbogen Foundation announced another major gift, which has been matched dollar for dollar by the UW Foundation, to establish the John P. Ellbogen Foundation Professorship in Early Childhood Education. “The John P. Ellbogen Foundation Professorship will benefit Wyoming in countless capacities,” says UW President Ed Seidel.
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Katrina McGeeDirector of Foundation Development |