Honorary Degree

Gus Fleischli

Remarkable businessman and generous community leader are the phrases most commonly used to describe Wyoming entrepreneur Gus Fleischli. Born in Rawlins but an early transplant to Cheyenne, Fleischli left Wyoming as a young man to honorably serve our country in WWII in the Army Air Corps, completing 32 missions in a B-17. Upon his return to Wyoming after the war, he established himself as a successful businessman shortly after joining his family in operating a car dealership in Cheyenne. His business acumen and integrity grew that small family business into a hugely successful company with interests ranging from petroleum distribution to land development. These entrepreneurial endeavors served the needs of fledgling industries throughout the Rocky Mountain region, bringing important resources to growing frontier economies.

Fleischli's personal motto is "do what is right for people and give back to the community that has given so much to you." His innumerable contributions over the last six decades include service as a Wyoming State Representative, a State Highway Commissioner, chairman of the Wyoming Trucking Association, founding member of the Cheyenne LEADS Economic Development Organization, membership on the governing board of the Wyoming Business Council, and chairman of Honor Flight Wyoming He is legendary in the Cheyenne community for his leadership and support of Cheyenne Frontier Days. He was one of the inaugural members of the Cowboy Joe Club and has a long and rich legacy of service on the College of Business Advisory Council. Fleischli has received both the Distinguished Service award and the Distinguished Alumnus award from the College of Business.

Fleischli's love for and passionate commitment to Wyoming and his generous mentoring of younger people on the simple but powerful lessons in business and life continues to inspire and sustain many prominent industry and community leaders today.

For all of your contributions, Gus Fleischli, we are honored to bestow upon you the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.