2012 Honorary Degree Recipient

Karl D. Allen

Doctor of Laws (LL.D)

 

As a respected classroom teacher, Karl Allen has spent his professional career and personal life as a dedicated servant to and role model for the next generation.

For 36 years, "Mr. Allen," as he continues to be referred to by his former students, taught high school in the Wyoming hamlet of Thermopolis, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of all those he touched.  He is responsible for tutoring several generations of pupils in the essentials of democracy and civic responsibility, ensuring that his students know the value of their democratic system of government, its dependence on citizen participation, and their individual responsibility to engage and safeguard it.  Certainly, Allen taught governors, Supreme Court justices, judges, and many others who are noteworthy by title and deed.  But equally important are the countless others that he taught who are notable by their more silent contributions to their families, neighborhoods, and communities.   Allen earned national acclaim for his ability to assess a student's true potential, for setting high expectations for that student, and for working tirelessly until his expectations were met, despite the student's self-imposed limitations.  Demonstrating the same hard work, perseverance, and integrity that earned him the Horatio Alger National Educator of the Year award, Allen has expanded his impact far beyond Wyoming's borders through his international outreach efforts and his own long and distinguished record of public service to state and country.

 

For all of your contributions, Karl D. Allen, the University of Wyoming is honored to bestow upon you the degree of Doctor of Law, honoris causa.