Five Graduates to Receive Outstanding Alumni Awards From UW

The University of Wyoming Alumni Association (UWAA) will honor the achievements of five recipients through its annual UWAA Awards during the Brown and Gold Alumni Banquet in April.

The honorees celebrate the spirit of the university and support the state of Wyoming and its communities, exhibiting exceptional professional achievements, and demonstrating leadership and volunteerism.

“They are deeply engaged in supporting the University of Wyoming Alumni Association and the University of Wyoming,” says Jack Tennant, UWAA director.

Honored will be:

Jake Eitzen -- Network Leader Award

Eitzen, a 2014 marketing graduate and former UW wrestler, has brought Wyoming alumni together in Tucson, Ariz., for years through the creation of a thriving alumni network. Eitzen’s efforts include organizing football watch parties, happy hours and other events, fostering meaningful connections among UW alumni. His dedication to building and maintaining these relationships earned him the Network Leader Award.

Eitzen works as a financial adviser at Oppenheimer and Company Inc. and enjoys spending time with his wife, Alise, and son Brody.

Ray Fleming Dinneen -- Building a Better Wyoming Award

Dinneen, founder of Climb Wyoming, is recognized for her contributions to improving the lives of low-income single mothers across the state. Through her leadership, Climb Wyoming has helped families achieve self-sufficiency, saving millions of dollars in public assistance costs.

Dinneen, a 1978 UW business management graduate, has served on numerous statewide boards, including the Wyoming Workforce Development Council. Now a consultant with Practis LLC, she continues to focus on human services.

Dinneen lives in Cheyenne with her husband, Jim, and their two children.

Sherrod France -- Life Member Service Award

France, a 1971 business administration graduate, is recognized for more than five decades of unwavering service to UW and the UWAA. From writing letters to prospective students to serving as UWAA president and treasurer, France’s leadership and generosity have significantly strengthened the broader alumni community.

He also served on the UW College of Business Advisory Board and led banking institutions in Wyoming before retiring to manage the ID Ranch.

France and his wife, Janet, live in Rawlins, where they raised their three children.

Dean Jackson -- Rising Alumni Award

Jackson, a 2016 business administration graduate and Distinguished Military Graduate of UW’s Army ROTC program, has excelled as a space officer in the U.S. Army and as an engineering review board member at Amentum. Jackson’s service includes military intelligence work in Afghanistan and volunteering with small businesses and youth camps.

Currently living in Colorado Springs, Colo., his early and continued commitment to excellence and community embodies the definition of the Rising Alumni Award.

Shane McDonnell -- Rising Alumni Award

McDonnell, a 2021 anthropology graduate, has made strides in the environmental services field while staying connected to UW through his work at the Hell Gap archaeological site. As an instructor and crew manager, McDonnell has contributed to the study of this nationally recognized site.

Currently based in San Diego, Calif., he plans to return to UW for his master’s degree in anthropology. McDonnell’s passion for his field and his ongoing dedication to learning earned him the Rising Alumni Award.

For more information about the UWAA and its awards, visit www.uwyo.edu/alumni.