UW to Host Experiential Education Showcase and Celebration April 10

The campus community and the public will have an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, explore interactive displays and see how experiential learning is shaping the future of education at the University of Wyoming.

The university will present the first-ever Experiential Education Showcase and Celebration Friday, April 10, at 4 p.m. in the Science Initiative Building. President Ed Seidel will host the event.

Featuring student-driven inquiry and educator excellence in experiential learning, the showcase honors the rich educational opportunities intricately driving high-impact learning that is shaping the future of UW’s students.

This event is collaboratively sponsored by the Office of the President, the Honors College, the Science Initiative Learning Actively Mentoring Program (LAMP) and the Office of Academic Affairs. The campus community and the public are invited to listen to UW students and educators as they reflect and share their experiential learning endeavors and showcase creative ways it is woven into the curriculum and beyond. 

This semi-formal event spotlights UW’s commitment to experiential learning, including campus-wide initiatives to enhance educator preparedness and training; student experiences and creative inquiry; and the future of experiential learning in enhancing academic excellence.

“Experiential education is at the heart of the Honors College, and it is a true joy to celebrate and recognize the incredible experiences of our students while celebrating the campus-wide faculty and staff, and industry and community partners who foster such meaningful experiences for all UW students,” says Ashleigh Pilkerton, a visiting assistant professor in the Honors College and one of the event organizers.

Awards will recognize top students, staff, faculty, and industry and community partners across campus, with interactive presentations and displays showcasing the educators leading the charge and students thriving through experiential learning opportunities. 

“Every day on our campus, inspirational educators are working to immerse their students in rich experiential education,” says Rachel Watson, director of LAMP and senior faculty development professional in the Science Institute and the UW Division of Kinesiology and Health. “This opportunity to honor and celebrate their work, as well as that of their students and community partners, is profoundly precious.”

“The University of Wyoming deeply values experiential education as an integral component of the learning experience at UW,” says Nevin Aiken, special assistant to the provost for experiential education in the Office of Academic Affairs. “Through this inaugural showcase and celebration, we are delighted to have the opportunity to highlight the incredible depth and breadth of high-impact experiential education happening across our campus and to be able to recognize and honor the contributions of our faculty, staff and community partners who make these transformative learning experiences possible for our students.”

Other event sponsors are the Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning; College of Engineering and Physical Sciences; College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources; Science Institute; School of Energy Resources; Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources; Casper College; Research and Economic Development Division; Office of Industry and Strategic Partnerships; University of Wyoming Foundation; School of Computing and UW Student Affairs.

To attend the showcase, RSVP here.

For more information, go here, call Pilkerton at (307) 766-4110 or email her at apilkert@uwyo.edu.