UW Foundation Welcomes Three Alumni to Board of Directors

The University of Wyoming Foundation has appointed three distinguished UW alumni to its Board of Directors, bringing decades of leadership experience and a shared commitment to advancing the university’s mission through philanthropy.

Bryan Hassler, Richard Lynch and Peter Sherman began their terms on the UW Foundation Board in July. Together, they bring extensive expertise in the energy, business and communications sectors, along with a long history of service and support for UW.

The UW Foundation Board of Directors provides strategic oversight for the UW Foundation and works to inspire philanthropic support that advances UW students, faculty and programs. The board also plays a key role in guiding the UW Foundation as it prepares for future fundraising initiatives, including a comprehensive campaign for the university.

“Bryan, Peter and Richard bring the leadership, experience and UW commitment we need to move the university forward,” says Scott Macdonald, chair of the UW Foundation Board. “We’re fortunate to have them at the table as we prepare for the opportunities ahead.”

“They believe in UW, and they want to help make sure future generations have the same opportunities they did,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “We’re excited to have their expertise and energy helping advance opportunities for students, faculty and this university, especially as we enter into a comprehensive campaign.”

Bryan Hassler

Hassler earned both his bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering (1982) and master’s degree in petroleum engineering (1984) from UW.

Hassler is a veteran energy executive who most recently served as president and CEO of United Energy Partners and chairman of UP Energy. Throughout his career, he has held executive leadership positions across the energy industry. For more than 20 years, he has been a generous supporter of UW, making significant investments in engineering and energy programs.

“I look forward to working with all of the great people at the University of Wyoming Foundation and serving on the board,” Hassler says. “While I only practiced engineering for five years, my engineering background at the University of Wyoming set the foundation for my career in energy. The University of Wyoming Foundation is setting the cornerstone for the future of education at the University of Wyoming, and I am glad to be a part of it.”

Peter Sherman

Sherman earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UW in 1986 and returns to the UW Foundation Board after previously serving two terms.

Sherman is a longtime marketing executive with a background that includes CEO roles with prominent global advertising agencies. Most recently, he served as executive vice president of the world’s largest marketing service company, Omnicom, before retiring to join the faculty at the University of North Carolina’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media. A Cheyenne native, he was named a UW Distinguished Alumnus and delivered the university’s 2019 spring commencement address. He also advises in the private equity sector and serves on the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors.

“It’s an absolute privilege to rejoin the Foundation Board and to continue to give back to the school that has given so much to me,” Sherman says.

Richard Lynch

Lynch earned a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from UW in 1980.

He recently retired as senior vice president of technology and services at Hess Corp. after a distinguished global career in the energy industry. Lynch and his wife, Marilyn, have established multiple scholarships and faculty support funds benefiting the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the School of Energy Resources. Most recently, they supported the establishment of the Richard and Marilyn Lynch Multidisciplinary Advanced Stimulation Laboratory.

“The University of Wyoming gave me the foundation for a 45-year career that took me far from Wyoming and back,” Lynch says. “UW is where my story began, and joining the Foundation Board is my opportunity to give something meaningful back to the institution and the state that made all of it possible. I am deeply honored to serve at this extraordinary moment in the University of Wyoming’s history. Go Pokes!”

With the addition of Hassler, Sherman and Lynch, the UW Foundation Board of Directors continues to bring together accomplished leaders committed to strengthening the future of UW through philanthropy, service and strategic leadership.