Former Wyoming Governor Freudenthal to Speak at UW Oct. 23

Former Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal will speak at the University of Wyoming as part of the School of Energy Resources’ (SER) Distinguished Speaker Series Friday, Oct. 23.

Freudenthal will speak from noon-1 p.m. in the atrium of the Engineering Education and Research Building, with welcome remarks provided by SER Executive Director Pete Obermueller and UW President Shane Reeves.

The free lunch presentation is open to all students, members of the campus community and the public.

SER was created in 2006 under Senate File 0037. The Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Interim Committee sponsored and advanced the bill as a collective, institutional measure. Freudenthal signed it into law March 13, 2006.

The special presentation is the culminating event of the 20th anniversary festivities for SER, where Freudenthal will address the vision, the creation and the impacts that SER has had since its inception.

Freudenthal served as Wyoming’s 31st governor from 2003-2011. A native of Thermopolis, he earned his law degree from UW after studying economics. Before his tenure as governor, Freudenthal built a distinguished legal career, serving as the U.S. attorney for the District of Wyoming from 1994-2001. As governor, he focused on energy policy, economic growth and fiscal management, presiding over significant growth in the state’s trust funds and budget surpluses. Following his public service, he has continued to practice law, advise on natural resource policy and teach at UW.

“Two decades ago, Wyoming lawmakers made a visionary investment in the state’s future by establishing the School of Energy Resources,” says SER Director of Outreach Christine Reed. “Welcoming Gov. Freudenthal to commemorate this 20-year milestone allows us to reflect on how far we’ve come. Thanks to that legislative foresight, SER has grown into a powerhouse for energy research and economic growth that continues to serve Wyoming every day, and we are excited to celebrate with our campus and statewide community.”

Attendees also will have the opportunity to see the expansive growth of energy research across campus through guided facility and lab tours along UW’s STEM corridor from 1-3 p.m. In a choose-your-own-adventure schedule, attendees can visit the Energy Innovation Center, 3D Visualization Center, Multidisciplinary Advanced Stimulation Laboratory, Drilling and Completions Simulation Facility, and the Geological Museum.

The presentation only will be offered in an in-person format. For more information, email Reed at christine.reed@uwyo.edu.