Connie Rodgers of Casper is one of two recipients of the University of Wyoming’s first
Maggi Murdock Scholars Award.
Connie Rodgers of Casper, a nontraditional student who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education through the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center (UW/CC), is one of two recipients of the first Maggi Murdock Scholars Award.
She was selected based upon her tremendous work and accomplishments in her degree program and within the community. This year’s other winner is Margaret Welch of Cheyenne, who received a B.A. degree in criminal justice.
The Maggi Murdock Scholars Award was created this year to recognize and support outstanding nontraditional students attending UW through Outreach Credit Programs or the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center. Linda Day, academic coordinator for UW’s Eastern Regional Center based in Torrington, developed the award.
To be eligible, students must excel in academic endeavors and have made a positive impact in their community, state, nation or world. Students are nominated for this award by faculty, staff, advisers and regional academic coordinators who have worked with them while they pursue their degrees.
Nominees must be a Wyoming resident; have been registered in two or more outreach courses for the past three semesters; exhibit academic excellence; graduate in the year the award is given; show a propensity to civic activity and humanistic endeavors; and demonstrate strong qualities of character, professionalism and respect for peers and colleagues.
Committed to civic and humanistic endeavors, Rodgers supports her peers and colleagues, and plays an important role in the Natrona County education system. She has been a leader among elementary education students at the UW/CC Center, where she was an officer in the Round Table Honor Society; organized a number of fundraising and professional events; and presented at education workshops in Casper.
“This award will provide Connie with the recognition and encouragement that will assure that she contributes effectively to the Natrona County educational community for years to come,” says Tao Han, assistant professor of education at the UW/CC Center. “Connie is a wonderful and inspiring example of a nontraditional student, and represents the values for which Dean Murdock and the Outreach School are well known.”
“The University of Wyoming values and recognizes academic excellence and success by students who are unable to attend classes on the UW Laramie campus,” says retiring Outreach School Dean Maggi Murdock, for whom the award is named. “Being nominated and selected to receive this award is a positive addition to the students’ resumes, increasing employer interest. These students will remember the Outreach School and their alma mater with pride and affection.”
Outreach Credit Programs and the UW/CC Center support the Outreach School’s mission to deliver UW learning opportunities to the people of Wyoming and beyond. More information about the Outreach School, including regional centers located throughout the state, can be found at www.uwyo.edu/outreach.
