Margaret Welch of Cheyenne is one of two recipients of the University of Wyoming’s
first Maggi Murdock Scholars Award.
Margaret Welch of Cheyenne, a nontraditional student who completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice through the University of Wyoming’s Outreach Credit Programs, 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 Connie Rodgers of Casper, who received a B.A. degree in elementary education.
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.
Welch exceled as one of the top students in her program and was named to the UW Provost’s List and the Vice President’s List for consecutive semesters. While completing her degree, she also served as a mentor to court-appointed teens, a volunteer with Clothes Closet, and as a bible study minister and co-ed support group leader with her church. She also helped launch a youth ranch for disadvantaged and at-risk teenagers.
“Margaret is an exceptional person and her impressiveness comes from her integrity and personality,” says Richard Ward, academic coordinator for UW’s Southeast Regional Center in Cheyenne. “She not only is an outstanding University of Wyoming outreach student, but she has also been recognized locally for her encouraging influence within the community of Cheyenne on behalf of her work with disadvantaged youth.”
“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.
