Alumni Networks are Thriving

By Tamara Linse
 
The networks of the UW Alumni Association play a crucial role in keeping the UW alumni community connected and thriving, whether they gather by region or by affinity. Fun facts. There are now over 2,000 members in more than 20 networks. These numbers continue to expand — within Wyoming and out into the broader world.

UWAA is excited to welcome two new alumni relations officers to the team — Joey Schaff (B.A. ’21) and Kyler Russow (B.S. ’26).

“I’m thrilled to welcome Joey Schaff and Kyler Russow to the UWAA team,” says Bailey Butcher, senior alumni relations coordinator. “Expanding our UWAA Network team is especially meaningful because it strengthens our ability to deepen engagement with our existing networks while also creating exciting opportunities to grow our presence across Wyoming and beyond.” 

The mission of UWAA is to connect the greater UW community — alumni, their families and friends, and all who love UW — back to the institution that means so much to them, and networks do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Bailey adds, “The addition of Joey and Kyler brings fresh perspectives, energy and ideas that will help us continue building strong connections with alumni and supporters. As our outreach grows, we are better positioned to create meaningful experiences, strengthen relationships, and expand the impact of the UWAA mission in communities throughout the state and far beyond.”

 

Joey Schaff, Alumni Relations Officer

Joey Schaff grew up in Connecticut and moved to Wyoming in 2017 to pursue his bachelor’s in elementary education, which he earned in 2021. In between classes, he was part of Club Baseball and worked as a resident assistant in the dorms just as the pandemic kicked off. Once he graduated, he worked as a senior admissions representative, doing student recruiting across the country for UW.

“I’m deeply honored and thrilled to have this opportunity to continue my journey and grow with the UW Alumni Association,” Schaff says. “Spending the last four years recruiting across the country allowed me to see firsthand the incredible passion people have for the University of Wyoming. Transitioning into this new role, I’m excited to see how that foundational experience translates into supporting our alumni network. My primary focus will be right here at home in Wyoming, ensuring our Wyoming graduates stay connected, celebrated and deeply tied to the university we all love.” 

 

Kyler Russow, Alumni Relations Officer

Kyler Russow is from Laramie. He graduated from UW in 2026 with his bachelor’s in marketing, management and professional sales, and during his undergrad, he studied abroad in Iceland, Australia and Italy. He also interned first at the UW School of Energy Resources as a social media intern and then at the UW Foundation, first in annual giving and then in corporate engagement.

“My student experience at UW shaped the way that I see community, connection and Cowboy pride,” Russow says. “From studying abroad, involvement in student organizations and graduating from the College of Business, I have a deep appreciation for the people and the pride that makes this place so special. I am grateful for the chance to help alumni and students stay connected to UW and to continue building pride among the Cowboy family across the nation.”