Life Member Service: Sherrod France

When Sherrod France graduated with his business administration degree (1971), he used his last $100 to join the UWAA — not only as a lifetime member but for a lifetime of service.

“Joining the UW Alumni Association was a beginning of giving back to the university that has extended over 50 years,” France says.

In the years since, he wrote letters to prospective students, supported scholarships and the Heritage Circle, served on the College of Business Advisory Board and served on the UWAA board, including a term as president and more than 20 years as treasurer. As UWAA treasurer, he oversaw a portfolio that more than doubled in value during his tenure.

France says that it all started with Sigma Chi Fraternity. “I feel I learned as much about life and living with other people as I learned in the classroom those first couple of years,” he says.

While a student, he flew planes during the summers to earn extra money. But when it came time to choose a career, France followed in his father’s footsteps and chose banking. A bank president and fellow Sigma Chi alumnus encouraged him to get involved with the UWAA.

France served as president of Rawlins National Bank from 1978 to 1984 and then as president of the Bank of Commerce from 1984 to 2011. Sherrod and his wife Janet France still live in Rawlins and raised three children there.

Upon retirement, France embarked on a new adventure: president of the ID Ranch company, a cow-calf producer northeast of Rawlins.

He encourages other alumni to get involved, just as his family has done. Sherrod’s niece, Jane France, is the current UWAA president, and his brother, the late Dwight France, served on the UWAA board.