Sparktank Alumni

 

By Taylor Weidinger 
 
At the University of Wyoming, SparkTank brings experiential learning to life by blending ethics, innovation and philanthropy. Through this hands-on experience, students in the Ethics Club collaborate to evaluate nonprofit proposals, make funding decisions and witness the real-world impacts of their choices. More than a competition, SparkTank challenges students to think critically, act responsibly and lead with purpose. These skills continue to positively influence our alumni and those around them long after they leave campus.

Faculty adviser Kent Noble describes SparkTank as a defining example of how ethics education extends beyond the classroom, an experience that teaches the value of principled leadership through action. 

“SparkTank challenges students to lead with integrity, think beyond themselves and recognize that ethical leadership is measured not just by what you achieve but by how you achieve it,” he says. 

To hear more, we went straight to the source. These alumni brought their Ethics Club experience to the SparkTank floor, and their reflections reveal the power of experiential learning, ethical leadership and the impact of giving back. 
 
Kenna Blaney (J.D., ’23) 
What about SparkTank’s mission — combining ethics, innovation, and philanthropy —resonated with you? 
“SparkTank’s mission resonates with me because it teaches students the power and importance of giving back to their community and rallying others to help those in need. SparkTank provides students with the unique opportunity to contribute to the Laramie community through the generosity of others and helps them understand that together they can make a greater impact than they can alone. 

“SparkTank leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved, and I’ll always carry with me the feeling of helping others alongside my peers. It taught me that one of the best things you can do for yourself is give it back. SparkTank is special because its process is rigorous and requires participating nonprofits to clearly demonstrate how the fund will be used to maximize their impact on the community.”
 
Shane Dawson (B.S., ’23)
What was your role in SparkTank? 
“I’ve been involved in SparkTank in almost every capacity — first as a member, then as vice president and marketing officer, and now as the staff adviser for the Ethics Club alongside Kent Noble, who acts as the faculty adviser. 

“As a member, I helped deliberate on funding decisions and attended nonprofit presentations during meetings. As an officer, I took on more responsibility for planning, organizing and judging, including attending site visits and ensuring our officer team did our due diligence. 

“Now, as staff adviser, I support the current officers with logistics and planning while keeping the event entirely student-run, which is one of the things that makes SparkTank so special. Every year, I’m blown away by how professional and polished the students make it.” 
 
Tess Stonehouse Snow (B.A., ’18)
Can you describe a moment when you truly saw the impact of what students were doing, either on campus or in the community? 
“After graduating from UW, I had the privilege of working for a nonprofit that later became a SparkTank contestant. Seeing the process from the other side was incredible—the professionalism, preparation and thoughtfulness of the student teams were truly impressive. The funding we received made a meaningful difference for that organization and the individuals served. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me how powerful community collaboration can be.” 
 
Michael Blaney (B.S., ’19)
What did the experience teach you about ethics, teamwork, leadership or the philanthropic process of giving? 
“Ethics Club and SparkTank taught me that ethics are practiced in the details, and I still apply that every day. I started by listening better, setting clear expectations and following through. Those habits make trust possible and keep the work honest. In SparkTank, teamwork became genuinely collaborative for me, and it remains that way. I align roles early, write the plan down and check in regularly. It’s shared ownership and steady communication. 

“My view of giving also changed through my time in the Ethics Club. It works best as a relationship. It taught me to align goals, co-create a realistic path, aim for lasting outcomes and circle back with honest updates and gratitude. Overall, those years taught me ethical habits, stronger collaboration, steady leadership and relationship-driven giving, and I carry those forwards in how I plan, build relationships and lead.”
 
Tucker Norman (B.S., ’23)
If you could speak to a current UW student thinking about joining SparkTank or the Ethics Club, what would you tell them? 
“I would highly encourage joining the Ethics Club or being involved in SparkTank in some capacity because you won’t realize the amount of an impact that you have in your community if you just sit by. You’re going to meet great people, you’re going to have a network for a lifetime and you’re going to learn some great skills while doing it. We can only learn so much in the textbooks that we have here in college. However, the experiential learning that you get through being involved is going to pay dividends in the future.” 
 
McKenna Kail (B.S., ’24)
How has SparkTank continued to influence the way you think, create or lead today? 
“SparkTank continues to shape how I think and lead every day. Now in law school, I actively seek mentors who embody the ethical principles SparkTank instilled in me — people who charge fair rates, carefully consider the cases they take and respect the trust clients place in them. SparkTank didn’t just inspire me — it set the ethical foundation for the kind of lawyer I want to become.”