Difference Makers

Thanks to generous donors, UW Athletics concluded a successful fundraising campaign for much-needed renovations.

Families come from all over the region to watch University of Wyoming athletics. Now, those fans will have an enhanced experience at the Mountain West Conference’s oldest football stadium, while student-athletes will enjoy a new competitive pool to replace the outdated 50-year-old version. It’s thanks

in large measure to a successful Difference Makers Campaign, which raised $20 million in private support. That private fundraising will combine with investments by UW and the state. 

“There is no question that this will be an advantage to the state of Wyoming and its citizens,” says Dave True, a UW Board of Trustees member and a trustee with the Double 4 Foundation, which donated to the campaign. “Major athletic programs bring a huge benefit not only to the institution but to the students. As a student, a major part of your experience is outside the classroom, and a good program at the Division 1 level contributes to that experience.”

The War Memorial Stadium west-side renovations will be completed this summer to provide fans with 216 premium loge seats and 3,000 chairback seats in the lower stands. Upgrades also include improved concessions, Americans with Disabilities Act access, restrooms and lighting. Additionally, the renovation of the press box and media area will elevate the university’s image, as national media outlets converge on UW to cover the Cowboys. During phase 2, a UW Aquatics Center will be built on the corner of Willett Drive and 22nd Street near the UW Athletics Indoor Practice Facility. The center will include a 50-meter pool, locker rooms and seating areas. In addition to serving UW student-athletes, the facility will provide a 50-meter training opportunity for area youth that is currently unavailable in southern Wyoming.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have several key donors who have supported our athletics program and our capital facility campaigns over the years, and the Difference Makers Campaign was no different,” says Senior Associate Athletic Director Randy Welniak. “These are some amazing people who truly care about the future of UW Athletics.”

In all, more than 50 donors supported the campaign, including a combined $2.5 million from the McMurry Foundation and a previous $1 million from the late Susie McMurry. In recognition of this remarkable investment, the new premium club area on War Memorial Stadium’s west side will be named the Wyo Sports Ranch Club, after the Wyo Sports Ranch in Casper.

“We are deeply honored to support the revitalization of War Memorial Stadium and the construction of the new swimming and diving facility,” says Trudi McMurry Holthouse, executive director of the McMurry Foundation and daughter of Mick and Susie McMurry. “This gift reflects our family’s commitment to enhancing the University of Wyoming’s athletic programs and providing outstanding experiences for students and fans alike.”

The final gift came from Gene Humphrey, cofounder of the 9H Research Foundation, who says, “Wyoming, ranch life, UW and flying Army combat helicopters in Vietnam provided me with the foundation for my success, and I am de