Supporting Wyoming Public Radio

Terry and Beverly Roark strengthen their legacy through a planned gift.

 

By Missy Samp

Every day, thousands of Wyoming residents tune in to Wyoming Public Radio for news, music, storytelling and a connection to communities across the state. Few may realize that the statewide network they rely on traces back, in part, to an idea championed by former University of Wyoming President Terry Roark — a vision he and his wife, Beverly, continue to support through their philanthropy.

 

For nearly four decades, Terry and Beverly have invested their time, talents and resources in helping strengthen the university. Terry served as the university’s 21st president from 1987 to 1997. Beverly, a computer programmer, worked part time for various campus departments from 1988 to 2013.

 

They have chosen to support numerous areas across campus, including the Symphony Association, which Beverly co-founded; the Department of Music; the Department of Theatre and Dance; the UW Art Museum; the American Heritage Center; UW Libraries; and the Cowboy Joe Club. Wyoming Public Radio also holds a special place in their hearts. 

 

Licensed to UW, Wyoming Public Radio is part of the Wyoming Public Media statewide network. However, when the Roarks joined UW, there was no statewide presence. KUWR — the flagship station of Wyoming Public Radio — only reached Laramie and Cheyenne. Terry aimed to change that.

 

“The southern part of the state was covered pretty well, but the central part was not and certainly not the perimeter,” Terry says.

 

He shared his vision of a statewide network with the UW Board of Trustees. Then, working with General Manager Jon Schwartz, his vision was turned into reality.

 

Since 1987, the Roarks have consistently provided gifts to support Wyoming Public Radio. Recently, they decided to take their giving to a higher level by making a significant planned gift to Wyoming Public Media, which allows it to respond to opportunities as they arise.

 

“We give to them now, and we will continue to give to them,” Beverly says.

 

Wyoming Public Radio was not the only area that experienced growth during Terry’s presidency. When he was at the helm, a new stock farm for the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources was built west of Laramie. A few years later, the Cliff and Martha Hansen Teaching Arena was constructed.

 

Another notable project was the construction of the Centennial Complex, home to the American Heritage Center and the UW Art Museum. At the time, the project’s fundraising campaign was the most ambitious campaign in the university’s history.

 

Additionally, Terry played an instrumental role in establishing what is now the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. In collaboration with the vice president for research, he created the President’s Speaker Series to honor faculty members who made important research contributions.

 

Reflecting on their time at UW, Terry and Beverly mention what they miss the most: the people. They enjoyed working with their colleagues, hosting faculty and staff members for events at their home, visiting people across the state and interacting with students.

 

“I would walk across campus, and I would encounter various students going to classes or wherever they were going,” Terry says. “Some would say, ‘Hi, President Roark.’ Some would say, ‘Hi, Dr. Roark.’ And some would say, ‘Hi, Terry.’ I just thought that was great.”

 

Beyond their dedicated service to Wyoming’s university and decades-long philanthropy, what do they want people to remember about them? Terry says, “that we were nice people who did what we could to help the university.”