Celebrating 10 Years of the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center

For 10 years, the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center has served as more than just a building —it’s been the heart of the University of Wyoming’s first impressions. Standing tall as the university’s grand front door, this iconic space has embodied Wyoming’s spirit of excellence, hospitality and ambition — greeting students, alumni and visitors alike.

“The Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center is a testament to what happens when passionate people come together to build something remarkable,” says Ben Blalock, former UW Foundation president and CEO. “It’s a ‘front door’ worthy of UW and Wyoming — made possible by those who believed in the vision and supported it a decade ago.”

What began as plans for a simple office building evolved into a landmark facility — home to the UW Foundation, Alumni Association, Office of Admissions, a 600-person ballroom, high-tech meeting rooms, a lighted Steamboat-branded monolith, and a dynamic space honoring UW’s history and traditions. Today, the Rochelle Gateway is the epicenter of campus, hosting hundreds of events annually including conferences, university functions, board meetings, career fairs, weddings and alumni events.

“The objective was to create something with a ‘wow’ factor, but more than that, it was about creating a special gathering place — for prospective students and their families, for students during their time at UW, and for alumni returning home,” says Frank Mendicino, planning team member and former UW Foundation Board chair. “It’s the result of a dedicated group of foundation staff and board members — led by Ben Blalock — who had the vision to think big, the courage to push boundaries, and the patience and persistence to deal with the doubts, obstacles and roadblocks that arose along the way.”

This vision became reality thanks to nearly 100 generous donors. The center’s namesake, Marian H. Rochelle, along with her daughter, April Brimmer Kunz — the first woman president of the Wyoming Senate and former UW Foundation board chair — contributed more than $12 million. Mick and Susie McMurry gave $6 million through the McMurry Foundation to support the Grand Atrium and the UW Legacy Hall. Greg and Loren Hill, Roy and Fay Whitney, Carol and Ramon Tomé, and Roy and Caryl Cline also made major gifts, among many others. Entirely privately funded, the $35 million, 67,000-square-foot facility remains one of the most transformative projects in UW’s history.

“Ten years later, the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway still stands as a beacon of light, hope and inspiration on the UW campus,” Brimmer Kunz says. “The building was built to encourage UW students to break through their own walls and journey to the stars.” Rochelle and Brimmer Kunz also funded the sculpture “Breakin’ Through” located at the north entrance.

Planning team member and former UW Foundation board chair Greg Dyekman shares his pride in the project: “I’m still so proud to have been part of the Gateway Center and to have helped make it possible. It’s a tremendous gift to the university and the community. Every time I give someone a tour of the Gateway Center, I love the way they light up, recognizing that they are in an extraordinary space that celebrates our extraordinary university.”

And no one appreciates the facility more than those who work there every day. “A resounding thank you to the donors who made the Gateway possible,” says Josh Carroll, the center’s director of facilities. “Your vision and generosity continue to make an incredible impact.”

Learn more about the Rochelle Gateway Center and the donors who made it possible at www.uwyo.edu/gatewaycenter.