2024 Commitment to Excellence
Kathy Dolan
Kathleen “Kathy” Dolan has been selected to receive the Casper College Alumni Association’s 2024 Commitment to Excellence award.
Dolan is best known for her presence at nearly every Casper College event. Not only has she been serving on the college’s board of trustees since her election in November 2002, but she is a friendly face at college concerts, plays, groundbreakings, athletic games, festivals, and conferences. “Kathy’s tireless dedication to all things Casper College has been a hallmark of her service to Casper College. Her efforts to increase student success and enhance the college experience for our students have been, simply put, tremendous,” noted Casper College President Darren Divine.
Dolan came to Casper with her husband, John, in 1989. The two had lived in several places due to his career as a petroleum engineer. Once they landed in Casper, the family never moved again. “My husband loved trout fishing, but more importantly, we loved the people of Casper and the places of Wyoming,” she said.
Dolan earned her bachelor’s in occupational therapy from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and her MPA from the University of Wyoming. Before coming to Casper, Dolan worked in North Carolina, Minnesota, and South Dakota. They moved to Riverton in 1977, and she worked at the Wyoming State Training School in Lander as an independent contractor. After a year in Riverton, John’s work took them to Denver, where she worked as an OT for the public school district and a skilled nursing facility from 1978 to 1989. Dolan held leadership positions in state occupational therapy associations throughout her moves.
In the summer of 1989, the couple moved to Casper, where Dolan began her long association with the Child Development Center of Natrona County. She assessed and treated 3-5-year-olds with special needs, developing a myriad of skills from self-feeding to mastering school tools and self-regulation. “It was always a joy witnessing the 'ah-ha’ moments when the children knew they were successful,” she noted.
While working full-time at the center, Dolan was a professional-level coordinator for the University of North Dakota’s satellite occupational therapy program on the Casper College campus from 1994 to 1996. She was also an adjunct faculty for UND. “I taught the class ‘Occupational Therapy with the School-Aged Child.’ It was an honor to teach the students, many of whom had graduated from Casper College, about a profession I loved, and then interact with them as colleagues as they worked in school systems throughout Wyoming,” said Dolan.
In 2010, Dolan retired from the Child Development Center of Natrona County and, in 2017, from adjunct teaching at UND’s satellite occupational therapy program on the Casper College campus. For many years she was Casper College’s representative on the board of the Wyoming Association of Community College trustees. Dolan currently represents the college on the Board of Cooperative Educational Services and serves on the Casper College Foundation board.
Dolan will be presented with the Casper College Alumni Association’s Commitment to Excellence award during the 2024 commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 10.
The Casper College Alumni Association established the Commitment to Excellence award in 1991 to honor those who have given exemplary service to and have made a significant difference in the growth and development of Casper College.
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Previous Honorees
2023 Honoree Janet de Vries
Born and raised in Ohio, Janet de Vries (1995-2016) first discovered Wyoming on a Girl Scout camping trip in 1972. “That’s when I fell in love with Wyoming and decided I would move here when I grew up,” she said.
De Vries earned her bachelor’s in geology from the University of Akron, Ohio. She then went to Utah State University for her master’s in geology.
“Coincidentally, my bachelor’s geology field camp was based at Casper College. When that course finished, I stayed, worked in the oil field for one year, earned my master’s in geology at Utah State University, and returned to Casper for my first professional job,” de Vries recalled.
The year was 1982 when de Vries started working for Dwight’s Hotline Energy Reports in Casper. In 1989, she decided to change careers. “When the oil industry provided me with the opportunity to change careers in 1989, I pursued a career working with people,” de Vries said.
Her decision to work helping people also meant earning a new degree, and in 1995 de Vries graduated from the University of Wyoming with her master’s degree in education with a concentration in higher education student affairs. Her thesis: “Career Guidance and Development Functions at Wyoming Community Colleges.”
While working on her UW degree, de Vries worked in a variety of jobs helping people with job placement, training, and coaching. The hard work paid off when she was hired as the school-to-work coordinator at Casper College in 1995. A year later, she became a career specialist, and a year later, she was named the director of career services and then director of student success services. After a successful and rewarding tenure of 21 years, de Vries retired from Casper College in 2016 and was honored with the recognition of director emeritus, student success services.
“When I was asked, ‘What do you do?’ my answer was, ‘I give people hope.’ When they come to my office in career services/student success, they are usually confused. Through career counseling, I help them identify good matches for their educational, career, and life goals.’ I could often tell if we were successful by the look in their eyes. Time and time again, I felt like I had performed a miracle,” de Vries said.
While at Casper College, de Vries received her Master Career Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Licensed Professional Counselor certifications. Some of her recognitions and honors include Woman of Distinction in 1997, the Wyoming Counseling Association Outstanding Service Award in 2004, Casper College Outstanding Administrator in 2006, the Casper Social Change Committee Community Appreciation Award in 2010, the Wyoming Counseling Association Outstanding Service Award in 2015, and the Wyoming Counseling Association Teresa Wallace Lifetime Professional Service Award in 2021.
“Oftentimes, we have no idea of the impact one conversation can make on a person’s life,” said de Vries. “I have been fortunate during my years of employment at Casper College, and since my retirement six years ago, to have people thank me for the help and guidance I gave them. It is truly an honor to be nominated (and selected) for the 2023 Commitment to Excellence Award.”
2022 Honoree Barbara Crews
When you first meet Barbara Crews, you are struck by how genuinely nice, sincere, and caring she is. Spend a bit of time, and you notice a slight southern drawl.
Barbara was born in Jena, Louisiana, and was the valedictorian of her high school graduating class in 1955. In grade school, she met her future husband, George Crews. In her sophomore year of college, 19-year-old Barbara and George married.
In just three years, Barbara graduated with a bachelor’s in education and then got her master’s in education and administration from Louisiana Tech. George was in a five-year program where he earned a bachelor’s in geology while playing on the Louisiana Tech University football team.
She began her career in Golden, Colorado, teaching fifth grade. She then became the teaching consultant for Jefferson County, Colorado. As he was about to receive his master’s degree, George was offered a job in Tripoli, Libya. “We didn’t have money, but we would have almost paid them to go. We were so excited,” Barbara said.
They lived in Tripoli for four years until Barbara and their girls were evacuated during the Six-Day War between Israel and Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. “The American Embassy ordered all women and children living in Libya to go to Wheelus Air Force Base for their protection,” Barbara recalled.
Before dawn, Barbara and her two daughters were put on a van and taken to an airstrip. There they boarded a cattle transport plane outfitted with seats and took off. The plane landed in Rome. Barbara, 3-year-old Leah, and 3-month-old Laura boarded another plane and landed in New York City the next day.
George was stuck in Libya and not able to come home because of the war. George returned to America in October and flew to Casper for a job interview. He had a layover in Denver and visited with John Haun, his professor and advisor from Colorado School of Mines. Haun encouraged George to pay a visit to Jim Barlow. It turns out that Haun and Barlow were in partnership together and needed to hire a geologist.
George flew back to Louisiana and the next day received a phone call. “He came running into my parent’s house, picked me up, whirled me around and said, ‘We’re going to Casper, Wyoming, with Barlow and Haun!’ and that’s how we got to Casper,” said Barbara. The young family arrived in Casper at the end of Oct. 1967.
Barbara’s first job was as an adjunct instructor at Casper College. On Jan. 31, 1969, she became a full-time education instructor. Eventually, she became the associate dean of academic affairs and, most famously, the originator and director of the college’s program for high-achieving youngsters, the KEY — Knowledge Enrichment for Youth — program in 1986. Barbara retired from Casper College in 1999 and then from KEY in 2019.
Some might say that Barbara has lived a charmed life, but the educator also knows tragedy. In 1977, at the age of 40, her beloved husband of 20 years died. With the support of her Casper College colleagues and many friends in her church, Barbara decided to stay in Casper.
During her 30-year employment at Casper College, Barbara expanded its programs and helped instructors excel in their jobs. She created KEY and served as its director for an incredible 34 years. Barbara is remembered as much for what she did for Casper College as for who she was and is a genuinely nice, sincere, and caring person.
2021 Honoree Linda Nix
Education has always been very important for Linda Nix. The daughter of two educators, Nix made education a priority for herself. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1976, her Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut in 1981, and a master’s degree in public policy from Trinity College that same year. Nix had enough education to prepare her for any challenge.
Her first position was as the assistant director of the Health Insurance Association of America. With an office on Third Avenue in Manhattan, her move to Wyoming stood in contrast to her fast-paced life in the city. As soon as she moved to Casper, Wyoming, in the early 80s, she got right back to work. She started an independent law practice while also working as the director of Medical Affairs at Wyoming Medical Center. In addition, she served as the Natrona County Medical Society’s executive director.
In 1986, she was chosen to co-direct the Wyoming Futures Project with friend Pat Nagel. Because they found joy working together, they began a consulting business, Nagel and Nix. In 1988, her love of education saw her serve on the Casper College Board of Trustees for eight years. Nix was also a founding member of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, also known as BOCES.
Nix balanced multiple responsibilities for many years until 2006 when she accepted a position at the Casper College Foundation as a part-time alumni coordinator. The flexibility allowed her to continue her consulting business. In 2014, she took on full-time duties as the associate director of alumni relations.
She retired from the foundation in 2019 as the part-time publications coordinator. Nix was instrumental in growing the Casper College Foundation and Alumni Association into what it is today through her steady demeanor and ability to incorporate the staff’s creativity into cohesive ideas that continue to move the foundation forward.
2020 Honoree Dana Van Burgh
Dana Van Burgh received his teaching certificate at Casper College in 1957. When he and his wife returned to Casper after his service in the Air Force, he discovered that his degree in Geology from Coe College wasn’t as useful as he’d hoped, and he needed a job. He and his late wife, Nora Van Burgh, began attending classes in Liesinger Hall shortly after it was built.
Dana was student teaching at NCHS when he stopped by the newly built Dean Morgan Junior High School for a visit. By the time he left, he had a job. It was a job that Dana held for 38 years, teaching general science and geology. He went on to earn his master’s degree and won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for outstanding teaching in the United States.
He picked up teaching earth science for elementary educators as an adjunct at Casper College after retirement from Dean Morgan. He continues to volunteer at the Western History Center, collecting stories from people for their oral history project. He served on the Alumni Association Board from 1997-2001. Dana has also established several scholarships and funds to help students and the college. One of his funds, the Nora Van Burgh Library Fund, was started in honor of his late wife, Nora, who worked at the library for 25 years. Dana also donated his suburban to the Tate Museum, and they used it until it died, taking one last trip to collect fossils.
Dana exemplifies a commitment to excellence to Casper College through his time as a student, instructor, volunteer, and benefactor.
2019 Honoree Paulann Doane
2019 Commitment to Excellence honoree is Paulann Doane who improved the outlook for countless Casper College students through her efforts at the Casper College Foundation. Her efforts to upgrade operations at the Foundation has benefitted students, the campus community, and Casper. She headed the capital campaign that brought five new buildings to the campus as well as the iconic statue, “Essence of Rex”. Doane facilitated healthy growth and modernization of processes that will benefit Casper College for many years to come.
2019 Honoree Charlotte Babcock
2019 Commitment to Excellence honoree Charlotte Babcock was one of the first graduates of Casper College and has remained committed to its continued excellence through her support and efforts on the Alumni Association Board as well as her many contributions to her community, including her column in Footprints magazine. She established the Babcock Memorial Scholarship in memory of her husband Robert which benefits non-traditional students returning to college.
2018 Honoree John Jorgensen
John Jorgensen’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his service to Casper College where he has served as on the Foundation board for 30 years. Despite the loss of his wife in a car accident leaving him to raise their 5 children, he never wavered in his commitment to the college and his community. A graduate of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, John Jorgensen began his career in banking after receiving his degree in Political Science. Interrupted by three years of military service during the Vietnam War, he returned to banking in the Midwest. After reconnecting with his future wife Sue, who he met during college, they married in 1980. A position at Community First Bank brought him to Casper in 1987. He accepted a position at Hilltop National Bank in 1996 and went on to become the President of Hilltop Bank in 2006 until his retirement in 2015. Jorgensen’s service to the Casper College Foundation began in 1987. In 1990 he was elected President, a position he still holds. His leadership has been instrumental in its many successes. Involved in several successful capital construction campaigns, one recent initiative raised $10 million to complete the funding for five new campus buildings. The Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation was created to honor his wife’s memory. From humble beginnings, the foundation has grown to serve students across the State of Wyoming. Wyoming Reads to date has distributed 180,000 hardcover books to first graders around the state. Jorgensen’s love for his community is evident in his passion for children’s literacy, his steadfast leadership on the Foundation Board, his service to Rotary, his career at Hilltop Bank, dedication to his family and his love of acting. His partner Cathy Carson has been by his side the last 14 years. They have enjoyed the successes of his 5 children- Sarah, Lindsey, Marty, Matthew, and Christian- who have all worked together under his guidance to become strong individuals who are devoted to their father and one another. His work ethic and constancy of character make him an esteemed member of the campus and community.
2017 Honoree Bill Landen
Landen began his academic career at Casper College in 1974. A member of the student senate and editor of the Casper College Chinook he was an involved student. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Wyoming he came back to Casper College in 1985. He started the public relations department under the leadership of Lloyd Loftin. He led the effort to begin the Alumni Association and the first board for that organization met in 1987. Landen was honored as Administrator of the Year in 1997 and later served as the Associate Vice President for Student Services and as the Athletic Director. Before he retired in 2015 he was instrumental in establishing a $1 million endowment for the support of athletics at Casper College. The past ten years he has represented his district in the Wyoming State Senate. He sits on the Appropriations Committee and was honored by the Peace Officers and Wyoming veterans as Legislator of the year, receiving the Patrick Henry award in 2013.
2016 Honoree Shirley Jacob
Shirley Jacob began working at Casper College in 1982 as an English instructor and then moved to the grant’s office in 1992. Jacob was a tireless worker who brought professionalism and kindness to her work. Shirley Jacob is primarily responsible for bringing the Margeret Demorest Humanities Festival to Casper College as well as over a million dollars in grant money to the campus during her tenure in the grant’s office. She was also active in keeping Expressions magazine alive. Jacob was always willing to go above and beyond and continues to teach OLLI classes at Casper College.
2015 No award presented
2014 Honoree Bill Hambrick
Bill Hambrick loved education and dedicated his life to academics. He taught school at every level from kindergarten through college. During his career that spanned 47 years, he estimated that he was involved with the education of over 200,000 kids. This kind of dedication led to his nomination and acceptance of Wyoming’s Principal of the Year award in 1988. He leadership roles included eight years on the board of directors of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, including one year as president. He served as a trustee for Casper College for many years, continuing his legacy of service in education.
2014 Honorees John and Jane Wold
John Schiller Wold was a business leader who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1969 – 1971. He holds the distinction of being the first professional geologist to serve in Congress. Wold founded or directed several business ventures based on extraction of oil, gas, coal, uranium and soda ash. He also purchased the historically famous Hold-in-the-Wall Ranch in Johnson County and maintained the well known black Angus cow/calf operation. Wold served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1957 to 1959 and was the state’s Republican chairman from 1960 to 1964. During World War II, he served as a consulting physicist and gunnery officer for the U.S. Navy. He and wife, Jane established the Help Yourself Foundation, an after-school program to teach science to elementary school students in partnership with Casper College and NCSD #1. They also funded an endowed John and Jane Wold Chair of Energy in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Wyoming. The Wolds made an additional $2 million donation to Cornell University to fund the Wold Chair of Environmental Balance, which they hoped would advance John’s philosophy of utilizing natural resources while protecting the natural environment. John and Jane Wold donated money to build the Wold Science Building at Casper College. The American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming named Wold ‘Wyoming Citizen of the Century’ in the minerals, gas and oil category in 1999.
2013 Honoree Tom Empey
Serving under four college presidents, Tom Empey directed 86 plays during his tenure at Casper College and served as artistic director for at least that many more. When Empey took over the theatre program at Casper College in 1979, productions were held in the tiny Penthouse Theatre on the first floor of the Liesinger Administration Building. By the end of his first five years, the Gertrude Krampert Theatre was under construction and enrollment in theatre and dance began to boom. The new building opened in 1985. As the program gained in strength and quality, the community began to recognize the annual slate of outstanding theatre productions as cultural highlights of Casper. The ensuing years under Empey’s leadership saw continued growth of programs and hiring of additional outstanding faculty. In 2003 a renovation of the Krampert Theatre was completed, which added 30,000 square feet, including a communication wing and the Scifers Dance Studio. He also began the forensics team at Casper College.
2012 Honoree Paul Hallock
A Casper native and an alumnus of Casper College, Paul Hallock directed the Casper College Foundation for 17 years, succeeding Swede Erickson. He began work as an admissions counselor in 1978, became the director of admissions and school relations in 1982, the director of planning and development in 1984, and became the Foundation's director in 1993. He served Casper College for 33 years, overseeing a fivefold increase in the foundation's endowment. Six new buildings were constructed during his tenure, as well as the remodeling of several more. Hallock was honored in 2008 as the national Outstanding Private Fundraising professional by the Council on Resource Development. He was also the Executive Director of the Casper College Alumni Association and the first Executive Director of the BOCES in Casper.
2011 Honoree Marialyce Tobin
Marialyce Tobin began her relationship with Casper College when it was still located in the Natrona County High School. She taught business law at night for the brand new junior college. She continued to teach for 14 more years. In addition to her teaching she served on the Casper College Foundation board for 21 years. Her wisdom and financial acumen were highly prized by those with whom she served with. Tobin continues to be a fixture at the Swede Erickson gym cheering on Casper College sports at nearly every event. Her love for education, the students and the college are a great asset to the college community. Tobin commissioned the statue “the Essence of Rex” by local artist Chris Navarro which now stands at the Tate Museum. Her commitment to the college and the community is a lasting legacy.
2010 Honoree Dr. Christian Michelson
Dr. Chris Michelson was an instructor at Casper College for 28 years. During that time he held himself and his students to a high standard. He always did more than he was asked and took on many important tasks at the campus. In addition to his excellence in teaching he continues to attend every T-Bird home game, often helping as a scorekeeper. He enjoys helping students and colleagues. His willingness to help others and his professionalism during his time at campus made him stand out. His contributions help make Casper College the great place it is today.
2009 Honoree Jack Romanek
Jack Romanek was the first director of the College Center built in 1965. He was instrumental in developing a welcoming environment to all the students at Casper College. He developed a variety of activities and events to keep students busy and focused. He was the student’s best cheerleader encouraging them and helping them develop skills of evaluation without judgment. He was the unofficial advisor to international students, taking the time to help students in need of a friendly face. His connection to the students and the community made Casper College a welcoming environment for those away from home for the first time. His enthusiasm and leadership were infectious and students benefitted from having his guidance.
2008 Honoree Jeanine Jones
For 26 years Jeanine Jones served the entire Casper College family with energy, enthusiasm, and compassion. She was hired in 1967 by Tim Aley to be the school nurse. As a one person health clinic she went above and beyond. She even did ‘house’ calls for sick students. She opened her doors to students and their families. During Roping and Riggin’ days she was the medical staff for the athletes. Her vision extended the clinic to include an evening physician’s clinic that to this day provides free medical care for students on campus by bringing in doctors who volunteer their time. She also helped with Blue Envelope. Her care and compassion can still be felt on campus today.
2007 No award presented
2006 Honoree Bill Seese
Bill Seese received his Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy from the University of New Mexico, his Master’s Degree in chemistry from the same university and his Ph.D. in chemistry from Washington State University. After working as a research biochemist for the International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, he joined the Casper College staff in l966 teaching Introduction to Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Basic Pharmacology. While at Casper College he took a leave of absence to develop and coordinate applied chemistry and preparatory chemistry programs at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He took another leave of absence to organize and develop a new department at the University of New Mexico-Gallup. In l987-1988 he was a Fulbright lecturer at Omdurman Islamic University, then manned a one-person department at Alice Lloyd College in Kentucky before completing his career at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, again as a Fulbright lecturer. During his career, he received many grants and authored several textbooks and research publications. He helped create and populate the first database of Casper College alumni.
2005 Honoree Gail Zimmerman
Gail Zimmerman attended and graduated from the following post-high-school institutions: McCook College, McCook, NE (AS); Nebraska State College, Chadron, NE (BS); University of Montana, Missoula, MT (MA) and the University of Wyoming (Ph.D.). Gail served as a member of the U.S. Army during the time of the Korean and Post-Korean War. Zimmerman taught 23 years at Casper College. His primary teaching was anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. For several years he also taught for UW/CC. He was Co-Director of the NSF Curriculum Development Grant between the University of Wyoming and the seven community colleges; Director of the Wyoming State Wastewater Training Center at Casper College and Director of the Werner Wildlife Museum. Zimmerman served in the Wyoming State House of Representatives from 1985-1989 and in the Wyoming State Senate from 1989-1999. He is active in the Rotary Club of Casper, The Wyoming Water Quality, and Pollution Control Association, the National Rifle Association, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and is an active member of the Highland Park Community Church.
2004 Honoree Dick Means
Richard “Dick” Means began his career as Director of Testing and Counselor at Casper College in 1966. In addition to his professional role, he taught classes, sponsored the student senate, advised students, traveled as a recruiter, helped with new student orientations, and assisted with any activity where help was needed. Although he retired from Casper College in l996 he has continued his involvement at the college in many ways including administering various standardized tests at no salary expense to the college. His loyalty to Casper College has been unsurpassed and he is a true example of someone who has given back not only to the college but to the community. He has been a leader in every organization he has belonged to: including professional groups such as the Wyoming Personnel and Guidance Association (from whom he received the “lifetime achievement award”); the International Red Cross; Boy Scouts of America; the Natrona County Senior Center; Meals on Wheels; United Way, and the Mills Water District. He has served as a member of his church council and as an elder. He is devoted to his work, family, church and friends.
2002 Honoree Michael Sarvey
Michael received his Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from the University of Wyoming and his Masters from Arizona State University. After serving as the senior auditor in the Denver office of Peat, Marwick, and Mitchell, he joined the staff at Casper College and UW/Casper in 1970 as an instructor of Accounting. For many years, he maintained a part-time public accounting practice as well. He never let the practice interfere with his obligation to the college and the students but felt it gave him added incentive to stay current with accounting and tax rules. From 1985-1989 he was the Business Division Chairman and, in 1988, received the Rosenthal Outstanding Educator Award. While at Casper College, he sponsored the ski club, sponsored college y our republicans, helped DECA CLUB in fundraising, organized “student’s day” for accounting students to tour accounting offices and attend CPA luncheons, coordinated activities sponsored by American Society of Women Accounts, served as an auditor for Miss Casper College Pageant, supported the Casper College T-Bird and Lady T-Bird Boosters. In addition to his college activities, Michael was on the Board of Directors for the Casper Symphony Orchestra, the United Way of Natrona County, the United Fund Foundation, the Casper Area Economic Development Commission, and the Sigma Nu Fraternity Educational Foundation. He held many CPA and Business certificates and volunteered at many organizations. After 30 years of teaching, he was forced to retire in 2000 due to Parkinson’s Disease.
2001 Honoree Arlene Larson
Arlene Larson began teaching English in 1953 in public schools. She joined the faculty at Casper College in 1971, teaching English, journalism, composition, American literature, and literature of the American West. She was a revered journalism instructor at Casper College when she retired in 1997. Arlene is best remembered for her work as advisor of the Chinook, the award-winning student newspaper, serving for thirteen years in that role. Many of her former students have gone on to successful journalism careers. In addition to the respect she had among her students, she served many years on the college’s planning team and is known for her efforts on behalf of the faculty. In 1980, she and Carolyn Logan published a textbook, How Does Language Work? She also authored another textbook, English 10 Composition and Grammar. Her writings also included topics on Western literature and Post WW II American literature. While at Casper College, she worked on many planning and visioning committees and was a traveling evaluator for North Central. She earned her degrees from the University of Northern Iowa and Colorado College.
2000 Honoree Jean Wheatley
Jean taught physical education at Casper College from 1966 to 1993. She is credited with establishing women’s varsity athletics at Casper College and was the first varsity coach in 1971. Her tennis teams took numerous regional titles in the mid-1980s. Jean Wheatley also served as athletic director from 1988 to 1993. She was honored with the Rosenthal Outstanding Educator award in 1989. When Jean Wheatley retired from 27.5 years of instructing at Casper College, she established a scholarship to help women majoring in physical education or any health-related field. The women’s athletic program at Casper College continues to thrive, in large part due to the foundational work of Jean Wheatley.
1999 Honoree Jane Katherman
Jane Katherman taught history at Casper College for 24 years, from 1961 to 1985. Those who taught with her remembered her undying commitment to academic standards. She never lowered the bar. Since retiring, she has contributed to the college, serving on the district board since 1988. Katherman has served as president, vice president, and secretary of the board.
1998 Honoree Swede Erickson
Swede led Casper College's Thunderbirds as head basketball coach before becoming the director of the Casper College Foundation. As the head coach, between 1958-1986, he won 638 games and lost 220. He led the team to win nine Region lX championships and coached four NJCAA first-team All-Americans. Between 1992-1996, he served on the Natrona County Commission.
1997 Honoree Lloyd Loftin
Dr. Loftin came to Casper College in 1963 as a biology and microbiology instructor. Two years later, he was made Dean of students and later served as Dean of Faculty and Vice President of the College before becoming president. Dr. Loftin was president of Casper College from 1979-1988. Creating the University of Wyoming at Casper College was Dr. Loftin's initiative. He had always wanted to have upper-level classes offered at Casper College.
1996 Honoree William Henry
William Henry was a 4-H leader for 17 years, a Wyoming Stock Growers Association member for 35 years, and a Wyoming Wool Growers Association member for 35 years, Retired from teaching at Casper College after 40 years. William was awarded the National Young Farmer, State of Wyoming in 1978; Chamber of Commerce, Ag Business Man of the Year in 1980; and Honorary State Farmer, presented in Kansas City in 1992.
1995 No award presented
1994 Honoree Dale Stiles
In 1951, Stiles accepted a job from Bill Henry to help put together an agriculture program at Casper College. A year after that, he built the foundation for what would become one of the top rodeo programs in America. In 1963, Casper College won its first national intercollegiate championship. Stiles coached some great cowboys, such as Fanzen and Alexander, Dave Brock, Ivin Daine, Jim Davis, J.C. Bonine, T.J. Walter, Guy Shapka, and Skeeter Thurston. While he gave up the coaching reins in 1989, he was always behind the chutes for Ropin' and Riggin' Days. Bill Landen said, "You don't replace somebody like Dale; you just try to carry on with the same kind of dedication he had. "
1993 Honoree Norman Ball
Norman D. Ball began inspiring students at Casper College in 1945, on the upper floor of Natrona County High School, in the institution's earliest days. Norman, a member of the first faculty, taught Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering. When the College moved to its present location, he was the first chairman of the Physical Science department. As a teacher, he encouraged countless students to go forth from Casper College and achieve their potential and has been credited with influencing many of the nation's leading scientists. He sponsored Phi Theta Kappa since the first year of Casper Junior College, and the fraternity continues to thrive today. He later moved into administrative positions and served as the Dean of Records and Admissions beginning in 1965. He became Administrative Assistant to President Lloyd Loftin in 1980. He continued to serve the institution and its students until his retirement. He helped launch the alumni effort that led to the formation of an alumni association and continued cultivating relationships with former students after his retirement. Norman earned his B.S. degree from Baker University and his M.S. from Kansas State University. He also did graduate work at the University of Colorado, UCLA, University of Wyoming, and Wayne State University.
1991 Honoree Harold Josendall
Harold Josendal, a pioneer and native son of Wyoming, earned a degree in agriculture from the University of Wyoming. Besides running the family ranch, he began a period of long public service in the State Legislature early in his career. He served two terms in the State House of Representatives and also served in the State Senate. During his tenure as a Natrona County State Senator, he became one of the early architects of the legislation authorizing two-year colleges in Wyoming; as his peers note, it was Josendal who was the strategy and floor manager of the two-year college permissive legislation in 1945. Since that date, he has always played an essential role in the continuing development of Casper College.
