[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2775-S2776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   75TH ANNIVERSARY OF CASPER COLLEGE

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I stand today to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of Casper College, a community, regional, and State pillar 
of education. Casper College is one of Wyoming's great educational 
institutions, with the mission of ``Education for a Lifetime.''
  Casper College was the first community college in Wyoming. The idea 
for the college began following World War I. After 19 years of study 
and debate, a measure to establish the college was passed by the 
Wyoming Legislature. It was signed into law in February 1945 by then-
Governor Lester C. Hunt. Casper Junior College opened in 1945 on the 
third floor of the Natrona County High School building. Timing was ripe 
for Casper College to meet the demands of the ``greatest generation'' 
of service men and women who were eligible for the newly offered GI 
bill. Since that time, Casper College has continued that same spirited 
mission. The college is an incredible success story, growing into one 
of the largest and most comprehensive community colleges in the Rocky 
Mountain West.
  In 1955, the rapidly expanding 2-year school moved to its present 
location on the hills below Casper Mountain. Today, the campus 
comprises 28 buildings on more than 200 acres. Casper College offers 
more than 140 academic transfer and technical and career programs. 
Eleven universities offer advanced degrees through university 
partnership programs. There are 40 University of Wyoming programs 
through the Casper College 2+2 Degree plan.
  Casper College has received numerous awards and national recognition. 
In 2020, the College Consensus named Casper College one of the Fifty 
Best Community Colleges in the United States. The school was also named 
the ninth-best community college in the Nation in a recent study 
conducted by the personal finance outlet WalletHub. This study 
recognizes where students can receive the best education at the lowest 
price. In 2021, Great Value Colleges named Casper College as one of 
America's most beautiful community college campuses.
  Casper College's core values are integrity, people, diversity, 
forward-thinking, and community. Alumni leaders include former Vice 
President of the United States Dick Cheney, the late country singer and 
rodeo cowboy Chris LeDoux, artist Chris Navarro, renowned entomoligist 
Wayne Hunter, and Marlan Scully, American physicist best known for his 
work in theoretical quantum optics. The alumni list also includes 
former professional athletes Earle Higgins, Bob Lackey, and Flynn 
Robinson. With over 4,000 students each semester, Casper college will 
continue to produce outstanding artists, athletes, academics, and 
professionals.
  Under the direction and guidance of President Darren Divine, staff, 
and faculty, Casper College continues a tradition of excellence started 
by the founders 75 years ago. They are educating, teaching, and 
training the next generation of leaders and professionals. The college 
board of trustees are Chair Steve Degenfelder, Vice Chair Tim Kugle, 
Secretary Sue Schilling, and Trustees Kathy Dolan, Liz Batton, Scott 
Bennion, and Susan D. Miller.
  Student Senate leaders for this anniversary year are President 
Anastacia Slack, School of Business & Industry; Bre Long and Dylan 
Cornelius, School of Fine Arts & Humanities; Tierra Price and Jakob 
Duncan, School of Health Science; Madelyn Polys and Morgan Bundy, 
School of Science; Emma Mercer and Abby Hudman, School of Social & 
Behavioral Science; Logan MacKearney and Charissa Parker, Freshman 
Representatives; and members Paige Noble and Dani Warner.

[[Page S2776]]

  Casper College is supported by the Casper College Foundation and 
Alumni Assocation. These organizations work with the community, donors, 
faculty, and staff to assist the college in fulfilling its mission. 
Together they invest in the legacy of Casper College.
  In honor of the 75th-anniversary, the Casper College Alumni 
Association named 25 former students and graduates as exemplary alumni. 
Congratulations to each one for their recognition at this special 
event.
  Asher Albertson MD (AS, '03), Neurologist
  Dale Anderson (AB, 93) (AAS, '89), Fire Science Instructor
  Jim Anderson (AB, '74), Wyoming State Senator
  Father Kevin Burke ('72), Vice President for Mission, Regis 
University
  Derrel Carruth (AS, '65), Retired USDA, State Director for Rural 
Development
  Rachelle Carnesale (AA, '87), Superior Court Judge
  Brenda Creel (AS, '82), Principal, Educator
  Kee Dunning (AA, '79), Youth Counselor
  Joshua Hamilton (AS, '99) (AS, '95), Professor, Owner Hamilton 
Psychiatric and Behavioral Health
  Lawrence Heim (AA, '85), IT Leadership, US State Department 
professional fellow
  Neal Jacquot (AA, '62), Former advisor to the Secretary of the 
Interior
  Tyler Lesher (AS, '11), Assistant Athletic Trainer for Florida 
Atlantic University
  David Long ('72), Retired Colorado State Patrolman
  Erin (Marrow) Hawley (AS, '00), Faculty University of Missouri, 
former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Roberts
  Reza ``Ciah'' Arabian Maleki (AS, '79), Faculty at University of 
North Dakota, Senior Business Advisor for Impact Dakota
  Patricia McInroy (AA, '89) (AA, '89) (AA, '89), Faculty at Rocky 
Mountain College of Art and Design, Documentary film maker
  Frank Neville (AA, '66), Founder of Willimas, Porter, Day, and 
Neville
  Jennifer Rodi (AS, '96) (AA, '96), NTSB Deputy Chief for Central 
Region and Adjunct Faculty
  Celestina Rossi (AB, '95), Senior Crime Investigator with Montgomery 
County Sheriff's Office
  Melissa Salee (AS, '97), OB/GYN Casper Practice
  Colton Sasser (AS, '16), Co-Owner Caspar Building, Co-Founder Hunting 
with Heroes
  Jerry Spicer ('68), Organizational Leadership Expert
  Richard Sullins (AS, '73), Retired faculty University of Texas, 
Development team leader at Texas Instruments
  Mike Stepp (AAS, '80), Owner Donelle's Chocolates, Community 
Volunteer
  Guy Worthey (AS, '95), Associate Professor of Physics at Washington 
State University
  Casper College provides education for a lifetime. Students gain the 
advantage of a college experience that stretches from the learning 
environment to student clubs and activities. These include championship 
athletics teams, vibrant culture in the arts and humanities, STEM, and 
trade/vocational career programs.
  It is a great privilege to recognize this remarkable institution 
advancing Wyoming education. Bobbi joins me in extending our 
congratulations to Casper College, the Alumni Association, and the 
Casper College Foundation on their 75th anniversary celebration.

                          ____________________