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Casper College News Releases
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Thursday, August 31, 2006 Casper College volleyball coach Angel Sharman has seen the best of times and she has seen the worst of times – all in one weekend. Her T-Birds opened the season at the College of Southern Idaho last weekend. Friday was the best of times as the Birds racked up two wins and narrowly lost to highly regarded Salt Lake Community College in a three game set. Saturday was the worst of times, as the Birds fell three straight times. The T-Birds take a 3-4 record (including a forfeit win over CSI) into this weekend’s Wyoming pre-conference tournament at Sheridan College. Casper opens play Friday at 11 a.m. against Miles City, and then plays Eastern Wyoming at 3:30 and Laramie County at 8. On Saturday, the T-Birds play Rocky Mountain at 10 a.m. Casper won the tournament a year ago, but Sharman says she is more worried about her team improving than winning. "CSI was a good eye opener for us," she said. "We saw some good things." Sharman will be without Maja Jechorek, her outstanding freshman hitter from Poland. Jechorek suffered a pulled muscle prior to the CSI tournament and has still not practiced this week, she said. Sharman lauded the play of sophomore captain Kylie Peck (Casper), who led the way last weekend on defense. |
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Tuesday, August 29, 2006 A special one-time scholarship in honor of Father Daniel Colibraro has been awarded to Andrew B. Elston of Casper. According to Paul Hallock, Casper College Foundation director, the one-time scholarship was the result of monetary gifts from several friends of Colibraro given in his honor. "Father Colibraro recently retired after 50 years of Christian ministry and these friends wanted to honor him in this terrific way," noted Hallock. The scholarship was designated for a mathematics or engineering major. Elston, a graduate of Kelly Walsh High School, is a sophomore majoring in engineering at Casper College. In addition to his studies, Elston also plans to work as a tutor in the college’s Math Learning Center during the fall and spring semesters. "Gifts such as these are wonderful ways to honor a long-time friend and associate in addition to providing much-needed financial assistance and encouragement to our students. The foundation salutes both Father Colibraro and the donors," said Hallock. |
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Tuesday, August 29, 2006 A beginning class for those who want to learn how to beautifully decorate cakes will be offered at Casper College on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., September 7 through the 28. Presented by Casper College, "Cake Decorating I" (CMSV 0117 60) will teach students how to make and use icing. "Students will learn how to make buttercream icing, level, fill, and ice a cake, apply trims, write on a cake, and make roses and leaves," said Tina Ross, instructor. All students are asked to bring a notebook and pen to the first class. A supply list will be handed out at that time. To register, or for more information, call Casper College at 268-2206 or log on to www.caspercollege.edu. |
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Tuesday, August 29, 2006 A class just for puppies is being offered through Casper College on Monday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 Sept. 11 through Oct. 23. "Puppy Kindergarten" (CMSV 2100 61) is specifically designed for puppies ages 6 months to 1 year and their owners. Instruction will include socialization, house training, mouthing, good nutrition, come when called, good manners, the importance of vet care, and more, according to instructors Jana Oler and Dawn Miller. For more information or to register, call the college at 268-2206 or log on to www.caspercollege.edu. |
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Tuesday, August 29, 2006 The Wyoming Distance Education Consortium has recognized education and psychology instructor Ruth Doyle as the Master Distance Educator for Casper College. Paul Marquard, who nominated Doyle, noted that she is "a phenomenal teacher in the traditional and electronic classroom." For the fall 2006 semester Doyle is again teaching three courses online: child psychology, educational psychology and lifespan. Generally Doyle’s online instruction parallels that of her classroom courses. Because of this, "students can move from on-campus classes to online classes, or vice versa, fluidly when necessary," said Marquard, director of distance education at Casper College. The ability for students to move from classroom to online "increases retention in (Doyle’s) classes when she can accommodate students who have illness, tragedy and lifestyle changes. She consistently bends over backward to accommodate students, even to the point of letting them do some of their class online and some traditionally, when the student is in a bind for attending a traditional class," Marquard said. Doyle has been involved in the online program at Casper College since its inception approximately 10 years ago. Instruction in all of Doyle’s classes are developed by her and are writing based. "Ruth brings her classes to the top with the information and work she puts into them. They are not just online classes; they are a true electronic learning experience," said Marquard. |
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Tuesday, August 29, 2006 The locations and times of operation have been released for adult basic education (ABE)/GED instruction and English as a second language (ESL) this fall from Casper College. Free instruction is provided to adults in basic reading, basic writing, basic math, and GED preparation. The ABE/GED Center at Casper College is open on Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday from 1 to 8 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to Lisa Mixer, tutor coordinator and ABE/GED co-director, a mandatory new student orientation will be held every Tuesday at 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the ABE/GED Center. The center is located in the Werner Technical Center, Room 115 on the Casper College campus. The Casper Workforce Center (CWC), located at 851 Werner Court, Suite 120, is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An ABE/GED Outreach Program will be conducted Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and on Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the North Casper School, portable 2. The school is located at 1014 N. Glenarm. Finally, the ESL Program will also be held in portable 2 at the North Casper School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information on these programs stop by the Casper College ABE/GED Center or call Mixer at 268-2453. |
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Tuesday, August 29, 2006 A special ticket package is being offered for this year’s five ethnic dinners at Casper College. The ticket package will cover all five Casper College ethnic dinners. This year’s lineup features foods from Kenya on October 12, Brazil on November 9, World’s Fare on February 1, Italy on March 1, and Poland on April 12. The cost for the ticket packages is $35. If tickets were purchased individually in advance for each ethnic dinner the total cost would be $40. The savings is even larger for those diners who purchase their tickets individually at the door and spend a total of $47.50. "Selling both the dinner ticket package and individual ethnic dinner tickets in advance helps us to better plan for the amount of food we need to have prepared," says Tim Hammerschmitt, food service general manager. The ethnic dinner ticket package will be available for purchase through Friday, Oct. 6. The packages can be purchased at the Roberts Commons Cafeteria Monday through Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.; at the coffee bars located in the Administration Building and the Wold Physical Science Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon, and in the Casper College Office of Accounting and Financial Management from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. The ethnic dinner series is sponsored by the Casper College Diversity Committee. |
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Tuesday, August 29, 2006 The unique art of belly dancing will be taught at Casper College during a month-long course on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon, September 16 to October 14. According to instructor Jane Sutton, students will gain a firm foundation in American Egyptian Cabaret style belly dance. Belly dancing first came to the United States during the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 when an Egyptian dancer known as "Little Egypt" performed on stage. Americans were intrigued with the dance, and soon afterward the American style of belly dance was born. "Belly Dance 101" (CMSV 0036 60) will be "great fun and exercise for all ages," said Sutton. To register, or for more information call Casper College at 268-2206 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu. |
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Monday, August 28, 2006 A new 13-week class for immigrants planning to apply for United States citizenship will begin on Monday, Sept. 18. According to Lisa Mixer, Casper College tutor coordinator and ABE/GED co-director, the class is designed for those individuals who are able to speak, read, write some English and are one year away from their test date. Mixer noted that the class is free and "will provide participants with a full understanding of United States history and government." Pre-registration is required for the class, which will be held each Monday evening from 6:30 to 7:30. To register, or for more information, call Mixer at 268-2453. |
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Monday, August 28, 2006 Twenty-one instructors have joined the teaching faculty at Casper College. The new faculty bring with them a variety of teaching methods and experiences. Carmen Simone, vice president of academic affairs was pleased with the new hires. "We've hired a dynamic group of new faculty members this year who will bring a great deal of energy and excitement to our campus," she said. "I'm looking forward to working with them and with all of our faculty as we take on new programs and initiatives throughout this year," she added. Matthew Board will be working for both the fine arts and business divisions, teaching graphic arts. Board earned his AA in liberal arts from Washing State Community College, his BFA in art from Northern Kentucky University and his MFA in electronic art and painting from the University of Cincinnati. The Casper College Fine Arts Division also hired two other faculty: Douglas Bull in music and Sean McIntosh in theatre. Bull will teach band and brass for the college. He received his BS in music education from Towson University, and most recently taught in the Converse County school system. McIntosh joins the Casper College Theatre Department as theatre designer and technical director. McIntosh received his BA in theatre from the University of Portland and his MFA in scenic design from Boston University. The Health Sciences Division at Casper College continues to grow and has added five new employees. Three of those positions are in the nursing department. Sandra Cole earned her BSN in nursing from Langston University, Tulsa; Velvet Hiser earned her AS in biology from Casper College and her BSN in nursing from the University of Wyoming, and Mary Williams earned her BSN in nursing from UW. The other two hires in the health science division are Christina Hubble and Merle Potter. Hubble will be a pharmacy technology instructor. She received her AS in pharmacy technology from Casper College. Potter is the director of the newly created paramedic technology program. He earned an AAS in forestry and his AAS in wildlife management from Casper College, and his AAS in paramedic technology from Century College. Jill Hughes, Gwen Remington, William Sheffield, and Melanie Young are new instructors for the Casper College Division of Language and Literature. Hughes received her BA in English from High Point University and her MA in adult/post secondary education from UW. Remington earned an AS in computer science from Front Range Community College, a BA in English from the University of Sioux Falls and a MA in English from the University of South Dakota. Sheffield will teach communications and forensics at Casper College. He earned his BS in communication from Southern Utah State College and his MA in communication from Eastern New Mexico University. Young received her BA in English and her MA in English from the University of Northern Colorado. Hughes, Remington and Young will all teach English at Casper College. Scott Johnson will teach human anatomy courses in the Life Science Division at Casper College. Johnson earned his AS in pre-occupational therapy from Casper College, his BS in occupational therapy from the University of North Dakota-Casper College and his OTD in occupational therapy from Creighton University. Matthew Kennedy and Bernardino Madsen have also joined the life science division – Kennedy in the agriculture department, and Madsen in the medical laboratory technician department. Kennedy received his AS in agriculture from Casper College and both his BS and MS in animal science from Oregon State University. Madsen earned his BS in medical technology from UW. The Physical Science Division at Casper College hired Brook Russell in statistics. Russell earned his AB in mathematics from William Jewell College and his MA in mathematics from the University of Montana. Claudia Stewart will be teaching math for the physical science division. Stewart earned her BS in geology-geophysics from the University of Hawaii, Honolulu and her MS in geology from the University of Wyoming. The physical science division also welcomed Becky Woodward to its engineering department. Woodward received both her BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University and her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Maine. Jeffrey Sun and Georgann Willis will be teaching for the Behavioral and Social Science Division at Casper College. Sun will teach Geographic Information Systems (GIS) while Willis will teach psychology. Sun earned his BS in geography from UW and his MA with an emphasis in GIS from Texas State University. Willis received her BA in psychology and both her MA and Ph.D. in learning and comparative psychology, all from the University of Montana. Finally, the Casper College Business Division hired Mark Oxley to teach accounting. Oxley received both his BA in business administration and MPA in professional accountancy from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. |
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Friday, August 25, 2006 A Basque dinner and dance performance will take place at Casper College on Friday, Sept. 15 as part of the Alpha Mu Gamma National Convention. According to Lynda Durham, Alpha Mu Gamma national president, one of the highlights of the convention will be Friday night with the dinner and dance performance, which has been opened up to the public. Casper College Diversity Committee member Janet de Vries said that the dinner would be served buffet style beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Roberts Commons Ballroom on the Casper College campus. "The menu features lukanka specially ordered from DJ's Thriftway in Buffalo, the only business in the area which makes these garlic sausages. The buffet will also include vegetarian leek soup, blue cheese salad with oil and vinegar dressing, sheepherder bread, red wine potatoes, warm garbanzo salad, Basque salsa, and Basque cake, said de Vries. Following the dinner, the Buffalo Bighorn Basque Club "Zaharrer Segi," which means, "Follow the Old" in Basque will perform. According to de Vries, one of the dancers will be Casper College's Senior Admissions Representative Kirstie Auzqui, a second generation Basque American from Clearmont, Wyo. Due to the limited seating and to ensure enough food is prepared, tickets for the dinner will be sold in advance, cash only. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children 8 and under. Tickets will be available through Friday Sept. 8 in the Casper College Office of Accounting and Financial Management, located in the Administration Building, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
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Friday, August 25, 2006 A new class that will study the politics of Europe and the European Union is being offered for the fall semester at Casper College. "In ‘Politics of Europe and the European Union’ (POLS 2200) students will learn about the United States’ key allies, trading partners, and popular tourist attractions," said Erich Frankland, Casper College political science instructor. "Students will be exposed to the culture, history, politics, and contemporary issues facing the key members of the European Union as well as an overview of the European Union itself," he noted. According to Frankland the European Union plays a role in Wyoming economics, as one of the largest international economic interests active in the state. In addition, the countries of the European Union "are key players in assisting the United States in the war on terror, the nation building in the Middle East, and many other key facets of our foreign policy," said Frankland. "Politics of Europe and the European Union" will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Late registration for the class will continue through Friday, Sept. 1. For more information or to register, call Casper College at 268-2207 or on the Website at www.caspercollege.edu. |
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Friday, August 25, 2006 All students enrolled in the night class "Entrepreneurship" (BADM 2490) at Casper College for the fall semester are invited to attend CAEDA’s quarterly breakfast on Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 7 a.m. in Ballroom C of the Parkway Plaza. The CAEDA (Casper Area Economic Development Association) breakfast will feature Frank Mendicino, III and Brian Wallace with Access Venture Partners who will speak on venture capital. "Venture capital is a critical component to entrepreneurship as it relates to advanced communication, healthcare, and data storage innovations," said Liz Becher, CAEDA vice president. "This is a great chance for students enrolled in "Entrepreneurship" to learn about this important component and to also have a chance to interact with local business leaders," said Russ Rauchfuss, Casper College business instructor. Rauchfuss will co-teach the class with Becher. Those who enroll in "Entrepreneurship" will learn first-hand from successful area business owners and entrepreneurs who will speak on a variety of approaches to successful entrepreneurship. The class has been designed for those who have always wanted to start their own business, or for those that just want to explore the possibilities. Seats are still available in "Entrepreneurship" which will be held on Thursday nights from 6 to 9. Late registration for the class will continue through Friday, Sept. 1. For more information call the Casper College Business Division at 268-2389. |
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Thursday, August 24, 2006 The first show of the 2005-06 academic year in the Goodstein Gallery features the work of Matt Board, new graphic design instructor at Casper College. The subject for Board’s work is a fictitious corporate entity named Vaultair. "Vaultair’s product is automata that are called Solutions. The Solutions are marketed toward the military, corporate and domestic sectors of society," said Board. According to Board, his creative strategy "changes paintings and digital images into advertisements" and uses a quote from the French playwright and philosopher Voltaire as the slogan. "In the end, the slogans and imagery come together to form a commentary on how human beings treat other human beings," he said. Board earned his AA in liberal arts from Washing State Community College, his BFA in art from Northern Kentucky University and his MFA in electronic art and painting from the University of Cincinnati. College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. Board created all of the digital prints on display at the Goodstein Gallery while he was in residency in Hungary. An artist’s reception will be held for Board on Thursday, Aug. 24 beginning at noon in the Visual Arts Center. Board’s work will be on display through Friday, Sept. 8 at the Goodstein Gallery located in the Visual Arts Center on the Casper College campus. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and the show is free and open to the public. |
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Tuesday, August 22, 2006 The 14th annual T-Bird Scramble golf tournament is scheduled for Sept. 8 at the Casper Country Club. According to event organizers, spots still remain for the tournament but the field is filling fast. The event, which benefits the Casper College athletic scholarship fund, has sold out every year for the past six years. Once again the tournament will feature three divisions: Master’s (teams are allowed two golfers under a 12 handicap), T-Bird (all golfers above a 12) and Women’s. Cost for the tournament is $120. That entry fee includes golf cart, banquet and prizes. Tournament golfers will receive two season passes to the upcoming T-Bird basketball seasons. For more information about the T-Bird Scramble, call 268-2667. |
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Tuesday, August 22, 2006 Casper College opens the 2006 volleyball season on the road Friday. The T-Birds are scheduled to play Friday against the College of Eastern Utah, Eastern Arizona and Salt Lake Community College. On Saturday, Casper faces North Idaho, Western Wyoming and Snow College. Coach Angel Sharman said Tuesday that her team would be without the services of Maja (Maya) Jechorek, a 6-1 middle hitter from Poland. Jechorek has looked good in practice, but on Monday pulled a quadriceps muscle in her left leg. Kari Tofte, a freshman from Casper Natrona, will start at the setter position. Amy Nelson (Lusk) and Kylie Peck (Casper Natrona) have been named team captains for the upcoming season. The T-Birds’ first home match is not until Sept. 19. Next week, they play at Sheridan in the pre-conference tournament. |
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Monday, August 21, 2006 Acclaimed authors Linda Hasselstrom and C.J. Box will be featured during the Equality State Book Festival in Casper October 19 through 21. Linda Hasselstrom, prizewinning poet, essayist, and writing coach will give the keynote address at the book festival’s Gala Banquet on Friday, Oct. 20. Her talk, entitled "The Commonplace I Sing," will center on writers as a community of ordinary folks dedicated to writing the truth about their lives, particularly as these local and living writers represent the Great Plains and Wyoming. "People will like Linda’s genuine connection to the land, and her clarity when writing and speaking about it," said Tom Rea, book festival director. Mystery writer C.J. Box will provide the closing for the book festival with a reading session followed by a question and answer session on Saturday, Oct. 21. Box is the author of six novels featuring fictitious Wyoming Game and Fish Department Warden Joe Pickett. "I have seen C.J. speak on a number of times, and he is terrific," said book festival board member Mike Shay, literature director for the Wyoming Arts Council. Box’s popular mystery books have been translated into 12 languages. "C.J.’s books are great fun to read and are filled with his quirky humor as he writes about various issues involving game wardens. He has fans from all walks of life," said Shay. Tickets for the festival’s Gala Banquet on Friday, Oct. 20 at the Parkway Plaza Hotel in Casper are now on sale for $25. The banquet will begin at 6 p.m. In addition to her talk and reading, Hasselstrom’s books will be on sale. Box’s presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, in Durham Hall located in the Aley Fine Arts Center on the Casper College campus. This event is free and open to the public and Box’s books will be on sale. For tickets to the banquet or more information, call 268-2533, toll free at 800-442-2963, ext. 2533 or log onto www.equalitystatebookfest.com. |
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Thursday, August 17, 2006 Casper College will offer a grant writing class, starting on Saturday, Sept. 16, and continuing on two more Saturdays, Sept. 30 and Oct. 14. According to Shirley Jacob, adjunct instructor of English at Casper College, the class is designed for staff and volunteers of nonprofit organizations who want to write successful grant proposals to local, state, and national foundations. The class is also appropriate for in-service and pre-service teachers and social workers. Students must have a connection to a nonprofit organization that would be eligible for a grant from a foundation. "‘Beginning Grant Writing’ (ENGL 1500) is not a theory class but a real life application of grant writing principles," says Jacob. "For this initial class, I focus on foundations because, in general, foundation grants are easier to get and the applications are less complicated than for government grants. Nothing increases a beginning grant writer’s confidence more than winning the first grant he or she submits." "Beginning Grant Writing" is a hybrid course where Jacob will meet with students in a traditional classroom setting for three Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The students will then submit their assignments and communicate with Jacob via WebCT, an Internet-based instructional tool. "This is a time-intensive course and worth three credit hours," says Jacob, "but the thrill of writing a successful proposal is worth the hard work." Students wishing to sign up for "Beginning Grant Writing" can do so up until September 15, according to Jacob. The class, which meets in the Thorsen Institute of Business, Rm. 122 on the Casper College campus, has a limit of 12 students. Fall semester begins at Casper College on Monday, Aug. 28. For more information or to register call 268-2100, 800-442-2963 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu. |
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Thursday, August 17, 2006 The Council for Resource Development (CRD) has named well-known Casper resident Barbara Scifers the Region Eight Benefactor of the Year for 2006. According to Katie McMillan, Casper College grants coordinator, Scifers was among 75 nationally nominated individuals. Of that 75, 10 were finally honored, one from each of the CRD’s 10 regions. "I think that it is fantastic that I am being honored nationally – it is just beyond believing," said Scifers. "I certainly was not doing those things to receive an award," she added. "Barbara and her late husband Leland provided funding for the physical plant, and she continues to give with her establishment of several different endowments that will benefit students and faculty," said Paul Hallock, Casper College Foundation director. Hallock noted that prior to his death in October of 2003, Leland was a central part of the team. "It was their initial gift of $1 million for the Barbara and Leland Scifers Dance Performance Studio on campus that got the ball rolling for construction of that complex as well as the significant expansion and renovation of the theatre building," Hallock said. In November Scifers will travel with several Casper College officials to Washington D.C. where she will be officially recognized at the CRD’s 40th Annual Conference Benefactors Banquet on November 3. "A benefactor is recognized for not only what they have given monetarily, but also personally; the importance of what they have done for the institution," said McMillan. In addition to her monetary gifts, Scifers and Leland were adjunct dance instructors at the college for 51 years. "My husband and I always followed the development of Casper College from the time when it was on the third floor of Natrona County High School. Over the years we both took all kinds of classes and immediately became involved in teaching ballroom dancing at the school," Scifers said. Since 1999, Scifers has established five separate endowments: the DAR/Edna Raymond Nursing Scholarship, the Leland Scifers Business Scholarship, the Charles and Dwayne Raymond Agriculture Scholarship, the Barbara and Leland Scifers Music Scholarship and the Barbara R. Scifers Doctoral Scholarship for Casper College Women Faculty. "I have given to the areas I have been interested in through the years," she said. John Jorgensen, Casper College Foundation Board president had nothing but praise for Barbara and Leland Scifers. "Barbara and her late husband Leland, serve as shining examples of the love affair between this community and Casper College. We are so very pleased that Barbara has been selected for this award," he said. Hallock noted that Scifers is the third Casper College benefactor within the last 13 years to receive the CRD’s national recognition. In 2000 Neil and Doris McMurry were recognized by the CRD while John and Jane Wold were recognized in 1993. "To have a third donor selected for this prestigious award is truly a testament to the wonderful things Casper College has achieved with the support of the Casper community," said Jorgensen. The CRD is the only professional organization concerned exclusively with fund raising for two-year colleges and is an affiliate organization of the American Association of Community Colleges. The association serves 1600 member colleges nationwide. According to McMillan, a committee with a representative from every state in Region VIII chose Scifers. In addition to Wyoming, Region VIII includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan.
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Wednesday, August 16, 2006 The set has been torn down and the stage swept up. But the Casper College Theatre Department’s recent production of "Little Shop of Horrors" was more than just an entertainment break for the summer. Each year the theatre and dance department, along with the Casper College music department, collaborate on a summer musical that has a dual purpose of entertainment and fundraising. This year the theatre department raised over $60,000 during two nights of what has become an annual event known as "The Patron’s Gala." "Raising this much money is a miracle for a little theatre department," said Tom Empey. "We will have another $15 to $20,000 come in before our next production, ‘A Chorus Line’ in October," he noted. This year’s gala drew 600 theatergoers over two nights of by-invitation-only performances. "We invite all our patrons, and those who have expressed an interest in becoming a patron," noted Empey, Casper College Theatre and Dance Department director. During the course of both evenings, which also includes a pre-play social hour, patrons and guests are urged to donate with the help of master of ceremonies John Barrasso. "Dr. John Barrasso has been the master of ceremonies for our galas since we first started them 13 years ago. He only missed once due to a special legislative session in Cheyenne," Empey said. At the end of the first act Barrasso asks for donations and "baskets are passed around just like they are in church," said Empey. Expenditure of the money raised during the gala and through the Patron’s Program is prioritized by the Casper College Theatre Advisory Board, a board made up of volunteers from the local community. The number one priority for the group has been tuition scholarships for students. "This has been the area with the greatest impact on the theatre and dance department. Scholarship support for dance began about six years ago. Initially five student scholars received Patron Program tuition scholarships. Over the years that amount has risen to the current number of 20. "This comes close to doubling the institutional scholarship funding money we receive," Empey said. "The tuition scholarship is important for our students. It is hard for them to work to help pay tuition when they need to be actively involved in the theatre productions," he said. But the funds provided by the Patron Program have also helped the theatre and dance department become regionally renowned. "We now have students from Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada come to Casper College," said Empey. In addition to scholarships, the Patron Program also provides money for guest artists. According to Empey, guest artists "expose students to the professional world of theatre and dance." The program helps to supplement the cost of producing the plays. Those costs can include royalties, costumes, musicians, publicity and more. As an example, Empey noted that for "Little Shop of Horrors" the royalty cost $9,400; costumes cost $7,000; the set cost $9,000, and musicians cost $5,000. The Patron Program has also helped in the purchase of specialized theatre equipment. "Over the last seven years we have been able to purchase 16 intelligent lights, (at a cost of nearly $40,000), for the McMurry Main Stage at the Gertrude Krampert Theatre because of the generous donations of our patrons. Those lights and other professional equipment purchases have had a lot to do with students coming here," Empey said. The Patron Program has seven different levels of participation beginning with a donation of $75. Each level comes with one or more tickets as part of the membership. "I invite others to join the Krampert Theatre Patron Program. Everyone who does will be invited to next year’s gala and will join others in our community who believe that the arts are important to our quality of life," said Empey. |
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Wednesday, August 16, 2006 The Casper College Foundation has reached the two-thirds mark in its "Infinite Possibilities" campaign. The Foundation began the campaign in July of 2004. "We have surpassed the $3 million mark," said Paul Hallock, Casper College Foundation director. With the matching funds provided by the State of Wyoming, the Foundation now has funds totaling "a little over $6 million" in permanent endowment funds. "I am absolutely elated at the fantastic response of the community to this major fund-raising campaign for the college," said George Bryce, Foundation Development Committee chair. According to Bryce, a number of significant priorities are being addressed by the newly established endowments. "With just under three years remaining in this campaign, it is our hope to successfully finish it in the near future," said Hallock. Casper College and other community colleges in Wyoming were challenged in 2004 by the 57th Wyoming State Legislature to raise individually $4.5 million over the next five years for permanent endowment. For each permanent endowment gift raised by the college, the state will provide a matching gift until the $4.5 million is reached. |
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Wednesday, August 16, 2006 Casper College volleyball coach Angel Sharman knows how close her squad came to another Region IX West championship last year. The T-Birds lost in the championship match. With that in mind, the sixth-year coach went out and recruited some players she thinks will help Casper take one more step. It is a diverse squad that began three-a-day workouts this week; the T-Birds come from as far away as Wroclaw, Poland and as close by as Casper Natrona. The newcomers, who include Natrona’s Kari Tofte and Gillette’s Bridget Neal, will join a host of returnees for Sharman. Kylie Peck (Casper), Amy Nelson (Lusk), Afton Meeks (Rawlins), Brooke Baker (Dubois), Shandi Foos (Yoder) and Jamie Barrett (Fountain, Colo.) all return from last year’s team, which posted a 26-26 record. Twenty-six wins is impressive, but not for Sharman. Her teams have averaged better than 30 match wins per season since her arrival. Needless to say, she expects this T-Bird contingent to reach greater heights. To do that, she says, sophomores will have to fill leadership roles and freshmen will have to contribute. Chances are, freshmen will be in key roles. For instance, Tofte will be competing for the starting setter role, a position that Foos handled last year. If Tofte moves into the role, Foos will play hitter and defense. Sharman brought three players from Poland – Agata Dawidowicz (6-1 outside hitter), Maja Jechorek (6-1 middle hitter) and Julia Gruszecka (5-10 outside hitter). All three are expected to contribute. Sharman is also high on Victoria Armstrong, a 6-0 middle hitter from Brule, Neb., as well as Neal, an all-stater last year for the Camels, and Jodi Williams (Phillip, S.D.). Meghan Ferguson, Glenrock, is another newcomer. One of the hallmarks of Sharman’s teams has always been defense. This season should not be any different. Peck, from Casper Natrona, was outstanding on the back row as a freshman (443 digs) and should lead the defense this fall. Foos contributed 415 digs a year ago. Nelson also has the athletic ability to play a full rotation. The T-Birds open their season a week from Friday at the College of Southern Idaho tournament. They won’t play a home match until Sept. 19, when Eastern Wyoming comes to town. |
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Tuesday, August 15, 2006 For those who have always wanted to start their own business, or for those that just want to explore the possibilities, Casper College presents "Entrepreneurship" (BADM 2490) on Thursday nights beginning at 6. Taught by well-known Casper attorney and Casper College business law instructor Russ Rauchfuss, the class will provide students with the knowledge they need to start their own business. "I have been a business entrepreneur for many years now, and I am happy to say, I have been successful with my business endeavors," he said. Rauchfuss, among other things, is a partner in the Beech Street Law Offices. According to Rauchfuss, a line-up of successful Casper business owners and entrepreneurs have been lined up for the class. "Students will get to hear about and learn about a variety of approaches to successful entrepreneurship," said Rauchfuss. "Entrepreneurship" begins on Thursday, Aug. 31, and registration is currently going on now. For more information or to register, call 268-2207 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu. |
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Monday, August 14, 2006 A partnership begun last year between Casper College and the CLIMB Wyoming programs of Our Families Our Future has resulted in the successful graduations of two more cohort groups of single mothers at Casper College. According to Bill Edwards, Casper College Upper Division Center coordinator and director of the Center for Training and Development at Casper College, one group learned phlebotomy skills while the other group learned welding skills. "Last year we partnered with Our Families Our Future and set up a program for single mothers to learn welding skills. It was so successful that this year we embarked on a phlebotomy program and repeated the welding program." Trisha Zeller, Our Families Our Future’s CLIMB program director in Casper, noted that the CLIMB Wyoming programs "train income eligible, single mothers in well paid nontraditional and healthcare careers. The programs are working to fill critical workforce needs in Wyoming while helping families reach economic self-sufficiency" Each CLIMB group was comprised of 10 low-income single mothers. For the phlebotomy program, Zeller received a total of 55 applicants. "There was a lot of interest in phlebotomy as we find many of the women we work with are interested in healthcare careers," she noted. In addition to job training, the CLIMB Wyoming program includes life skills workshops, group and individual counseling, and job placement assistance. "The comprehensive CLIMB program addresses all personal barriers to support each participant’s transition out of poverty," said Zeller. The program is free to income eligible single parents. Since graduation, all of the women have found work in the field in which they trained. "There are many wonderful moms in the community that need us to help them end the cycle of poverty and Casper College has provided one way for them to do that," said Zeller. All eight of the women who completed the phlebotomy program were hired following their graduation. According to Zeller, the following businesses hired one or more of the women: Community Health of Central Wyoming, Wyoming Health Fairs, Natrona County Health Department, Memorial Hospital of Converse County and the Wyoming Medical Center. Ten women completed the welding program, and nine were hired following their graduation. "They are currently employed as welders or welder’s helpers," said Zeller. Businesses who hired the welders include: Roscoe Steel and Culvert, Flo-Thru Fabrication and Watco. Zeller said the women are earning between $11 and $14 per hour. "As welders are still in such demand in Natrona County we are planning to run another welding program next summer," said Zeller. Zeller noted that another phlebotomy program might begin in fall 2007. "Casper College sees the value in these kinds of programs. This is an important part of what the Center for Training and Development at Casper College does. We take ideas and make them work," said Edwards. |
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Monday, August 14, 2006 At the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center this fall, students will learn the basics of weather systems and explore how tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and rainbows materialize. But the main focus of "Weather and Climate" (GEOG 3450-50) will be on the entire spectrum of global climate change, which extends beyond the topic of global warming. "Climate changes all the time," said Gerald Nelson, adjunct faculty member at the UW/CC Center. "If we just talk about global warming, we narrow our focus too much. There are other changes too, like the strength of the hurricane season or El Nino. We can’t ignore these other possibilities." Nelson explores the possibilities of global climate change throughout the course, discussing the contributing factors and consequences of these changes. A great introductory course for geography, social studies, biology or meteorology majors, "Weather and Climate" will also be beneficial to those who desire a better understanding of weather patterns in relationship to the world’s environment. Classes begin Aug. 28. Call 268-2713 or 1-877-264-9930 for more information or to register. |
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Friday, August 11, 2006 The Casper College Dance Department will offer two classes for the fall semester aimed at beginning adults or those with little experience in ballet and tap. "Ballet I" (THEA 1410) will be taught on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8. Taught by Carrina Rude, the class will focus on fundamentals of ballet as well as basic steps, technique and terminology. "Carrie is a really good ballet instructor, " said Jodi Youmans Jones, Casper College dance instructor. "Beginning Tap Dance I" will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The class will teach students the fundamentals of tap along with the terminology, technique, and some basic tap steps. Tristan Sheets will teach the class. According to Youmans Jones, Sheets is very qualified to teach the class. For more information or to register, contact Casper College at 268-2207, toll free at 800-442-2963 or log on to www.caspercollege.edu. Fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 28. |
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Friday, August 11, 2006 The Health Science Division at Casper College is offering three health care classes of interest to both health-care majors and nonmajors, and a fourth directed specifically to health-care majors. According to Jolene Knaus, health science division chair and director of nursing at Casper College, "Issues in Women’s Health" (HLTK 1370) is an interactive class with Internet and community research activities where "students will learn about current issues and trends in women’s health." "Introduction to Health Care and Services" (HLTK 1500) looks at the "concepts of health care organization, finance, and delivery in the United States," said Knaus. Students will also explore the interrelationships among agencies, organizations, and personnel in the delivery of health care. "Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Nursing" (HLTK 2400) "is an informative course taught via the Internet. The class will explore such therapeutic methods as music therapy, aroma therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, herbal remedies, and reflexology," said Knaus. Finally, a class required for most health-care majors, "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" (HLTK 0950) will be offered five times during the fall semester: Aug. 31 through Sept. 1, Sept. 28 through 29, Oct. 5 through 6, Oct. 14 and finally Nov. 2 through 3. The class is the "initial American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR for adult, child and infant," noted Knaus. For more information on any of these classes at, or to register, call Casper College at 268-2207, toll free at 800-442-2963 or log on to www.caspercollege.edu. The fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 28. |
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Friday, August 11, 2006 Explore the nature of relationships between religion and society in "Sociology of Religion" (SOC 3200-50), offered statewide through the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center. Taught by John Verburg, senior minister at the First Christian Church in Laramie, the course will focus on the various ways that sociologists interpret religion. Verburg will also discuss how religion shapes individuals and society. Students can access this course through a combination of audio conference and online technology. Class begins Aug. 28. Call the UW/CC Center at 268-2713 or 1-877-264-9930 to register or for more information. |
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Wednesday, January 11, 2006 "Technical Writing in the Professions" (ENGL 4010), offered through the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center, teaches students how to write professionally for various audiences in the workplace. Students will write short papers, participate in peer editing and create a project from their own work or studies to learn the art of composing concise, professional prose. According to Bruce Richardson, senior lecturer of English at the UW/CC Center, students will learn how to relay their ideas quickly, clearly and powerfully. "This practical course will help prepare you for success in a world that rewards good writers," Richardson says. The course provides an opportunity for working professionals to refresh their writing skills or can be used for university studies requirements within degree programs. Class begins Aug. 28. Call the UW/CC Center at 268-2713 or 1-877-264-9930 to register or for more information. |
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Thursday, August 10, 2006 All Casper College offices will be closed from 7:30 am. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23 to allow all employees to attend a presentation on "Excellence in the Community College." The event is part of return week for all employees of Casper College, which also features tours, a president’s luncheon, new faculty tea, and workshops. Several highlights of the week include the President’s Luncheon on Tuesday, where all new employees will be introduced. Later that afternoon, the Goodstein Foundation Library will host its annual New Faculty Tea. The Aug. 23 presentation on Excellence in the Community College will be delivered by John E. Roueche, a nationally recognized authority in community college education. Roueche, the director of the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin, has written 37 books and more than 150 chapters and articles. He is a sought-after speaker on the topic of community colleges, having spoken to more than 1,300 community college and universities since 1970, and more than 100 national and regional conferences in the past five years. The week will conclude with the final registration session for students on Friday, Aug. 25 before the start of the 2006 fall semester on Monday, August 28. |
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Wednesday, August 9, 2006 The bachelor’s degree in journalism, a new program offered through the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center, kicks off with two courses designed for the modern journalist. "Graphics of Communication" (COJO 3200) teaches the evaluation and selection of magazine and newspaper news copy. Kenneth Smith, UW’s department head and professor of communication and journalism, will introduce students to publication design, including headline writing, editing, printing methods, page layout and other display techniques. Students can also focus on the development of First Amendment law in "Mass Communication Law" (COJO 4500), offered statewide through the UW/CC Center and UW Outreach School. Taught by George Gladney, professor of communication and journalism at UW, this course will include a practical application of law to mass media practice. It will identify the mass media’s legal and social responsibilities as well as the problems of law and regulation. Classes begin Aug. 28. Call the UW/CC Center at 268-2713 or toll free at 877-264-9930 for more information or to register. |
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Tuesday, August 8, 2006 The Center for Training and Development at Casper College will present a one-day conference on FISH! Friday, October 6th beginning at 8:00am. "The FISH Philosophy is a great learning tool for employees and employers. The conference will enable participants to incorporate the FISH Philosophy into their workplace and their home," said Ann Dalton. Dalton, ACT Center specialist, noted that the FISH Philosophy is based on four simple rules: Be There, Play, Make Their Day, and Choose Your Attitude. By learning the concepts of these four rules, participants will learn to "bring fun back into their workplace, brighten their day, improve morale, maximize productivity, and strengthen relationships," she said. "This will be a great networking day, and the folks that will be doing the presentations are so excited about coming to Casper – they will be showcasing new tools to help increase productivity that day, so people won’t want to miss this conference," said Dalton. The cost per person is $299, which includes lunch at the Casper College Roberts Commons Cafeteria, two books and lots of FISH "stuff." Seating is limited to the first 200, and the conference fee is nonrefundable. For more information or to register, call Dalton at 268-2500, toll free at 800-442-2963, ext. 2085 or log onto the Casper College Web site at www.caspercollege.edu/fish. |
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Monday, August 7, 2006 The Casper College Respiratory Therapy program has received full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The Casper College program, which began instructing students in June 2003, was provisionally accredited in April 2003. "The recent peer review conducted by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and CAAHEP’s Board of Directors recognizes the program’s compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards," said Gregory Paulauskis, president of CAAHEP. CAAHEP, The American Association of Respiratory Care, The American College of Chest Physicians, The American Society of Anesthesiologists, and The American Thoracic Society establish accreditation standards. Doug Neubert, respiratory therapy program director, noted that Casper College began its respiratory therapy program after Western Wyoming Community College shut down its own program in 2001. "There was a strong outcry from the community to start a program at Casper College," Neubert said. The college hired Neubert in July 2002, and he and Jolene Knaus, health science division chair, began working on setting up the program. In June 2003, Ronnette Hand, clinical education director of the Casper College program, joined the program. "We are extremely proud of these three individuals. They spent countless hours preparing for the accreditation site visit, and their hard work has earned the respect of respiratory therapy educators nationwide," said Carmen Simone, vice president of academic affairs at Casper College. Simone noted that in addition to the Casper College’s regional accreditation, the school also "seeks to attain specialized accreditation in many areas. This additional endorsement guarantees that our programs are held to the highest of standards, and that they have withstood the scrutiny of outside leaders in those fields." "Accreditation means that the program ‘has met the standards’ in which programs are measured that assures quality in respiratory therapy education – we have the things in place that prove Casper College is a quality program," said Neubert. An accredited program is important for students as well. "Without accreditation the students would not be eligible to take the national board exams (both the RRT and the CRT). Thus, they would not be registered therapists and would be unable to have a license to practice respiratory care and would not be able to find employment," said Neubert. On the employment issue, Neubert noted that not only are wages very competitive in the field, but that "job opportunities are abundant." The respiratory therapy program is one more way that Casper College is helping to address the needs of Wyoming. "The impact that this program has on health care in Wyoming is huge, secondary to the shortages felt in the field. This program makes a difference by properly training students in the management and treatment of cardiopulmonary disease and discomfort," Neubert said. |
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Monday, August 7, 2006 A wide-range of fun activities are planned for both new and returning Casper College students August 25 through 27. "We are calling this special weekend ‘Welcome to Thunderbird Territory,’" said Kirstie Auzqui, senior admissions representative at Casper College. "This will be a great time for students to meet and make new friends, learn important tips for a successful year, and find out how to get involved on campus." On Friday, August 25, the three residence halls on campus will open their doors at 10 a.m. for all new students. Several no-host activities will also be available to new students and their families. "Students and their families can take in a movie at the local theatres, play miniature golf and glow golf or go bowling," said Auzqui. "A Casper College discount and special offers will be available for these activities. All students need to do is present their new Casper College student ID," Auzqui noted. On Saturday, August 26, activities for new students and their families begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome assembly in the Wheeler Auditorium located in the Wold Physical Science Center. A class schedule scramble follows at 11 a.m. "This is a fun event that helps students find their classes and familiarize themselves with the buildings on campus," Auzqui said. The afternoon will feature outdoor activities for all new students including white water rafting, a fishing excursion, and biking and rollerblading on the Platte River Parkway. At 7:30 p.m. students and their families are invited to a free ice cream social followed by a movie at dusk, where drinks and popcorn will be provided free of charge. "We encourage everyone to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on," said Auzqui. On Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., both new and returning students are invited to enjoy the Aquatics Center at the Casper Recreation Center for just $5 per person. The Aquatics Center holds several water slides, a lap pool and more. Those students who like to skateboard are invited to try out their skills at the Casper Skate Park. The no-charge park features a variety of ramps and other equipment for boarders to try their skills on. From 4 to 6 p.m. the college will host a free barbeque on the library lawn. In addition to the free food, there will be information booths, inflatable games including jousting, obstacles and slides, horseshoes and other games, and music by a local DJ. Reservations are required by August 23 (August 21 for the white water rafting) and can be made by calling 307-268-2100, toll free at 800-442-2963 or by logging on to www.caspercollege.edu. |
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Monday, August 7, 2006 "Licensing for Electronics" (ELTR 2515) will be offered at Casper College beginning Monday, Aug. 28. "This class is designed to prepare people who need to take the Wyoming Low Voltage Exam (WLVE) to become certified low voltage electricians," says Megan Graham, instructor. The class is being offered as a combined Internet class with optional Saturday discussion sessions. "This is a very self-paced kind of class," she says. For more information, or to register, contact Graham at 268-2539, toll free at 800-442-2963, ext. 2539 or by email at mailtomgraham@caspercollege.edu. |
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Monday, August 7, 2006 Most comparative political science classes look at individual regions and then compare their forms of government. But in the course "Seminar in Europe, China, Political Change and Globalization" (POLS 4890), offered statewide through the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center, students will get an inside look at the various components of globalization existing throughout the world. "Today several trillion dollars will cross international borders, usually at the click of a button. Billions of dollars worth of goods will cross borders," says Brent Pickett, director of the UW/CC Center and co-instructor of the course. "Today it makes sense not just to talk about the globalization of commerce and finance, but also of health, ideas, and private organizations." Pickett is teaching the course with Rosanne Crossen, lecturer for the UW/CC Center. While satisfying two general education requirements for graduation, students will benefit from the instructors’ expertise involving timely world issues. Students will also benefit from the various resources introduced in the class, such as London’s newspaper the "Financial Times" and Thomas Friedman’s prominent political book, "The World Is Flat." "While this may be a nontraditional approach to comparative politics," Pickett says, "I believe it is the one most appropriate to the world today." Class begins Aug. 30. For more information or to register for this course, call the UW/CC Center at 268-2713 or toll free at 877-264-9930. |
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Monday, August 7, 2006 Enroll in the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center’s course "Studies in Recent Literature from Wyoming" (ENGL 4600 – 50) and discover the rich literature of the Cowboy State, written by contemporary Wyoming authors like Robert Roripaugh, David Romtvedt, John McPhee and others. "Each author has different angles or takes on the way things are here," says Bruce Richardson, professor of English at the UW/CC Center. "There is a lot of good, interesting writing right here, right now – written by some very talented authors." Students will learn about these authors by reading "Deep West," an anthology of literary works about Wyoming. The collection includes essays about the impact that Wyoming had on each author’s writing. The enlightenment will continue at the Equality State Book Festival, where students will meet writers and hear readings from Jon Bilman, author of "When We Were Wolves," Annie Proulx, author of the short story which inspired the recent movie "Brokeback Mountain," and Tim Sandlin, author of several comical novels. Class begins August 30. Call the UW/CC Center at 268-2713 for more information or to register. |
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Friday, August 4, 2006 Begun in 1987 with a grant provided by Casper resident Jack Rosenthal, two $2500 awards are given to faculty and one $2500 award is given to an administrator. Melissa Connely, geology instructor and Barbara Mueller, anthropology and sociology instructor, were chosen along with Janet de Vries, Casper College Career Center director. Each year all Casper College employees are asked to submit the names of those they wish to nominate for the Rosenthal Award. Each nominee must then submit a detailed packet of information to his or her respective committee to be considered. A faculty committee makes the final decision for the two faculty awards, while an administration committee makes the final decision for the one administrator. The award is based on the quality of the packet submitted as well as service to the community and Casper College. |
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Friday, August 4, 2006 MCMURRY’S HONORED FOR HELP Neil and Doris McMurry were recently honored with a reception held in the Doornbos Student Lounge at Casper College. The reception was held to honor the couple’s generosity with a grant they established in 2000 to help single parents attending Casper College. "We are very happy to be able to do this – I am especially happy to see the quality of young people who have taken advantage of this program, it bodes well for the future of Casper," said Neil. According to Paul Hallock, Casper College Foundation director, the "Single Parents Grant and Aide Award" has given out more than $375,000 through 420 grants and 25 emergency awards. "In excess of 60 students have graduated from Casper College and of those 35 continued on to receive their bachelor’s degree," said Hallock. "I saw so many young women struggling on waitress wages trying to get ahead and not able to do it. If we could somehow help – not only them – but help the community, Doris and I felt we should do it," noted McMurry. "I thought it was a good use of money we didn’t need," he added. In addition to their generous grant to help single parents at Casper College, the McMurry’s have also provided grants for childcare at the college’s Early Childhood Learning Center, said Hallock. In 2002 Neil and Doris McMurry were honored with the Council for Resource Development (CRD) Benefactor Award from Region VIII. According to the CRD, the awards "embody the ideals of philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism in the service of community, technical, and junior colleges." Region VIII includes Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan. |
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Wednesday, August 2, 2006 Casper College will host "Living with Violence," a free reading and discussion series in the Wyoming Council for the Humanities’ Reading Wyoming program beginning Monday, August 21. Four books offering views of contemporary cultures in conflict will be read and discussed by participants and include: "In the Time of the Butterflies," by Julia Alvarez, "A Bend in the River," by V.S. Naipaul, "First They Killed My Father," by Loung Ung, and "Anil’s Ghost," by Michael Ontdaatje. The discussions will be led by Erich Frankland, Casper College political science instructor, and will take place in the Vista Lounge in the Strausner Student Center on the Casper College campus. Other dates in the discussion series are September 18, October 16 and November 20. All discussions will begin at 7 p.m. According to the Wyoming Council for the Humanities, Reading Wyoming provides reading and discussion series to nonprofit organizations around the state and is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. To register and borrow books for "Living with Violence" contact Alison McNulty at Casper College at 268-2220. |
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Tuesday, August 1, 2006 This year, the group that Hill has assembled to make his fourth run at a Region IX championship is no different. Hill went after guards and "bigs" and got both, he said. One of the things Hill likes most about his new roster is the wealth of players he has returning. Nothing helps freshmen get better than good sophomores ahead of them, he says. Magdalena Pawloczyk (Wroclaw, Poland), a 6-3 post player, was all Region IX and all tournament as a freshman. Fellow front liner Carine Reimink (6-1 forward from Reedy Creek, Australia) earned all tournament honors after a solid freshman season. Jade Fieldgrove, from Sheridan, is also back, giving Hill a formidable inside game. On the perimeter, Leah Stepovich (Fairbanks, Alaska) and Tana Stewart (Hardin, Mont.) will be back. The big losses, of course, were Justyna Podziemska, who signed with Wyoming, and Aubrey Thompson, who started every game at point guard. "Those captains will be very hard to replace," Hill admits. "We needed some guard help and we needed to find good athletes out there who can help us in transition and help us get the ball where we need it." Two names will be familiar to area basketball fans. Mary Brown, who helped lead Thermopolis to two state championships during her prep career, has decided to transfer back to Casper College for her sophomore season. She played her freshman year as a walk-on at the University of Wyoming. Kylee Rinehart, a 6-1 post player from Highmore, S.D., will also be back for her sophomore season. After playing for the T-Birds as a freshman, Rinehart sat out last year to pursue rodeo full time. This year, she will compete in both. Here are the other signees for the T-Birds:
The T-Birds posted 21 wins a year ago and runners-up in the Region IX tournament. Casper opens its season Nov. 3 at home in the Wells Fargo Tip-Off Classic. |
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