Casper College statement on death of Distinguished Alumnus Dick Cheney

The Casper College community was saddened to learn of the death of one of our distinguished alumnus, former Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney, Nov. 3.

Cheney was named the Casper College Distinguished Alumnus Nov. 10, 1990. The recognition was “Presented in appreciation and recognition for his outstanding public service to his community, his state, and his country.”

Cheney, a graduate of Natrona County High School, attended Casper College in 1963 before enrolling at the University of Wyoming.

According to his recognition plaque from the Casper College Alumni Association, “After attending Casper College, Cheney has gone on to a distinguished political career.” He was the White House Deputy Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford from 1974 to 1975. Late in 1975, he became White House Chief of Staff at the age of 34, the youngest chief of staff up to that time. Fourteen months later, he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming. He served as Wyoming’s lone congressman from Jan. 3, 1979, to March 20, 1989, stepping down to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush during Bush’s one term in office.

Cheney returned to politics in 2000 as George W. Bush’s running mate. Following Bush’s election win, Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from Jan. 20, 2001, through Jan. 20, 2009.

The Casper College community extends its sincere condolences to his wife, Lynne, and his two daughters, Mary and Liz, as well as to other family and friends.