TORRINGTON – Several members of the student body of Eastern Wyoming College shined bright with recent accomplishments, and ambitions, among the EWC Board of Trustees, as well as numerous staff members and guest speakers. 

Among the first to take the floor and speak before the Board, was EWC freshman, Liberty Zavorka. Zavorka was able to recently spend the Wyoming legislative session of 2023, held in Cheyenne, as an intern for the Legislative Service Office (LSO). 

“What I learned the most,” Lavorka began, “Is just the ability to get a lot of work done by deadline. This is very different than school and has a lot more work to it. Just [developing] the ability to get work done quicker, I think that’s something that I will always keep with me and will be very helpful.” 

As part of her experience, and responsibilities, with the LSO, Zavorka was required to check in at the office each day, and then head out for her assignments. She, along with various other interns, had the opportunity to meet numerous Wyoming state officials. This would include Governor Mark Gordon, Justices of the Wyoming Supreme Court, the Speaker of the House and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

When asked what made her chose the internship, “It was my dedication and hard work,” Zavorka added. “I’ve tried to bring that to the internship, with the dedication of getting something done. I did a lot of research projects, and people knew I was reliable to get things done.” 

Zavorka’s internship is part of the Social Science program at EWC. Zavorka, along with her advisor, Professor Ellen Creager, J.D., MA, Professor of Business Law and Social Sciences, expressed sincere gratitude to the EWC Foundation, as well as the Student Senate, for providing the appropriate funds to Zavorka, as well as her being able to have this opportunity, which clearly sets a path for a bright, positive future. 

Zavorka finished her moment on the floor by concluding openly, “This is something I really want to do, because I just really enjoy doing it.” 

The session of the board continued with more recognition of a current, active and ambitious student body, consisting of both students from Wyoming and abroad. The EWC College Business Ethics team then took the floor to receive their acknowledgement, and appreciation, from the board. The team was able to participate in the Wyoming Collegiate Business Ethics Case Competition, recently held on April 7 in Laramie. Among the students who competed were Ryan Swan (Casper), Marko Krtinic (Serbia) and Vanesa Marinova (Bulgaria). Again, the students were advised by Mrs. Ellen O. Creager, as well as Jennifer Minks, CPA, Associate Professor-Business. 

“They had 10 minutes to present, and it was perfect! The judges actually ran out of questions for them, because they were so good. Vanesa was able to give them amazing answers that she was able to pull out of her pocket. We knew even when things would get crazy, they would get through it.” As part of the rules of the competition, the team played the role of a Human Resources consulting firm. As part of the role play, they were required to advise a board of directors, as well as present certain recommendations for a company’s plans, procedures and essentials for hiring, with employment practices. The students were required to stand before the judges simulating the procedures for company employment policy, as well as answer questions before the judges for five minutes once they were finished,” Krtinic commented. “This was definitely the best academic experience I’ve ever had since coming to the United States. The whole experience of learning things from real life was definitely incredible.”

Swan also added, “It was a great experience to go twice, and learn even more from last year.” 

This would be the second opportunity Swan had to attend the competition. It should be further noted the competition was hosted, as well as provided, with funding by the UW College of Business and the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program. 

During the EWC board meeting work session, guest speaker Dr. Bruce Leslie discussed the relationship between the 2021-2025 strategic plan and the Fiscal Year 23 budget. The purpose of the exercise was for the benefit of each board member. 

“I’m looking forward to working on this with you and your own strategic plans,” Dr. Leslie said to the board. “And how this aligns with our budget. There are eight elements, and we always start with the division. We should express how strategic planning should work and the elements that are going to help make it work.” 

When it came time to talk about matters of budget and spending, EWC President Jeffry Hawes was affirmative and confident. 

Dr. Hawes advocated, “We did receive 2.5 million through the Wyoming innovation program. This is a great goal and objective, and we want strong industry connection. What we teach is important, but how we act and interact is every bit as critical. We were well funded in this particular cycle, and these are expensive investments. This is a significant investment at our college, and I am very excited.”

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. and will reconvene on May 9.