EWC launches community awareness campaign

Sandra Hansen
Posted 11/8/17

Strengthening the connection between Eastern Wyoming College and the Goshen County community is the goal of a renewed effort by EWC officials who launched a series of awareness activities this past week. Included were an EWC Alumni Kick-Off, a tailgate party in conjunction with the Torrington High School football game, and a 5K and 1K run Sunday.

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EWC launches community awareness campaign

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TORRINGTON – Strengthening the connection between Eastern Wyoming College and the Goshen County community is the goal of a renewed effort by EWC officials who launched a series of awareness activities this past week. Included were an EWC Alumni Kick-Off, a tailgate party in conjunction with the Torrington High School football game, and a 5K and 1K run Sunday.

“We want to get more involved in the community,” EWC President Lesley Travers said during the alumni gathering. “And we’re going to get there.”

Following a busy week, Travers said on Sunday afternoon that it had been a successful effort, in spite of a cold windy wrap up.

“It’s been busy, but I think the community appreciates what we’re doing,” Travers said while watching the 5K runners pass the campus on West C Street. “We’ve had a lot of fun, and plan to build on these activities. It will get stronger as we go.”

The Alumni Kick-Off was held Wednesday. Nov. 1, in the new Career and Technology Education Center (CTEC). Approximately 100 community members met with EWC students, staff and alumni prior to the women’s basketball game. Student athletes served refreshments while visitors learned about future plans for the college.

Addressing the visitors, John Hansen, Director of Institutional Development, said the gathering was an opportunity for former students to get re-acquainted with EWC, and to lay the groundwork for an official alumni organization. He added that two slogans: Lancers for Life, and Forever Connected, will be the foundation of the organization’s efforts.

“This group will have the support of alumni and friends, and will offer opportunities to find employment, as well as support programs at EWC,” Hansen explained. In addition, he said the EWC Booster Club would be more involved with the county’s students.

Jared Pilkington of Scottsbluff, Neb., a student ambassador and a member of the EWC golf team, helped welcome guests. He also addressed the role of community colleges.

“People don’t realize how important community colleges are,” he said. “They offer a personal education, with smaller classes that make it easier to feel

at home.”

Following the gathering at CTEC, participants were treated to a free supper of hot dogs and all the trimmings in the lobby of the Verle Petsch Activity Center prior to the games. The meal was served by Travers and other EWC staff
and supporters.

Next on the week’s agenda was a tailgate party at Torrington High School prior to the THS football game with Green River Friday evening. Again, it was a huge success, according to Travers who did the cooking and helped hand out more than 200 servings of chili and sloppy joes.

The week concluded Sunday with the inaugural Turkey Trot, a 5K and 1K run event, on a cloudy, cold afternoon, which didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the hearty souls, from pre-school on up, who braved the elements. Winners in each of the age brackets were awarded turkeys for their Thanksgiving feasts. The event was in conjunction with the EWC Wellness Program, which the college intends to make more visible to the community.

Assisting with the day’s events was Zach Smith, Director of Enrollment Management and head coach of the golf team. “We planned for warmer weather,” Smith said, “but we adjusted, and with everyone’s support, it came together.”

Watching the last of the visitors leave the CTEC, Hansen said, “I think it was an excellent turnout. It was cold outside, but warm in spirit.”

List of winners:

10 and Under-Grace Steinbock

11-19-George Elliot

20-24-Jared Pilkington

25-29-Nick Strampe

30-34-Chris Strampe

35-44-Jared Berger

45-54-Kent Swearingen

55 and over- Maggie Peterson