Robert A. Peck

BA 1949, Journalism		Bob Peck says, "Journalists educated at UW have helped make Wyoming the choice place it is to live." His own career as editor, publisher and civic leader bears that out. A UW honor graduate, he returned to Riverton to launch a 44-year newspaper career that's touched communities across Wyoming and into Montana. He and his brother, Roy, purchased a small weekly and named it The Riverton Ranger. He became principal owner of eleven media properties, assisting and encouraging young publishers, particularly UW graduates-to get established. He has taught journalism classes at UW and at Central Wyoming College, and funds University and community college scholarships. He is a multiple recipient of the Wyoming Press Association's Sweepstakes Photo Award, has won the Deming Cup for daily newspapers, as well as the Editorial Leadership Cup and the Hanway Plaque for weeklies, and served as Wyoming Press Association president. Peck's commitment to high quality publishing is matched by his commitment to community building. He was instrumental in founding Central Wyoming College in 1966, and in establishing the $3 million CWC community arts center. As a civic leader -- on projects ranging from historic preservation to support of medical and arts facilities - he has been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees. In 1991, he was elected a State Senator. He values highly his A&S education: "I met my wife, Cordelia, in Prof Dickman's philosophy class. Wilson Clough instilled in us a common bond through literature and poetry; Wallace Biggs taught me tenets of community journalism; Werner Mueller enriched our international understanding in German class; Lillian Portenier and Ed Flittie helped me better understand people in psychology and sociology classes. Our ASS experiences enriched our lives and helped cement our marriage by letting us taste the joys of learning, which stay with us today."