Poet Laureate Romtvedt to Speak at UW/CC Commencement May 12

April 21, 2005 David Romtvedt, Wyoming poet laureate and associate professor of English at the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center (UW/CC Center), will be the faculty speaker at UW/CC Center's commencement Thursday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Casper Events Center.

Romtvedt, from Buffalo, is known for his remarkable poetry and his use of creativity as a motivation for learning.

The 2005 ceremonies will honor 97 graduating students who have completed coursework at the UW/CC Center, the University of Wyoming, and/or other University Outreach School programs an increase of nearly 25 percent from last May. The oldest graduate this year is 60 and the youngest is 21.

Students participating in the commencement exercises represent majors in anthropology, biology, business administration, communications, computer science, criminal justice, elementary education, English, industrial technology education, humanities/fine arts, math/science, molecular biology, nursing, public administration, psychology, secondary education, social science, sociology, social work, Spanish and zoology.

The largest group of graduates will be in the field of elementary education, followed by social work and psychology.

"The UW/CC Center is a unique partnership in higher education that provides an unusual opportunity for students who live and work in Central Wyoming," says UW/CC Dean Keith Cottam. "Our students include a wide variety of ages, occupations, and personal circumstances. Most have families, homes, and jobs in the Casper area, and they all come to the UW/CC Center with exceptional energy and determination to learn and grow. Their diverse backgrounds enhance the learning community at the center."

Cottam says the University of Wyoming works closely with Casper College to provide full degree programs, with CC teaching freshman and sophomore level courses and UW providing junior, senior and graduate-level courses. For many programs, it is possible to complete a degree without traveling to the UW campus in Laramie.

"Earning a college degree takes hard work and dedication, but since 1976 nearly 2,100 students have received bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through the UW/CC Center," says Cottam.

"Students learn from UW faculty members who reside in Casper or travel from Laramie to teach the upper division courses," he says. Qualified adjunct instructors are hired from CC and the local community, and the UW Outreach School provides other courses through video and audio conferencing, and the Internet. Dedicated UW/CC Center staff members provide a full range of UW student services, including advising, admissions, registration, and financial aid.

Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2005