Distinguished Alumni
The awards go to alumnus who completed at least 30 credit hours at Sheridan College or earned an associate’s degree, or a certificate of completion in a non-degree program. Nominees have demonstrated achievement in their chosen profession, service to the community, or outstanding contribution to the college.
SC Alumni Relations Office announces selection of 2011 Distinguished Alum
Robin Duncan
From Sheridan College nursing student and instructor to flight nurse
Sheridan College President Dr. Paul Young announced his approval of the Sheridan College Alumni Advisory Committee’s recommendation of Robin Duncan as the 2011 Sheridan College Distinguished Alum.
Robin Duncan is no stranger to Sheridan College. In 1990 Robin enrolled in nursing at Sheridan College, graduated with her Associate’s Degree, and continued her nursing education with a Bachelors of Science in nursing from the University of Wyoming, a Masters of Science in Nursing and ultimately, a Post Masters of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Robin didn’t stop there; she was a full-time nursing instructor from 1997-2010 at Sheridan College. She will be honored during the Sheridan College Commencement ceremony on May 7 and will serve as the keynote speaker at the event.
When selected as the SC 2011 Distinguished Alum Robin said that, “I am shocked and surprised. It’s an honor. I feel like I’m just an average person who has opened my own doors.” She is looking forward to returning to Sheridan to deliver the address to the 2011 graduates. She is especially eager to see her former nursing students who are graduating as RNs this year.
Robin made the tough decision to leave the Sheridan Community last year to be a caregiver to her young grandson whose mother was deployed, and to help with care for her ailing mother-in-law. The move to Cheyenne enabled Robin to begin a new career as an advanced practice nurse with the privilege of diagnosing illness and prescribing medications. Robin draws upon her more than thirty years of experience in health care to provide primary care to patients across the life span in a very busy clinic in the Cheyenne community. She continues to volunteer her time at the Free Clinic there.
As a flight nurse in the Wyoming Air National Guard, Robin served our country in times of disaster. She deployed to provide support during Operations of Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and continues to serve as the Officer in Charge, working in Infection Control. Robin received accommodations in 2008 and 2010 for her work with the Guard.
Robin was nominated by Jenny Heuck, SC Nursing Instructor, “because she is a highly skilled health care professional whose career represents her commitment to life-long learning and her dedication to the provision of high quality nursing care. She has been a presence at Sheridan College as a student and an instructor. She has volunteered in the community at the Free Clinic and serves in the Wyoming Air National Guard as a flight nurse. Robin taught full time while raising two sons, going to school for a bachelor’s degree and both of her master’s degrees – truly an embodiment of the Sheridan College motto to “Never Stop Learning.”
SC Alumni Relations Office announces selection of 2010 Distinguished Alum
Ryan Wright
Sheridan College Interim President Dr. Jon Connolly announced his approval of the SC Alumni Advisory Committee’s recommendation of Ryan Wright as the 2010 Sheridan College Distinguished Alum.
Ryan Wright is no stranger to Sheridan College. Ryan began attending Sheridan College at 14 and is the youngest person to graduate from SC at age 17. Ryan didn’t stop there; he was elected Trustee of Northern Wyoming Community College Board, 2004-05. He will be honored during the Sheridan College Commencement ceremony on May 8 and will serve as the keynote speaker at the event.
When selected as the Distinguished Alum and SC Ryan said that, “of all the awards I have received, the 2010 Distinguished Alum is the one I will cherish the most. I deeply enjoyed my time I spent at Sheridan College and the friendships I formed with faculty, staff and other students. I enjoyed the time I spent on the Speech Team with Ron Krikac, Lillian and Gene Sager, in English with Rebeeca Liebinger, and in Police Science with Rolf Distad. As a Trustee I made decisions that helped shape the direction of the college and it enabled me to give back to the institution I owe so much. I would not have achieved as much without SC.”
Since graduating from Sheridan College, Ryan has excelled in the legal profession and has devoted much time to public service. He went on to study Political Science and Anthropology at Northern Arizona University, earning the distinction of summa cum laude. At Northern Arizona University, he was also an active participant in the Speech and Debate team, which prepared him well for the world of law and politics. Returning to Sheridan, Ryan entered public service as an Elected Trustee of the Northern Wyoming College Community Board. In this position he was very active in serving the Sheridan College community, and today continues to retain close friendships with its professors.
In 2005, having decided that the legal profession was a good conduit for his debating talents, Ryan entered the Georgetown University Law Center. While studying law at Georgetown, he also was a Staff Assistant for Senator Mike Enzi on the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee. Working for Senator Enzi allowed him to maintain ties with Wyoming and also garnered him valuable political and legislative experience at the federal level. At Georgetown, Ryan served as a Notes Editor on one of the law journals and also worked in a litigation clinic, advocating in the courtroom for low income tenants in disputes against their landlords. Ryan graduated from Georgetown in 2008, earning the Dean’s List honor in his final year. He currently practices in a litigation boutique in New York, focusing on commercial litigation. He enjoys the vast litigation experience that New York has to offer, but looks forward to returning to his hometown in the future.
Debi Isakson, Alumni Coordinator at Sheridan College said, “It has been my sincere pleasure to get to know Ryan. He is a very diverse individual and excels at all he does. Ryan lives with passion and I know our graduates will be inspired by his commencement address.”
Val Burgess 2009 Distinguished Alum
Val Burgess
Val Burgess is no stranger to Sheridan College. She has been a student, instructor and supporter. Val earned her fi rst degree from Sheridan in 1974 with an Associate’s of Natural Science. In 1976, she added an Associate’s of Dental Hygiene degree. During her time at Sheridan College, Val was a cheerleader, a Homecoming Queen, a member of student council and yearbook editor. Val’s roommate, Jan Quarterman remembers “Val was always an independent thinker who never followed the crowd but “took the road less traveled.” She is creative, ambitious, enthusiastic, upbeat and always a pleasure to be around.”
Val continued her education at the University of Denver where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Communication Design in 1988. She brought that education back to Sheridan College where she worked as a graphic designer in the Instructional Technology Department doing marketing for the college. Burgess was the yearbook advisor, taught a practicum in graphic design and photography and was a co-advisor for Phi Theta Kappa. For seven years in the 1980s Burgess taught beginning and advanced photography.
Val left the college to work as a graphic designer eventually starting her own company Burgess Design Group, a graphic design, advertising, public relations, and marketing firm serving clients on a local and regional level. She is also an accomplished artist. She has been featured in several exhibits, including a one-woman show at Sheridan College.
Building on a family experience, Val became an oral historian specializing in the histories of former World War II prisoners. She has collected more than 130 oral histories of Americans held by the Germans at Stalag Luft III. Val is sharing the information she has collected through an educational website she is currently developing. Closer to home, as part of the College’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, Val collected oral histories from 20 College alumni and faculty. These histories will be featured in this issue and future Foot Notes and become part of the College’s archives.
Val has served her community through membership in many regional, state, and local organizations including board membership on the Wyoming Women’s Foundation and Whitney Benefi ts Foundation board. She is happily married to Jerry and has two wonderful children, Dane who lives in Bellingham, Washington and Emily who attends the University of Wyoming. Val continues to generously share her education, experience, and time with the community and Sheridan College. She represents Sheridan College Alumni well.
For her outstanding support to the college Val was chosen as the Sheridan College 2009 Distinguished Alum and was invited to deliver the keynote address at graduation.
Maurice Campbell 2008 Distinguished Alum
Maurice Campbell
Maurice Campbell, 2008 Distinguished Alumnus was a student of Sheridan College’s first class in 1948-50. During his commencement address he reminded graduates that “there is no substitute for hard work” and encouraged them to “take risks, but without being reckless”.
Campbell attended the University of Wyoming before being drafted into the U.S. Army, in August 1951. He served in Army Counter Intelligence studying counter subversion and counter espionage while stationed in Germany until July 1953. In May 1959, Campbell completed his Civil Engineering degree at UW. Campbell worked for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation as a structural engineer for two years before transitioning into Lockheed Missiles & Space Corporation, as a Design Specialist and supervisor. He retiried in February 1992.
Campbell is very active in church; he is ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church and has served 36 years. After retirement Campbell took up his High School instrument, trombone, and played in the California State University Concert Band until 2007. Now days you will find him playing in the Sheridan City Concert Band in Kendrick Park and with the Sheridan College Jazz Band.
Charlene Bodine 2007 Distinguished Alum
Charlene Bodine
Charlene believes wholeheartedly in the power of education. “I’m big on education; I don’t think people can ever have enough.” That’s why Dick (husband) and I started our scholarship fund eleven years ago – to help students succeed. My motivation for becoming a donor was my experience at Sheridan College – it was the most wonderful thing for me and my family. Giving back is pretty great, too! (Read More)
Patricia Garber Mahon, PhD 2006 Distinguished Alum
“Pat is a strong advocate for the students; she has excellent skills in student services management, outstanding interpersonal skills and exceptional interest, enthusiasm and intelligence” said Judy Garber who nominated her as the 2006 Sheridan College Distinguished Alum. (Read More)
Judi Harbel Adams 2005 Distinguished Alum
Judy Adams Alumni Speaker at Annual Scholarship Dinner
Judi Harbel Adams was the guest speaker at the Foundations annual Creating Opportunities…Creating Futures, a scholarship donor and student recipient recognition held on campus October 2009. In 2008 Judy established a scholarship in honor of her father, Charles A. Harbel, “if Charlie were here and asked what he wanted his legacy to be, he would’ve responded, to help someone attend college that might not otherwise be able to.” The family chose Sheridan College because it is accessible and has a great Agriculture Department. All three Harbel children attended Sheridan College and Judi graduated in 1968 with an Associate’s Degree. (Read More)
Frankie Gillen Gibbs 2004 Distinguished Alum
Frankie Gillen Gibbs
Although she has traveled extensively for work and pleasure, she and her husband have always considered themselves from Wyoming, “we just happen to be living somewhere else right now.” One of her favorite quotes paraphrases a popular book title – “Almost everything I ever needed to know, I learned at Sheridan College – or while I was scuba diving!” The family has established two scholarships at Sheridan College the Frankie Gillen Gibbs Health Occupations Scholarship and the Dorothy Halsted Gibbs Scholarship. (Read more)
Paula L. Wagoner, PhD 2003 Distinguished Alum
As a tenured professor at Juniata College, Paula has come full circle. She sums it “it was at Sheridan College that I began, as a middle-aged woman, lacking self-confidence, my journey toward a fulfilling profession that has been all I had dreamed of and more.” (Read More)
Dave Hofmeier 2002 Distinguished Alum
Dave has this to say about Sheridan College (May 2002). “Sheridan College opened my eyes to the possibilities that were available. The smaller, more personal contact with instructors helped me to become a better rounded person. By having an excellent opportunity for education in our community I was able to finish school, work, and raise my family…..without leaving the community.” Dave Hofmeier graduated from Sheridan College 1991 with a degree in Police Science. (Read More)
Joyce Barlow Reddy, RDH 2001 Distinguished Alum
Her memories of Sheridan College, as well as the community of Sheridan, bring smiles of joy. “I made the decision to get an education to better my life. After getting to Sheridan from Southeast CO and establishing friends, the two years there were a time of growth and strengthening as an individual. Little did I know it was the springboard to an exciting journey.” (Read More)
Dr. Shirley Jackson Heckman 2000 Distinguished Alum
Upon the occasion of her retirement in 1988 D. Campbell Wyckoff, Princeton Theological Seminary, said of Shirley Heckman: “As a person, you have taught us to grow, beginning on that remote Montana ranch, becoming learned in the most profound sense, and taking national and international leadership while staying one with your roots.” (Read More)
Major Michael Wells 1999 Distinguished Alum
Michael, who graduated from Sheridan College in 1979, played basketball at Sheridan College under coach Hoffman. “Coach Hoffman is a man that I have the utmost respect and admiration for. He’s a person who taught ethics, courage and determination to the players that attended Sheridan College.” (Read More)
Frank and Phyllis Rotellini 1998 Distinguished Alumni
Frank and Phyllis Rotellini were honored as the First Distinguished Alumni. “I cannot express how much Sheridan College has meant to us, said Frank; it was an avenue of development to begin to recognize the opportunity that is available in the world.” (Read More)
