Strategic Priority
Innovation and distinction in CONNECTIONS
- GROWING HOPS
A two-year hops variety trial conducted by NWC's Ag Department resulted in collaboration with a local brewing company that used the hops in its latest brew—Trapper IPA. Grown off campus by independent producers, success of the hops-growing experiment could lead to an economic benefit to area growers as well as a college certificate in beer brewing.
- BRIDGING TO THE WORLD
Al and Ann Simpson opened a major multi-cultural art exhibit on campus, a traveling collection by premier artists from 15 countries. "The Bridge" showcased works by 47 Arab, Jewish and Persian contemporary visual artists that have been admired in Egypt, Paris, London and beyond. The exhibit was created by Caravan, an international peacebuilding non-governmental organization that focuses on building bridges through the arts between the creeds and cultures of the Middle East and West.
- CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
Hinckley Library celebrated 50 years as a member of the Federal Depository Library Program, receiving, processing and checking out many thousands of important government publications. Including more than 1,200 libraries in the U.S. and only eight in Wyoming, this program makes federal publications available to all citizens.
- SHOWCASING MULTICULTURALISM
The Multicultural Showcase, a colorful and festive perennial favorite, returned to campus last spring with food samples prepared by NWC international students from Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America as well as displays of authentic collectibles, live music common to students' homelands, plus a silent auction.
- JAZZING IT UP
More than 600 middle school, high school and college music students performed for adjudicators and attended clinics at the 34th Annual Northwest Jazz Festival. A public concert featured the Wyoming All-State Jazz Band, a Seattle vocal ensemble and one of Denver's leading jazz musicians.
- PRESENTING RENOWNED AUTHOR
National award-winning author Nina McConigley, whose story collection, "Cowboys and East Indians," gained national attention, appeared on campus as part of the Wasden Reading. McConigley's story collection is set in Wyoming and India and explores the experiences of immigrant outsiders living in the American West. The author examined how identity is shaped by place through the lives of a variety of characters.
- CELEBRATING 20TH BUFFALO FEAST
Northwest's annual Buffalo Feast celebrated its 20th anniversary with the Native Strut Hoop Dancers from Fort Washakie Schools located on the Wind River Reservation. Three dancers illustrated the relationship between people and nature by depicting various plants, animals and birds. The dance program followed the traditional feast featuring buffalo brisket and foods indigenous to the Americas.
- DEBUTING SHORT FILMS
NWC's Short Film Festival featured audiovisual creations by students and community members. With subjects including motocross racing, paranormal investigations, CrossFit exercise and local caves, diverse documentaries and fictional pieces varied from only a few minutes to 10 minutes in length. Other films explored technology's ubiquitous grasp on modern society, what it's like to adopt a child, or how local businesses and non-profit organizations operate.
- EXPLORING BURMA
National Geographic writer Mark Jenkins featured his experience climbing Hkakabo Razi, suspected to be the highest peak in Burma, during a public program on campus. His story was featured in the Sept. 2015 issue of National Geographic and in the Renan Ozturk documentary "Down to Nothing." The author of four books, Jenkins' work has appeared in dozens of national and international magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly, Backpacker, GQ, Outside, The Washington Post and Virginia Quarterly Review.
- NAVIGATING GLOBAL RISKS
"The Middle East and the Next U.S. President" was the topic former U.S. Ambassador to Oman Gary Grappo brought to a public program on campus. Most of Grappo's 26 years in the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service were spent in the Middle East. His presentation focused on strategy and diplomacy U.S. presidents need to navigate rising risks and cultural clashes in the Middle East.
- PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES
Sharpening NWC's responses during emergencies was the focus of a full-scope drill on campus that included acts of violence. The intense drill involved more than 130 individuals, including students, employee and community "actors" as well as area police, fire and emergency medical services personnel, just as if an emergency were actually occurring.
- DEBATING AT CAMP
A speech and debate camp attracted 35 high school students from Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Kansas and Missouri to campus. The Forensics Institute was organized by Assistant Professor of Speech Communications Jeannie Hunt. Returning Forensics Team alumni helped staff the institute.
- MAKING MUSIC AT CAMP
More than 100 students performed in bands, choirs, jazz bands, jazz choirs and small ensembles at the 27th annual Yellowstone Summer Music Camp. Special interest classes included master classes in all instruments, music theory, computer composing, woodwind reed adjusting, conducting, harmonica, Web design, and fun and fitness.
- MEETING WITH ALUMNI
The Alumni Association Board of Directors changed its usual on-campus meeting venue last spring, gathering in Red Lodge, Montana. Board members from the Big Horn Basin and elsewhere in Wyoming, south-central Montana and Colorado reviewed recipients for their 2017-18 Alumni Association Scholarship, transitioned to new officers and discussed standing committee plans for the coming year. Billings trial attorney Tom Singer ('73) assumed his two-year presidency. A post-meeting reception was hosted by two alumni at their photography studio in Red Lodge.
- SPEAKING OF THE ARTS
Wyoming Arts Council Executive Director Michael Lange was honored as the year's Distinguished Alumnus. The born-and-raised Wyomingite spoke to graduates during Commencement Exercises. Lange coordinates the council's 10-member, Governor-appointed board of directors and works with legislative and executive branches of government on issues related to the arts and arts education throughout the state.
- MUSICALLY INTERACTIVE
Sounds that intrigue Music Tech majors were showcased during "Explorations in Music Technology" at Plaza Diane Community Center for the Arts in downtown Powell.
The exhibit displayed audio technology devices from the Edison wire recorder to digital consoles. Attractions included iPad kiosks with headphones, an interactive "Jam Station" featuring a shovel guitar and a video-triggered floor.
- ANALYZING PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES
Sponsored by the college's Political Science Club and Forensics Team, public viewings of the two final presidential debates were attended by more than 50 students and community members. The Political Science Club is led by Dr. Walt Jatkowski, assistant professor of political science.
- SHARING ART KNOWLEDGE
Longtime Associate Professor of Art John Giarrizzo was an artist in residence at the Whitney Western Art Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
- PRESENTING AT SUMMIT
"Impacts of Decreased Revenues to Wyoming's Educational System" was the topic of a panel featuring NWC President Stefani Hicswa and other distinguished presenters at the annual Community College Summit sponsored by the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees.
- WELCOMING NEW TRUSTEES
The general election produced two new NWC Board of Trustees members. Luke Anderson and Bob Newsome of Cody began terms December 1 following retirements of Trustees Paul Fees and Mark Westerhold. Incumbent Mark Wurzel of Powell retained his seat by defeating a challenger. Incumbent Nada Larsen of Meeteetse was unopposed and is now board president.
- FOCUSING ON THE ECONOMY
Helping put Wyoming's post-recession economic challenges in perspective, Northwest College President Stefani Hicswa participated on a 2016 Governor's Business Forum panel titled "Recalibrate, Focus, and Proceed." Dr. Hicswa was joined by a state senator and representatives from geology, real estate, hospitality and global professional services.
