https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/f204d8dfebe2f0e6b6c937de9e6a6a13.pdf da024cb7fa75a1f6675aaa6d14631efb PDF Text Text December 1, 2024 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 The College Tour arrives to campus Aliesia Berryman Chinook writer Photo courtesy of Courtney Carr, Production Coordinator for The College Tour Jordan Napier (left) is filmed by The College Tour's film crew in the Wheeler Concert Hall at Casper College throughout the week of Nov. 11-15. Casper College will be featured as the final episode for season 14 of the Amazon Prime series, The College Tour. CC is the first Wyoming school to be featured in the series. Alex Boylan, host and producer of the series, first came up with The College Tour because incoming college students rarely get to go to every college they are interested in. For lots of kids, their parents can only afford to take them on one college visit, and even then that trip is not guaranteed for those students. “We wanted to create something that any high schooler, adult learner, parent, anyone can sit back from the comfort of their home.” Boylan said. “whether it's on TV, on their mobile device, and tour the country.” Boylen said that while every school does a great job in telling its story in The College Tour, every school is presented in the same format. “It’s like apples to apples.” Boylen said. The College Tour reached Casper College in the Fall semester of 2023, and filmed nine students on campus from Nov. 11 - 15. Christopher Lorenzen, head of public relations for CC, was there every step of the way along with other members of his team. “The students did a tremendous amount of work from writing scripts to doing practice videos,” Lorenzen said.. The production team for The College Tour put together a program to help schools with pre-production - which CC was able to complete in half the time in order to secure its spot in this season of the show. The team also led students and faculty through the filming process. “It made things a hundred times easier for us, but it also brought that experience and insight into developing an episode of this magnitude with them.” Lorenzen said. The goal for the PR team at CC was to showcase the college’s strengths like: handson learning, innovation, career readiness, academic resources, and online learning. Having watched students filming their segments, Lorenzen was able to confirm that these attributes were what students enjoyed most about CC. “To hear them say that it's very welcoming and accepting, — See College Tour Page 3 From serving on senate to judging livestock Ashley Hunter Chinook writer Wearing lots of hats, Emily Taylor is actively involved on the Casper College campus where she participates on the Livestock Judging team, serves as a representative for Student Senate, and manages a full course load. Emily Taylor grew up on a small dairy farm in Crockett, VA. Emily majors in Animal Science in hopes of entering embryology. Emily has eight younger siblings that are also involved on the farm as well. Emily is also on the CC Livestock Judging team where she competes in multiple states throughout the year.. Taylor said livestock judging has helped her with her confidence and made her more of an outspoken person. Emily started judging when she was nine years old. She also showed lambs at her local county fair growing up. Emily stated “Meeting people and getting to travel are the best things about judging.” Emily’s next step is to go to a 4 year university to get her bachelor's degree in Animal Science. She had a big role model growing up and that was her 4-H and livestock judging coach. Emily also enjoys cross- stitching and baking. When Emily was a senior in high school she placed 10th at the National FFA convention. This is also where she came across Casper College’s booth. Right there in Louisville she decided that Casper College would be a good fit for her. One of Emily’s Agricultural Instructors, Anne Wood, says that “Emily always has a positive outlook and a smile on her face”. Wood gathered that she is looking to help other people and raising them up while still being able to accomplish her own goals. Emily is very involved on campus, she is the President of the Livestock Judging club, and the Treasurer of the Ag club. She is also involved in the student senate, where they have meetings every Wednesday. They discuss issues on campus and try to stay involved with students and activities. Taylor stated the reason she was on the student senate was “to be a good representative for the ag department and for the judging team”. Emily is a very driven individual and she will be a great advocate for the agriculture industry. Emily says “work hard, and stay focused on your goals, and you will be successful.” Submitted photo Emily Taylor records a score during a livestock judging contest during the 2024 fall semester. Closing the Chapter Gunnare set to retire Saioa San Francisco Chinook Writer Saioa San Francisco Arilla/Chinook Head Women's Basketball Coach Dwight Gunnare shares a laugh with his players on the team's travel bus during the team's early season non-conference road trip in November, 2024. After more than 40 years of coaching, Dwight Gunnare, head coach of the Casper College women’s basketball team, has decided to retire at the conclusion of the 20242025 season. His career has been filled with victories, championship runs, and unforgettable experiences that shaped both himself and the players he coached. As Gunnare moves on to the next chapter, he shared his thoughts on the decision to step away and the journey that brought him here. Reflecting on retirement, Gunnare expressed mixed emotions. “It’s going to be a big adjustment,” he explained. “I know I’m going to miss so much about coaching— working with young adults, being around incredible people—but I’m ready for a change. I’m 65, and I want a more flexible schedule to spend time with my wife, who’s retiring too." While eager for the new opportunities retirement offers, Gunnare admitted, “It’s going to be a new adventure, and honestly, I’m a little nervous about it.” Gunnare’s coaching career has spanned various levels, from high school basketball in Colstrip, Montana, to college basketball in Wyoming. Among all the memories, he said one moment stands out the most. “Last year’s national tournament with Casper College was unforgettable. The gym was packed, and the energy was unreal. I remember standing there wondering how my team felt playing in front of that kind of crowd. It’s something I’ll never forget.” While coaching brought him many personal and professional rewards, Gunnare shared how it also shaped him as a person. “In my younger years, I wasn’t super organized or disciplined, but coaching changed that. It taught me how to be accountable and structured, which is a big reason I’ve stayed in it for so long.” He acknowledged, however, that the demands of the profession were challenging, especially when balancing family — See Gunnare Page 3 �Page 2 December 1, 2024 CHINOOK caspercollegechinook.com From the President's Desk Dear students, Every year at this time, I reflect on the path that brought me to where I am now. Like many of you, I am a first-generation college student. My parents, though deeply supportive, did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education. They taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and the belief that education could open doors to a better future. What they couldn’t provide, however, was a roadmap for navigating the complexities of college life. Being the first in my family to attend college came with challenges. I remember sitting in my first college class feeling overwhelmed, insecure, and unsure if I belonged. I wrestled with selfdoubt, questioned my choices, and often felt the weight of my entire family watching to see if I would succeed. There were moments when balancing everything seemed like more than I could handle. Yet, I ‘kept going’ (reference from last month’s article) and discovered the qualities required to be a successful first-generation student—resilience, determination, resourcefulness, and continued focus on the end goal– graduation. One characteristic many firstgeneration students share is a deep sense of purpose. We don’t take the opportunity to attend college for granted. For many of us, the goal is not only a personal achievement, but also creating a legacy that extends beyond ourselves. We aspire to break cycles, uplift our families, and to inspire others in our communities. Another defining trait is adaptability. As first-generation students, we learn to navigate unfamiliar systems, ask questions, and seek out Brandon Kosine, Interim President resources. We figure out financial aid forms, academic schedules, and campus services often without a guide. These experiences cultivate a unique kind of problem-solving ability that serves us well in college and beyond. Reflecting on my own journey, I realize how important it was to embrace a growth mindset (even though that term wasn’t in mainstream psychology yet.) I didn’t have all the answers, but I was willing to learn and grow. I sought mentors who believed in me, leaned on my friends for support, and worked hard to not let small setbacks (like a bad grade) get the best of me. My path wasn’t perfect, but each step forward brought me closer to my goals. To all of you who are firstgeneration students, I want you to know this: you are not alone. The challenges you face are real, and so is your capacity to overcome them. Every late-night study session, every tough decision, and every moment of perseverance is building a future you can be proud of. While you may not see it yet, all of this will be worth it one day and you will fondly look back on this time, as I am now. Whether you are nearing the end of your degree or just beginning, remember why you started this journey. The end of the Fall 2024 semester is near, so do your best to finish strong. The ability to gather your strength, focus your thoughts and intentions, and then finish is a skill that will benefit you over and over again in life. As I look out at our community of learners, I see future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. You are paving the way for others and creating a brighter future not just for yourself but for generations to come. I wish you all the best in these last couple weeks of the semester. Brandon Join our staff this spring! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & web development The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu Whether you’re a homebody or a social butterfly, our classes offer something for everyone! Spice up your evenings with our “Salsa Date Night,” or embark on epic adventures with “Discover Dungeons and Dragons.” Choose your adventure and make unforgettable memories! Questions? Contact Community Education, comm_ed@caspercollege.edu, 307-268-3401. Casper College provides equal opportunity in education and employment — caspercollege.edu/nondiscrimination. �December 1, 2024 Page 3 CHINOOK College Tour ........................................ to hear them say that they love being able to get to know their instructors and get their attention, to get all those things that are important at the student level. They're saying that in these interviews. And that validates what we're trying really hard to do here,” he said. The College Tour started in 2020 and Boylan sees how the schools have benefited from being featured in the series. “Enrollments go up, retention goes up, fundraising goes up. I believe it's a 3% increase on average of a retention rate at a college. Which is such an important thing because it just means we're helping students find the right fit.” He said. Lucy Jane Crimm is one of the students featured in CC’s episode. She was given an outline for writing a script and wrote 200-300 words. She also had to memorize it and then say it in front of the camera. “It was a lot more work than I thought. It was very professional, they have a whole process that they use for every school.” Crimm said. The crew worked all day every day during the whole week. Crimm said they had two hour time slots for each subject being filmed. There is also a benefit for the students featured in the episodes as they get a unique addition to their resumes and special access to a LinkedIn page started by The College Tour. “There's a great community there and it's so fun because one student might be moving from Casper to Salt Lake City, UT and find someone there on that page,” Boylan said. Having spent these last four years in the higher education sphere, Boylan wants to give advice to college students everywhere. “Find the people you aspire to be and ask them for some time. Say ‘I’m a college student, can I get ten minutes of your time? I have two questions about your career’. You have a lot of power as a college student. Use that power to open doors, to build relationships now. Those doors start shutting as soon as you graduate.” he says. Post filming, the episode featuring Casper College takes six months to produce. You can find out more about The College Tour and watch previous episodes on their website, www. thecollegetour.com. Along with Crimm, the following students were filmed for The College Tour: Dawsen Pater, Kaitlyn Flower, Keely Shay Ottersbach, Valerie Liska, Jordan Napier, Wyatt Eadus, and Alex Head. Gunnare................................................. life. “Coaching is hard on families. It takes a lot of time, and you have to have a partner who understands that,” he explained. Despite the challenges, Gunnare emphasized the importance of prioritizing family when possible. As for the future, Gunnare remains uncertain about what’s next. “I know coaching is still in my blood,” he stated, “but I also know whoever takes over at Casper College deserves to make it their program without me hanging around in the background.” While he is open to new opportunities, he plans to enjoy retirement and see where it takes him. Looking back on his career, Gunnare hopes his legacy goes beyond basketball. “I hope people remember me as someone who brought in great student-athletes—kids who represented the college well, succeeded academically, and went on to do great things in life.” Gunnare shared a piece of advice he’s carried throughout his career to younger coaches entering the profession: "Never make it about yourself. Be a teacher, explain why you’re doing things, and always check your intentions. If they’re not in the right place, it’ll show.” For Gunnare, the relationships he’s built and the growth he’s witnessed in his players have been the most meaningful parts of his coaching career. “Seeing the light bulb go off for a player or watching a team accomplish something they continued from page 1 continued from page 1 didn’t think they could—it’s the best feeling in the world.” Though Gunnare is stepping away from coaching, his contributions to Casper College and the basketball community will continue to resonate. His legacy is one of dedication, growth, and a commitment to helping young people succeed on and off the court. caspercollegechinook.com Land of Enchantment native brings delight to Casper College school of science Maria Geis Chinook Writer It wasn’t always in Dr. Frank Hodnett’s plan to move to Wyoming, but teaching at Casper College was an opportunity waiting to be taken. With a PhD in curriculum and instruction, Hodnett has been teaching kids and young adults since 1988 starting with 4-H as an extension agent in Roosevelt County. His focus as a leader was around traditional agriculture programs as well as shooting sports. In 2004, Hodnett was appointed 4-H department head where he stayed until 2012. Transitioning to the academic side he became a professor at New Mexico State University (NMSU) and was the department head for AXED, their agricultural education program. Ten years later, Hodnett decided he was ready to retire from NMSU, however he still wanted to work with young people. “I was always told that you would know when you needed to retire, and so I knew that I needed to retire. I knew I was done at New Mexico State, but I wasn’t done working with young people,” Hodnett said. A former colleague of his from New Mexico State, Jerry Hawkes, had moved to Casper and was the Casper College dean for the School of Science. Hodnett texted Hawkes saying that if he ever had a job for someone like him, to let him know. Soon enough Hawkes reached out to him about a position. Hodnett’s wife found a job opening at the Tate Geological Museum online so they both applied for the jobs. After a trip to Casper for interviews he and his wife were both offered the jobs and with a quick turnaround they made the move to Wyoming. “I was retired for a whole month before I started here at Casper College,” Hodnett remarked. Now at Casper College, Dr. Hodnett, commonly referred to as Doc, teaches a variety of classes in the agricultural department. From ag issues to animal production, Hodnett teaches as well as manages others such as the AI (artificial insemination) and hoof trimming classes. Doc is full of jokes and wise advice and brings cheer to the environment around him. Madi Keir, a student in the ag department says, “Doc’s a very outgoing, funny person and is very kind and always there when you need help with anything or want to learn something.” Many other students enjoy having Doc as an instructor as well because of his personality and helpfulness. One of the classes Photo courtesy of Casper College's Agriculture dept. that he implemented at Dr. Frank Hodnett is the coach of Casper College’s Fitting and Showing Team. The team recently competed at the Cheyenne CC is the freshman expeLivestock Expedition showing breeding heifers and partaking in fitting competitions, winning first place in the Collegiate rience class that helps Fitting Contest. students get acquainted with school. gone over some things about Casper College.” story he heard when he was younger It was a class he had taught at NMSU College. School of science students Now Hodnett is the new academic had a saying that’s stuck with him and it’s a great way for freshmen to can participate in the ceremony and chair for the department. Something and that is “If you love what you do, learn about the campus, learn how to receive a paint brand ,on a CC t-shirt he and the rest of the department you’ll never work a day in your life.” apply for jobs and scholarships, and they’re given, on the right shoulder. have started that will be new is That is something he’s lived by his give them a low pressure class where The purpose of it is to show that an associate of applied science in whole career. they have fun learning. students have been taught about general agriculture. Hodnett has “I love ag and I want to learn more A tradition that Hawkes and the college, and to give a sense of more plans that he is working on to and I’m always learning everyday. I Hodnett brought to CC from New belonging and family. Explaining be implemented in the future. really like working with kids so I get Mexico is the branding ceremony. the branding ceremony Hodnett says, Working with youth and teaching to do two of the things I really enjoy The ceremony takes place during “You know, what we try to do with has never been a job for Hodnett. To most, and I get to keep doing it. I’m the beginning of the year, but after that is make them feel like they are a him it feels like it is what he was around some of the coolest people in the Freshman Experience class has part of our department here at Casper called to do or supposed to be. A the world,” said Hodnett Join our staff this spring! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & web development The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu �Page 4 CHINOOK Catchin' up with Connery Photo courtesy of Edwin Gonzales, CC Public Relations Ethan Connery, a reshirt SO, transitions to defense during the Thunderbirds' 90-84 victory over McCook Community College on Saturday, Nov. 30 in the T-Bird Gym. Timothy Hubert Chinook Writer Casper College is unique in so many ways. The student living experience, professors, courses, and campus activities all have their own flare, and give many students and staff members a place they are proud to call home. One thing that the students, staff, and community have the awesome opportunity to take pride in, is the Casper College athletic programs. These programs can be known by their on-court or on-field success but also by the team chemistry these diverse groups play with. Most of these players come from different backgrounds, but play with similar motivations. These motivations are to hopefully compete at the national level, gain the attention of higher level coaches and scouts, and eventually play at the highest level possible in pursuit of their lifelong dreams. This is especially true of players on the T-bird men’s basketball team, specifically redshirt sophomore, combo guard, Ethan Connery. The Akron native, Ethan is attending Casper College for the second consecutive year after sitting out under redshirt status last season. After being part of the team daily in practices and being a vocal leader from the sidelines last year, Ethan looks to help lead the T-birds to a regional championship and a national tournament appearance. He will have a strong team behind him led by the Division 1 prospect, three level scorer, Abdul Bashir, the double-double machine, Stephen Osei, and sophomores Yel Deeng and Nate Sasser III to name a few. This group is poised for a very successful season that has the potential to leave a legacy in the Casper College community as well as each player’s personal basketball journey. Ethan has faced his fair share of ups and downs in his basketball career. He was a member of the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Basketball team, the same high school that produced basketball legend LeBron James. This talented squad brought home two Ohio State championships in Ethan’s tenure there. He then committed to Wittenberg University, a division 3 school located in Springfield, Ohio. After a season of struggling to find play time and opportunities and averaging just 2.8 points per game that season, Ethan felt he could prove himself more and accomplish his goals somewhere else. “Things didn’t really go the way I planned and I definitely wanted a bigger path for me, especially getting to the D1 level and playing overseas, so I wanted to bet on myself and decided to come to Casper,” Ethan said. He then arrived in Casper slightly late, which factored into him and the coaches coming to a mutual agreement of him sitting out for a year as a redshirt. As a redshirt player, Ethan spent the entirety of the season practicing with the team, pushing them to be better, while retaining that year of eligibility. Although he is in his third year of college, Ethan is considered a sophomore in athletics and has two remaining years as an eligible athlete due to the redshirt. Although he had to watch from the sideline, patiently waiting for where he is today, hearing his name called on game days, he took that opportunity as a chance to improve tremendously as a player and teammate. He looked at the redshirt opportunity, as a very good one, by trying to make the most of it. “I really wanted to take a year to grow as a player, and really just put in a lot of work to work on my body and get a lot better in the game of basketball” he said about his redshirt year. Although his role on the team changed going into this season, his mindset for himself and the team remained constant. He wanted to approach this season head December 1, 2024 on, compete day in and day out, hoping to see his hard work pay off. Some of that work has already been rewarded as he was offered his first Division 1 basketball scholarship this summer. This offer was from Radford University, in Virginia, while he continues to get looks from other major schools. As a spectator, Ethan’s unique playstyle will likely catch your attention. He is a competitor on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. At 6’ 4”, he is oftentimes the shortest player on the court. This, however, does not affect him on the glass, as he averages the most rebounds per game on the entire team with 8.2. He also is usually tasked with defending some of the opposing team’s best offensive players. He thrives on the defensive end of the ball, averaging nearly 3 steals a game. The passion he plays with is unlike many players. Through 9 games, Ethan is also averaging 12 points per game, on 45% shooting, as well as, 4 assists per game, in an impressive 32 minutes per game on the court. One of his best games of the season thus far came in an exciting matchup between them and Northeastern JC. In a game riddled with injuries, flagrant fouls, tempers flaring, and an overall intense game, Ethan matched and at times exceeded the intensity of the other players on the court. With the T-birds down 7 with just 3 minutes and 40 seconds to play, Connery hit a pivotal 3 pointer assisted by Parker Davis, drew an offensive foul on the defensive side, then returned the favor by assisting a 3 pointer to Parker Davis to cut the deficit to one. They proceeded to complete the comeback, winning 89-86 over NJC. Ethan would finish with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block to help lead the T-birds to victory. Through 11 games, the T-Birds have a record of 9-2, with victories against North Idaho twice, Air Force prep, Fort Hays Tech Northwest, Northeastern JC, Yavapai college, Miles Community College, Lake Region State College, and McCook Community College. Their 2 defeats came at the hands of Monroe University and North Idaho in their 3rd matchup of the season. The stakes only will get higher for this Casper squad as they will play 6 tough games around the holiday season, before the highly anticipated start of conference play on January 16th, when Casper travels to Powell, Wyoming to take on Northwest College. First they must head to Gillette for the “border wars” where they will take on Miles Community College for the second meeting of the season, and the next day take on North Dakota State College of Science. Dual snake one snake Lairen Brush/Chinook Wandering Gartersnakes are are wild snake species which are native across Wyoming and plentiful in Casper. It is the most common gartersnake one can see in Wyoming. Lairen Brush Chinook Writer A two headed snake was discovered north of Casper in Edgerton by Brian Wagner who donated it to Casper College for Charlotte Snoberger to care for and observe. “[Brian Wagner] found it in a garage,” Snoberger said. The snake heads appeared to be operating separately, however, there was no dominant head established yet. “They each stuck out their tongues separately, and they each opened their heads separately,” Snoberger said. “I don't know if there was a dominant one. There's one that kind of lined up more with the body.” There are many interesting facts about a two-headed snake. According to the Repatarium, “This condition is known as bicephaly. Bicephaly translates to “bi,” meaning two, and “cephaly,” meaning head. Bicephaly occurs when there is an incomplete splitting of an embryo.” “But [Wandering Gartersnakes], ‘give live birth’ meaning that they have internal eggs that are reabsorbed by the body, so they don't actually lay eggs,” Snoberger said. This condition can be found in humans, however it has a different name. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, “When this situation arises in humans, it’s known as conjoined twins.” The snake lived for about 3-4 months which is fairly long for a two-headed animal. “For every 100,000 snake births only 1 will be a two headed snake. That’s a 0.001% “ chance of reproducing a two-headed snake.” The Repatarium said, This is rare even for someone who works with snakes like Snoberger. “But, I'm a herpetologist. I've worked with a lot of snakes, a lot of wild snakes, and I've definitely never seen anything like that,” Snoberger said. There were no noticeable defects. “They both looked perfect. And they were both clearly alive, you know,” Snoberger said. “They were both clearly functioning.” The snake moved strangely presumably because of its peculiarity. “If it moved forward like a normal snake, it seemed like its head would get stuck in between the two heads,” Snoberger said, “So it had a tendency to move backwards and to the left, because the second head stuck out to the right.” The snake died on Nov. 5. How it died is unknown, whether it was from being unable to digest properly or any number of issues with two-headed snakes. “My husband was like, ‘that's a long time for a two headed animal.’ I think it did pretty good” Snoberger said. The snake will be preserved for viewing at Casper College. “And we’ll preserve the snake in ethanol and keep it at the college.” Snoberger said in an email. The snake will be available by next semester, students can email Charlotte Snoberger at charlotte.snoberger@caspercollege.edu, to see the snake in all its preserved glory. They each stuck out their tongues separately, and they each opened their heads separately. I don't know if there was a dominant one. There's one that kind of lined up more with the body.” Lairen Brush/Chinook The two-headed Wandering Gartersnake is held by Charlotte Snoberger, CC biology instructor. — Charlotte Snoberger, Biology Instructor �December 1, 2024 Page 5 CHINOOK The rise of Riah! Chris Mossman-Larson Chinook Writer In a world where style speaks louder than words, one rising designer is transforming her artistic vision into wearable art. With knowledge gained from art classes and borrowed sewing machines, Mariah Geis has begun an exciting journey to turn her creative dreams into reality. Though just starting out, her designs already hint at a unique perspective, blending modern trends with her own personal style. With dreams of making it to the runway, Riah! is ready to sew together talent, ambition, and hard work, one stitch at a time. Mariah Geis, a double art major, was inspired to start her designing journey through her printmaking class at Casper College. She was given complete creative control over an assignment involving linocuts, which is the carving of linoleum blocks to create designs via stamping. Students were told they could use their linocuts on whatever they wanted. “Why not clothes?” Geis said. “So I decided on these Martini T’s.” People loved Mariah’s T-shirts so much that they wanted to purchase them. She figured that if people were interested in buying her shirts, she should start sewing tags into them. This is how the brand Riah! was born. But why stop at T-shirts? Using a borrowed sewing machine, Geis decided to teach herself how to sew other items, such as shorts and pants. Through Instagram Stories, Geis began to gain a bit of traction. She was invited to Denver Fashion Week to assist a fellow designer on the runway. She described DFW as one of the best days of her life. Not only was she there to support her friend, but she also had the chance to envision what her own life could look like if she continued down the design path. “Denver Fashion Week was one word,” Geis beamed. “Surreal.” DFW was also the moment Mariah decided to take her brand to the next level. She created an official Instagram account (@riahreworks) and started releasing clothing drops. One of her drops, “Cowboys Love Fashion,” was Riah!’s spin on western clothing culture. This line included a mix of leather, denim, lace, and gingham pieces, all modeled by Mariah’s friends (photo displayed on page 7.) “It was so refreshing seeing western wear in a different light,” Geis expressed. “It was fun playing around with traditional, very manly Photo courtesy of Maria Geis western wear, CC art student Mariah Geis works on a piece of clothing on a used sewing machine with her and then turning — See Riah! Page 7 brand "Riah!" at the top of the machine. around and Breaking barriers through Billiards Kylie Wheaton/Chinook Casper College Security Officer Daniel Valk poses for a photo at one of the three pool tables in the T-Bird Nest. Kylie Wheaton Chinook Writer Every Friday and Saturday night Casper College security guard Daniel Valk spends his time playing pool with students in the T-Bird Nest. Valk teaches them the rules and fundamentals of pool and then challenges them to a game. But far more important than learning how to play pool, Valk is building relationships and breaking the wall between students and security. Valk is a retired law enforcement officer who has lived in many parts of the country. When searching for a retirement job, he landed at Casper College. Initially Valk applied for a maintenance position, but once the director of security saw his resume, he asked Valk to consider working for security. Since then, Valk has been grateful to be part of the security team and has never looked back. Valk enjoys the flexibility he has with this position and how it differs from traditional security jobs. “What I see here at Casper College,” Valk said, “the philosophy kind of deviates from that traditional security role where community involvement, being part of the larger community, is encouraged and is very flexible in the acceptance of these non-traditional security roles.” Valk chooses to pursue this community involvement in a rather unconventional way: playing pool. “I saw students that were potentially self-isolated, they really weren’t making friends, they were by themselves in the cafeteria, and the only way to engage in constructive conversation was ‘let’s play a game of pool’” Valk said. Valk has found great success engaging with students through pool. He is now the club advisor for Chalk & Awe, Casper Colleges new billiards club. Valk has used this position to connect with many students on campus in hopes to stay connected with them when their time at Casper comes to a close. Former Casper College student Tatiano Do Pinho served as an activities and intramurals assistant for Student Life during the 2023 - 2024 school year. Pinho had many interactions with security through her work study shifts. Her many interactions with security started as nervous conversations, but throughout the year developed into strong friendships. “At first, before getting to know them I was afraid of security, but then they became like ok,” Pinho said, “and then I was like let’s see what this is about, then we became like family at the end.” Despite Pinho only attending Casper for a year, her friendship with Valk grew and became something she will treasure forever. “Dan truly became someone very important to me, I call him grandpa for a reason and that’s just because that’s what he represents to me” Pinho said, “I have my grandpa back at home, he became my American grandpa that is just someone I can rely on and he always has some good advice to give. He’s just someone I trust and I know I can come to him even though I’m far away now, but when I was there, he was defi- nitely a break from everything else when things got tough and stuff.” Pinho hopes to continue to stay in touch with Valk and encourages all students to get to know him. While Valk loves being able to connected with students, he also recognizes how those connections can help him when dealing with a situation on campus. He believes that breaking the wall between students and security helps students feel more comfortable coming to them with their issues. “For security to understand what their [the students] challenges are,” Valk said, “what they may struggle with and what they may need from security, along with faculty, I think is absolutely important.” Valk has also gotten to know some of the Resident Assistants and it seems to have helped make their interactions smoother. “It definitely allows us to I guess be less nervous around security just because we’ve interacted with them where it’s not like a serious issue.” Lead Resident Assistant Travis Scribner said, “or where there’s not a serious issue happening and so that kind of helps, it helps us communicate with them in a way that allows us to get the information out faster because we’re not so tense around them.” Valk hopes to continue building relationships and creating a richer community at Casper College, as well as humbling all students in a game of pool. �Page 6 December 1, 2024 CHINOOK Planting seeds for a brighter future Hailey Carr Chinook Writer When Anne Wood received an email from Mr. Heath Hornecker from Casper College on a quiet Friday evening, she had no idea it would change her life. “You know, they say opportunity doesn’t knock twice. Well, I think it knocked three times on my door, so I decided I should probably answer it,” Anne recalls with a laugh. That decision led her 2,000 miles from her hometown near Buffalo, New York, to become an agribusiness instructor in Casper, Wyoming, a choice she now holds dear. Anne’s journey to Casper wasn’t straightforward. Seven years ago, she applied for a position at the college but ultimately accepted a role closer to home. Four years later, Casper College reached out again, just as she was navigating professional uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though hesitant about the cross-country move, Anne felt drawn to the opportunity. She packed her life into a single trip and embraced a new adventure. Trading Buffalo’s urban landscape for Wyoming’s wide-open plains, Anne found herself on a mission that transcended teaching. “Being part of this community has given me a bigger sense of purpose,” she says with a smile. “I didn’t have that same feeling at any other college.” Anne’s life has been shaped by hard work and resilience. Growing up, financial struggles taught her the value of perseverance. “Nothing was ever handed to me,” she says. “I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved, whether it was funding my education, moving for a job, or even just making ends meet.” Her determination carried her through years of working multiple jobs while pursuing her education and navigating the ups and downs of her teaching career. “It’s humbling to know where I came from, but it’s also empowering to see how far I’ve come,” Anne reflects. These challenges have given her a unique perspective, which she brings into the classroom. Anne didn’t always dream of being an educator. As a child, she wanted to become a veterinarian, inspired by her love of horses. But a candid conversation with a college advisor changed her course. “He told me, ‘You like horses too much to be a vet. You want time for them,’” Anne recalls. That insight guided her toward a career in teaching. Her passion for education began unexpectedly while pursuing her master’s degree at West Virginia University. Hoping to reduce her tuition costs, Anne applied for a teaching assistant position in the biology department and discovered a hidden talent. “I realized, oh, I’m okay at this. This is kind of fun,” she says. From there, her teaching career flourished, spanning community colleges and online programs across the East Coast. Since joining Casper College, Anne has found profound fulfillment in her role. To her, teaching agriculture classes is about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering collaboration and personal growth. “What I love most is watching students grow,” she says. “They come from such diverse backgrounds—rodeo kids, livestock kids, and those who’ve never set foot on a farm. Seeing them learn from each other is amazing.” Anne takes pride in moments when students surpass expectations. “I get to learn who my students are, figure out what they know, and guide them on their path forward,” she says. Her ambitions extend beyond the classroom. As a participant in Casper College’s leadership program, Anne hopes to take on higher leadership roles in her future. Drawing on her experience with diverse student populations, from inner-city learners to military communities, she is committed to helping students achieve their goals. “My hope is to guide this diverse group of learners to succeed, whether they’re mastering AI cattle management or diving into accounting,” she says. Anne’s teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application and connection. “Agriculture isn’t just about growing crops or raising livestock—it’s about understanding the business and communications side too,” she explains. “I want my students to leave here equipped with real-world skills, ready to tackle the challenges of this industry.” Her unique background, rooted in New York State and enriched by Wyoming’s culture, allows her to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This blend of experiences helps her relate to students from all walks of life, whether they’ve grown up on a ranch or are entirely new to agriculture. Anne’s students speak highly of her, praising her dedication and approachability. “She doesn’t just teach us—she mentors us,” says student Karina Mysse. “She’s always willing to help and genuinely cares about our future.” For Anne, teaching at Casper College isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. “If I can help even one student find their path and succeed, I know I’ve done my job,” she said. In a state where agriculture is a way of life, Anne Wood is planting the seeds for a brighter future, one student at a time. Hailey Carr/Chinook CC Ag Instructor Anne Wood presents to her students during her Agriculture Economics class on Monday, Dec. 2. Taking Online or Hybrid Courses? The Digital Learning Center supports your journey by helping you master essential digital tools. We ensure you have access to the resources you need for online and hybrid classes. HOW WE CAN HELP: • MyCCMoodle: Learn how to submit assignments, participate in forums, and more. Plus • Zoom Assistance: Access/navigate Zoom for remote classes and collaborations. lot m a ore! • Google Suite Support: Docs, Drive, Gmail — make the most of these tools. • Office 365 Access: Use MS Word, PowerPoint, and other essentials. • Online Tutoring Guidance: Navigate NetTutor and other resources for extra help when you need it. • Study and Work Spaces: Try out our newly furnished student room to study, relax, or use the computers and printer. • Tech and Snacks: Enjoy snacks like popcorn or ask about our VR and green screen! r You s our i cess ity! c u S r Prio Tyler Teresa Dave Katie FOR HELP OR MORE INFORMATION stop by Liesinger Hall, Room 132, or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Mike �December 1, 2024 Riah!........... continued from page 5 making my male models wear makeup.” She continued by explaining how she has always loved the gender-bending aspect of fashion. It’s Mariah’s prerogative that no matter what the clothing looks like, it belongs to anybody who wants to wear it. Even Geis’s teachers appreciate her ability to be inclusive with her clothing. One stated that the way she refuses to let traditional gender roles define her designs is truly exciting. Geis’s passion for inclusivity in her line is an admirable trait for an aspiring fashion designer. Another aspect that motivates Geis’s work is sustainability. With fast fashion on the rise, Riah! strives to do something more eco-friendly. “In a world where everything moves so quickly, things no longer carry the same depth or meaning,” she noted. For Mariah, thrifting fuels her creativity in two ways. Sometimes, she lets inspiration strike as she discovers unique pieces. Other times, she Page 7 CHINOOK approaches thrift shops with a specific design already envisioned. It’s important for Mariah to take something trendy and hand-make it using repurposed materials. Mariah Geis’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, ambition, and staying true to one’s values. Through her brand, Riah!, she is redefining fashion by blending sustainability, inclusivity, and bold self-expression. Whether it’s her reimagined secondhand pieces or her gender-defying designs, Mariah’s work inspires others to see fashion as a tool for individuality and empowerment. As she continues to grow her brand and refine her craft, there’s no doubt Mariah is stitching her way toward a future where her vision will shine as brightly as her passion. WRITING CENTER The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Get feedback on a draft Gain writing strategies And so much more! Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Photo courtesy of Marc Sanford Valerie Hedlund and Casey Sebesta pose for ‘Cowboys Love Fashion’ while wearing clothing made by CC student Mariah Geis. Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu Knowledge Enrichment for Youth KEY CAMP 2 0 2 5 Incoming sixth, seventh and eighth grade students First Session: June 8-13 Second Session: June 15-20 Apply for a unique adventure at Casper College. Immerse yourself in campus life, engage in hands-on activities, enrich your knowledge, and explore careers. You must have a teacher’s recommendation. Contact Community Education at 307-268-3401 or comm_ed@caspercollege.edu for more information. Registration opens Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. Apply by Friday, March 28, 2025. Online applications available at caspercollege.augusoft.net//info/landing/key-camp-info. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2024-12 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2024-12 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from December 2024. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2024-12 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF