https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/a4e7194e622ad89691893595166104c2.pdf 897612bf05dbaca10bd81b59615b5931 PDF Text Text October 1, 2025 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 A major move in CC marketing program Bella McManus/Chinook Ginny Garner is pictured above teaching a marketing class at Casper College. Garner worked to make changes in the marketing department to keep up with current industry trends. Bella McManus Chinook Writer Casper College will sunset its AS in marketing this year, replacing it with a new degree. Virginia Garner, Marketing and Hospitality Faculty at Casper College, said the advisory board met to address issues with the current marketing degree. Students transferring to universities were having to take different variations of the same classes at a “senior level,” and weren’t being properly equipped to enter the industry straight after graduating. Garner said the board discussed how to give students the skills they need to succeed in marketing rather than just the credits they need to transfer. This led them to create the Associate of Applied Science in Marketing. The degree, which is about three years in the making, launched this academic year, designed specifically to prepare students for the workforce straight out of CC. Garner recommends that students who want to transfer to a university go into business administration, which will get them to an advanced student business standing. Dustin Neal, a member of the marketing advisory board, said that marketing has “become a little watered down over the years.” He said that anyone can get a marketing degree, but oftentimes when they enter the workforce they lack valuable “hard skills,” such as design, web coding, photography, or communication. Neal said this new major allows students to get the degree but also focus on different skillsets, leaving graduates more qualified for the industry than many of their peers. The new AAS in marketing was designed with a strong foundation of marketing classes and a handful of business classes, and students can choose a concentration of entrepreneurship, content creation, or graphic design. Students also have the option to get a certificate in graphic design or entrepreneurship. “We call it our influencer degree,” Garner said. “Students leave here with all of these various skills that are applicable in the marketing field today.” While the degree is mostly an upgraded and rearranged version of the previous AS in marketing designed to better equip students, it does include two brand new classes: a marketing seminar and a digital marketing II class. Garner described the seminar as an entry level look at marketing, potential careers, issues, personal branding, case studies, and more, allowing new marketing students to explore the question, “where are your skills and where do you fit in?” Sasha Remp, an international student and freshman in the major, said she’s enjoyed the seminar class so far because it helps her see real-life examples of marketing and put it into practice. Students in the class are currently creating a marketing plan for the degree that will help promote the coursework to next year’s enrollees. Neal said that in a follow-up meeting about the degree, the advisory board began discussing the need for and development of an entire class dedicated to artificial intelligence, specifically its uses, purpose, ethics, and application. “We’re just now starting to see the big universities… getting it together,” Neal said. “So if Casper College… can jump on that quickly and execute it at a high level, it keeps them future ready.” Garner and Neal both said that another exciting part of the major is mentorship. Depending on what the student wants to pursue as a career after they graduate, there are marketing professionals in that industry willing to mentor them the entire time they are at CC. They will be there to share — See Marketing Page 3 Expressions: A stepping stone for creative pursuit Makiah Osborne Chinook Writer Photo courtesy of Patrick Amelotte Pictured above is the Expression staff visiting the World Heritage Site, "Taos Pueblo," in Taos, New Mexico. Listed from left to right: Natalie Plumlee, Zoe Von Gunten, Rowan Olson, Eddie Siebert, and Mike Olson. Expression Magazine at Casper College anchors the initiative that encourages every student to pursue creative work, providing tangible publications for future portfolios. Established in 1964, Expression is a student-run literary and arts magazine publishing the artwork of students and community members alike. Throughout the academic calendar, the student staff compiles original pieces, designing the magazine to fit the assigned theme of each year. Upon each annual release, a judging committee of one faculty member, one student, and one community member votes on the contents accepted into the final publication. Casper College English Instructor and Faculty Advisor of Expression Joseph Campbell said, “If it is creative, we want to see it.” The magazine’s content spans from conventional pieces such as poems and paintings to abstract ceramics and fashion design. Authentic creation finds commonality among the publications, as acceptance is not confined to a conventional box. Eddie Siebert, last year’s literary editor and current staff advisor, shared, “The goal to me at least, is to spread awareness to the fact that everyone on campus can be creative, and they are able to be a part of something that could help their career. Whether that's in schooling or in their job-life, if they want to be in art or be an artist, that (Expression) is a great avenue to get there.” As the school year proceeds, assigned students compile artwork for the current year’s issue, taking place at the end of each spring semester. Submission deadlines fall at the end of February. Traditional roles of the magazine staff include the president, general advisor, editor in-chief, and aligned personnel. Such a structure promotes student voice, not only in the magazine’s contents, but in production, editing, and publication. Expression initiates student recognition, even in the preparation process. Campbell explained, “For instance, if we're keeping up with things, you should be able to walk into Wind City Books and find a copy of Expression. You should be able to go to City Brew, over here on the East side, and find a copy of Expression so that our students are not just being recognized by their fellow students, but by the community as well”. Campbell said opportunities outside of Casper College arise from the acknowledgements of Expression. Expression, an addition to any portfolio, adds credibility and experience, both for student staff and student publications. “Submit. Now. Like I said earlier, ‘that poem, that short story, that amazing photograph you got of the mist coming in just right over your campsite -- that's not doing you any good just sitting on your hard drive,” Campbell said. “Get it out there. Let people know you have a creative eye -- you have a creative sense of how things can be put together. We want to see your work.” Expression Magazine promotes student voice and creative endeavors, encouraging students along their personal and professional career. Golden Age Scholarship opens door for senior students Taylor Crook Chinook Writer Casper College offers the Golden Age scholarship to Natrona County Residents who are 60 years or older to take classes at a reduced cost. The Golden Age Scholarship, which offers a seventy percent discount on tuition, applies to credit for both degreeseeking classes and community education classes. For degree-seeking classes, the maximum amount of credits the scholarship covers is 15 per semester. According to the Golden Age Scholarship page on the Casper College Website, the scholarship does not cover course fees, books, or supplies for a student. Larry Heinzman, a student currently enrolled in American Sign Language, takes community education classes with the Golden Age Scholarship. When asked if he would take classes without the financial assistance, Heinzman said, “I doubt it.” Heinzman, since learning about the scholarship from a friend, has taken a wide range of courses, including woodworking, electronics, German, and more. Heinzman said, “I need something to do -- to occupy my time -- to be with other people. And younger students keep me younger.” He then added that taking classes improves his quality of life, specifically within relationships. He said that it didn’t matter whether the relationships were formal or informal, but that the important part was getting to know other people and sharing with them. Like Heinzman, instructors also notice the impact of the program. Mark McCool, who teaches machine tool technology, said, “It’s lifelong learning. I think you need to because if not, not to say you get left behind, but things change and they are changing more so much quicker.” Heinzman also noted the importance of lifelong learning. He said, “I think the life of being a lifetime learner is important, whether it's formal or informal…I've had friends who sat and watched TV, and within five years they were dead.” McCool, having a multitude of students utilizing the Golden Age Scholarship, said that his classroom environment benefits from having an older adult present. He said, “He doesn't, like, do anything halfway.” He later added, “I would love to think that everybody in here would look up to that and think that's a great opportunity as a kind of a role model.” Heinzman highlighted some differ- — See Golden Page 3 Taylor Crooke/Chinook Larry Heinzman looking at the trophy case that holds and displays editions of the Expressions magazine before he heads into his ASL class. �Page 2 October 1, 2025 CHINOOK From the President's Desk Chinook Stance “ Why reading still matters Taylor Crook Off The Crook Charles Elliot once said, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” Reading is a skill that should be practiced and utilized more often. From fictional fantasy to nonfiction novels on finance, reading is a vital survival skill essential for our schools, society, and minds. Reading can be useful, regardless of the age of the individual. When I was growing up in elementary school, I would come home from school and do my chores. Before I could relax, however, my Grandma would always make me read for at least 20 minutes a day. She didn’t care if it was a comic book or a novel; she just wanted me to read. At the time, I used to hate reading and would get quite frustrated with my Grandma. But as the years went on, I began to not only love reading, but to also see the influence those 20 minutes a day had on my education. I flew through the required novels for class, the grammar portions of our tests, and the skills of reading comprehension. Dayton Stone, a student advancing towards a degree in Secondary Education for English and Spanish, talked about the influence reading has on children and academics in general. He said, “Lower-class families are speaking only about 200 different words a day, not including the filler words such as and, or, etc. At the end of the year, this creates about a 1,000,000-word gap.” Dayton then talked about the influence of reading on bridging that gap, even just by being read to by someone else. “If you are read to daily, you hear 296,660 words per week,” he said. “It’s just about comprehension, generally speaking, in an academic setting. It helps with compre- hension of a new topic.” Reading is not just beneficial for an educational setting, however. As an adult, reading can reduce stress and worry, increase empathy, enhance vocabulary, create growth, help make informed decisions, and create longevity through increased brain activity. Reading fiction is sometimes frowned upon by avid non-fiction readers, but I would like to put an emphasis on how fiction builds empathy. While reading a fiction novel, even one with very little literary richness, readers are constantly placed in another person’s shoes. Readers live vicariously through other’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Thus, when another individual appears with a personal situation, it is not the first time one is trying to understand another’s feelings and experiences. Reading also promotes lifelong learning, a skill essential to adaptability and becoming a well-rounded person. Through reading, individuals are introduced to new ideas all the time, helping prevent their knowledge base and skills from becoming stagnant. To acquire these benefits, it is not necessary to read for hours on end. Even just a simple 10 minutes in the morning could be beneficial to one’s life. Coffee with a cop on campus One of the things I love most about a community college is the incredible variety of opportunities available to students both inside and outside the classroom. When you walk across campus, you see students engaged in learning, clubs meeting, athletic teams training, performances being rehearsed, and study groups gathering in nearly every corner. All of these moments represent the life of the college—and they represent opportunities for you. I want to encourage you to do something that may make all the difference in your college experience: get involved. Before I became a college president, I worked in leadership development and student activities. During those years, I saw firsthand the impact that involvement outside of the classroom has on students. The data was clear, and the personal stories were even more powerful: students who got involved in campus programs and activities not only performed better academically, they also developed stronger social networks, built leadership skills, and most importantly, were more likely to stay in school and complete their educational goals. Being involved doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it might mean joining a student organization that aligns with your interests or career path. For others, it could be I want to encourage you to do something that may make all the difference in your college experience: get involved. — Dr. Brandon Kosine, Ph.D., Casper College President competing in athletics, writing for the student newspaper, volunteering through service projects, or simply showing up for campus events and making connections. The key is that involvement is about finding your place and contributing to the larger community. College can be overwhelming at times, especially if you are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. It might be tempting to come to class, finish your assignments, and then head home. But when you take that extra step—whether it’s attending a guest lecture, participating in student government, or joining a club, you open doors that extend far beyond the classroom. You gain experiences that strengthen your confidence, resilience, and ability to work with others. What I’ve learned through years of working with students is that involvement is one of the most powerful tools for success in higher education. Not only does it enrich your time in college, it also prepares you for life after graduation. Employers consistently look for graduates who can collaborate, communicate effectively, and lead with integrity. These are the exact skills that are developed when you engage with campus programs, organizations, and events. And beyond the practical skills, there’s something else you’ll find—something that may be even more valuable. You will form relationships that last. The friends you make in a student club, on a team, or in student government may very well be the friends you lean on five, ten, or twenty years from now. These are the kinds of connections that grow into lifelong friendships, built not just on shared classes, but on shared experiences. So my message to you is simple: take that step. Get involved. Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. Your time at Casper College is an investment in your future, so make the most of it, both in and out of the classroom. caspercollegechinook.com Bella McManus/Chinook A Casper College student visits with two officers during a Coffee with a Cop event on campus. The event toook place in the union on October 1. Taking Online or Hybrid Courses? Plus lot m a ore! The Casper College 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. MARK KATIE r You s our i s ces Suc iority! Pr HOW WE CAN HELP: DAVE MyCCMoodle: Online Tutoring Guidance: Zoom Assistance: Study and Work Spaces: Learn how to submit assignments, participate in forums, and more. TERESA Access/navigate Zoom for remote classes and collaborations. Google Suite Support: Docs, Drive, Gmail — make the most of these tools. OMAR Office 365 Access: Use MS Word, PowerPoint, and other essentials. 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 Navigate NetTutor and other resources for extra help when you need it. 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! �October 1, 2025 Marketing... continued from page 1 insight on projects, homework, and coursework, Garner explained. Whether the student wants to go into marketing for healthcare, hospitality, television, radio, cosmetology, or something else, Garner assured that the student will be paired with a marketing professional that will help them thrive in said career field. “They should be able to walk out of here and be successful,” Garner said. Golden......... continued from page 1 ences between attending college when he was younger versus returning on behalf of the scholarship. “It's been a few years since I've been with young people, and it's nice to see that there's hope for our country, Hienzman said. He also said that they (younger students) come into class with a lot of knowledge, usually already knowing the basics of the subject. Golden age scholarship recipients aren’t only bringing connections to other students. Heinzman listed his connections to multiple instructors and faculty members. “They are very good people,” Heinzman said. “They’re friends.” Despite the added benefits of lifelong learning, mutual understanding, and connection, Page 3 CHINOOK Golden Age students sometimes find roadblocks within the scholarship. McCool noticed some struggles with the Golden Age Scholarship receipt experience. Regarding advertising for the scholarship, McCool said, “I think it’s not put out there enough…I didn’t really hear about it until I met the students.” McCool also said that some of the older students struggle to keep up with computers and technology. “It’s a wall at first, but you know, kind of turns into a little steeper hill and then a little not so steep,” McCool said. He then brought up that the younger students help the scholarship recipients with said technology. Beyond the classroom and its challenges with technology, the scholarship itself also changed in recent years. The Golden Age Scholarship now only covers 70% of tuition, when it once covered the full cost of tuition. Both Heinzman and McCool touched on the change in the percentage discounted, both remembering the change that took place in 2019. McCool noted that the discount was still inexpensive, even if the coverage wasn’t what it used to be. Both McCool and Heinzman would encourage eligible students to take advantage of the Golden Age Scholarship. Heinzman also said that the classes move fast in the college setting. “They move fairly quickly,” Heinzman. “This class covers in one day, probably, what you would cover in one week in high school.” Empower Change Seminar Join our Chinook staff! Interview & write Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore web development Create social media content The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu 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! Bella McManus/Chinook Keynote speaker Damon West shakes hands with fellow seminar speaker and Casper College faculty member Terry Rogers after West's speech. Communication Instructor and Co-Director of Forensics Doug Hall served as the event's MC. Talks centered around the theme, "Empower Change: Turn struggle to strength." Contact: 307-268-2610 Contact: wco@caspercollege.edu 307-268-2610 https://writingcenter.caspercollege.edu/ Speed Friending Tired of awkward small talk? Looking to make new connections on campus? Speed friending is a fun, low pressure way to meet fellow students in quick 1-on-1 conversations - like speed dating, but for making friends! T-BIRD NEST October 21 5:30-7:00 p.m. Union/University building Room 202 A We’ll kick things off with a short group discussion to break the ice and end end with a chill debreif where you can reflect, relax, and reconnect Free snacks are provided - come for the convo stay for the vibes �Page 4 October 1, 2025 CHINOOK Behind the volleyball net Raymond Jackson Chinook Writer With the announcement of making #19 on the NJCCA National Ranking, it’s shaping up to be quite a year for the Casper College Volleyball Team. As the Lady T-Birds prepare for their next home game with Northwest College, they are sure to use the motivation, right skills, and leadership moving forward. Assistant Coach Kelly Wiedemann grew up in a volleyball family in Missouri. Coming out of junior college, she came to Casper where Head Coach Angel Sharman granted her the position of assistant coach for Lady T-Birds. She said she values the experience with Sharman and coaching players since 2023. “I think that trying to give our kids an experience where they grow as people and students and athletes when they come out of CC having more opportunities than they did coming in makes a big difference in people's lives,” said Wiedemann. “It made a big difference in mine and that is something that I hope that I can impart on our student athletes now and in the future.” Makenna Lorenzen, a sophomore and outside hitter for CC, also grew up with volleyball since elementary school. Hailing from Casper and majoring in elementary education, CC opened the door for her to pursue her passion further. During her experience, she grew to love her teammates and coaches who keep her going. “I think my teammates keep me motivated for sure”, said Lorenzen, “like when I'm having a bad game, they know, they can tell. So they just make sure to keep it positive and really fix my mindset and just say ‘you got this’!” The motivations of both the players and coaches carry on to their training and relationships. Wiedemann described technical skill as the foundation of the game. To her, it’s about what the player is doing during the game, opening up their focus on different strategies such as their direction and where to go on the court. This also includes muscle memory and visualizing the opponent's style of playing, all when trying to hit the ball and score across the net. “Whenever you do enough reps and you have that muscle memory, you don't have to think about those things [where to go], you can look across the net and be like, okay, what are their tendencies, where, who are they going to set, what are, what's open offensively and things like that,” Wiedemann says, “I like to focus more on the technical side of things because then it takes your focus off of those and it allows you to kind of broaden your vision.” According to Lorenzen, the team’s training consists of focusing on the basics by working on technical skills. She said that early on in the season, the team learns about passing, getting angles right to pass, hitting the ball, and working on footwork. Later on, they practice small drills to avoid any potential struggles they faced early on. Blocking, for instance, can be difficult when trying to close off a gap that the ball would land between. From a leadership perspective, Wiedemann said there is a balance between pushing the team to do better while not being too hard on them. The same is said even when it comes to interacting with Coach Sherman. By finding that common ground, Wiedemann believed that is what makes a good team leader. As a player, Lorenzen applies her leadership skills Submitted Photos Pictured to the left is Makenna Lorenzen, a sophomore outside hitter on the Casper College Volleyball Team. To the right is Assistant Coach Kelly Wiedemann. The two spoke to the Chinook about the team and season thus far. with overcoming challenges of her own. When it comes to a point where she is having a hard time or a negative mindset, she said she holds her head with a positive attitude and keeps trying. She also adds that humility factor of not being pretentious and selfcentered on your own team, including opposing players. As for leadership, Lorenzen said, “Being a team player, being as positive as much as you can, even when you're struggling -- it's hard because if you are not showing or giving other players like that positive stuff; it definitely can affect the other players around you… they'll match your energy and that's just like how the game will go basically… if everyone's just down on themselves, the game's going to be bad.” For the future of this season, both Wiedemann and Lorenzen say they look forward to it with a positive outlook, team relationships, and each of their philosophies of leadership. “We’re going to be a super fun team to watch, and I think we're going to get better and better throughout the year”, Wiedeman concludes, “I'm excited for this group and for their potential and the rest of our season for sure.” Women’s basketball focuses on hard work, strong culture Kaydence Parke Chinook Writer Submitted Photo Members of the Casper College Women's basketball team are pictured here walking along the Platte River Trails. The photo was posted to the team's Instagram page earlier this fall. The Neurodivergent Collective Do you have autism, ADHD, or think differently? Join us for community and support! The Casper College Women’s Basketball team demands full commitment on and off the court in order to build a strong team culture that shapes both players and coaches throughout the season. The commitment goes beyond wins and losses. Freshman guard Kennedy Davila and assistant coach Joslin Igo said the T-birds women’s basketball program is built on hard work, dedication, and a strong team culture that pushes athletes to grow not only as players but also students and people. In between individual and team practices, weight lifting, and conditioning the athletes have little free time, balancing academics and school events as part of their role in the program. But with all that hard work comes strong relationships. Davila said the team clicks well, and the leadership of sophomores makes the adjustment easier for the younger girls. Davila said, “I mean some of my best friends have come from basketball.” Igo, a former Casper College player and current assistant coach, runs the team's individual workouts, programs their weightlifting workouts, and runs drills in practices as needed. Igo said the mission starts early with the athletes they recruit. Igo said good people and smart kids off the court translates to on the court. She shared the program’s mission is to make sure the athletes are respected in the community and well thought of before anything else. “If you’re carrying yourself well off the court, you’re going to carry yourself well on the court.” Igo said. “Our goal and things is to win games, but I really think we just try to have good human beings on our team and that helps us win games.” The program would like to extend its reach in the community. The team takes part in community events such as the T-Bird Trek, suicide prevention walk, and a golf tournament fundraiser. The team plans to engage in more community events throughout the school year such as running drills with little kids in the Casper community. Lady T-birds basketball season starts with an away game in Colorado. The team's first home game is November 14 against Southeast Community College. Davila said historically the program does well and wins region nine championships. The team’s overall record was 28-7 in the 2024-2025 season. “I think we will be as successful as before,” Davila said. “Practices have been really good.” Igo said looking towards the upcoming season, the program's goals are to win the region, get active in the community, manage good grades, and carry themselves well. TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR TECH USE Meets FRIDAYS, 2-3PM Starting August 28 UU415 JOIN OUR GROUP TO HELP TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TECHNOLOGY USE! WE WILL EXPLORE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF TECH, REFLECT ON OUR USE, DISCUSS TIPS, AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER. Topics are tailored for neurodivergent students and include: Understanding neurodiversity Executive functioning strategies for college success Sensory needs management Effective communication with instructors and peers Stress management and self-care Time management and organization Self-advocacy and accessing college resources SESSIONS WILL COVER Presented by the Wellness Center. Email: scarlett.verity@caspercollege.edu with questions PROS AND CONS OF TECH MINDFULNESS PRACTICES EMOTIONAL REGULATION SOCIAL MEDIA AND GAMES WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS, OCTOBER 7TH DECEMBER 2ND HACKING YOUR BRAIN AI COMPANIONSHIP SLEEP AND TECH USE ALTERNATIVES TO TECH 3 - 4 PM UU ROOM 415 �October 1, 2025 Page 5 CHINOOK Adult Learning Center empowers non-traditional students Jonathan Togstad/Chinook Included above is a photo of the Adult Learning Center, located in the Werner Technical Building on Casper College's campus. Jonathan Togstad Chinook Writer While many students succeed in a traditional classroom and education setting, others often find that the average public school classroom impedes their education. The Adult Learning Center is working to address this problem. Located in the Werner Tech building, the Adult Learning Center assists non-traditional students in GED/HiSet testing, career skills, college readiness, and many other partner programs. The center’s aim is to not only educate students who have struggled in the past, but to also assist students in overcoming the large barriers to education they may face. The center served 306 students last year – the number makes it the third-largest high school in Natrona County. A major program offered by the center is English as a second language, which assists students not only domestically but also internationally. Director of the Adult Learning Center, Kat Bohr-Buresh, emigrated from Germany as a child, and the center hired her to teach English as a second language in 2016. She said, “That was a really wonderful experience because the students and I had so much in common. Maybe my English skills were significantly higher at that point, but I could be their teacher and I had a lot of the same experiences.” Bohr-Buresh's teaching skills lead her to role director last year, where she now handles administrative needs and organizes student outreach programs alongside Wyoming’s state advocate for adult education and instructor Rochelle Hampton. Since the center is focused on the non-traditional student, the staff is flexible when it comes to class schedules and caters to the different ways someone might learn. For example, students can choose to take classes face-to-face, online, or take home a workbook. The center also offers a guided lab for students who want to learn at their own pace, but might need occasional help from an instructor. “Everyone can learn. They just have to do it in their own way,” said Rochelle Hampton. “I really like working with adults and helping them find those resources they need, and showing them that the classroom doesn’t always have to look like it does in a traditional school.” The non-traditional nature of the center’s teaching style attracts students who often encounter terrible experiences in the traditional school system. Students’ peers can be a hurdle to their education, for others certain teachers lead to a negative experience, and the parents of many do not see education as essential. The center prioritizes connecting students to other assistance programs, and Bohr-Buresh called these connections a crucial aspect of the center’s success. She said, “When you don’t have food to eat you can’t concentrate on class. And if you don't have transportation you can't come to class.” The center’s mission is both to educate students who were not able to graduate from high school, and to make that education possible by alleviating some of the struggles students endure. For the students who have utilized and taken advantage of the learning opportunities the center offers, they have been very successful in reaching their life goals. In addition to its other programs, the center works with the Casper Reentry Center to assist individuals with reintegrating into their communities, as well as their education goals. Former ALC student and current Casper College student Bryce Dacus completed the program and helped his peers. Dacus battled addiction issues and came out on top. Evan Fagerstone, another student who has had great success at the center, said that he started attending the center in a time of hardship. He could not attend public school due to time constraints, and the center helped him finish his schooling and look to his future. With all the education the center offers, Fagerstone said the most important thing he learned is to have confidence in himself. “Growing up, I never thought I could really do it. I never felt like I really amounted to anything growing up, so coming made me feel like, ‘wow, there’s a lot I can do.’” The center’s programs have and continue to make an impact on students who attend them, and have made education possible for so many. When participating in student outreach, Hampton said that many do not understand what the Adult Learning Center is. “They hear adult education, and they just automatically think college. They don’t realize that there’s this whole space that kinda fills in that gap between,” said Hampton. Outreach and awareness of the center’s many resources for students is important for enrollment and allows the center to reach more students in need of educational assistance. Hampton said the instructors are the biggest cheerleaders for students going through the program. Some of the students they are most proud of are not just ones that graduate but the ones that come back even with all of the struggles and hardships of life, said Hampton. “One of the biggest celebrations for the whole center is not necessarily when somebody gets their equivalency but when they’ve been gone for a while and they come back… Anytime we see a familiar face come through the door they’re welcome with open arms. It just makes our day.” Veterans Club fosters camaraderie, support at Casper College Kaleb Lundine Chinook Writer For many veterans, the transition from military to civilian life means losing the deep-seated camaraderie that defines service. The Veterans Service’s Club at Casper College is actively working to change that, one connection at a time. Kursten Larsen, the president of the Veterans Service’s Club at Casper College and, with Rhiannon Leinius, a member of the Veterans Service’s Club, shared their experiences with the Chinook Larsen is a former United States Marine. She served for five years as a Helicopter mechanic, including an eight-month deployment to the Middle Eastern region. Leinius is a current member of the club, and a very close friend to Larsen. The club is currently advised by Patrick Amelotte, an English professor at Casper College, and a Former US Marine. Larsen described Amelotte’s involvement in the club as “one of the best things that’s happened to us.” “My biggest motivation has to be supporting the community, especially the community of veterans,” Larsen said. “A lot of us have this very strong feeling that when we leave the military, we lose this camaraderie... So, the club really helped me find that.” Larsen said camaraderie continues to be her personal mission as president of the club. The club operating out of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) in Gateway Building room 207, serves as a vital hub to the campus. Its core mission is to assist veterans in achieving academic success, working on career development, and reintegrating into civilian life. “The gap that we fill is the human aspect” Larsen explained. “The VA offers a lot, but it’s a very confusing and complicated system for many veterans. Many newer veterans suffer from things like imposter syndrome where they don't feel that they deserve the benefits that they had earned.” The Veterans Club bridges that gap by offering peer to peer guidance on topics like navigating VA claims and, GI Bill benefits, among other helpful resources. Beyond administrative help, the Veterans Club provides comforting space with study areas, noise cancelling headphones, laptops for school-use & most importantly a warm welcoming environment. Larsen shared an example to illustrate the impact the club has on its members. She Told a detailed story about an old Vietnam veteran who began visiting the center over the summer. “He came in and said there were so many people who just saw him as some crazy old man. But we sat and we listened... You could just see a relief overcoming him,” Larsen shared. “It was great to be able to see that and help this man.” Looking forward the club aims to expand its reach by hosting more inclusive events that accommodate veterans who often balance school, families, and jobs. A key opportunity for members is the chance to attend the national Student Veterans of America Convention, which primarily focuses on building leadership, networking and career development. While veteran focused the club also seeks to help build bridges with the wider Casper community through many volunteer events with organizations such as, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, The Platte River Revival and many other organizations in the local area. The Veterans Club also participates in annual fundraisers and charities like the T-Bird Dog Trek, and the Annual Wyoming Veterans ball. For those interested in joining or supporting the club the message is simple. “Please come. We would love to have more people... Whether you're a veteran or a civilian, everyone is A trek course for everyone Photo Courtesty of Cy Kranek Kursten Larsen and Josh Adrianos Kurstin Larsen (middle) thanks the many community members and their dogs for walking at the Veterans Club's annual "Dog Trek" on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Union/University Lawn. Over 40 participants walked their dogs 1.5 miles through the innercampus loop of Casper College. always welcome. The ultimate goal is to create a legacy of support that continues to serve students long after its current members have moved on.” Makiah Osborne/Chinook John Jorgensen and Jane Olson are pictured above on the final stretch of the T-Bird Trek. Makiah Osborne/Chinook Trek participants CY Kranak and Kurstin Larsen carry the Wyoming and United States flag on September 12. Makiah Osborne/Chinook Casper College alumni Derrel Carruth and Registrar Linda Nichols hand out medals to race participant Amanda Bratton at the Trek's finish line. �Page 6 CHINOOK INTERNATIONAL DINNER SERIES: COLOMBIA Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 5:30-7:30 p.m. Celebrate Colombia’s rich culture at Casper College! Enjoy authentic cuisine, educational displays, and presentations by Colombian natives. Explore art, music, food, exports, and more. Register by Wednesday, Oct. 22. Cost: $13 Fees: $28 Students with a valid student ID will receive 50% off the class fees, but hurry, spots are limited! Casper College provides equal opportunity in education and employment — caspercollege.edu/nondiscrimination. caspercollegechinook.com October 1, 2025 � 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 2025-10 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. 2025-10 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from October 2025. 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_2025-10 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF