It's feeling more like summer in the valley!

Meet Emily Hawgood, a Western Alumni and trail runner from Zimbabwe. In 2021, she finished her master's degree in High-Altitude Exercise Physiology. After graduating, Emily became a professional athlete for adidas TERREX. Read Emily's story here: bit.ly/3W77OmZ

Last week, we held a sign unveiling and land acknowledgment ceremony for our newest campus addition, Verzuh Ranch! A couple of months ago, Chris and Whyn Martens donated Verzuh Ranch to Western. We can't wait to learn and grow in this outdoor classroom. bit.ly/3W6r4kv

As we celebrate Independence Day today, and every day, we embrace the values of equality, opportunity, and progress that define our great nation. Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay

Four Western Colorado Mountaineers athletic teams have been honored with the RMAC Brechler Award. This award is given to the team with the highest GPA in each of the RMAC's sports offerings. Congratulations to our student-athletes for their hard work! bit.ly/3WfY6y

They call us the Wildflower Capital of Colorado for a reason. 🌻

Once a key player for Mountaineer Football, Ross Giles recently returned to Mountaineer Bowl after 35 years. At the age of 55, he completed his degree through the Adult Degree Completion (ADC) program. Read his inspiring journey here: bit.ly/3W7OqFf

We're excited to share that our faculty member, Dr. Kanae Haneishi, has been honored with the SHAPE Colorado Award! Her dedication to student success has not only enhanced our curriculum but also motivated students to strive for success. Read more here: bit.ly/3WhsWpw

As the daughter of Cora immigrants from Mexico, Marisela Ballesteros was the first person in her family to learn English and graduate from high school. Now, she serves on the Gunnison City Council representing the Cora community. Read her story here: bit.ly/3LP663u

Former Mountaineer Samantha Coleman has turned her passion for basketball into an overseas opportunity by pursuing her basketball dreams with the Limerick Celtics in Ireland's Division One. Read about Samantha's story here: bit.ly/3LLwADf

Student Jaden McNeese is using his passion for cycling to raise funds for mental health organizations in the Gunnison Valley. His project is currently seeking pledges for every mile he rides this summer to support these organizations. Read his story: bit.ly/46zGkKm

The Western—CU Partnership Program will soon offer biomedical and aerospace engineering majors. Biomedical Engineering: Applications open August 2024, classes begin Fall 2025. Aerospace Engineering: Applications open in Fall 2025, classes begin Fall 2026. bit.ly/3ylqTsD

Western was highlighted by Sports Illustrated as one of the top institutions offering adventure degrees for aspiring outdoor professionals. Our students have pursued careers at organizations such as NOLS, Outward Bound, and the National Park Service. si.com/onsi/adventure…

Our campus may be quiet at the moment, but we can't wait to see the hustle and bustle when our students return next week!

We're getting excited about Mountaineer Bowl's grand opening and the first home game of the season on Sept. 7!

What have our students been up to this summer? From gathering scientific data at RMBL to using the surrounding natural beauty for creative inspiration, the Gunnison Valley is the perfect playground for our students to apply their skills in real-world settings.

Our newest #Mountaineers have arrived for New Student Orientation. Welcome home, Class of 2028! 🥳

The ski racing team at Western has a long history dating back to the 1940s. Despite budget cuts that led to the team's disbandment in 2008, the Mountain Sports program was created in 2012, and is now stronger than ever. Read more at the Westerner: alumnimagazine.western.edu/athletics/carv…

Then and now at the Mountaineer Bowl! 🏈 Join us for the grand opening this Saturday, Sept 7: 12:00 pm - Stadium tours 2:00 pm - Tailgate 4:00 pm - Ribbon cutting 4:30 pm - Gates open 6:00 pm - Kickoff vs Midwestern State Read more: bit.ly/3XgL2rV

The grand opening of the new Mountaineer Bowl was a success, with a 38-33 win against Midwestern State and record-breaking attendance! #FearTheNeers Western Colorado Mountaineers