It’s not too unusual to name inanimate things after those who helped make them happen… think Carnegie Hall, Mercedes Benz Stadium, Guggenheim Museum, or the upcoming completion of the Bill and Melinda Gates Mega Data Center (ha, just kidding on that last one, but it’s not a reach). Of course, those examples are of the grandest scale, but it happens at all levels, including right here at our local college in podunk, Powell, Wyoming.
At Northwest College, there is certainly nothing unique in how they roll out their financial donors for display at any given place on campus. I’ve seen this at other institutions, but maybe not quite as pronounced as it is with this little junior college in Northwest Wyoming.
Most recently there is the new Student Center and it is littered with plaques/signs mentioning the generous giving regarding some of Powell’s finest… you know, the most affluent citizens and businesses. For example, there’s the “Majorie Fryer Wilder Fireplace,” the “Cummins Veteran’s Lounge,” and there’s even a “Jim Vogt Family Overlook” which is a bunch of chairs on the second floor of the Student Center overlooking the main mall. Keep in mind, this is just one building I’m talking about here. Further, there’s the “Big Horn Federal Gallery Wall,” the “Bill and Karen Hayes Study Room,” and of course the “Bonner Family Dining Plaza.” Hell, it just wouldn’t be a Northwest College building if it didn’t have the name Bonner splattered on some plaque, panel, or wall in a prominent location.
When I see these kind of displays, it makes me even less enthusiastic to give. It reminds me of those do-gooder lists that were posted in grade school that had gold stars next to student names for various accomplishments in the classroom. Kathy Murphy’s name would have a gazillion stars by her name and then on the same list there was Gary Wade’s name with only two stars—neither was gold, and only hand-drawn by the teacher with a Bic disposable pen. I remember wondering how Gary felt to see his name on that list compared to everyone else.
In pondering this, I’m reminded of those sponsorships that show up on professional team uniforms and the renaming of stadiums/arenas after banks and big corporations. The University of Wyoming is one of the few holdouts to this trend, clinging fast to their football stadium’s name of War Memorial Stadium. I wonder how much longer can they hold out before some big oil corporation throws enough money at the school to change the venue’s name. America and its money obsession… what a country!
It’s no secret that I’ve never been much of a donor to the NWC cause. I’d like to think that the compensation I received matched the effort I put in over those 33 years. I know there were some who gave more effort and others who coasted through during their entire tenure, but I feel that the college and I are square. Whatever money I’ve given back to the college, I’ve done it anonymously and in modest amounts. My favorite mode of giving has always been informal—an occasional large tip to the baristas at the coffee counter in the student center, including an extra $5 with my popcorn or candy at the concession stand for athletic events, and paying art students a little extra over their asking price when purchasing their works.
My objective here is not to embarrass or ridicule those who have made significant contributions that resulted in their names permanently bonded to a building for everyone to see. I suspect many of them don’t care if their name is on any given placard or not. My question is simple: What does seeing those names do for the average, low-to-middle income citizen (myself included here) who hasn’t given or can’t give due to financial shortcomings? Is it suppose to inspire us to do the same, or does it just make for a public acknowledgement of those who have and those who have not? In short, it smacks of elitism. Whatever happened to giving anonymously—when did that go out of style? Imagine coming upon a panel or wall with numerous listings of “anonymous” only—yet still including the different sizes of each based on the amount given. How refreshing would that be? Perhaps institutions like Northwest College believe that the posting of names is actually encouraging of other potential donors. Yet in my case, it’s a huge turnoff.
Given all the do-gooders listed just in the new student center, I have a modest request: How much money is required of me to have a small plaque installed with my name on it (including my years of service) above one of the many mens’ urinals on campus?
Just one, that’s all I ask.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. —Matthew 6:2–5
Postscript: While Northwest College is preparing to introduce a new convoluted (and likely expensive) marketing campaign that doesn’t include changing its name to “Yellowstone College,” Laramie County Community College, President Joe Schaffer announced plans to recommend changing the school’s name to Wyoming State College. The proposal goes to the Board of Trustees for a formal vote on September 16, 2026, with an official transition target date of July 1, 2027, if approved.
Why the Change is Proposed…
• Better Recognition: Research showed the current county-specific name limits recruitment and causes confusion outside the immediate region.
• Broader Reach: Leaders aim to attract more students across state lines and boost long-term enrollment.
• Strategic Growth: The update removes geographic barriers while keeping the core mission, local commitment, and Golden Eagles mascot intact.
