CASPER, Wyo. — The University of Wyoming-Casper has unveiled a new mural in recognition of the students attending UWC that have served in the U.S. military. The mural also serves as a symbol of the beginning of the college’s veteran support services.
The college’s new veteran support services include a Heroes Scholarship and a veteran support fund, according to UWC’s Dr. Rochelle McCoy.
McCoy, who is herself a United States Air Force veteran, also said that UWC’s veteran program will work in conjunction with Casper College’s already existing veteran services center.
The artist behind the mural, 22-year-old University of Wyoming student Mariha Cothren, said that being the person to create the mural meant a lot to her because of her connection to the military.
“My grandpa was in Vietnam, and he is very closed off and we don’t have the closest relationship because of that. War has put him in a place where he has closed himself off from things,” Cothren said.
Cothren wanted to use photos of her grandfather as references for the mural, but the memories of sorting through photos of that time were too painful for him.
“I didn’t get that opportunity but my feelings for this were for him. He’s super proud of me for it and I have just always been supportive of our veterans,” Cothren said.
The unveiling of the mural and the beginning of UWC’s veteran services also mean a lot for the students and alumni they benefit. Casper Veterans Club member and Casper College alum Will Hoffman said that having support from both CC and UWC is a step in the right direction for helping veteran students achieve a better sense of community in school.
“Seeing the representation here with what they’re doing for veterans services from both Casper College and the university, being able to have such a huge amount of support from the people working on the staff, it’s a really good feeling to know that you’ve got somebody there who’s willing to work with you and help you with whatever steps they can,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman also said that the level of support needed for students in the armed forces is at times higher than traditional students because of the winding, unconventional paths they often take. College can be a confusing time for students, especially veteran students, but Hoffman is grateful that Casper is getting such a high level of support.
The mural itself is in honor of those students and the community sponsors that support them. The empty spaces will eventually be filled with the names of those who have served their country and pursued their college education in Casper.
The community sponsors supporting the veteran support services so far include the Natrona County United Veterans Council, Hilltop Bank, HF Sinclair, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Wyoming 36-1, and Caspar Building Systems Inc.
