$5M Gift to UW Launches Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute

The University of Wyoming is set to transform the landscape of outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality, thanks to an extraordinary $5 million gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer.

With state matching funds pushing the impact to over $6 million, this game-changing investment will elevate the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative into an institute, advancing innovation, education and economic growth in Wyoming's second-largest industry -- tourism.

With the renaming of the WORTH Initiative to the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, this gift will support UW's vision of becoming the premier institute for outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality in the Rocky Mountain region.

"We are thrilled to be investing in the important UW priority of supporting Wyoming's second-largest industry of tourism and outdoor recreation," the Kemmerers say. "We are honored to be recognized for our contributions to tourism in Wyoming with the naming of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute."

Wyoming's tourism industry, which generated $4.8 billion in 2023 and employs more than 33,000 people, will benefit directly from the institute's innovative programs, research and workforce development efforts.

Advancing Education and the Industry

Launched in 2021 by UW's Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, WORTH addresses the growing demand for skilled graduates in outdoor recreation and tourism -- the largest private employment sector in Wyoming. By transitioning into an institute, WORTH will expand the depth and breadth of its programs and services through applied research, workforce development and extension/outreach across the state and region.

"This is a historic milestone for WORTH and the university," says Dan McCoy, director of the WORTH Institute. "Thanks to the Kemmerer family's generosity, we now have the resources to elevate our programs and services, empower students and deliver even more tangible benefits to the state's visitor economy."

Key initiatives of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute will include:

-- Enhancing student experiences through Wyoming internships, career counseling, professional experiences and global learning opportunities.

-- Supporting faculty excellence with fellowships, visiting professors and professional training.

-- Advancing research and innovation in Wyoming's unique outdoor and tourism sectors.

UW President Ed Seidel praises the transformative impact of the Kemmerer family's gift.

"The Kemmerers are remarkable stewards of Wyoming's economy and legacy," Seidel says. "Their vision and leadership ensure that UW will continue to play a pivotal role in preparing students and professionals to excel in the tourism, hospitality and outdoor recreation industries, which are critical to our state's future."

This gift and the creation of a permanent endowment will empower UW to remain innovative and responsive, ensuring long-term benefits for students, faculty and communities statewide.

Kemmerer Family Legacy: Deep Roots in Wyoming

Jay Kemmerer's connection to Wyoming spans generations, beginning in the late 1890s, when his family expanded its eastern coal operations to southwestern Wyoming, contributing to the state's economy and workforce. In 1981, Jay and his father, John L. Kemmerer Jr., sold their mining interests to Gulf Oil, and Jay embarked on a mission to reinvest in the state that had brought wealth to his family.

In 1992, Jay led the purchase of the Jackson Hole Ski Corp., transforming it into the world-renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and solidifying Wyoming's reputation as a premier destination. Jay and his family have since invested over $350 million in Wyoming's visitor economy, including the preservation and restoration of the historic CM Ranch near Dubois.

The Kemmerer family's relationship with UW began in 1992 with the creation of the John L. Kemmerer Jr. Scholarship for high-achieving high school graduates from Kemmerer and Cokeville. In 2017, the Kemmerer Family Foundation funded the development of UW's outdoor recreation and tourism management curriculum, which has since produced 53 graduates and serves 73 current students.

Jay and Karen's transformational gift to create the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute will further strengthen their enduring legacy in Wyoming's education and economic development.

A Transformational Vision

"With the Kemmerer family history of being an important part of Wyoming's energy economy for generations, being able to reinvest that success into growth in tourism has been a fulfilling experience," the Kemmerers say. "We are so thankful for UW's leadership to focus on making Wyoming known for educating its students to have pride in their state and being examples of authentic Western hospitality."

With this new institute, UW not only will support Wyoming's second-largest industry, but it also will offer vital resources to stakeholders statewide -- from ranchers seeking diversified revenue streams to businesses and agencies pursuing innovative tourism solutions.

"This gift underscores the Kemmerer family's enduring commitment to Wyoming's success," Seidel says. "Their contributions to UW and our state are nothing short of extraordinary, and this institute ensures their legacy will continue to shape the future of Wyoming for generations to come."