Major Gift to UW School of Energy Resources Supports Nuclear and Renewable Energy

A major gift to the University of Wyoming's School of Energy Resources (SER) will support Wyoming-focused instruction, outreach and applied research on new means of energy production and technologies specifically in the areas of nuclear, wind, solar and other renewable-related energy.

The $1 million gift from Paul and Judy Lerwick -- which will be matched by the state of Wyoming -- will be endowed to create the Wyoming NOW (nuclear, onshore wind and more) Fund.

"Wyoming is an energy state that produces six times as much energy as it uses," Paul Lerwick says. "As the country gradually incorporates nuclear and renewable energy sources, Judy and I want to help ensure that Wyoming maintains its position as a major U.S. energy producer by adapting the SER curriculum at UW to produce graduates with the requisite skills for the evolving U.S. energy future."

The Wyoming NOW Fund will be used to foster excellence, allowing SER to execute activities that grow the robust research and academic programs and to leverage many opportunities specific to Wyoming, SER Executive Director Holly Krutka says.

"The Wyoming energy economy is expanding in exciting ways, and this incredible support from Paul and Judy will establish a unique fund for new energy technologies," Krutka says. "This fund will help maximize our research and educate students toward the ultimate goal of keeping Wyoming in the position of being an energy superpower."

With an emphasis on applied research to benefit Wyoming, the fund is designed to recruit, support and retain talented students, staff and faculty members at UW; to provide opportunities for professional development; and to bolster researchers who are conducting work relevant to Wyoming and who demonstrate a dedication to positive student engagement.

An additional goal of the fund is to attract new and increase engagement directly with industry partners, especially companies that now have or plan to have a major presence in Wyoming.

"Ultimately, the private sector will commercialize new energy technologies," Krutka says. "The goal at the School of Energy Resources is to do everything possible to make investing in Wyoming more attractive than investing elsewhere, including working across UW to offer students the curriculum and hands-on experiences needed to secure fulfilling employment in Wyoming's expanding energy portfolio."

The intention of the fund aligns well with the mission of SER to drive energy innovation and economic development for Wyoming and to retain top talent in the state.

"We also want to capture the majority of UW graduates for jobs in Wyoming at nuclear and renewable energy companies that are attracted to the state by forward-looking policies, light regulations and favorable tax treatment," Paul Lerwick says.

With strong ties to UW and the energy industry, the Lerwicks have spent much of their lives engaging in impactful philanthropic activities supporting educational opportunities for UW students.

A 1974 UW graduate in petroleum engineering, Paul credits his education with preparing him for a rewarding and successful career in the oil and gas industry working in Alaska, Texas and Mississippi. Similarly, Judy earned degrees in geology and chemistry from Baylor University, allowing the pair to enjoy extensive careers in the "oil patch." They have spent the last 25 years as part of EGL Resources LLC, a small independent company, which primarily engages in oil and gas exploration and production.

"We are amazed by the incredible foresight and generosity of Paul and Judy," Krutka adds. "We hope that this gift serves as a catalyst to inspire others to get involved with SER and to seize the countless opportunities to support energy education, to engage in workforce training and to enhance the research opportunities that are going to bolster the economy in the state."