Western Names Its 2026 Outstanding Graduates
ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING – May 6, 2026
At the Student Awards Banquet on April 21, 2026, Western Wyoming Community College (Western) celebrated two students as its 2026 Outstanding Graduates. Ryker Gibson of McCammon, Idaho, and Samantha Linch of Cheyenne, Wyoming, received the honor in recognition of meaningful involvement, and a strong commitment to their education.
Selected by a committee of faculty, staff, and administrators, Outstanding Graduates are chosen for their ability to represent Western with integrity, both on campus and beyond. This year’s recipients reflect two distinct journeys, brought together by a shared commitment, resilience, and clear sense of purpose.
Ryker Gibson
Gibson said he was first drawn to Western through wrestling but quickly found something more. “I came here for the wrestling team at first, but then I realized it was the right place for me,” he said. “The people here were very welcoming and gave me a real sense of purpose.”
As he reflects on his experience, Gibson encourages new students to fully engage in campus life. “Be involved. Do everything you can. It’s not going to hurt you, it will only help you,” he said. “Get involved in clubs and extracurriculars—there are so many resources here that can help you become a better student.”
Following graduation, Gibson plans to attend dental school to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Originally from McCammon, Idaho, he hopes to return to the region, with plans to practice in nearby Pocatello, where he has already begun building professional connections.
Samantha Linch
A Psychology major, Linch’s path to Western was anything but traditional. Returning to college after years away, she balanced coursework with parenting, work, and personal challenges, an experience that ultimately led her to find both direction and a strong sense of community on campus.
“It’s changed my life in so many ways,” Linch said. “Focusing on my education was the piece that brought everything together.”
Linch’s time at Western has been defined by persistence and growth, qualities that will continue to serve her as she pursues a psychology degree with a focus on holistic, mind-body approaches to mental health. As she graduates, Linch offers this advice to incoming students, “Trust the process and believe in yourself. Just showing up and wanting to make a difference in your life – that's the goal.”
Reflecting on her experience, Linch expressed gratitude for the Western community and the people who supported her along the way. “I have always been treated with kindness and compassion, and it goes such a long way, more than you might know,” she said.
Gibson and Linch represent more than individual achievement; they reflect the impact that a community has on growth, connection, and opportunity. Their stories illustrate the varied paths students take to reach their goals, and the role Western plays in helping them get there. As they graduate, they do so not only with academic success, but with a clear sense of direction and the confidence to shape what comes next.
As the academic year comes to close, Western will celebrate the class of 2026 with the following events: Western’s Nursing Program will hold its Nurses Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 15, at 1:00 p.m. in Western’s Theatre. The 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place on the same day at 5:00 p.m. in Rushmore Gymnasium.