Western’s Outstanding Graduates and Keynote Speaker Announced
ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING – May 2, 2025
At the Student Government Association Awards banquet on Thursday, April 24, Western Wyoming Community College (Western) announced two Outstanding Graduates, Mustang Awards, and scholarship recipients for 2025-2026. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the committee selected Hagen DeWitt of Lyman, Wyoming, and Wyatt McDermott of Thermopolis, Wyoming for its highest honor.
Western’s Outstanding Graduate is selected by a committee that includes administrators, professionals, faculty, and staff. The nomination criteria and scoring rubric is based on campus involvement, leadership roles, positive impact on other students, and the nominee’s ability to positively represent Western in the future. This year, Western’s committee chose two students for this honor. Both DeWitt and McDermott will address their fellow graduates at commencement.
In one of his nominations, DeWitt was described as a student whose personal growth and authenticity stand out. “No matter where Hagen goes, he will always be a Mustang,” wrote Instructor of Business and Information Systems Kayla Hawley. “He has really grown, and you can tell he feels comfortable being completely himself. He allowed himself to be challenged at Western, and this growth has made him shine. He will continue to try new things and engage in important discussions—qualities that truly represent Western.”
Reflecting on his experience, DeWitt shared, “The thing that I derived most from my learning experience here at Western was my own skills. I found what I am good at and now I can continue to grow those skills.”
McDermott’s nominations highlighted his character and professional readiness. Professor of Education Christine Maddie said, “Wyatt McDermott was a conscientious individual who was always punctual, prepared, and dedicated to his education. He consistently demonstrated the qualities of a future teacher—maturity, kindness, enthusiasm, responsibility, and patience. Most importantly, he approached each day with a positive attitude.”
McDermott credits Western with preparing him for both life and career. “Western has taught me so much, far beyond what I could have anticipated. I feel prepared for my future with valuable skills, particularly in communication. The staff and faculty equipped me not only for academics but for life. Most importantly, I gained a sense of family.”
Commencement will also feature a keynote address from Western alumnus Dr. Tony Pedri, who now serves as an orthopedic surgeon and the current Chair of the Department of Surgery at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Dr. Pedri became the first subspecialty-trained orthopedic trauma surgeon in Southwest Wyoming and, at the time, one of only three in the state. He continues to be an active part of the orthopedic trauma team at Memorial Hospital and has since helped bring advanced robotic total joint replacements to the hospital. Western is honored to have him return to share his story and experiences with our class of 2025.
We welcome all families and friends to join us in this celebration of achievement. Western’s 2025 graduates will be honored at the Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, at 5 p.m. in the Rushmore Gym. For details, visit westernwyoming.edu/commencement. The Nurse Pinning ceremony will be held on the same day, at 1:00 p.m. in the Theatre.
All other Western students who received awards, scholarships, and honor roll, will be posted on the Mustang Awards page at westernwyoming.edu/awards. Western's honor roll for Spring semester will be published May 22, on this page once final grades are submitted.
For additional information or questions regarding Commencement contact Registrar Kayla Miller at kmiller@westernwyoming.edu or call 307-382-1809. For media inquiries contact Public Relations Specialist Mikayla Wonnacott at mwonnacott@westernwyoming.edu or call 307-382-1858.