Information provided by the University of Wyoming – 

The University of Wyoming Athletics Department and Cowboy Joe Club announced today a pair of significant investments by Daniel and Kristi R. Schwab, of Star Valley, WY, as well as Gene Humphrey and the 9H Research Foundation, a Burns, WY native and Laramie resident. The Schwab Family has committed $1,750,000 to Wyoming Athletics, while Humphrey’s gift will total $500,000.

The $1.75 million commitment from the Schwab Family is highlighted by the creation of the S.C.H.W.A.B. Family Endowed Athletics Scholarship, which will be funded at $1,000,000. The scholarship will, once fully funded, be the second-largest athletics scholarship endowment in University of Wyoming history. It will be awarded annually to a UW student-athlete who, among other qualities, embodies the characteristics of sacrifice, commitment, honor, work, attitude, and belief.

Daniel and Kristi have also committed an additional $750,000 to the Cowboy Joe Club. This portion of the gift will be used to further advance numerous athletic department initiatives and will include a heavy emphasis on student-athlete well-being resources.

“As fifth-generation Wyoming residents, our family has always been focused on the conservation of Wyoming, both its land and its values,” said Daniel Schwab. “Many say that ‘Wyoming is what America used to be.’ Our family believes that through direct mentorship to our student-athletes, along with their hard work and humility, our state can stay that way. Wyoming represents hard-working, faithful people and because of this, hard things can be accomplished. With this gift, we hope to assist in helping younger generations believe that their dreams are not only possible, but absolutely achievable.”

Humphrey’s gift includes $450,000 to officially complete the Difference Makers Campaign, University of Wyoming Athletics’ drive to raise 20 million dollars in private support to renovate the west side of War Memorial Stadium and to build a new competition pool facility. The private support from the Pokes’ dedicated fans and supporters will be combined with a significant investment by the state of Wyoming and UW to complete the two facilities, which are both currently under construction. Humphrey will also contribute $50,000 directly to the Cowboy Joe Club as a multi-year unrestricted donation.

“Wyoming, ranch life, UW, and flying Army combat helicopters in Vietnam provided me with the foundation for my success, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to the state and its people,” Humphrey said. “By funding student projects, scholarships, and internships, I hope to inspire the next generation of Wyoming engineers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs to make a real impact on the world.”

You can find out more about Gene Humphrey’s foundation and the support it brings to students by visiting www.9Hfoundation.org

In addition to the closure of the successful Difference Makers Campaign, the Cowboy Joe Club is also announcing today the launch of the all-new 7220 Society, a giving society that will allow donors to further their giving legacy by entering a long-term pledge with the Cowboy Joe Club. By committing to make a cash contribution to the CJC of at least $7,220 per year, for five years, a donor will receive membership in the 7220 Society, signifying their status as a top contributor to UW Athletics.

“As we navigate this transformative era in college athletics—one that demands greater efficiency, adaptability, and foresight than ever before— we are deeply grateful to our donors who have committed to expanding and formalizing their giving plans. Their generosity is pivotal to the ongoing success of our department and the development of our student-athletes,” said Derek Gossler, Associate Athletic Director for Development and Revenue Generation. “Our supporters have risen to the challenge, making a significant impact by funding capital projects, engaging in NIL initiatives, and contributing to our annual fund at record-breaking levels. We are truly thankful for the unwavering support of each donor, particularly those who have joined the 7220 Society.”

In addition to allowing for increased philanthropic and generational impact, those who join the 7220 Society will also be entitled to increased membership benefits within the Cowboy Joe Club. Members will still receive all standard benefits (commensurate with their yearly contribution), as well as additional opportunities for special event invitations/access, increased public and in-venue recognition, priority access to premium seating, commemorative gifts, and double priority points on all monies paid towards their pledge (upon full completion of the pledge).

The 7220 Society has already received multiple commitments. In addition to the Schwab Family, and Humphrey, the following individuals and organizations have also committed to a 7220 Society Pledge as charter members. Together, the 30 pledges amount to better than $2,600,000 to the CJC over the next five years.

Tad and Ann Herz – Denver, CO
Dale and Paula Strickland – Cheyenne, WY
Ticket Solutions – Overland Park, KS
Pat Malicki and Mary Shafer-Malicki – Denver, CO
Kathleen Hagen – Reno, NV
Tim Gabel – Mebane, NC
Scott and Amanda Neal – Buffalo, WY
Anthony and Jennifer Kirchhoefer – Laramie, WY
Greg and Marla Norman – Cheyenne, WY
Tracy Richardson – Laramie, WY
Bostrom Enterprises – Worland, WY
Brian and Julie Claydon – Eagle, CO
Bryan and Dee Mooney – Boise, ID
Dave and Kelly Dunham – Sheridan, WY
Dave Foreman – Cheyenne, WY
Ed and Katie Telgenhoff – Denver, CO
Gary and Lois Crum – Laramie, WY
Jim Anest – Parker, CO
Jason and Melissa Edwards – Livermore, CO
Jonathan Downing – Cheyenne, WY
Justin and Kara Fornstrom – Pine Bluffs, WY
Howard and Peggy Strand – Littleton, CO
J.R. Simplot Co. – Rock Springs, WY
Larry and Peg Smith – Gillette, WY
Lee and Cari Igo – Douglas, WY
Robin and Mihaela Rogers – Tuscaloosa, AL
Tom and Gayle Walsh – Fort Collins, CO
Anonymous – Fort Collins, CO

For more information about the 7220 Society and how to become a member, please visit the following resources, or contact a Cowboy Joe Club Representative:
7220 Society Web Page