Carol Tomé, University of Wyoming alumna and CEO of UPS, announced a $20 million gift during the university’s commencement ceremonies on May 16. The donation, made by Carol and Ramon Tomé, is one of the largest in the university’s history and will significantly expand scholarship opportunities for students.
The gift aims to broaden access to higher education at the University of Wyoming by strengthening the existing Tomé Scholars to Fellows Program in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources and extending it into the College of Business. According to current estimates, this commitment—along with previous support from the Tomés—will provide more than 100 students with full-ride scholarships.
“We believe deeply in what a University of Wyoming education makes possible,” say the Tomés. “Supporting Tomé Scholars has been one of the greatest joys of our lives, and this commitment is our way of giving back for the many blessings we’ve received. It is an honor to help open doors of opportunity for students who will shape our future.”
University President Ed Seidel said, “This gift is among the most consequential in UW’s history — not only because of its scale, but because of what it makes possible. The Tomé Scholars to Fellows Program has already proven that UW can develop leaders of national distinction, and now we have the opportunity to extend that model into business and entrepreneurship. The Tomés’ vision and generosity are transforming our university and the future of Wyoming.”
Established by Carol and Ramon Tomé in 2021—and expanded through additional support in 2024—the Haub School program offers immersive fieldwork, applied research guided by faculty, internships, service experiences, as well as a network for graduates known as Tomé Fellows. Students receive full-ride scholarships along with support for international field courses, research projects, internships, community engagement opportunities—all grounded in experiential learning.
John Koprowski, dean of the Haub School said: “The generosity of Carol and Ramon Tomé has already had a significant impact on five previous cohorts… The ability to have our future leaders learning on wild lands… provides an incredibly unique experience… Carol and Ramon have ensured that such opportunities will continue for years…”
The new investment also creates a similar cohort-based initiative within UW’s College of Business focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, applied research projects abroad or locally—and professional readiness training. Scott Beaulier, dean at College Of Business stated: “Carol And Ramon understand something fundamental about higher education: Talent Is everywhere but opportunity Is not always evenly distributed… This extraordinary investment In Our Students Will Help attract develop launch next generation Of Leaders For Wyoming Nation World.”
Students involved say they see direct connections between environmental stewardship And business leadership; both are critical To creating effective solutions In today’s world.
Together these expanded programs aim To strengthen workforce readiness across disciplines elevate national visibility For UW attract retain high-achieving students And build A broader pipeline Of entrepreneurial innovative leaders throughout Wyoming.
