Colorado State University Alumni Association Celebrates Long-Standing Relationship with National Western Stockshow

Colorado State University will pay tribute to the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Program April 26.

The Traditions Award, presented for the first time by the Alumni Association, will recognize the long-standing relationship between the university and the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show, which marked its 96th anniversary this year. Members of the NWSS board who plan to attend the Alumni Awards event include Pat Grant, Chuck Sylvester, Ben Houston, Don Norgren, Buck Hutchison and Dr. Marvin Beeman. Each will be recognized with an award during the evening.

For much of its history, the National Western has supported young people in their pursuit of agriculture and livestock-related studies at Colorado and Wyoming universities.

The NWSS provides scholarships to help 24 Colorado State University students complete their undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Each year, some of the proceeds from the National Western Stock Show’s art show and junior livestock sale fund the scholarships. The scholarships are renewed if the students perform well academically. Total, cumulative individual awards range from $1,000 to $4,500. The scholarships include 20 National Western Stock Show scholarships; two scholarships named for Jim Henry, a long-time supporter of the NWSS and Colorado State; two scholarships funding graduate students involved in the university’s Integrated Resource Management program; and two scholarships funding graduate students in the beef industry program.

The 4-H program, a branch of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, also benefits from involvement with the NWSS. The NWSS gives 4-H participants an opportunity to exhibit their projects in a professional show. Participation in the NWSS also qualifies 4-H participants to apply for college scholarships.

Many Colorado State faculty, students and alumni have served the NWSS as judges, livestock superintendents, interns and other staff members. Each year during the stock show, Colorado State bestows the Livestock Leader award and hosts a special Colorado State Day. The Livestock Leader award is given by faculty from Colorado State’s Department of Animal Sciences to a person who has made significant contributions to the livestock industry.