Western Colorado University Alumni

06/05/2026

Live music is back at the Lighting of the W Party! 🎶We're excited to welcome Almost Utah from Grand Junction to Homecoming 2026. Blending rock, blues, funk, and reggae into a high-energy, genre-bending sound, this talented four-piece delivers a mix of original music and crowd-favorite covers that are sure to get the celebration started.

https://almostutah.com/

Join us for an unforgettable Homecoming weekend as we celebrate Mountaineer traditions, reconnect with fellow alumni, and honor milestone reunions for classes ending in 1 and 6. We'll also celebrate the Class of 1976's 50-Year Reunion and recognize 25 years of Mountaineer Lacrosse. 🏔️

🔗 Register for Homecoming 2026 today and make plans to join the celebration!

https://pro.gofundme.com/event/homecoming-2026/e778685

06/01/2026

Homecoming hotels are booking up QUICK! Don’t wait to make your travel plans for Homecoming 2026 — rooms in Gunnison and Crested Butte are filling fast. Be sure to secure your hotel reservations and register for all the Homecoming festivities before it’s too late!

This year’s celebration will feature special reunions honoring the Class of 1976’s 50-Year Reunion, milestone reunion classes ending in 1 & 6, and a special celebration for 25 Years of Western Lacrosse!

We can’t wait to welcome our Mountaineers back home for an unforgettable weekend of reconnecting, celebrating, and making new memories together.

Register here: https://pro.gofundme.com/event/homecoming-2026/e778685

05/29/2026

🏔️ Alumni-Owned Business Spotlight: Guide Theory

Founded by Mountaineer alum Sasha Clonts, who received an MBA in the Outdoor Industry in 2025, Guide Theory is a workforce development company built for seasonal outdoor workers — river guides, ski instructors, raft guides, outdoor educators, and more. Running programs, resources, and coaching experiences designed to help seasonal professionals build financial foundations, navigate health and life logistics, and create more sustainable long-term careers in the outdoor industry.

Their flagship program, the Shoulder Season Series, helps outdoor professionals reset, plan, and build systems during transitional seasons — and they’re already making waves after winning Taos Ski Valley’s Ski Lift Pitch competition and launching a new partnership with Taos Ski Valley.

Learn more about Guide Theory:
Website: guidetheory.com
Instagram:

At Western, we love celebrating alumni who are making an impact in their communities and industries. 🌄

Do you own or run a business as a Western alum? We’d love to feature you in our Alumni Business Directory! Sign up through Mountaineer Connect and add your business to be highlighted in future spotlights.

https://mountaineerconnect.western.edu/

05/23/2026

There's nothing like Springtime in Gunnison... to the 1947 Hiking and Outing Club climbing out at Spring Creek. What were some of your favorite memories up Spring Creek as a student?! Comment below. 👇

05/20/2026

Bike to Work Day is here, Mountaineers. If you attended Western, you already know—biking to work isn’t just a one-day thing, it’s the Mountaineer way.

In Gunnison, there’s no better way to start the day than on two wheels. Where are you riding today? Comment below!

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

Western Mountaineers, if you haven’t heard already—to continue receiving The Westerner alumni magazine, you must opt in to stay on the mailing list.

Each year, we share three digital editions and one printed issue in the Fall—keeping you connected to alumni stories, campus updates, and the Mountaineer community.

If you’ve already submitted the online form or mailed back the tear-out card from your last issue, you’re all set—no need to opt in again.

Not sure or haven’t done it yet? Take a moment to update your preferences here: https://forms.office.com/r/ttUCiiu7n3

Stay connected with Western Colorado University and don’t miss future issues.

05/17/2026

Join us in celebrating Alumni Awards for Excellence Awardee Natsuki Murakami 🎉

Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.92 GPA in Exercise & Sport Science, Natsuki has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement while balancing varsity women’s soccer and a year-long student teaching experience.

Originally from Japan, Natsuki embraced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, and education system—turning them into motivation for growth, resilience, and excellence.

Beyond the classroom, she brings learning to life—designing inclusive youth soccer opportunities in Gunnison, creating bilingual programming, and even presenting at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Whether as a Student Ambassador, coach, or leader, Natsuki approaches everything with purpose, humility, and care for others.

We are proud to honor Natsuki for her impact both locally and globally!

05/15/2026

Mark your calendar for the 125 Years of Western Block Party on August 28 in Gunnison.

📍 South Main Street
🕑 Starts at 2 PM

Kick off the afternoon with the Sunni Gunni Art Market hosted by the Gunnison Arts Center. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate—details coming soon.

Live music begins at 5 PM with a student band, followed by Ozomatli taking the stage at 7:30 PM. The Grammy Award-winning group is known for their high-energy blend of salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, and hip hop.

A big thank you to our community partners: Gunnison Arts Center, Marios & The Dive, IBar Ranch, Gunnison Chamber of Commerce, and Ink River Design.

Mark your calendar—it’s going to be a great event you won’t want to miss.