On Monday July 26, Wyoming senator and long-time supporter of the University of Wyoming Michael Enzi passed away at the age of 77.
Former Senator Enzi reportedly suffered a broken neck and broken ribs in a bicycle accident near is home in Gillette, WY. He was flown to the UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, CO where he remained unconscious until his passing.
UW President Seidel released a statement the following day.
“The University of Wyoming is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi.” Seidel said in the statement. “As a strong supporter of the state’s university both personally and professionally, Senator Enzi contributed so much to generations of UW students, as well as to our research and economic development efforts. His passing is a tremendous loss for Wyoming.”
Senator Enzi left his mark on the University of Wyoming both in name and image thanks to the Enzi STEM Labs, as well as his contributions to the University throughout his political career.
Students are now sharing some of their reactions to his death as well.
“I was surprised to hear about his accident,” UW sophomore AJ Turner said. “He always seemed like a figure that lived large in the University’s legacy and, to me, was too big to be brought down by something like that.”
“I think it’s a sad day for the University and the state,” UW junior Kuran Shuva said. “Obviously I didn’t know him personally but reading or watching the news is what showed me how big of an impact he had here. He did a lot.”
“I practically live in [the Enzi building],” UW senior Eric Sanders said. “His legacy will always be interwoven in the school here as well as the experiences of STEM kids like me for a long time.”
The Michael B. Enzi STEM Facility was originally named for the Senator by former Wyoming Governor David Freudenthal. All to honor Enzi’s contribution to the University and Wyoming schools.
“I can’t always agree with everything he did. But his adherence to policies that advanced education forward both at the state and national levels was admirable,” UW senior Kaycee Laughlen said.
“Education is incredibly important. Both STEM education and otherwise. That’s one thing Senator Enzi knew and fought for as long as I’ve known,” said Sanders.
“As far as I know he was always someone who was willing to compromise on education. That is something I think is important and was a good thing for him to do,” said UW junior Jennifer Clough.
Senator Enzi was a lifelong Republican and ran the Senate Budget Committee from 2015 until his retirement last December. He always claimed to strive for consensus in Congress and unity.
“It’s becoming harder to find senators or representatives who want to work together,” said Turner. “If nothing else, he deserves credit for being willing to bridge that gap.”
“Politically him and I share a lot of differences as most people do. But he seemed to genuinely care for this state and its people,” said Shuva.
“I’m willing to argue that his politics and party are disagreeable,” said Laughlen. “But I do feel I owe him my thanks for what he did for the University and even my home schools.”
Not everyone is willing to share these thankful feelings.
“Some good acts don’t necessarily outweigh the bad. Enzi did good for education, but his stances against LGBTQ and women’s health rights are too far for me to want to thank him for the small things,” said Clough.
“I don’t feel that I have to thank him,” said UW senior William Haurght. “What he did here doesn’t outweigh the damage he did nationally by supporting oil companies or big business.”
Feelings amongst the student body may remain mixed for some time.
Senator Enzi served four terms in office, all of which came with staunch conservative support from Wyoming voters.
“I’ve really enjoyed being a senator,” Enzi said in his retirement speech in 2020. “Not for the title, not for the recognition and certainly not for publicity. I love solving problems for folks in Wyoming and America. I like working on legislation.”
Regardless of opinion on Enzi, his name and legacy will be intertwined with the University of Wyoming’s history for a long time to come.
