LARAMIE, Wyo. — The University of Wyoming recently received a major gift of $500,000 from the estate of the late William “Bill” Kruggel to support Wind River Indian Reservation high school graduates.
Kruggel, a distinguished alumnus and former faculty member of UW, earned both a master’s degree in chemistry and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from UW. After an accomplished career in molecular biology and a lifetime of service to education, he has left a legacy that reflects his dedication to empowering future generations of scholars.
The William G. Kruggel Endowment will provide financial support to eligible Native American students enrolled in any discipline at UW.
“On behalf of the UW Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center, we are deeply appreciative for the generous donation we have received to support our tribal students,” center director Reinette Curry said. “This significant contribution will enable us to further our UW mission and, within the UW NAERCC, to continue to help make a lasting impact on the lives of our Wind River Reservation students who choose to attend the University of Wyoming. We will be forever grateful for Dr. Kruggel.”
Private funding for scholarships plays a vital role in addressing the unique challenges faced by Native American students in Wyoming. These scholarships not only create access to higher education, but also foster academic success and leadership development. Moreover, they contribute to preserving and honoring the cultural heritage of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribes.
The William G. Kruggel Endowment reflects Kruggel’s lifelong dedication to education and community. By removing financial barriers for students from the Wind River Indian Reservation, the fund creates opportunities for academic and professional success, ultimately enriching Wyoming with a more diverse and skilled workforce.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Kruggel was a cherished member of the Laramie community. His life was marked by a deep love of learning, service and exploration, including his extensive travels throughout Europe and volunteer work at Ivinson Memorial Hospital and the Albany County Public Library.
Kruggel died in 2024 at the age of 84.
“On behalf of everyone here at the University of Wyoming, we are deeply grateful to the late Dr. Kruggel for his generous gift that will support students from the Wind River Indian Reservation in perpetuity,” UW Foundation President and CEO John Stark said. “Under the leadership of President Ed Seidel and others, scholarship support for these deserving students from Wind River remains a fundraising priority. We are excited to see this base of support continue to increase, not only for scholarships, but also for other private funds related to student success for these students.”
The Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes and is the seventh largest American Indian reservation in the United States by area and the fifth largest by population.
In 2022, revised memoranda of understanding between UW and the tribes of the Wind River Indian Reservation set the stage for new levels of collaboration for the benefit of Native students and communities and the state’s university.
Each year, several Native American students are awarded scholarships based on their academic achievements and commitment to service. UW offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Native American students, including the Northern Arapaho Endowment Fund Scholarship and the Chief Washakie Memorial Endowment Scholarship.
A list of scholarships can be found here.
