The University of Wyoming will accord degrees to 512 students during a combined winter commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. in the Arena-Auditorium.

Speakers for this year’s commencement are graduating marketing senior Adriana Ramirez, of Evanston, and Doug Stark, retired president and CEO of Farm Credit Services of America, who will give the commencement address.

Stark, a Riverton native, worked from 1980-2017 providing agricultural credit, risk management and financial services to farm and ranch operators in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas and Wyoming. Under his leadership as CEO from 2005-2015, Farm Credit Services of America’s assets grew from $9.7 billion to $25.8 billion, and its annual net income grew from $144 million to $514 million. He has more than 35 years of industry experience, joining Farm Credit Services of America in 1980.

Ramirez, with a concentration in sustainability and global markets, was chosen by a student speaker selection committee following a nomination process. Criteria included a student’s record of academic excellence; ability to write and speak effectively to a large audience; demonstrated leadership in student organizations, student activities, public service or other activities; and representation of the best qualities of UW graduates.

“I am honored to represent first-generation students at the commencement,” Ramirez says. “My time at UW has been one of growth, challenges and hard work. I’ve learned the importance of my education and gained a wealth of knowledge.”

During her time at UW, Ramirez has served as inaugural president of the Wyoming Collegiate DECA. She presented at the DECA national meeting in Washington, D.C., last year.

“UW has introduced me to students from all around the world who have impacted me in more ways than one,” Ramirez adds. “I have valued the opportunity I have been given to further my higher education, and I am excited to share my journey at this year’s ceremony.”

Ramirez also has studied abroad at the University of Strasbourg and attended Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs before transferring to UW.

“She is one of the hardest-working students that I have known in my 25 years in the college classroom,” says Greg Livingston, an assistant lecturer in the College of Business. “She is the type of student we all wish to have in class. She is the first to offer help to the student who might be struggling or lost, and she always has a smile on her face. She is incredibly passionate about higher education.”