For distinguished alum Greg Dyekman, debate at the University of Wyoming was more than a collegiate activity—it was an experience that shaped his life. “Intercollegiate debate was the best overall educational experience I have ever had,” he says. “The lessons I learned and the skills I developed as a UW debater come into play in everything I do. I am honored to help continue the legacy of UW Debate and the many extraordinary people the program has helped prepare for lifelong success.”

The Gregory C. Dyekman Fund for Debate, established in honor of former longtime UW Debate Coach B. Wayne Callaway, will provide permanent support for the UW Debate Program. Thanks to state matching funds, the endowment totals $500,000 and will support the Gregory C. Dyekman Debate Coach, a named assistant coach, student scholarships, and travel for both students and faculty.

“This gift will ensure that Wyoming Debate has the resources to compete at the highest level of policy debate—to develop students into champions and to compete for a national title,” says Justin Stewart, head of the Department of Communication and Journalism. “The future of Wyoming Debate is very bright, and we have Greg to thank for that.”

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For more than a century, UW Debate has stood as one of the university’s most distinguished programs, producing national champions and respected leaders across professions. The program has earned a reputation as a national powerhouse.

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A Cheyenne native, Dyekman earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1977 with honors and his law degree in 1980 from UW, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class. He spent his legal career in Cheyenne at the firms of Dray, Thomson & Dyekman and then Long Reimer Winegar LLP.

Dyekman was among the inaugural members of the Wyoming Debate Hall of Fame in 2009.

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