Stewardship Award Recipients Build Meaningful Relationships with Donors

The University of Wyoming Foundation presented its prestigious 2026 Stewardship Awards to Alison Doherty, an associate research scientist in the Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Jess Dooley, food security coordinator in the Pokes Center for Community Resources.

“What impressed the UW Foundation the most about Jess and Alison is their enthusiasm,” says Kristin Morrison, director of donor relations at the UW Foundation. “Their contagious enthusiasm for their areas led to beautiful authentic expressions of gratitude that truly touched donors.”

Doherty has been instrumental in growing donor support of canine dysautonomia (CD) research within the Department of Veterinary Sciences. CD is a rare and usually fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting a dog’s autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. The underlying cause of the disease remains unknown. UW is the only institution in the U.S. that is actively studying CD.

Doherty’s responsibilities include raising awareness of CD, supporting veterinarians and dog owners from a distance, and coaching them on sample collection and shipping. Often, those who contribute samples also contribute financial support throughout the year and during UW Giving Day.

Doherty’s efforts have led to significant increases in giving to the cause. In 2023—before Doherty joined UW—44 donors gave $12,083 during UW Giving Day. In 2024, 156 donors gave $48,174, and 93 donors gave $148,225 in 2025.

Following the 2025 UW Giving Day, Doherty handwrote letters to donors, and she mailed special thank-you gifts to those providing larger gifts.

Doherty maintains positive relationships by providing research updates to CD supporters throughout the year.

As food security coordinator, Dooley oversees the university’s food security programs. A major part of her job involves managing the Pokes Pantry, which is located in the Pokes Center for Community Resources in the lower level of the Wyoming Union. The pantry is a free resource for all UW students and employees that relies on the generosity of donors.

Dooley’s food security efforts include cultivating relationships with donors, planning events and fundraising campaigns, providing tours of the Pokes Center for Community Resources to food security partners and donors, and partnering with on- and off-campus departments and organizations.

She communicates regularly with donors by providing email updates, highlighting the meaningful impact their contributions have on the patrons of the Pokes Pantry. She also sends handwritten notes to show her appreciation.

Both recipients received $5,000, and their departments received $2,500. The recipients were able to direct another $2,500 to other university units.

did you know?

Gratitude is just the beginning. Stewardship means honoring every gift with care, from ensuring funds are administered responsibly and used according to donor wishes to sharing regular updates on the impact of their generosity. It’s how UW builds trust, celebrates the difference donors make, and inspires lasting partnerships that help shape Wyoming’s future.