A generous estate gift from Diana Ohman -- former Wyoming state superintendent of public instruction, Wyoming secretary of state and distinguished educator -- will support the Native American Summer Institute at the University of Wyoming.

“Ensuring education is available for all children is important to me,” Ohman says. “It is just part of a natural reaction to how I view education and why I want to support UW.”

“We appreciate the generous support and commitment to our Native youth,” says Reinette Curry, director of UW’s Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center, which oversees the institute. “The contribution from Diana Ohman to our precollege summer program is more than financial support -- it is an investment in the future of our Native students and our Native communities. We are truly grateful for the gift. It will assist us at UW with our continued outreach to tribal communities.”

The Native American Summer Institute is a six-day, residential, precollege program hosted at UW for Native American high school students from the Wind River Indian Reservation -- home of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes -- and nearby communities. The program offers a meaningful introduction to college life through academic workshops, cultural experiences and leadership development. Participants stay in UW residence halls, engage with faculty and staff members and take part in hands-on learning that inspires both higher education aspirations and cultural pride.

“It is worth our time and effort to ensure that support is continued for the Native American Summer Institute,” Ohman says. “I really think we need to support kids from small communities in safe, fun ways where they feel like they belong and are welcomed.”

The institute helps Native students see themselves in college, find belonging in a university setting and realize their potential. For many students who are uncertain about their path after high school, the Native American Summer Institute offers a transformative experience -- showing them that higher education is not only possible, but a place where they can thrive, build community and pursue their dreams.

“With this support, our Native students will step onto campus with confidence, preparation and a deeper belief in their own potential as they pursue their higher education goals as future tribal leaders,” Curry says.

‍

The 2025 summer program offered a wide range of hands-on academic sessions designed to show students new fields and future careers. Topics covered included artificial intelligence and machine learning, alpine lake ecology, data exploration, plant identification and soil health and sustainability. The sessions opened new academic and career pathways for students, especially in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health care and environmental science -- fields that are critically needed in Native communities across the region.

Activities during the week included a visit to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, a campus scavenger hunt, access to the Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center and a UW Athletics tour. A day trip to Curt Gowdy State Park gave participants the opportunity to develop leadership skills while enjoying Wyoming’s beautiful outdoors by canoeing, paddleboarding and hiking.

Participating students explored UW’s resources to build lasting friendships and to begin to see themselves as part of the campus community. The week concluded with a banquet that celebrated the students’ accomplishments and highlighted the bonds formed throughout the week.

Ohman’s commitment to education stems from her own experience as a first-generation college student. She initially was reluctant to pursue higher education.

“College is scary at first, and my mom pushed me to attend when I didn’t want to,” Ohman says. “She said, ‘You don’t have to go to university. So choose your community college.’ It was the most important decision made in my life -- I want to provide this opportunity for students through the Native American Summer Institute.”

After earning an associate degree from Casper College and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UW, Ohman went on to a distinguished career in public service. During her career Ohman served as a Wyoming K-8 rural schoolteacher, principal, superintendent of public instruction and secretary of state.

She then served as Department of Defense Education Activity deputy director and area director for the European and Pacific divisions. Later, Ohman moved to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, where she oversaw the operation and maintenance of 47 national cemeteries in 12 Midwestern states.

Her distinguished career spanned nearly five decades in public service and education. She retired in 2018, but her commitment to education and opportunity for all students continues through her planned estate gift to UW.

“We are beyond grateful for this wonderful gift,” says Nycole Courtney, UW vice president for student affairs. “We know it will have a big impact on students’ lives.”

The Native American Summer Institute continues to grow and expand its reach. With the support of this gift, the program can serve even more of Wyoming’s youth, providing them opportunities to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

“I feel so blessed,” Ohman says. She appreciates the warm reception she receives from the Native American community at UW. “Everybody’s always wonderful to me.”