A University of Wyoming academic professional and a student activities officer have been named recipients of the prestigious UW Foundation Stewardship Awards for 2026.

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, were recognized for their exceptional leadership in fostering strong relationships with donors. Doherty and Dooley each will receive $5,000, and their college or department will receive $2,500. Each recipient can direct another $2,500 toward a separate university unit or club.

The UW Foundation Stewardship Awards recognize the pivotal role faculty and staff members play in donor philanthropy. Stewardship is critical for the university, as it connects donors with the mission of campus and inspires private funding for areas that need it most. It also builds lasting relationships that promote loyalty and generosity. The UW Foundation funds the award.

“These awards recognize the extraordinary impact that thoughtful stewardship has on the University of Wyoming and the people we serve,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “Alison and Jess showcase how meaningful relationships, authentic communication and genuine care for donors can inspire generosity that changes lives. Their dedication strengthens the connection between donors and the students and faculty who benefit from their support every day.”

The UW Foundation Stewardship Awards honor faculty and staff who go above and beyond in nurturing connections that support the university, their colleagues and—most importantly—UW students.

Alison Doherty

Doherty has been instrumental in growing donor support of canine dysautonomia (CD) research within the Department of Veterinary Sciences since joining UW in February 2024. 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.

As a member of the CD research lab, Doherty’s responsibilities include raising awareness of CD, supporting veterinarians and dog owners through a very difficult disease 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 to try to prevent what happened to their dogs from happening to others in the future.

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.

“Alison has helped build the path to giving for those who are open to supporting this cause,” says Jonathan Fox, a professor emeritus in the Department of Veterinary Sciences and Doherty’s nominator. “Donors are mainly dog owners, especially those who have lost dogs to CD. They often have no affiliation with UW but give because we are the only group researching something they want to support.”

To prepare for UW’s annual day of giving, Doherty used social media tools to build support and relationships and to communicate about ongoing research throughout the year. She discussed research efforts with dog owners, veterinary clinics and dog shelters around the country. She also consulted with the Annual Giving team at the UW Foundation on how best to reach the target audience by strategizing posts, emails and other communications. She then created social media posts for the fundraising event and flyers that were distributed around Laramie.

Doherty has developed positive relationships with donors and has met some of them. These efforts have been important in promoting increased giving by repeat donors on Giving Day. Additionally, she has provided periodic and clear research updates to CD supporters.

Following the 2025 UW Giving Day, Doherty handwrote letters to donors, and she mailed special thank-you gifts to those providing larger gifts. She provided dog tags with the message “proud supporter of canine dysautonomia research” to donors who gave more than $100 and personalized dog bandannas with the “proud supporter” message to donors who gave more than$15,000. She personally communicated with special donors after the event.

“These thoughtful actions mean a lot to the donors, many of whom are still emotional about losing beloved family members,” Fox says.

Doherty says stewardship is at the heart of her work.

“Building meaningful connections and communicating the importance of our work are essential to advancing our mission,” she says.“Without the support of donors, dog owners and veterinarians, our research would not be possible.”

‍

Jess Dooley

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, and partnering with on- and off-campus departments and organizations.

“Jess has worked incredibly hard with donors and campus and community partners to make the Pokes Pantry what it is today,” says Melanie Vigil, associate dean of students and Dooley’s nominator. “She does the hard work on the back end, creating and maintaining relationships with anyone who is passionate about food security.”

Dooley’s partnership with local nonprofit organizations sometimes yields unexpected opportunities. When Laramie Interfaith has excess items, Dooley is often the first person staff members call to share the surplus. For example, last summer, the Pokes Pantry received a pallet of watermelons. Dooley was able to distribute the watermelons before they spoiled.

As part of her role, Dooley provides tours of the Pokes Center for Community Resources to food security partners and donors. Last spring, during the center’s grand opening, Dooley led Wyoming first lady Jennie Gordon through the space.

“Jess handled the visit with ease and continued to build upon the relationship with Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative,” Vigil says.

Last fall, Dan Crumb, chief financial officer of the Kansas City Chiefs, and his wife, Janet, visited UW during Homecoming. They requested a tour of the center.

“Jess recognizes that food security is an area of interest to many donors, and she takes great pride in showcasing our services and offerings,” Vigil says.

Dooley understands the value of strong donor stewardship. She communicates regularly with donors by providing email updates, and she also sends handwritten notes to show her appreciation.

“Stewardship is incredibly important for the longevity, sustainability and growth of a program,” Dooley says. “I make an effort to reach out to our donors individually and to let them know about the impact their contributions make to our program and to our patrons. Being a good steward gives donors comfort in knowing that their hard-earned money is going somewhere where people will appreciate it and make good use of it.”