Sheridan County Continues to Grow and Prosper

My name is Robert Prusak and I am a Trustee of Whitney Benefits.  Throughout my time these past twelve years working for Mr. Whitney, I have seen many exciting changes in Sheridan, surrounding counties and in Wyoming as we grow and prosper.  This trend is however not new as there has been impressive growth and development for more than 100 years since Mr. Edward A. Whitney was a banker and leader in the community.

My background is ranching and nursing. Both have seen changes over my lifetime and will continue to evolve. Being a third-generation cattle producer, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, of ranch life. I can tell you that raising kids who become successful adults is the most gratifying part of being a parent and being able to go to market with a load of calves can be rewarding also. Mr. Whitney loaned money to those who wanted to take a chance at making a life for themselves and their families much like now as interest-free educational loans are a cornerstone of Whitney’s commitment to promoting higher education.

Wyoming has been blessed with abundant resources and a rich history dating back to dinosaurs, buffalo, and abundant plant and geologic changes that have led to coal and mineral reserves. Culture has progressed from prehistoric man through Plains Indians, and now bustling industry and tourism. One common factor in all of this is water. The Western Plains were once covered with seas and the remains of fossilized fish and sea shells are prevalent in many places. As the Rocky Mountains rose up, most of the water left leaving the arid high plains we know today. Mr. Whitney recognized the value of water and acquired water rights that are still held to this day. Annually, Whitney Benefits donates stored water from mountain reservoirs to the City of Sheridan for watering local parks, keeping them green and providing a great place for summer activities for all ages. The Adam’s Ranch south of Sheridan College is another example of how the Whitney Foundation is sharing land and water in partnership with the University of Wyoming for agricultural research and development.

Sheridan College continues to be a tremendous jewel in higher education for Wyoming and a source of pride to the community. Many students have gotten their start here and moved on to other places of higher learning for their professional development. Over the years there has been a significant development of the campus and curriculum while maintaining that home town appeal. When I graduated in 1986 with an Associates Degree in Nursing, the buildings and class rooms were much the same as they were in the 70’s when Whitney helped finance its construction. Now Whitney Benefits along with the help of other financial partners have helped Sheridan College become a leader in higher education with new programs in computer programming, mental health, and enhanced programs in nursing and dental hygiene. Trade skills programs such as construction technology, welding, machine tools, and diesel mechanics have kept pace with industry standards. Opportunities for good paying jobs like I got in nursing are thanks to the vision and commitment of Mr. Whitney and his legacy.

I can’t begin to imagine the changes that are to come in our community over the next hundred years. But due to the lasting efforts of Mr. Whitney and many others who have come after him, I am confident that our community and the educational landscape will only continue to prosper.

–Robert Prusak Whitney Benefits Trustee