Group of 12 Western Students Climbing Denali in Alaska
This May 16 - June 10 a group of 12 Western students are traveling to Anchorage, AK to climb Denali. They are led by Western Professor Scot Drum and Steve Banks who is a professional mountain guide. All of the students are either Recreation or Exercise and Sport Science majors at Western. The students are getting credit through Extended Studies for the expedition. They trained in winter conditions on Colorado's La Plata Peak which is at 14.336 ft. in altitude. Check out their wiki blogs and photos at http://wiki.western.edu/ess/index.php/Denali.
See previous news stories here .
Life at Western
Is Western the perfect college for you? Picture yourself living here, learning here, playing here and see what some of our grads are doing since they graduated from Western. Explore and if you like what you see sign up to receive more information!
Living Here
Our laid-back mountain town and active campus offer great living for all of our students.
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Multicultural Center 
Our Multicultural Center and the clubs within are very active on campus. The Amigo’s, Asian Pacific Islanders, Black Student Alliance, and Native American Student Council all strive to promote cultural awareness on campus and in the community. A few of the annual events hosted include Luau, Carnaval, Soul food Night, Talent Show and Cinco De Mayo Celebration.
Sunny Gunny 
Gunnison enjoys over 300 days a year of sunshine. Between 1909 and 1925, Joseph Howland, owner of the La Veta Hotel offered a free meal to each guest on any day that the sun didn’t shine in Gunnison. The owner didn’t lose this standing bet too often! Today, we don’t have the offer of a ‘free meal’ when it’s cloudy . . . but we still have the glorious sunshine giving our town the nickname of Sunny Gunny! Check out our webcam to see current weather conditions.
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Learning Here
Find ways to extend your education beyond 4 walls- You will know your professors and they will challenge you to go beyond the ordinary to reach your academic goals.
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Peak Productions 
Peak Productions, the WSC’s Theatre organization, has been producing high quality productions for more than 70 years for the campus and Gunnison community. Their most recent play was “Little Shop of Horrors.” Students in all majors get involved with our productions.
Desert Ecology Field Trip
Many of our courses offer field experiences in which students are able to apply their knowledge from the classroom. Last year biology students took an eight day Desert Ecology Field Trip during Spring Break.
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Playing Here
Whether you want to learn how to kayak, you’re an expert skier or you want to host your own campus radio show, the Gunnison area offers world class recreational opportunities.
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Wilderness Pursuits
Looking for a way to explore the limitless outdoor opportunities in the Gunnison-Crested Butte area? Our Wilderness Pursuits (WP) office offers a variety of programs for all students at very reasonable prices. WP also offers a rental shop for all of your outdoor gear needs. See their web site for a complete schedule of trips.
Mountain Rescue Team 
Our student led Mountain Rescue Team is the only fully certified collegiate-based MRT team in the country! Founded in 1973, our MRT has participated in countless search and rescue missions both in and out of Gunnison county.
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Moving On After Graduation
At Western you will make friends for life and gain diverse skills and interests. After you graduate from Western you will be ready for whatever the world has to offer!
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Capstone Experience
All students graduating from Western are required to do a Capstone Experience- internship or research project to demonstrate proficiency in their area of study.
Lisa Lyden
Alum Lisa Lyden (1982) a Journalism major, has anchored the #1 rated evening newscast in Southern Colorado for the past 23 years at KOAA-TV, an NBC affiliate. She has received numerous awards, including the Colorado Broadcasters Association "Best Newscast" a dozen times during her tenure. She is also the Colorado Broadcasters' "Citizen of the Year" for her community service. Lyden got her broadcasting start in college as News Director for WSC's college radio station, KWSB.
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