State and University of Wyoming officials dedicated the Michael B. Enzi STEM Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday morning.

Before introducing guests, UW President Dick McGinity quoted remarks that U.S. Senator John Barrasso had read into the Congressional Record.

"There is no better way to honor the lifetime work of Senator Enzi than to name this facility in his honor," McGinity read.

"The Michael B. Enzi STEM Facility is a perfect reflection of the man," read McGinity. "Give people an opportunity to learn, to interact, to share -- and in an environment that works for them -- and they will achieve great things."

McGinity introduced U.S. Senator Mike Enzi and his wife Diana along with Governor Matt Mead, former Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, Secretary of State Ed Murray, Senate President Phil Nicholas, Susan Thomas of the Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation, UW Trustee Dave Bostrom, ASUW President Brian Schueler, and other state legislators.

"While we do face challenging times here in Wyoming, we've never lost focus on how valuable it is -- when you only have one university -- to continue the progress and the vision that the legislature has had and former governors have had," said Mead. "Recognizing what that means to the individual -- to the student -- and beyond that, what it means for our communities, our state and our country."

"This wonderful STEM building... is not the start of STEM education at the University of Wyoming. It is a continuation; it is a doubling down," said Mead.

Sen. Enzi spoke of his service in the U.S. Senate as well as his time studying at UW with his wife Diana.

"All my kids -- my two daughters and my son -- have degrees from the University of Wyoming," said Enzi. "I'm very proud with what they've been able to do with the knowledge that they've picked up here."

"I'm looking forward to the time when my grandkids go the University of Wyoming and get their degree here and utilize this building to learn a lot more," said Enzi.

Enzi said he believes about 60 percent of Abandoned Mine Land funds given to Wyoming has gone to UW projects because of inspired uses for the money devised by state and university leaders.

"I just wanted to thank you for the memories," said Enzi. "I've never been so honored."

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