Dear editor:

Because of a long time relationship with Northwest College, I would prefer to leave the name as it is. I do not feel the need to change it justifies the cost of a change.

However, if the faculty, staff and administration feel that a name change would prevent confusion with other colleges, with a similar name, how about adding just one word and renaming it NORTHWEST WYOMING COLLEGE.

By adding the part of the state where the college is located, the college would not be confused with others with a similar name — there would be only one NORTHWEST WYOMING COLLEGE.

One would only need to look at a map to see where the northwest part of the state was and would easily see its proximity to Yellowstone Park (which incidentally is closed for over seven months of the school year) but would also see that there are other features in the area that would appeal to many ... the Yellowtail Reservoir, the Bighorn Mountains (open much of the year), the hot springs of Thermopolis, the vast archeological opportunities.

The surrounding counties of Big Horn and Washakie are in the Northwest College service area. It’s the people of Powell who attend the games and concerts, provide host families for international students, support Paint the Town Red, feed the athletes when the food service is closed.

Adding an area designation to a college name is well known by many — there is Southern Utah, Western Idaho, Northern Arizona, Eastern Oregon, etc.

The area designation of Northwest Wyoming would not be confused with others ... there would only be one of us!

By keeping the name Northwest, it would still be recognized locally for public relations and fundraising and just think of all the expenses that could be saved.

• We would still be known as NORTHWEST, NORTHWEST TRAPPERS, NWC, etc.

• The flags on the lampposts downtown could remain the same.

• The Trapper gym floor would not have to be repainted.

*Athletic uniforms and signs could still be usable until the routine updating is needed.

*Local businesses who have ordered merchandise for customers to purchase would still be able to sell their current stock. This is important since there is not a campus store for parents and families to purchase memorabilia. I encourage the board of trustees to consider other options than the name suggested ... Once a Trapper, always a Trapper!

Judy Vogt and the Vogt family

Powell