The University of Wyoming’s Milward L. Simpson Fund for Political Science is more than a scholarship endowment or lecture fund – it’s a living legacy of civic service and academic ambition that has shaped the university for over half a century.

Established in the late 1960s by Milward L. Simpson—former Wyoming governor, U.S. senator, and UW alumnus—the Simpson Fund bridges past and present by supporting students, hosting global leaders in Laramie, and preserving the history that inspired it all.

Origins: A Statesman’s Vision

Milward L. Simpson had already led a life of public service by the time the seed of the Simpson Fund was planted. Born in 1897, Simpson was a World War I veteran, a member of University of Wyoming’s Class of 1921, and eventually Wyoming’s 23rd governor and a U.S. Senator​.

When he retired from the Senate in 1967, Simpson remained passionate about education and civic engagement. Determined to give back to his alma mater and inspire future leaders, he partnered with friends and alumni to establish what was first called the University of Wyoming Political Science Foundation​. By 1969, an official Declaration of Trust and vision statement had been drawn up to guide the fund’s mission. On October 26, 1974, after several years of organizing and fundraising led by UW alumnus Jack Rosenthal, the Milward L. Simpson Fund was established.

Purpose: Fostering Education and Civic Dialogue

From the outset, the Simpson Fund’s purpose was ambitious. In the words of its founding document, the goal was to “further, foster and advance education and learning in the field of political science” at the University of Wyoming. Simpson and the fund’s creators envisioned a multifaceted program to enrich political understanding on campus and beyond. The trust enabled funding for a distinguished lecture series, bringing prominent public figures and scholars to Wyoming; support for student scholarships and research opportunities; resources for faculty development and even the acquisition of new learning materials or equipment​ for UW. Early plans also included endowing a distinguished professorship in Political Science, ensuring that the department could attract or retain top academic talent​. Notably, the Simpson Fund was one of the first major privately supported initiatives for UW’s Political Science Department.

Legacy in Action: From Gorbachev to Scholarships

The Simpson Fund’s legacy comes to life in the countless events, people, and opportunities it has sponsored. Perhaps the most visible impact has been the Milward Simpson Distinguished Lecture Series, which for decades has brought eminent leaders and thinkers to speak at UW.

Former FBI and CIA Director William Webster was one such figure. In 2005, Webster addressed a UW audience about the challenges of keeping America secure in a post-9/11 world​ (Keeping the Country Secure). Webster’s talk gave students and community members a rare chance to engage with a high-ranking national security official, illustrating the fund’s role in connecting Wyoming to national and international affairs.

Another landmark moment came in October 2011, when Mikhail Gorbachev, the former President of the Soviet Union, visited the University of Wyoming – an event that arguably put the Simpson Program on the global stage. Gorbachev delivered a public address titled “Global Unrest and International Leadership in the 21st Century,” drawing a crowd of more than 6,000 people to UW’s Arena Auditorium​. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many in attendance: Gorbachev reflected on the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and even shared his views on contemporary issues like the Occupy Wall Street movement​. After his speech, he fielded questions from UW students in a Q&A moderated by retired U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson (Milward’s son)​. The reality that a Soviet leader spoke in Laramie underscores how the Simpson Fund had opened doors to international collaboration and understanding that would have seemed far-fetched in Milward Simpson’s own college days.

One especially heartfelt success story involves Baroness Catherine Ashton, a British diplomat who was one of the world’s most influential women in foreign policy. In April 2017, Ashton visited UW to give a public lecture on global challenges – an event sponsored by the Simpson Fund alongside other partners. The talk, “A New World (Dis)Order,” filled the College of Education auditorium with students, faculty, and community members eager to hear about issues ranging from the EU’s future to international security. Dr. Stephanie Anderson, a UW political science professor and organizer of the event, noted that it was a rare chance for Wyoming audiences to engage directly with a top EU official.

The impact of the visit was mutual. After returning to the UK, Baroness Ashton sent a letter to UW, stating, “I have said on many occasions since my visit that this University has staff and students of the highest calibre – notable in the questions and contributions made on all aspects of Foreign Policy.” The framed poster and thank-you letter now hanging in the Simpson Seminar Room serve as a memento of that special event – and as inspiration for future students who will continue the conversation.

Looking Forward: Inspiring Future Generations

The Milward L. Simpson Fund continues to evolve while staying true to its founding mission of advancing political science education at the University of Wyoming. For over 50 years, it has empowered students and faculty through support for seminars, research, travel, internships, and distinguished lectures – making UW a hub for civic engagement and global dialogue. As student interests shift toward pressing topics like cybersecurity or climate policy, the fund remains flexible, ready to meet emerging needs. It exemplifies how private philanthropy can strengthen public education, offering UW students access to opportunities usually found at larger institutions. By funding tomorrow’s leaders and preserving its rich history through the American Heritage Center, the Simpson Fund ensures that its legacy of civic service and academic excellence will continue to inspire future generations.

Post contributed by UW Public Humanities students Abdalrahim Abuwarda and Temitope (Temmy) Obajinmi.