English Department

This year, your Giving Day gift will support the UW Department of English through the Harriet Elizabeth “Liz” Byrd fund.

A fifth generation Wyomingite, Liz Byrd was the first Black woman to serve in the Wyoming legislature. She sponsored the bill that established Equality Day in Wyoming. Before politics, she taught in the Cheyenne school district for 37 years. She received a master’s degree from UW in 1976.

To honor Byrd’s legacy, the Byrd fund in English supports students training to improve lives through teaching in Wyoming. The fund supports travel for research, study abroad experiences, visiting speakers, and support for tuition and textbooks.

Our goal for 2025 is 20 donors—20 donors will unlock an additional $2,500 for the fund!

Thank you for supporting the UW Department of English!