#18 John Jorgensen - Wyoming Reads Founder

John Jorgensen is the proud father of five adult children and eight grandchildren. He retired in 2015 after a career of nearly 50 years in banking, finishing as president of Hilltop Bank. John became active in community affairs after moving to Casper in 1987, serving on numerous boards, including the Casper College Foundation Board for 35 years. On June 28th, 1996, John's wife, Dr. Sue Jorgensen, died in a tragic automobile accident. At the time of her death, Sue was serving as the first director of the newly created elementary education degree program at the University of Wyoming at Casper. She left behind five young children, the youngest of whom had just completed kindergarten. The Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation was established to keep Sue's memory alive for her children and for the community. What began in 1999 as Wyoming Reads reflects her passion for literacy and young children. This literacy celebration has grown and spread to other states beyond Wyoming and has been a statewide Wyoming celebration since 2006. In 2024, the Wyoming State Legislature passed the legislation declaring that the third Tuesday in May, a state holiday, Wyoming Reads Day. Since its inception, more than 155,000 personalized hardbacks have been distributed to Wyoming first graders. When considering these efforts of communities and other states, the number of books placed in the hands of children exceeds 300,000. The Jorgensen family has also presented an award each spring to the outstanding graduating student in the UW-Casper Elementary Education degree program. Next spring will mark the 30th consecutive year of presenting that award.