A Message from the President: Death of UW Faculty Member Steve Lupien

UW Community,

We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of a member of the University of Wyoming community: Steve Lupien, the Ada Lovelace Director of UW's Center for Blockchain & Digital Innovation and lecturer of blockchain, digital assets and cryptocurrency in the College of Business. He passed away July 5 following an extended illness.

Recognized as a forward thinker in marketing and product development, Steve joined UW in 2019 after a cross-functional 35-year corporate career. A groundbreaking champion of blockchain technology, Steve worked with the Legislature to help establish Wyoming as a premier global blockchain hub, founded UW's Center for Blockchain & Digital Innovation, was a prolific fundraiser, and created the first-in-the-nation interdisciplinary minor in blockchain technology. Undoubtedly, Steve exemplified the character, passion and competence we strive for at the University of Wyoming.

Steve considered teaching and mentoring to be his true professional calling. He believed in the power of helping young people navigate their futures, and he positively influenced many of our students, staff and faculty. He will be missed, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, students, colleagues and loved ones.

A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Steve's life will occur at St. Paul's Newman Center, 1800 Grand Ave. in Laramie, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11, followed by a brunch and then interment at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie. A rosary will also be held at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home at 4 p.m. Friday, July 10.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the University of Wyoming Foundation, attn: Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation, 222 S. 22nd St., Laramie, WY 82070. Share memories and read Steve's full obituary at https://www.montgomerystryker.com/steven-charles-lupien/.

Experiencing loss can be incredibly challenging. We are working closely with students, staff and faculty who are most affected by this news and will continue to provide them with support. If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage the following options:

Wellness in the WEST website: https://www.uwyo.edu/west/index.html

Phone: 307-766-5765

Walk-in counseling for employees: every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Thursdays noon-4 p.m.

University of Wyoming Psychology Center website: https://www.uwyo.edu/psychology/center/index.html

Location: Biological Sciences Building, Room 307

Phone: 307-766-2149

Email: [email protected]

Employee Assistance Program website: https://www.uwyo.edu/hr/employee-benefits/employee-assistance-program

Phone: 800-873-7138

University of Wyoming Counseling Center website: https://www.uwyo.edu/ucc

Phone: 307-766-2187

Crisis Line: 307-766-8989

Location: Knight Hall Room 341

University of Wyoming Wellspring Counseling Clinic website: https://www.uwyo.edu/clad/counseling/-resources-wellspring-counseling-clinic.html

Phone: 307-766-6820

Location: Education Building, lower level

During this difficult time, let's remember to take care of one another.

Sincerely,

Shane Reeves, President