Tour Guides
Meet our group of Highlander Hosts! These are students from across the country who are involved on campus and conduct our tours. They represent a variety of majors and are involved with campus clubs and organizations. Read our student blogs and see what a day in the life of a Western student is really like!
Karen Ast
Senior
Hometown: Monte Vista, CO
Major: Business Minor: English
Areas of campus involvement: Karen is the Vice President of Amigos, is an Orientation
Leader, is an Academic Leadership Scholarship recipient, and is in Sigma Tau Delta
(English Honor Society).
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Tan and swim at Blue Mesa Lake,
snowboard, go dancing, and spend time with friends.
Favorite WSC tradition: Carnival! It is a Latin Mardi Gras celebration and is the
biggest party in Gunnison!
"The staff and faculty at Western truly care about the success of students.
The education I have received here has been phenomenal."
Weston Bovey
Junior
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Major: Business Minors: Economics & Outdoor Leadership and Resort Management
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Snowboarding, mountain biking, and
hiking
Why he chose Western: I chose Western for its small class sizes and the outdoor
activities.
Random fact: I don’t ever get cold!
Favorite spot on campus: The sun room in the Borick Business Building. I love to study
there.
" Western is situated in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been."
Evan Bulla
Senior
Hometown: Grand Junction, CO
Major: Biology – Wildlife Emphasis
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Being outdoors, hunting, fishing,
and hiking.
Areas of campus involvement: Evan is the Treasurer for Tri Beta (Biology Honor
Society) and he plays soccer.
Random fact: Evan spent this past summer in Canada doing research on the local
species of waterfowl.
Why he chose Western: The great Biology Program and the area.
Favorite WSC tradition: Ice blocking or sledding below the Mountaineer Bowl
Jordan Cooper
Junior
Hometown: Dillon, CO
Major: English Minor: History
Areas of campus involvement: Jordan runs for the Cross Country Team, is Secretary for
the Student Government Association, tutors History 102, works at the Writing Center, is
involved with the Honors Program and is in the Academic Leadership Program.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison or Crested Butte: The Bakery, after skiing you can’t beat $1.00 slices of pizza!
Why she chose Western: I could run, be in the Honors Program and be within a couple
of minutes of a “mountain.”
Random fact: I someday hope to be as good at skiing as Jon Olsson!
Leah Cozad
Senior
Hometown: Longmont, CO
Major: Psychology and Business
Areas of campus involvement: Leah is a member of Psi Chi (Psychology Honor Society)
and is a member of Program Council.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte:Snowboarding, biking, paintballing,
going out to dinner with friends in Crested Butte and then catching a movie.
Why she chose Western? I came to visit Western for camps during the summer when I
was younger. I have loved it ever since.
"Western is a beautiful destination college. People are here because they
genuinely want to be here, not because it is convenient. The overall tone of the students is
Trish DeLong
Junior
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Major: Sociology Minor: Philosophy
Areas of campus involvement: Trish is a Residential Advisor in Crystal Hall, is involved
with CLUE, and is an Academic Leadership Scholarship recipient.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Go camping, tubing, play Frisbee,
iceblock, snowboard, hang out with friends, walk around town, and star gaze.
Favorite WSC tradition: The lighting of the “W” and the homecoming football game.
Oh, and the Christmas tree, even though that’s more of a Gunnison than a Western thing.
"Western is great because everyone here is so laid back, nice and accepting.
I also love the fact that you get to know just about everyone the more time you spend here.
It’s like one big family. "
Robert Eichel
Senior
Hometown: Broomfield, CO
Major: Business - Professional Land and Resource Management Emphasis
Areas of campus involvement: Robert is the Treasurer for Western’s Hockey Team and
he also plays the cello in the orchestra.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Snowboard, mountain bike, 4-wheel,
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Mario’s - the locals eat there and it’s
relatively cheap.
Favorite spot on campus: The West Wing of the Library. It’s super quiet – a little known
secret on campus.
"Every day is a great when you wake up in a location like this."
Garrison Garcia
Senior
Hometown: Gunnison, CO
Major: Psychology Minor: Sociology
Areas of campus involvement: Garrison is Co-President of the National Championship
Mountain Bike team, is an Academic Leadership Scholarship recipient, plays intramural
sports and is an Orientation Leader.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Ride bikes, ski skis, swim in the lake,
and anything outside.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Slogar’s in Crested Butte. Best down
home comfort food in the Valley.
Random fact about Garrison: I surfed, bungee jumped, skied, mountain biked, and sky
dived all in one semester in New Zealand last year. (Garrison did a Study Abroad
Program through Western State College).
Jeremiah Giambartolomei
Senior
Hometown: Kittredge, CO
Major: Math Minor: Sociology
Areas of campus involvement: Jeremiah is on the Track and Field Team, he is a member
of Student Government Association and is a semi-professional cheerleader.
Favorite thing to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Mountain biking and dirt jumping
Favorite spot on campus: Right in the middle of Taylor Hill. When I am there it is like
the whole school passes.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/Crested Butte: House of China or the Secret Stash
"Tell me I will listen, show me and I will understand, involve me and I will
learn."
Ciera Glenn
Sophomore
Hometown: Wenatchee, WA
Major: Business – Marketing Emphasis Minor: Economics
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: When there isn’t snow on the ground
you can usually find Ciera mountain biking and camping. When there is snow, she’s busy
skiing.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/Crested Butte: The Secret Stash in C.B. is my favorite restaurant by far. The Figalicious pizza is epic!
Why she chose Western State College: I first came to Western to compete on the NCAA
ski team but when it was discontinued, I choose to come back because I enjoyed so much
more than just the ski team.
Favorite WSC tradition: Homecoming overall is an awesome week but I especially like
when the “W” on the mountain is lit on fire.
"The relaxed atmosphere yet active town is just perfect for me. "
Austin Gollobith
Junior
Hometown: Walden, CO
Major: Exercise and Sport Science Minors: Coaching & Psychology
Areas of campus involvement: Austin is a member of the Western State College Track
Team. He also works for the athletic department during the school year.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Anything adventurous to get me out
with my friends.
Why he chose Western: It’s so much like home and many interests are fulfilled here at
Western.
Random fact: I don’t care what people think about me, not one bit…..hence the hair in
my picture.
(Western) "It’s GRRREEEAAAT!” – Tony the Tiger
Jill Hall
Junior
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Major: Art - Graphic Design Emphasis
Areas of campus involvement: Jill loves to go to the Free Movie Nights in the Student
Center and enjoys finger painting in the dorms.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Playing in the river, cliff jumping,
enjoying the sun and snow, skiing, and making snow angels.
Favorite WSC tradition: Lighting of the “W.”
"It’s the weekend before finals and we could not be blessed with better
weather to study in. I have a backpack full of books, a blanket and some music- sitting by
the river studying and enjoying this wonderful area."
Lindsey James
Senior
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies - Elementary Education
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison or Crested Butte: The Secret Stash in Crested Butte.
It’s the best atmosphere with local pizza.
Favorite spot on campus: The bench in front of the library that has a view across
campus. I enjoy this spot because it is quiet and I can enjoy the beautiful weather while
studying.
Random fact: I have a tattoo of snowflakes on my ankle because I love winter so much.
"Western provides an individual educational experience that you will
remember because it will be the best time of your life."
Gabby Michna
Junior
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Business Minor: Art – Graphic Design
Favorite spot on campus: Anywhere that a tree creates shade on Taylor Hill. It’s
wonderful for reading.
Favorite thing to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Ride my townie, long board around
town, climb, and of course ski.
Why she chose Western: I had always loved Colorado. I had been coming here every
year since I was 7. Skiing was just a plus, but how beautiful it’s turned out is truly a dream
come true.
"Whether I am waking up to a winter wonderland every morning or laying
on the beautiful grass outside Taylor Hall embracing the sun and fantastic scenery, I
thoroughly look forward to waking up every morning to a new adventure that this amazing
town and school has to offer me."
Maria Perko
Sophomore
Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Major: Biology
Areas of campus involvement: Maria is in her second year as a Academic Leadership
Program recipient. She is involved with Tri-Beta (Biological Honor Society), The
Newman Center, is a Student Caller for the Admissions Office, and she participates in
intramural sports.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Riding her bike, day hikes, and
playing tennis.
Why she chose Western State College: I chose Western State College because of its
beautiful campus and mountain location.
Favorite WSC tradition: My favorite tradition is the lighting of the “W” in the fall time
during Homecoming.
"Western is a wonderful school because of the people who go here. The
students and faculty personalities give the campus a great atmosphere."
Jess Pino
Junior
Hometown: Wellington, CO
Majors: Business & Psychology
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Hanging out with friends, scenic
walks, and definitely snowboarding and going to Blue Mesa Lake.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/Crested Butte:“W” Café for breakfast for sure. It’s
nice on a sunny day, chillin with some friendly faces.
Why did you choose Western: I choose Western because…well, where do I begin? The snow is great, people are great, everything is great!
"Western is an adventure, from beginning to end. Exploring life and all of
its possibilities and having fun along the way."
Abby Plegge
Sophomore
Hometown: Parker, CO
Major: Exercise and Sport Science, K-12 Physical Education Emphasis
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Cliff jumping out at Blue Mesa Lake,
fishing and waterskiing.
Areas of involvement: Abby is a Mountaineer cheerleader, she volunteers with Partners
(a local youth support organization), and participates in intramural sports.
Why she chose Western: Small town and school, beautiful atmosphere, which provides
lots of opportunities to get involved.
Favorite spot on campus: Mountaineer Bowl and Paul Wright Gymnasium because it’s
where the students come together and create positive energy to represent Western.
"I hold no regrets for choosing Western because of the amazing experiences
and opportunities I have had so far."
Lacey Pope
Senior
Hometown: Ft. Morgan, CO
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies - Elementary Education
Areas of campus involvement: Lacey is a member of the symphony and chamber
orchestras. This past summer she worked for Western’s education department.
Random fact: She loves the blue Gatorade.
Favorite thing to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Go to the lake (Blue Mesa), hike and
go to the movie theatre.
Favorite spot on campus: The courtyard out in front of Taylor Hall because it shows the
true beauty of our campus.
Why she chose Western State College: The ability to play in the orchestra and to get an
amazing education.
Sierra Pringle
Sophomore
Hometown: Artesia, NM
Major: Sociology – Criminal Justice Emphasis Minor: Psychology
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Snowboard, long board, go to the
lake (Blue Mesa), and bike.
Areas of campus involvement: As a member of the WSC Dance Team, Sierra has the opportunity to help choreograph and lead the rest of the team. She is also a member of
the Academic Leadership Program and works in the Admissions Office.
Why she chose Western: I love the small class sizes and how laid back everything is.
There are so many things to do outdoors no matter what time of year it is.
"There is so much to do in this area so take the opportunity to try something
new."
Sarah Schneider
Sophomore
Hometown: Norfolk, MA
Major: Politics and Government
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Kayaking, sledding and camping.
Why she chose Western: It’s a beautiful place with tons of activities. It’s small and laid
back.
Favorite spot on campus: Lounge in Ute Hall, Student Center, because it is so cozy.
Random fact: When I was really, really sick my freshman year here at Western, the
faculty helped me stay caught up.
"You really get a sense of community. The faculty is helpful and it’s a
college-oriented town."
Jillian Tansley
Sophomore
Hometown: Parker, CO
Major: History
Areas of campus involvement: Jillian is involved with Western’s theatre productions
and works at the Admissions Office.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison or Crested Butte: Mario’s because the pizza is
amazing and the Tiramisu is to die for!
Why she chose Western: Because the History Program was recommended to me by an
alumnus, a high school teacher, Mr. Randall.
Random fact: I adore my three ferrets: Ares, Athena and Achilles.
Favorite spot on campus: The West Wing of the Library because it reminds me of a
classroom in a Harry Potter book.
Michelle Young
Junior
Hometown: Woodland Park, CO
Major: History - Education Minor: Government
Areas of campus involvement: Michelle plays Club Soccer, intramural sports, is a
Academic Leadership Scholarship recipient, is in Christian Challenge, Campus Crusade, is
an Office Assistant in the BASS Department and is an Orientation Leader.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Mountain biking, hiking, rafting,
snowshoeing, and cliff jumping at Blue Mesa.
Favorite spot on campus: Taylor lawn, it’s just so nice and there are always people out
there.
"There is just so much to do and there are so many friends to make whether
with students, faculty or members of the community."