The NOLS Alumni Relations Department's goal is simple–we
cultivate connections throughout the NOLS community–including
graduates, staff and families from over 40 years of
NOLS expeditions and 15 years of WMI training.
Our work includes publication of the thrice-yearly Leader, numerous electronic and web-based networks, alumni reunions around the US, the NOLS Alumni Jobsnetwork service, short and relaxed alumni trips for grads, friends and families, and one-day skill seminars.
NOLS Alumni programs don't happen by themselves— there are real people based in Lander who work everyday to keep you connected to NOLS and to provide services you value.
So, below is some information on the hard-working NOLS Alumni Relations posse. Next time you call or email, it's likely one of these friendly folks will say hello and chase your details.
Diane Shoutis says: "The best part of my job is connecting with enthusiastic NOLS grads around the country."
Diane Newbury Shoutis came to NOLS as a student in 1968 on a Wind River Wilderness course. She instructed on numerous courses and was the NOLS' Rations Manager in '70- '75.
Diane says her best times are outdoor adventures spent with her family, all of whom are NOLS grads.
Willy Cunningham says: “NOLS a good fit. I get to share my wilderness passions with others in the great outdoors.”
Willy Cunningham came to NOLS on a Mountain Guide Course in 1970 and commenced instructing the following summer in Wyoming’s Wind Rivers. Growing up in Colorado, camping, climbing, fly-fishing, horseback riding and skiing have always been a big part of his life.
Diversity keeps Willy here. He's taught hiking, mountaineering, canyoneering, sea kayaking, horse packing, fly fishing and ski courses—many of these with Tina, his bride of 30+ years. He’s worked in numerous administrative positions too and now heads up alumni trip details as our Alumni Projects Coordinator in Lander.
Willy's other interests include: metalworking, renovating old trucks, kite flying and watching Tina mow the lawn.
"What was Wyoming like before Paul Petzoldt built the Wind Rivers?" - Rich Brame
Instructor Rich Brame came to NOLS in 1981 as a Fall Semester in the Rockies student and worked his first course at Wind Cave National Park in 1984.
Since then, he's worked varied NOLS trips and courses on four continents— with a few more on the way...
Rich does some in-town shenanigans for NOLS too, having dabbled in public policy, research, LNT, Yukon programs and most recently in the Lander Alumni Relations Department.
Busy Day in the Yukon - NOLS Alumni Trips are a great way to reconnect with wilderness, and your favorite (or new) outdoor skills. Trips are open to grads and accompanying friends and family. C'mon back to NOLS on a relaxed Alumni Trip in some of the Globe's most spectacular wild places. Photo: Rich Brame
