SWEETWATER COUNTY — In 2005, the Bigler family and OCI Chemical, the predecessor to Ciner Resources, partnered to establish a scholarship to honor Terry A. Bigler and to carry on his legacy.
The scholarship is intended to help students enrolled at WWCC who are entering their second year of a degree program. The scholarship is need-based with preference given to students enrolled in the mine maintenance or trades & industry programs, as well as to students who have graduated from a high school in Southwest Wyoming.
Terry is remembered by his family, friends, and coworkers as a loyal, compassionate, humorous and professional man. He had a strong mechanical ability and was recognized for his passion by his peers.
Terry worked at the Big Island Mine & Refinery safely for 28 years as a member of the maintenance team.
When speaking of Terry around our fellow employees, it is always with a smile and fond memories. Terry’s parents, Ken and Carol Bigler, actively participate in the selection process each year and hold the candidates to a high standard so as to properly honor their beloved son.
Since 2005, the scholarship has provided $23,500 to students at WWCC to provide financial assistance to help meet their academic goals.
The Bigler family and Ciner are proud to announce Alondra Rocha as the 2016-2017 Terry A. Bigler Scholarship recipient. She is the twelfth recipient and will receive $2,300.00 to apply toward her academic expenses. Alondra expects to graduate in the Spring of 2017 with Associate’s degrees in Spanish, Business Accounting, and Marketing. She is the daughter of Neiz Olivas of Green River, WY.
Her sisters are Malexy, Jennifer, and Modesta. Alondra is a Student Ambassador for WWCC and enjoys helping other students transition into college life. Her instructors and peers would describe her as bubbly, hard working, a person with exceptional leadership skills, a good person with goals and the drive to succeed. In her spare time, she does community service as part of her WWCC Cheerleading scholarship commitments and teaches youth gymnastics. After graduation, Alondra will continue her education with plans to earn her Master’s degree by the time she’s 21, as well as, own her own business someday.
When asked what characteristics are important to her and contribute to her success, Alondra stated, “being involved, staying busy, having goals and being social.” With continued hard work and dedication, the Bigler family and Ciner are confident that Alondra will be a successful young woman and that she is the perfect candidate to receive the scholarship this year. Best of luck to Alondra as she continues her education at WWCC this Fall.
