Technology drives student to succeed

CHEYENNE – Cassie Hesch knows how to get things done. She faces challenges head-on and strives to help others, her friends say.

“She is always eager to learn and always looking for why,” Leah Noonan, her computer instructor at Laramie County Community College said.

“It’s wonderful to know someone who embraces learning for the sake of learning. No matter what task is presented to her, she smiles and makes it happen,” Noonan said.

“If she sees a problem, she fixes it,” her friend Samantha “Sam” Whittrock said.

Hesch received her Associate of Applied Science degree in computer information systems from LCCC on Saturday. She was among more than 200 students who participated in the commencement program at Storey Gym.

She earned additional training as an A+ computer technician, a Cisco Certified Networking Associate and as a cybersecurity professional.

She plans to continue her education online and attend Western Governor’s University.

“It’s important to get an education so you can better yourself, better your family,” she said.

She received the prestigious Jan and W.M. Stalcup Excellence Award for 2016.

The award is given to just one graduate who made a significant commitment to service at the college and the community of Cheyenne.

The person who wins the award also excels in academic or career pursuits. The honor provides a financial award.

Hesch said her grandmother, Jan Cordsen, encouraged her to go to college.

She started LCCC as a business major. She then focused on chemistry, vocal music and chemical engineering before she found her niche in computer systems.

Noonan spotted her talent with computers and hired her for the Fishbowl, the college’s student-run computer repair program.

Hesch served as the lead IT tech for the Fishbowl until she completed her schooling at LCCC. While there, she developed a volunteer program and revamped the Fishbowl’s operating structure.

“She continues to provide exemplary service to both clients and the other work-study technicians,” Noonan said in a nomination letter for an award for Hesch.

More than 100 clients per year take their computers to the Fishbowl for repair or to get training.

Hesch said she likes the variety that comes with studying computers.

“Computers are always changing, always evolving. New technology is being developed daily. You can’t slack on learning in this field or you’ll be outdated in no time. That is what is intriguing to me,” Hesch said.

“You can see results. You don’t get bored in this field,” she said.

She also volunteers with Cheyenne Frontier Days and serves on its security committee. Hesch oversees the CFD Park and Ride program and also organizes a chili feed event. These activities raise money for the committee’s programs to help others.

Hesch also has been co-coordinator for the security detail for the college’s Shawn Dubie Rodeo.

Hesch and Whittrock reached out to help people in military service. They sent more than 100 care packages to service people overseas.

Now, the two are creating a nonprofit group called The American Way of Giving. Their organization will help those who currently serve in the military, veterans and families.

Saturday was important as Hesch said she didn’t think she would ever graduate from college.

“It’s very overwhelming. I’m very proud,” she said.