Editor:

How is it that the University of Wyoming Geological Museum has sustained previous busts of our energy/mineral economy, but has gotten the axe in the recent bust; a bust that could be considered minor in comparison to those of the past?

If the core mission of UW is to prepare new generations of young people to lead Wyoming into the future (and not leave the state for better jobs after graduation), what sense does it make to shut the door in the faces of our youth and others, to one of the best entrances into the very field upon which Wyoming's economy is based?

I feel confident that I speak for many supporters far and near in seeking the truth regarding the decision to close the UW Geological Museum. Over the past couple of days, from more than one independent source, I heard rumor of a UW donor who offered to put up the funding necessary to keep the museum open and the director in place … and was flat-out told "no" by the university. Closure of the museum appears to have nothing to do with money.

Perhaps our unbiased media can conduct some investigative journalism to get past the budget-cut smokescreen to the real story, because we certainly won't get it from the representatives of the UW trustees and administration. Inquiring minds want to know.

I have a B.S. in Geology, UW; 1981; M.S. Geology, UW, 1985; and as of now, I'm a former UW donor.

TOM NISSEN, Laramie