Central Wyoming College’s Honorary Degree recipient, Mary Ann Duran

Riverton, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College (CWC) will present Mary Ann Duran with the 2026 Honorary Degree in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and community service. The Associate of Humane Letters (AHL), CWC’s honorary degree, will be presented during commencement ceremonies this spring.

The recipient is selected by a community of students, faculty, and staff of the college and is confirmed by the college president. Duran is being recognized for her lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing the Northern Arapaho language, culture, and traditions while serving generations of families throughout the Wind River Reservation and surrounding communities.

Mary Ann Duran is widely regarded as a treasured member of the community. As one of only a few living Northern Arapaho language speakers, she has become a neiwoo (nay-wah), meaning grandma, to nearly everyone she encounters. Through her work with the Arapahoe school district, she continues to teach young children the Northern Arapaho language, stories, and cultural traditions, ensuring that vital knowledge is carried forward to future generations.

In addition to her work in education, Duran partners with local tribal healthcare programs, where she shares cultural teachings and traditional healing practices with clients of all ages. Her work helps connect tribal members to their language, identity, and lifeways, offering healing through cultural understanding and community connection.

Duran’s influence extends deeply into her own family and throughout the broader community. Her youngest daughter currently teaches language on the reservation and recently received a Teacher of the Year award. Inspired by her grandmother’s mentorship, Duran’s oldest granddaughter also pursued certification in the Northern Arapaho language.

Beyond the classroom and healthcare settings, Duran is recognized as a pillar of community culture. She teaches traditional beading, storytelling, and cultural practices to anyone eager to learn, generously sharing her knowledge and wisdom with people of all ages.

“Mary Ann’s presence is known from the young to the old,” said family friend Donna Trosper. “As soon as she enters the room, everyone knows who she is, and the respect comes out. She’s given us so much and helped a lot of people heal.”

Through decades of service, mentorship, and cultural preservation, Mary Ann Duran has strengthened her community and inspired countless individuals. Central Wyoming College is honored to recognize her enduring contributions by awarding her the Associate of Humane Letters, the college’s honorary degree.