Joe and Win Hickey Memorial Scholarship

J.J. “Joe” Hickey was s native of Rawlins, Wyo., and a graduate of the University of Wyoming Law School. Joe entered politics as treasurer of Rawlins. He went on to become United States Attorney for Wyoming and, in 1954, State Democratic Chairman.
Mr. Hickey was elected Governor in 1958. He resigned late in 1960 in a political ploy to, permit Secretary of State Jack Gage, who succeeded him, to appoint him to the United States Senate on Jan. 2, 1961. In 1966, President Johnson nominated Joe, who had seconded Mr. Johnson’s Presidential nomination at the 1960 ‘Democratic convention, to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which sits in Denver, Wichita and Oklahoma City.

Win Hickey became first lady of Wyoming when he husband, Joe Hickey was elected governor in 1958. She became a politician in her own right after Joe died in 1970. Win was the first woman elected Laramie County commissioner and also the first woman elected to the state senate from the county. “She was one of the titans of Wyoming politicians, regardless of gender,” said Kathy Karpan, former secretary of state. Former Governor Dave Freudenthal said that Hickey was an advocate of education and social services in the state senate, working to make sure those areas were fully funded. Her son, Paul Hickey, said she was one of the strongest allies for the University of Wyoming. Win served on the board of trustees for the university. She also served as president of the UW Foundation and served on several college advisory boards. Paul Hickey said, “her life reflected the true values of commitment to God, country, and family. If she took on a cause, she took it on with great passion.”