Northwest College celebrates its 80th anniversary this year and the public is invited to attend a special open house for the recently reopened Orendorff Building to mark the occasion. The event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 4-6 p.m., and includes refreshments, giveaways, and tours conducted by the NWC Student Ambassadors.

Home to most of NWC’s administrative offices, the building located at the intersection of West Sixth and North Cheyenne streets was among the first permanent structures on campus when it opened in 1955. It was later renamed in honor of the college’s longest-serving president, SinClair Orendorff, who served in that capacity from 1967-88.

The 34,260-square foot Orendorff Building was temporarily closed in the summer of 2025 to replace its vital infrastructure systems, which included upgrading the mechanical electrical plumbing (MEP) and electrical systems, installing fire sprinklers and life safety components, and renovating the restrooms to meet new ADA codes.

Funding for the $6.5 million project was approved by the Wyoming State Legislature during the 2022 Budget Session and was provided through the Capital Renewal Process of the Wyoming Community College Commission. Nearly 88% of the contract dollars were paid to Wyoming contractors and suppliers, including 58% staying within the Big Horn Basin.

Design work was completed by Evergreen Dwellings in Cody, with Groathouse Construction, also located in Cody, serving as Construction Manager at Risk. Work was completed in time for the building to reopen for the beginning of the 2026 fall semester.

As part of the celebration, a collection of college photos taken by Herb and Pat Wolsborn in the mid-50s will also be on display in Hinckley Library. The collection features photographs of the Orendorff Building dedication, the NWC basketball team, and students, faculty, and staff.

The Wolsborns were important contributors to the Northwest College community in different roles over more than three decades. Herb began teaching science and mathematics at NWC in 1951 and remained associated with the college until he died in 1979. Pat served as librarian and also taught English on and off for many years.

The photos will remain on display until Oct. 30 and can be viewed during normal library hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.