Laramie’s prosperity tied to university’s growth

LARAMIE — At one time, Laramie was a rail town snuggled up on the high plains of Wyoming. Things changed, however, when the University of Wyoming was built here in 1887, and most would agree, they changed for the better.

The University of Wyoming is the only four-year university in the state. With more than 5,500 employees and 8,500 students, it is also the biggest employer in this town of 27,000 people.

“If we didn’t have the university here, we’d be about 12,000, 15,000 people, that’s my guess.´ said Tom Johnson of the Laramie Economic Development Corp.

“Laramie is one of the poorest…