How do you balance more than a century of tradition while preparing for what comes next? That’s precisely what Wes Allison has been doing since he stepped into his new role as President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show last May.

In preparation for the Stock Show kicking off this week, the Next 150 podcast hits the road to the National Western Center's new Legacy Building to talk with Wes about the transformation underway at one of the largest livestock shows in the world.

Wes shares his journey from growing up in Texas as an extension agent’s son to leading the Stock Show during a pivotal moment marked by new facilities, expanded year-round programming, and a renewed focus on education.

The conversation also explores strengthening the rural–urban connection, the importance of youth programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America, and how the partnership with Colorado State University and CSU Spur helps shape the future of agriculture and Western heritage.

Shortly after winning her third WNBA championship as coach of the Las Vegas Aces, CSU Women's Basketball legend Becky Hammon '99 returned to campus to receive Colorado State University's Founders Day Medal, which recognizes an individual, family or group whose service and contributions have created a significant, lasting impact on the University's history and progress toward future goals.

While in Ram Country, she joined President Amy Parsons for an energizing and deeply personal conversation. Becky reflects on her rise from an undersized, undrafted point guard to one of the most influential coaches in basketball today. She shares how she found her way in the WNBA, forged a groundbreaking path in the NBA as the first female coach, and ultimately built a coaching dynasty in Las Vegas. She discusses the grit required to push through closed doors, the importance of character and chemistry inside a winning locker room, and the lessons she carries from every chapter of her journey.

She also looks back on her years at CSU, the friendships that still anchor her life, the memories of a packed Moby Arena, and the on-court learning experiences that shaped her approach to the game. Becky explains how those early years taught her to think differently, compete with joy, and lead with authenticity — traits that continue to define her coaching today.

Dr. Kwane Stewart — CSU veterinary medicine alum, 2023 CNN Hero of the Year, Netflix’s animal safety advisor, and co-founder of Project Street Vet — returned to campus to accept a Distinguished Alumni Award during CSU's 2025 Homecoming and Family Weekend. While in Ram Country, he joined President Parsons for a meaningful and grounding conversation about purpose and compassion.

Kwane shares how one unexpected encounter outside a 7-Eleven in California changed the course of his life and sparked the idea for Project Street Vet, a national nonprofit providing free veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness that now spans six cities. He discusses rediscovering why he became a vet, the power of trust between providers and pet owners, and the many unexpected chapters of his career — from shelter medicine, to Hollywood movie sets, to a book now being considered for a feature film.

He also reflects on his years at CSU, the moment he learned he’d been accepted into the D.V.M. program and how holding one of the most diverse professional licenses has allowed him to build an unexpected career that still traces back to his CSU education 28 years later.

This episode captures the heart and humanity of one of CSU’s most inspiring graduates.

More about Dr. Stewart:

Kwane, co-founder of the nonprofit Project Street Vet, helps unhoused pets and people in need – that’s his calling.

He has been a California practicing veterinarian for more than 28 years, working in nearly every part of the profession to refine his clinical and business expertise.

Kwane was the CNN Hero of the Year for 2023, recognized for his impactful work, and for his outspoken, compassionate, charismatic and genuine nature.

A graduate of CSU in 1997, Kwane started his career as an associate and emergency clinician, and he quickly become the chief medical officer of VETCO Hospitals Inc. in 2002. In 2007, he took the reins of a struggling municipal shelter and reversed one of the worst euthanasia rates in the country during his five-year tenure. Later in 2013, he became chief veterinary officer of American Humane and director of their legacy movie program. Today, he serves as Netflix’s chief veterinary advisor in charge of global animal oversight, protecting animals behind the scenes.

Kwane is committed to efforts that connect unhoused people and their pets with quality care at no cost. That work – and inspiring stories of hope – is chronicled in a docuseries called The Street Vet. He also published a book in 2023 called, "What It Takes to Save a Life," which is being considered for a true-to-life movie.