FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2018
Contact: Wendy Smith, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communication (307) 675-0412, wsmith@sheridan.edu
Claire Barnes, Writer/Editor (307) 675-0416, cbarnes@sheridan.edu
Sheridan College Foundation & Alumni is pleased to announce that Torrey Moody, a 1965 graduate of Sheridan College and current owner and operator of seven regional franchises, has been selected as this year’s Distinguished Alumnus. Moody will be honored at the Sheridan College 2018 Distinguished Alumni Awards on Thursday, May 10 at the Edward A. Whitney Academic Center Atrium. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception, followed by an award presentation at 7 p.m.
As a fifth generation Wyomingite, Moody’s roots in the Sheridan community are deep. He attended grade school in Story, Wyoming and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1963, where he excelled in running the mile and “lettered” all four years. He graduated from Sheridan College in 1965 and the University of Wyoming two years later with degrees in Business Administration. His education at both institutions helped prepare him for his childhood dream of being in business for himself.
“When I was greeted by Torrey’s warm smile and inviting personality, I instantly felt inspired by this amazing man,” said Jen Crouse, Sheridan College Foundation executive director. “We are excited to recognize Torrey for not only his significant professional and personal achievements, but also for his dedication to Sheridan College and the Sheridan community as a whole.”
After college, he enlisted in the United States Army and served a one-year tour-of-duty in Vietnam as an air traffic controller. Because of his love for fishing, hunting, skiing and horseback riding that Sheridan has to offer, he returned to Sheridan to live. Moody’s career path included sales for R.J. Reynolds, multi-state livestock products distributor, buying/selling lumber, building contractor and retail auto tire sales.
In 1985, Moody fulfilled his childhood dream; he traded an apartment building for two Taco John’s, one in Sheridan and one in Gillette. Both Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) structures were walk up trailers with no seating. After numerous remodels and upgrades, both properties have been replaced with state-of-the-art structures. Today, he owns and operates seven QSR properties under the brand names of Taco John’s, Good Times, Arby’s and Dairy Queen in Sheridan, Gillette, and Hardin, Mont. Moody has been honored on different occasions by the various franchises, including Taco John’s “Franchisee of the Year”.
Moody is grateful to Sheridan College, the University of Wyoming and Whitney Benefits for the educational opportunities made available to him, and he is thankful for the support and loyalty of the Sheridan, Gillette and Hardin communities. His life can best be summarized by his top three priorities: (1) God, (2) family, (3) Country.
For questions about the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Awards event, please contact the Alumni Association at scfoundation@sheridan.edu or 307-675-0703.
