Don Likwartz retired, after 11 years of service to the state agency.

Petroleum Engineering Alumnus Don J. Likwartz Retires at 68

Feb. 09, 2009 -Don Likwartz, former Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission supervisor, retired January 2, after 11 years of service to the state agency. Don, now 68, is originally from Rock Springs, Wyoming. He earned his B.S. in 1963 and M.S. in 1966 in petroleum engineering from the University of Wyoming. While with the Commission, his job was to ensure that the state recovered the maximum value for its oil and gas resources.

Along with his education and experience while working for the Commission, Don had the opportunity to travel the world for 33 years as an engineer for some major international oil companies as both project manager and project development engineer. His journey included a stop in the Caribbean where he served as chief engineer for the American Oil Company or Amoco (now BP) offshore oil drilling program for many years. He worked with Amoco in Iran and in many other locations in addition to his work in the North Sea oil fields. He is a former consultant for Bodiford Drilling and former IOGCC Vice Chairman.

“I can tell you, after 33 years, the companies are not going to be able to slip anything past me,” he said. “I have either done it or thought about it.”

Don married his grade school friend, Judy Likwartz (B.S. social science 1994 and B.S.W. social work/high school 1995) in 2004. They have five children and eight grandchildren from previous marriages. Both are active in their church and Judy serves as a board member and chaplain of the Episcopal Church Women Diocese of Wyoming.

Due to health issues, Don will not likely remain in his native and beloved State of Wyoming. We wish Don and his wife Judy the best for a improved health and an enjoyable retirement.