Alumni Profile

CU Spotlight: Homecoming Spirit Chair Kate Jordan Little

Anna Tolette — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:37:42 +0000

CU Spotlight: Homecoming Spirit Chair Kate Jordan Little Anna Tolette Wed, 10/08/2025 - 09:37

Kate Jordan Little is a fourth-generation Buff, making her the 23rd member of her family to attend ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. A junior from Denver, Colorado, she is pursuing a dual major in management and entrepreneurship and marketing, with a minor in leadership. Her academic distinction sets her apart. She is a U.S. Presidential Scholar and a Boettcher Scholar, complemented by her involvement in the President’s Leadership Class and the Leeds Scholars Program.

Beyond academics, Kate’s commitment extends to campus engagement, including her roles as the New Member Educator and former Foundation Ambassador for Chi Omega, as well as being active in CU Sports Information and competing with Club CU Swimming and Diving. Little currently serves as the Homecoming Coalition Spirit Chair for CU Student Government and is excited for all that is in store for the upcoming Homecoming festivities.

What does ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Homecoming mean to you?

Homecoming means so much to me because it celebrates family and tradition.

I am a fifth-generation Coloradan, a fourth-generation Buff and the 23rd member of my family to attend CU. My parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins have all shared this same journey, and we have each felt the magic of being a Buff in our own way.

My grandfather is remembered through the Zack Jordan Award that honors the CU Football Most Valuable Player each year, and my family has never missed a home game.

Homecoming is a time to gather, celebrate the love and pride we all feel for CU, and carry forward a legacy that has shaped my family for generations. It reminds us that CU is not just where we go to school but part of who we are.

What is your favorite part of your role as Homecoming Spirit Chair?

Kate, pictured with her parents and sister, is the baby on the right!

My favorite part of being the Homecoming Chair is seeing people light up with Buff pride. Helping create the parade and pep rally feels meaningful because I know how much joy those moments bring to students, alumni and families. I think about my family filling the stands and how often we have experienced that same excitement together.

Being Spirit Chair is a way of giving back to a community that has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember. Whenever I see people laughing, singing the fight song, and cheering together in black and gold, I feel connected to something bigger: a CU family we all belong to.

If you had the attention of every Forever Buff for one minute, how would you convince them to attend Homecoming?

I would tell them that Homecoming is not just about events but about being part of a story stretching across generations. It is laughter with friends, the traditions we pass down and the memories we create together.

When you come back for Homecoming, you are not just celebrating a weekend; you are celebrating the pride, the joy and the love that make CU a family. Every voice in the fight song, every smile in the crowd and every cheer from the stands matters.

We are all Buffs, and Homecoming is our chance to remember that and celebrate it shoulder to shoulder.

What is special about Homecoming this year?

Homecoming 2024

This year feels extra special because it focuses on community and connection.

Whether you are a student experiencing your very first Homecoming, an alum returning to the place that shaped you or a Forever Buff family member who has loved CU for decades, there is a place for you here. The parade, the pep rally and the game bring us all together in one place where generations of Buffs can stand side by side and celebrate what we share.

For me, it is not just about carrying forward my family’s traditions; it is about being part of the bigger CU family and knowing that we are all Buffs.

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Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with Amanda Giguere (MThtr'06; PhD'10)

Anna Tolette — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:43:16 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with Amanda Giguere (MThtr'06; PhD'10) Anna Tolette Thu, 07/31/2025 - 14:43

What can one of history’s most famous playwrights teach us about preventing violence? Forever Buff Amanda Giguere’s work as the Director of Outreach at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (CSF) has turned this idea into a mission for change through theatre.

Amanda leads education programs that bring Shakespeare to life for thousands of Colorado students each year, using the power of theater to build empathy, foster dialogue and create safer communities.

Since joining CSF as a graduate student in 2004, Amanda has helped the theatre education program reach more than 300 Colorado schools and nearly 140,000 students. Her latest project, Shakespeare & Violence Prevention: A Practical Handbook for Educators, shares this innovative work with a national audience.

Read more about how Amanda’s time at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ helped inspire her and how you can help bring the transformative power of Shakespeare to even more communities.

What is your favorite part of your role as the Director of Outreach for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival?

I love the variety of this work. I get many opportunities to interact with people of all ages and varying experience levels with Shakespeare. No matter how many times I encounter the plays, I always learn something new from watching others encounter them. We all bring our unique perspectives to the plays. 

Reflecting on your theatre studies at CU and becoming a full-time staff member, what experiences helped shape the path you’re on now?

I encountered Shakespeare as a child (around 10 or 11) in a Shakespeare camp, and I was hooked.

I began teaching for the same Shakespeare camp when I was in college. After college, I taught for a couple of years in Hong Kong and then felt the pull of graduate school. I wanted to expand my knowledge of theatre, and I applied to one school – ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ – because of its connection to CSF. I knew I wanted to do something with Shakespeare and children, though I didn’t have a clear career path. Even as I pursued my MA and PhD, I never felt the traditional academic path of a tenure-track position was for me. I began working at CSF as a graduate student, and after completing my doctorate, I returned to CSF as a full staff member. I feel lucky to be doing work I’m passionate about and that aligns with my skill set.

Now, when people tell me, “Your job is so cool, I want it!” I smile, thinking, “I agree! This job is VERY cool.”

Thinking about your new book, what part are you most proud of, and what do you hope readers will walk away thinking or feeling?

I wrote the book because, after many years of running a Shakespeare & Violence Prevention program in K-12 schools, I realized that teachers across the country could be doing this work. So many educators already teach Shakespeare. But they may not realize that teaching Shakespeare can also teach violence prevention – I saw an opportunity to share this work beyond the limits of where our CSF van could travel. I hope readers walk away feeling they play a part in preventing violence. Maybe it’s through encountering Shakespeare, or perhaps it’s through connecting with their fellow humans in ways that light them up.

I also hope it debunks the myth that Shakespeare is too hard, too fancy, too far out of our reach to grasp the meaning. These plays have so much to teach us about our world. 

How do you see the arts as an agent for social change? Where do you see potential for more change?

The area of change I think about most frequently is funding for the arts, particularly arts education. We are seeing the impact of federal funding cuts and the increasing difficulty of grants. We at CSF are relying more heavily on philanthropic support.

I see the value of these programs firsthand – exposure to theatre as a child can help build confidence, improve public speaking and heighten a child’s social-emotional competencies. It’s not just about training actors. If more young people had access to arts education, I imagine we’d see an increase in those skills that also prevent violence: empathy, teamwork, connectedness.

That’s why I decided to donate all the royalties from the book sales to the CSF Education Endowment. This fund helps provide operational support to CSF’s education programs. 

How can Forever Buffs support your work?

Please tell a language arts teacher, a Shakespeare fan or a school administrator about this book! Buy them a copy for their classroom.

And support your local arts organizations — see a play, attend a concert. The arts help connect us to our fellow humans in vital ways. 

Support the Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Forever Buff Amanda Giguere’s work as the Director of Outreach at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (CSF) has turned this idea into a mission for change through theatre.

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Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A With Harold Abrams (Comm ’85)

Anna Tolette — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:25:16 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A With Harold Abrams (Comm ’85) Anna Tolette Fri, 06/27/2025 - 10:25

Dani Martinez

From storytelling in blue books to interviewing Stevie Wonder, Forever Buff Harold Abrams has used storytelling as a positive force to spotlight the voices of Black and LGBTQI+ communities, as well as other people of color. Representation matters, a sentiment that Abrams has dedicated his career to celebrating through his roles as a screenwriter, producer and artist. Committed to celebrating diverse experiences, Abrams works to uplift these communities through powerful and purpose-driven media.

A two-time Emmy Award-winning producer, Abrams has brought compelling stories to screens nationwide, like “New Year’s Eve Dance Marathon,” MTV, and “Michael Jackson: Making History,” VH1. His work reflects a deep commitment to social impact, as seen in “World AIDS Day,” VH1, “Foster Care,” PBS, and “Teens and Gun Violence,” PBS. He also serves as Project Director for the National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network, continuing his mission to create lasting change.

Read on to learn how Abrams found his voice in the ’80s and turned his passion for storytelling into a lifelong purpose.

What brought you to ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ?

Like many schools at the time, ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ was making a strong effort to recruit Black students, and I had the opportunity to participate in a summer program that allowed me to live on campus and take courses. That experience helped me see how I might thrive there. I was especially drawn to the communication and journalism programs, and I’m glad I chose to major in communication — it set the stage for so much of what came next.

How would you describe your experience as a CU student in the 1980s?

Attending CU was a huge shift for me. I came from a small parochial school in Denver with 88 students in my graduating class, so landing on a campus of over 25,000 students was a bit shocking. Everything felt bigger: the lecture halls, the energy, the range of people and ideas.

One of the most formative aspects of my college experience was meeting a tight-knit group of students from New York City. They were vibrant, well-traveled and talked about the world in ways I hadn’t considered before. Their presence opened something up in me — and ironically, though New York wasn’t on my radar back then, it’s now been my home for over 30 years.

��ý�Ļ��Ʒ was also a space where I encountered the complexity of my identities. As a Black student, I often found myself one of the only people of color in the room — an experience that was isolating at times. One of the ways I found community was through Kappa Alpha Psi, the historically Black fraternity where I served as chapter president. That brotherhood grounded me and even extended into campus life — especially around sports, which were a big part of the CU culture. I had fraternity brothers on the football and basketball teams, and going to games was always a highlight.

Looking back, I also carry a sense of what was missing. For many students, college is a time of self-discovery, but in the 1980s, being out as queer wasn’t widely accepted. I spent those years as much in suppression as in exploration. I sometimes wonder who I might’ve met or become had I been able to live more openly on campus. I loved CU, but that regret is part of my story, too.

My time at CU was full of contradictions — overwhelming and expansive, exuberant and complicated.

How did your involvement with the Black Student Alliance and the Black Voice newspaper influence your path after graduation?

Serving as treasurer of the Black Student Alliance and founding editor of The Black Voice were formative experiences that allowed my leadership skills to flourish. Both roles allowed me to bring people together — whether organizing events, facilitating conversations about campus life and racial equity, or helping others express their talents and perspectives.

As a communication major, creating The Black Voice was especially meaningful. Before launching the paper, I had written editorials for the Colorado Daily, but I wanted to establish a dedicated platform where Black students could share their stories, opinions, and experiences in their voices. Turning that idea into reality is something I’m still proud of — it brought visibility and connection to our community. I’ll never forget the buzz around our first issue, launched at an event in the Williams Village dorms; the turnout was incredible.

That experience was a clear precursor to my professional path. After graduation, I continued writing and had letters to the editor published in People, Entertainment Weekly, Vibe, W, and Vanity Fair. As a supervising TV producer, I’ve created content that highlights culture, entertainment and issues impacting Black communities and people of color.

My time with those student-led initiatives at CU taught me how to build something meaningful from the ground up — a skill that’s shaped my entire career.

How do you infuse passion, creativity and celebrate diverse voices through your work in entertainment and advocacy?

For me, passion has evolved into purpose. Whether I’m producing television or managing advocacy projects for a nonprofit, my focus remains the same: to celebrate and center diverse voices, and to create meaningful work that reflects the world we live in.

As a Black gay man, I understand firsthand the power of visibility and the importance of being seen, valued, and heard. That lived experience drives me to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are not only included but are central to the stories being told.

In both entertainment and advocacy, I work intentionally to build inclusive teams, conduct thoughtful research, and approach each subject with care and nuance. I’ve learned that even the most specific or personal stories can carry universal themes — when told honestly and with integrity, they resonate far and wide.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to lead projects that speak to that mission — from producing segments on PBS featuring foster youth navigating the system, to interviewing Stevie Wonder about the importance of Black History Month, to documenting the cancer journey of a nonbinary trans femme person amidst a wave of anti-trans legislation. These moments remind me why I do this work.

Representation matters — and I’m committed to creating space for it, every step of the way.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your personal or professional journey?

Winning my second Emmy Award stands out — not just for the recognition, but for what it represented. It was the result of a team coming together with heart, skill and a shared sense of purpose to fulfill VH1’s mission and bring awareness to the ongoing impact of HIV and AIDS in the entertainment community and beyond.

At the time, I pitched my supervisor a series of segment ideas highlighting musicians, political advocates, members of the Broadway community and everyday people affected by HIV and AIDS. Not only did he support the vision — he greenlit an entire special. From there, I found myself walking the halls of VH1, asking already-overloaded producers and staff if they could take on one more project. I’m grateful for those who said yes.

The special we created became the first VH1 program to ever win a National Emmy. More than a career milestone, it was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people unite around a story that truly matters.

What is your advice to Buffs of all industries who aim to turn their voice into impact?

The most important part of making an impact has been staying connected to who I am and why I do the work. That sense of purpose — your why — should align with the mission behind what you're building, creating or contributing to. Whether it’s protecting lives, creating joy, making change, or building something sustainable, when your work reflects your authentic self, it resonates more deeply and reaches further.

Early in my career, I was a producer on a television series called In the Mix, which we often called 60 Minutes for teens. While the show covered a wide range of topics, I was drawn to producing segments that tackled serious, issue-driven subjects — like foster care, eating disorders, legal rights, and gun violence. Those stories might not have been the buzziest, but they meant something to me. They were rooted in empathy and a desire to help someone feel seen or informed. That was — and still is — my way of using my voice for good.

So, for me, the key has always been leading with heart, working with intention and staying open to growth. When you bring your full, honest self into your work, that’s where the real impact begins.

What brings you the most joy in your work as Projects Director for the National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network?

What I value most in my role is the opportunity to lead a range of projects that all align with the Cancer Network’s mission of education, training, and advocacy, each aimed at supporting LGBTQI+ communities across the cancer continuum.

One area that stands out is overseeing our cultural competency training for healthcare providers. Helping them build safer, more affirming environments for LGBTQI+ patients —especially trans and nonbinary individuals — is meaningful work. Many providers haven’t received guidance on how to care for queer communities, so being a resource in that space makes a real difference.

It’s also great to support my team — understanding what motivates them, nurturing their strengths, and creating opportunities for growth. And throughout all of this, storytelling remains a powerful part of my work. I’ve been able to use my background as a producer to document and uplift the voices of queer individuals navigating cancer. Sharing these stories is one of the most impactful ways we connect community experiences to broader change.

Is there a project you're currently working on that you're especially excited about?

I’ve been expanding into narrative storytelling after years in documentary TV. My original drama series, Grave Affairs — about a funeral planner navigating the death industry — won the SeriesFest TV Festival and was featured in a live reading for their 10th anniversary. I’m currently writing my first feature, Crushed, about a TV producer returning home to confront his past. I’m excited to share both projects with festivals and production partners.

What does it mean to be a Forever Buff?

Being a Forever Buff means carrying the spirit of ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ with me — in my work, my values, and my identity. The campus gave me a sense of possibility, and the foundation I built there continues to shape my personal and professional journey. I still wear CU gear with pride, stay connected through newsletters, and always light up when I see that buffalo logo. Living in New York, I’ve had the chance to meet with visiting faculty and fellow alumni from the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information.

Those connections remind me that CU isn’t just something in my past — it’s something I carry forward.

Connect with Harold on the Forever Buffs Network

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Sarah Seibold’s Journey from Figure Skating to Ice Cross

Anna Tolette — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:19:01 +0000

Sarah Seibold’s Journey from Figure Skating to Ice Cross Anna Tolette Mon, 04/28/2025 - 10:19

Former figure skater Sarah Seibold (MBusAna’25) and current data analyst for CU’s Office of Information Technology found her calling in the high-adrenaline sport of ice cross, which entails athletes racing down steep, icy tracks. This year, Seibold (pictured above, far right) earned a third-place spot on the podium in the All-Terrain Skate Cross (ATSX) Ice Cross Women’s World Championship, and placed first overall for the U.S. Ice Cross Association (USIX) Cup Series, making her the highest-ranked American Woman Competitor for the 2024-25 season. Sarah is helping pave the way for the sport’s growth — especially for women.

Can you describe ice cross?

Ice cross has been coined ‘the most insane sport that you’ve never heard of.’ It’s basically the same concept as ski or snowboard cross, but on ice skates. Athletes compete four at a time, and the top two move on until you reach the final four.

There are no permanent ice cross tracks because they are difficult to maintain. They’re made a couple of months or weeks before a race, depending on the weather. We’ve done everything from icing over a ski run at a ski resort to competing on a bobsleigh track. We’ve even iced piles of snow in a parking lot.

What inspired you to transition from figure skating to ice cross?

I’ve always been on the more powerful side of figure skating, I wasn’t very dainty or pretty when I would skate. The main difference between the two sports is that figure skating is much more risk-averse, and training is more about control and technique, while ice cross is a little bit crazier. Once I found out that ice cross existed from a rollerblader I follow on social media who competed, I wanted to try it.

How do you prepare for a race?

I start the morning of a race day by stretching. Depending on where the track is and how the ice is, I’ll either have been training or, if I haven’t trained on the track, I’ll do a lot of visualization. Sometimes, we walk the track and figure out where I need to take steps or what foot to put in front of the other at a certain point.

How did it feel to place third overall in the ATSX Ice Cross Women’s World Championship?

It was honestly a little unexpected. I’m pretty consistent at getting fourth place, but it was amazing. It only made me more motivated, and I can’t wait to stand on another podium.

How do you see the sport evolving in the U.S.?

We raced in France this year, and the Olympic committee came to see if we were on track to go to the 2030 Olympics, which we’re waiting to hear back on. If it gets approved, the word will get out, and we can gain a lot more interest.

Right now, ice cross is more marketed towards men. They’re more easily interested because they see videos of a crash or the danger of the sport and think it’s cool. If we want to get more women into the sport, we have to highlight more of the aspects that make it fun.

What advice would you give to young skaters who might be interested in trying ice cross?

Just go for it. Sign up. And reach out to me with questions!

How many hours a week do you train? What does training look like in warm seasons?

I train around 20 hours a week. In the winter, there’s a lot of natural ice on lakes and reservoirs to utilize. In other seasons, I rollerblade, mostly in skate parks, which can simulate the jumps and curves you would find on an ice cross track. Rollerblading is great training because they’re a lot heavier than my hockey skates, which makes ice skating feel easier. The main thing I train for is endurance, just skating for a long time, so my muscles are used to it.

How did you balance training and competing while also pursuing your master’s degree?

Luckily, the business school allows me to get this degree in four years, so I only have to take one class at a time. There have been some difficult weekends where I don’t have cell service, am sitting in a hotel room doing homework or going to class at 3 a.m. because of a time difference, so it’s definitely a challenge, but since it’s only one class, I can make time.

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Learn more about 2025 Commencement speaker Emma Coburn

Anna Tolette — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:57:21 +0000

Learn more about 2025 Commencement speaker Emma Coburn Anna Tolette Wed, 04/23/2025 - 11:57

Sophia McKeown

In 2012, while she was still an undergraduate at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ, runner Emma Coburn competed in her first Olympics. Now, over ten years later, Coburn is returning to her alma mater to deliver the commencement speech for the Class of 2025.

As Chancellor Justin Schwartz shared with ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Today, “Emma Coburn is the epitome of a Buff: strong, focused, determined and resilient.”

Here’s more about this year’s commencement speaker:

Coburn grew up in Crested Butte, Colorado, which she claimed was crucial to her athletic development and happiness.

Coburn was the first CU athlete to win an indoor mile title in track and field.

She won the 2011 and 2013 NCAA steeplechase national championships. Her 2013 title race time was the fifth best in NCAA history.

Coburn has competed at three Olympics: London, Rio and Tokyo.

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Coburn took home bronze, becoming the first American woman to medal in an Olympic steeplechase event. Her race time also established a new American record at the time.

In 2017, Coburn founded the Elk Run 5K in her hometown, Crested Butte, to raise money for community members battling cancer. Since then, the event has raised over $300,000 for a local charity.

Coburn was one of three CU alumni to compete in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She placed eighth in the world for the women’s steeplechase.

In 2023, she was inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coburn is part of a multi-generational Buffs legacy. Her grandfather, William E. Coburn, graduated from CU in 1949.

Her favorite celebratory meal is a steak burrito with spicy green chili and a margarita from the Rio Grande in Boulder.

As a ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ alum, three-time Olympian and proud Coloradan, Coburn embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Forever Buff. With deep roots in the Boulder community and a remarkable journey from CU student to world-class athlete, she brings a powerful message of perseverance, passion and Buffs pride. Don’t miss her at this year’s commencement ceremony as she addresses the next generation of outstanding graduates.

Learn more about commencement.

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From lasts to firsts: Embracing the end of college and the beginning of what's next

Anna Tolette — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:12:07 +0000

From lasts to firsts: Embracing the end of college and the beginning of what's next Anna Tolette Wed, 04/16/2025 - 13:12

My last seven semesters of college have been filled with countless moments of joy that have led me to where I am now: a senior at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ preparing to graduate in a few short weeks.

If you’re hopelessly nostalgic like me, you’re already reminiscing on late night study sessions at Norlin when delirium took over and everything was funnier than it should be. Or early Sunday mornings scattered across living room couches debriefing the previous night with your roommates. If you’re like me, you’re romanticizing first-year meals at the C4C and mid-afternoon naps on the tiny dorm beds. And if you’re like me, you feel a tinge of sadness as you realize these wonderful “firsts” in college have quickly become our “lasts.” But as we prepare for graduation and nostalgically celebrate our lasts, it’s equally important that we look ahead at the many more firsts in store for us.

In the fall, we experienced our last football season as CU students. However, during our time at CU, we were the first to witness the new era of CU Football with Coach Prime. We piled into Folsom Field dressed in black and gold and cheered from the student section as we watched the Buffs make history. But our journey as avid Buffs fans doesn’t end after graduation. I’m excited for our first season as alumni, and I can’t wait for the first reunion with my college roommates during Homecoming weekend. As we close the door to our student years, we open the door to a lifetime of being Forever Buffs.

This May, we will have our last day of college, perhaps even our last day of school ever. It will be the last time walking to class across the Norlin Quad, admiring the beautiful spring weather. It will be our last time sharing notes with the friend we made in class who was once a stranger but is now a smiling, familiar face. With some relief, we will submit our last homework assignment and turn in our last exam. And we will prepare for our first day somewhere else. Maybe it’s our first day at a new job, the one we worked so hard for. Or maybe it’s our first day in a new city, the place we always dreamed of living and now it’s finally reality. Amid the sadness of what we are leaving behind is the anticipation of the exciting future we have made for ourselves.

When I reflect on what I will miss most about college, I can’t help but think about the amazing relationships I’ve built throughout my time here. I remember the first time meeting my new roommates as we unloaded boxes from our parents' cars and into our new college house. I remember how quickly I realized that they would be forever friends of mine. I remember the first warm day in February, lying beside other students on the grassy lawns of campus and soaking up the sun while we were supposed to be in class. I remember my first time attending my professor’s office hours, nervously talking about my plans for after graduation. I remember that seemed so far away at the time.

About the Author: Sophia McKeown, Class of 2025

Sophia McKeown is a fourth-year CMCI student studying Strategic Communication with a double minor in Business and Sports Media. She works as an editorial and marketing student assistant at the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Office of Advancement where she writes impact stories and contributes to the Coloradan alumni magazine.

While many of these relationships are irreplaceable, I know I will carry these lessons in friendship into my post-grad life. And although I won’t live in my college house with my best friends ever again, I am so excited for the first time making memories with people I haven’t even met yet.

As difficult as it is to experience the lasts of college, I believe it is a privilege to be able to say goodbye. Many of us didn’t get a chance to have our last day of high school, our last prom or even a graduation ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For some of us, this year’s commencement might be a first as much as it is a last.

I am grateful to have the chance to say goodbye, to relish my last walk to class, my last workout at the Rec Center and my last late night on Pearl Street. And as I stare at the cap and gown hanging in my closet, I can’t help but be immensely proud of the Class of 2025 and excited for the next chapter of firsts that awaits us.

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Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with Grace Knauer (PolSci'25)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:06:46 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with Grace Knauer (PolSci'25) Anna Tolette Mon, 03/24/2025 - 14:06

Grace Knauer is a dedicated Buff who thrives on learning and building connections at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. Having grown up in Boulder County, she is proud to call CU her home.

As a member of The Herd Leadership Council, the student arm of the Alumni Association, she helps foster inclusivity, camaraderie and Buffs pride across campus.

An honors student, Grace is currently completing her senior thesis on the impact of family-focused public policy on women’s political engagement, with her defense set for the end of the month. Most recently, she’s been involved in the CU in the City community scholarship program, collaborating with a Boulder domestic violence shelter to engage CU students and the local community.

Each March, ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ students celebrate the power of giving during Student Philanthropy Month. Read more about Grace and how she is spreading Forever Buffs pride this month.

What brought you to ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ?

Ultimately, I chose CU because it was the best financial decision for my family and me. Looking back, I’m so glad I made that choice. I love the school, the Boulder community and being close to my family.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned at CU?

At CU, I have embraced academic rigor and challenges, pursued unique social experiences, engaged in volunteer work, attended networking events, and utilized campus resources like counseling. I have also sought out internships and professional development opportunities.

My undergraduate experience has been incredibly rewarding because I took the initiative to explore what was available — both through CU programs and beyond. This is something that I know will serve me for the rest of my life, and I am eager to bring these skills into my future career.

How can Forever Buffs get involved with Student Philanthropy Month?

Student Philanthropy Month happens every March to inform students about the power of philanthropy on campus. The goal is for students to learn about the importance of giving back to the CU community while they are still engaged with the school. Forever Buffs can get involved with Student Philanthropy Month by helping HLC in raising funds to support ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Staff and Faculty Emergency Assistance.

What does being a Forever Buff mean to you?

Being a Forever Buff means caring about the community beyond your immediate social circle — both at CU and throughout your post-grad life. Growing up in a CU family, I saw firsthand how my parents remained deeply connected to the university long after graduating. We often attended women’s basketball games and campus speaker events because they were committed to staying part of the CU community.

At CU, you learn what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself and to contribute actively. Being a Forever Buff means carrying those values forward and staying engaged wherever life takes you.

Learn more about Student Philanthropy Month

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The Road from ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ to the Diplomatic Security Service

Anna Tolette — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:05:50 +0000

The Road from ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ to the Diplomatic Security Service Anna Tolette Tue, 02/25/2025 - 10:05

Julia MacLean

DSS special agent Adam Lee (left) with Team USA Climbing Athlete Brooke Raboutou (center) and Team USA Climbing communications director Patrick Bodnar (Mktg'20) at the Olympics Games in Paris, France. (Photo courtesy Adam Lee)

Adam Lee’s (MediaSt’17) experiences at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ helped prepare him for a career in the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Through college experiences like Army ROTC and club lacrosse, Lee gained leadership and teamwork skills. After deploying to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2019 with the U.S. Army, he learned about the DSS, a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the State Department’s people, property and information, as well as conducting transnational criminal investigations. Now a DSS special agent, Lee has traveled the world and even played a role in the 2024 Paris Olympics as a security liaison to Team USA’s climbing team.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the Diplomatic Security Service?

When I enrolled at CU, a career in the Diplomatic Security Service wasn’t part of my grand plan. But now, as an agent with the DSS, I couldn’t be happier. Looking back, the different organizations and clubs I participated in at CU set me up for success to end up where I am now. My participation in ROTC, Army Reserve officer training and playing club lacrosse was a big part of that. I participated as a cadet in Army ROTC during all four years of college. ROTC and lacrosse gave me a foundation in the importance of teamwork and being able to communicate effectively. After my four years at CU, the U.S. Army commissioned me through the contacting process of the ROTC program.

I learned about the Diplomatic Security Service after my Iraq deployment, as a big part of the DSS mission is related to its work overseas. In Baghdad, I worked alongside DSS agents, and that left an extremely positive impression on me and opened up my viewpoint on what was possible beyond military service. I’m extremely thankful for my military service, but it was all building blocks to get me to where I am now.

What is a typical day as a DSS special agent?

In this job, we don’t have a typical day. We might go on a motorcade in downtown Washington, D.C., one day and then overseas with an assignment the next. The variety is what draws a lot of people to this career.

DSS special agent Adam Lee holds a ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ flag with Chase Milhorn (MechEngr’15) during a deployment to Iraq with the U.S. Army in September 2019. (Photo courtesy Adam Lee)

We have three primary mission sets: to protect, secure and investigate. A few of our roles include being in charge of the security for U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, being the principal security advisor to the U.S. ambassador in any given country or protecting visiting foreign dignitaries, foreign ministers and heads of state — which could even include the British royal family.

In the investigations aspect of our work, we look at crimes that primarily involve U.S. passports and visas, which can lead to plenty of other investigations involving transactional crimes, human trafficking or people wanting to change their identity.

Are there any particularly memorable assignments you’ve worked on?

The 2024 Paris Olympics is definitely going to be one of my most memorable life experiences. Being front row at the Olympic Games and watching fellow CU alumni climb a 60-foot climbing wall makes you think, ‘Wow, this is awesome.’

Traveling the world and serving the United States will also be memorable. In the past two years alone, I’ve traveled to seven different countries. I’ve also been able to travel with Marco Rubio, our current Secretary of State. It’s been a pretty memorable career so far and it is only just starting for me.

What was your role for Team USA Climbing?

I served as a field liaison officer in the 2024 Paris Olympics. We were assigned a different team, and I worked with USA Climbing. As a field liaison officer, I talked to our host nation counterparts, the French police and national police, who made sure we understood the different protocols and plans put in place if security incidents were to happen. I also made sure the team understood what assets were available to them so they didn’t have to worry about security and instead could focus on performing at their best.

DSS special agent Adam Lee (left) at the Paris Saint-Lazare climbing gym in Paris, France, in July 2024. (Photo courtesy Adam Lee)

We had a lot of members, both the athletes and staff, who had connections to CU. It was cool to have that Colorado alumni network while abroad. And, being a climber myself, it was great to see the athletes get to that high level of performance.

Talk about your interest in climbing.

I climbed a bit at CU and picked it up more post-graduation. I lived in Nashville while in the Army, so I climbed a bit out there. Now I’m in Los Angeles, and I climb some here too. I mainly do sports climbing indoors, but I climb outdoors every once in a while.

Did your time in the Army further shape your passion for climbing?

Part of my Army unit’s responsibilities included helicopter operations. With those operations, they have a repelling and climbing type of training, so I attended and got certified as a rappel master. It’s a little different than your traditional sport climbing, but a lot of the concepts are the same.

Toward the tail-end of my Army career, I was an ROTC instructor at Vanderbilt University. For the military appreciation games inside the basketball stadium, they’d have us repel down from the top and deliver the game ball, which was a cool opportunity to experience.

Do you have a particularly memorable climb?

In Paris, there are some cool climbing gyms. The Paris Saint-Lazare climbing gym is in this old chapel. The inside looks like a library with all these bookshelves that you’re essentially climbing the side of.

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Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with ForeverGold Scholar, Adriana Espinoza

Anna Tolette — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:08:14 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with ForeverGold Scholar, Adriana Espinoza Anna Tolette Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:08

Dani Martinez

A Thornton, Colorado, native, Adriana Espinoza (MCDBio’27) has embraced every opportunity to lead, learn and uplift the Forever Buffs community. As a Senior Resident Advisor in Baker Hall, a research assistant and a leader of the Public Health Hub, she has embraced experiences to grow and give back.

Each year, ForeverGold supports twelve students by providing renewable scholarships. These scholars demonstrate a commitment to excellence through academic achievements, leadership and involvement on campus.

Adriana has learned that individual success is built through collective and meaningful connections. Whether collaborating with professors on research, engaging in student organizations, or working alongside peers who challenge and inspire her, Adriana has discovered that community is the foundation for growth.

What motivated you to attend ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ?

I was very interested in the research that the College of Arts and Sciences conducts. The Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) department especially caught my attention, and I have enjoyed being part of this major.

How has being a ForeverGold Scholar impacted your CU experience?

Being a ForeverGold Scholar has been a transformative experience for me. Beyond the financial support, which has allowed me to focus more on my studies and passions, this scholarship has given me a sense of belonging and responsibility. It has also motivated me to give back to my CU community, knowing that others have invested in my success.

What would you say to Forever Buffs who support scholarships?

Thank you — not just for the financial support but for believing in students like me. Your generosity doesn’t just help cover tuition or expenses; it gives us the confidence and resources to dream bigger, take on leadership roles and pursue opportunities we might not have otherwise had.

This experience has allowed me to engage with alumni who have navigated similar paths, given me access to leadership development and reinforced the importance of giving back.

How does giving back to the Forever Buffs community and supporting students like you contribute to making CU an even better place?

Giving back strengthens the CU community by creating more opportunities for students to thrive. When we invest in scholarships, mentorship programs and student initiatives we create a more inclusive, supportive and vibrant university. Giving back means paying forward the opportunities we’ve been given, ensuring that future generations of Buffs have the same, or even better chances to succeed.

What does being a Forever Buff mean to you?

Being a Forever Buff means carrying the values of ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ beyond graduation. It means that I have a lifelong commitment to learning, giving back and staying connected to a community that has shaped me. It means being part of something bigger than myself and recognizing that the relationships, lessons and opportunities I’ve gained here will stay with me forever.

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Buffs Love Stories: Finding Forever at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ

Anna Tolette — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 22:38:30 +0000

Buffs Love Stories: Finding Forever at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Anna Tolette Thu, 02/13/2025 - 15:38

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we asked alumni to share their CU love stories, and the responses spanned generations of Forever Buffs. From 1950s romance to modern-day proposals at Folsom Field, each story reflects the unique experiences and deep connections Buffs have made during their time at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ.

Forever Buffs love stories can celebrate more than romantic love. During your time at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ, you explored academic interests, developed new hobbies and fell in love with the beautiful campus and Boulder area. Do you have a Forever Buffs love story? Tell us what you fell in love with at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ.

Share your story

Forever Buffs falling in love

Between studying at Norlin Library during finals and meeting for coffee at the Laughing Goat Cafe, Briana W. (Film‘16) fell in love with her partner of nine years while they were both students at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. One of their favorite dates was seeing a Halloween showing of Shaun of the Dead at Farrand Field.

After bonding over their shared love for ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ as undergraduates, Royer Lopez (Mktg’18; MBA’27) knew there was no better place to propose to Angelica Chavez-Lopez (Econ’17; MEdu’21) than where it all began. Using the jumbotron on Folsom Field, Royer asked the million-dollar question: Angie, will you marry me?

“It was a truly unforgettable experience,” he says, “Two lifelong Buffs, taking in the stunning view and looking ahead to a lifetime together.”

Is there anything better than attending each other’s ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ graduations after weathering the highs and lows of the college experience together?

“Perhaps one thing is better — seeing those diplomas hang side by side in our family home 13 years later,” says Christie Henry (Jour’12), who married Levi Henry (Math’12) in 2015. “CU is a chapter in our forever story.”

Now in their eighties, John (ElEngr’59) and Pat Kochan celebrated 65 years of marriage after meeting as CU students in the 1950s. “We forever hold CU in our hearts,” says Pat. The couple now lives in Dallas but often reminisces on their early years of love in Colorado.

In the fall of 1965, Gordon Herrald (A&S’69) spotted a beautiful young woman across a crowded fraternity volleyball court on ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ’s campus. “For me, it was love at first sight,” he recalls. They were married in July of 1971.

Whether these couples are celebrating 65 years of marriage, sharing diplomas in their family home or reminiscing about study dates many years ago, their love stories are a testament to the forever bonds formed at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ.

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