Philanthropy

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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Class of 2025 Ultimate Commencement Guide

Anna Tolette — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:23:23 +0000

Class of 2025 Ultimate Commencement Guide Anna Tolette Tue, 04/01/2025 - 10:23

Sophia McKeown

The countdown to commencement has begun, and it’s your time to shine! The next few weeks are filled with fun events, memorable CU traditions and opportunities to celebrate your accomplishments before the commencement ceremony on May 8.

As you reflect on your incredible journey at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ, this is your chance to make the most of your final moments as a student and prepare to step into your new role as a Forever Buff. Here’s a list of essential information to help you make the most of commencement week.

Grad Bash

Join fellow graduates on the Koenig Alumni Center lawn on May 1 from 4–7 p.m. for Grad Bash — a day filled with festivities and tradition. As you near graduation, take pride in everything you’ve accomplished and enjoy a memorable evening surrounded by your Buffs family. With live entertainment, food and exciting prizes, this is your chance to reflect on your CU experience while making new memories before commencement. Register for Grad Bash.

Grad Days

Take part in Grad Days: a week-long celebration leading up to commencement, from April 28 to May 1. It’s packed with fun activities to help you say goodbye to your favorite places on campus, snap some photos with your friends and make new memories in your last days as a student.

Cap decorating | April 22, 5–7 p.m. at UMC North Dining Room and April 28–May 1, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. at CU Book Store.
- Add flair to your commencement cap. Stop by and decorate your cap with free craft supplies.

Campus photo opportunities | April 28–May 1
- Don your cap and gown and head to numerous iconic campus locations to take photos with our inflatable commencement photo frames. Share your photos with us on social media using #ForeverBuffs.

Grab & go breakfast | April 29, 9–11 a.m. at Visual Arts Complex (VAC) Breezeway and Engineering Center Herbst Plaza
- Start your week with a breakfast hosted by the Senior Class Council and the Alumni Association. Food is first-come, first-served.

Senior Class Council's senior sunset | April 29, 7–10 p.m. at Chautauqua Dining Hall
- Close out your senior year at this year's Senior Sunset event. There will be food, activities and the opportunity to watch a beautiful sunset over the Flatirons with friends. Two alcoholic beverages per attendee will be provided for those 21+ with a valid ID. Registration is required.

Sign your name at The Sink

For decades, thousands of CU grads have celebrated commencement by visiting The Sink, a beloved spot on The Hill. This iconic 100-year-old restaurant has been a cherished part of CU’s culture for generations, and one of its most beloved traditions is having graduates sign their names on the ceiling. On the morning of May 8, wear your cap and gown, gather your friends and head over to The Sink to leave your mark on this time-honored tradition — literally!

Cultural and affinity commencement ceremonies

Campus organizations host cultural and affinity celebrations each May during commencement to honor its graduates’ personal and academic achievements. These events provide a meaningful space for students to celebrate their unique journeys and connect with their communities, reflecting the diverse experiences that have shaped their time at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. Register to reserve your spot.

Graduation regalia

During commencement, you will continue an age-old tradition by wearing the same attire as generations of Buffs. Commencement wouldn’t be complete without proper attire including cords and stoles to signify various affiliations, achievements and contributions during your academic journey.

Cords are rope-like strands worn around the neck during the commencement ceremony, and each color combination has a distinct significance. A comprehensive list of approved cords and their meanings is available on ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ’s Academic Dress page.

Stoles are sash-like garments draped over the shoulders, highlighting a student's affiliation with a club, organization, community or academic achievement. Many graduates also represent their college or school by purchasing a degree stole at the CU Book Store to wear for graduation.

Check with your department, student organizations or the CU Book Store to see what you qualify for and proudly wear it on commencement day. Learn more about academic regalia on the Academic Dress website.

The commencement marshal

As part of a centuries-old tradition, the commencement marshal, appointed by the chancellor, leads a procession of graduates into Folsom Field to begin the ceremony. The marshal is tasked with carrying the mace to signal the strength of the university and highlight the significance of their role. This year’s commencement marshal is Leigh Holman, director of ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ’s Eklund Opera program and a ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ alum.

Academic recognition ceremonies

In addition to the main commencement ceremony, CU colleges, schools, departments and programs have recognition ceremonies to celebrate the unique accomplishments of different groups on campus. These personalized events offer a more intimate setting for students to celebrate their academic achievements alongside peers, faculty and loved ones. Check the Spring Recognition Ceremonies website for registration requirements and specific dates and times.

Senior class gift

Last but not least, make a lasting mark on ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ by donating to the Class of 2025 Senior Gift. Since 2013, the senior class gift has been a scholarship created by students, for students. This tradition, passed down by generations of Buffs, is a meaningful way to give back and help future students enjoy the same incredible CU experience you had. Plus, it just takes $20.25 to make an impact. Embrace tradition and leave your legacy after graduation by donating today.

The countdown to commencement is officially on — Class of 2025. It’s your moment to shine! These next few weeks are packed with unforgettable events, beloved CU traditions and many opportunities to celebrate your achievements. Embrace your final moments as a ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ student and prepare for your next exciting chapter as a Forever Buff. See you out there!

Don't Forget! Register for Grad Bash

These programs are open to all ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ students and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in accordance with state, federal, and Regent law.

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Leave Your Legacy with the Class of 2025 Senior Gift

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 22:10:59 +0000

Leave Your Legacy with the Class of 2025 Senior Gift Anna Tolette Mon, 03/10/2025 - 16:10

Sophia McKeown

After years of making lifelong memories, connections and experiences, there’s one final opportunity to leave a legacy at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ: Contribute to the Class of 2025 Senior Gift.

This tradition, passed down by generations of Buffs, is a meaningful way to give back and help future Buffs enjoy the same incredible CU experience you had. Plus, it just takes $20.25 to make an impact.

🦬 Keeping the tradition alive

Graduating Buffs have been giving back to ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ for decades. The Class of 1991 contributed to the Norlin Book Endowment, while the Class of 2004 funded the sandstone archway above Farrand Field.

Whether through tangible campus improvements or vital scholarship funding, your contribution — no matter the size — helps make CU a better place for future Buffs.

🎁 This year’s gift

Since 2013, the senior class gift has been a scholarship created by students, for students. Every contribution to the Seniors Creating Future Buffs Scholarship supports an endowment that helps future generations of Buffs access academic opportunities and engaging campus experiences.

Your gift will allow future Buffs to experience the same excitement of discovering new passions, making lifelong friends and becoming part of the vibrant ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ community.

Last year’s scholarship recipient, Ashley Jung (Biochem ’24), said, “The Seniors Creating Future Buffs Scholarship has helped me become a first-generation college graduate and significantly impacted my journey to becoming a future physician. It has given me the opportunity to have the most fulfilling undergraduate experience by lessening the financial barriers that come with college."

🎉 The gift that keeps on giving

On top of the rewarding feeling of helping students become Forever Buffs, all Senior Gift donors are eligible to wear the Blue Contribution Cord at commencement. To pick up your cord, simply bring your donation email confirmation to the Center for Student Involvement, located on the third floor of the University Memorial Center (UMC) during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Lastly, family and friends can donate in your honor, making the gift even more special and showing their support for your time as a Buff.

As you look forward to graduation, consider contributing to the Class of 2025 Senior Gift. You’ll make your mark at CU, and your legacy will live on through the stories of future Buffs. Every gift, large or small, creates a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Donate Today

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