CU’s annual Alumni Awards shine a spotlight on high-achieving Buffs who demonstrate excellence, from professional achievements to philanthropic generosity and innovative research.

Each year, a volunteer committee and the Alumni Association review nominations submitted by alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members to select winners for the six award categories. 

“Winning this award is not just a personal honor, but a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of community and education on individual success,” said Stephen Hatfield (Bus’96), winner of the 2023 Leanne Skupa-Lee Award and a leader in the Boulder Forever Buffs chapter.

The 2024 winners, announced in May, include Paul Beddie (IntlAf’89) and Penny E. Patterson (Geol’76; MS’81; PhD’90) for the Alumni Recognition Award, Benny Shendo Jr. (OrgMgmt’87) and Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IntlAf’93) for the George Norlin Award, Joseph Arora (Mgmt’12) for the Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Graduate Award, D.B. Wilson (Hist, Mktg’75) for the Leanne Skupa-Lee Award, Chancellor Phil DiStefano, Reiland Rabaka and Christopher Pacheco (Bio’88; MEdu’16) for the Robert L. Stearns Award, and Manasa Kolavennu (MDataSci’24) and Sydney Strecker (Fin, Phil’24) for the Forever Buffs Student Award.

The awards highlight that alumni can continue their Buff legacy long after graduation. Hatfield continued: “It reaffirms my commitment to uphold and advance the values that define our shared experiences and aspirations at the University of Colorado." 

The recognition culminates with the Alumni Awards ceremony and dinner during Homecoming. It’s an evening of inspiring stories, shared accomplishments, community connection and CU pride.

“We recognize and honor outstanding individuals in our Forever Buffs family. I am always awestruck by the impressive accomplishments and superb character of our award winners. It is a night that makes you proud to be a Buff!” said Ryan Chreist (Kines’96; MPubAd’09), assistant vice chancellor of Alumni and Constituent Engagement and executive director of the Alumni Association.

Visit to register for the celebration. 

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Photos by Stephanie Yves

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As the lead anchor of Denver’s 9News broadcast, Kim Christiansen (Jour’84) has earned a reputation as a trusted source for news.

“Kim Christiansen’s superpower is her empathy...She cares about people,” said 9News colleague Chris Vanderveen (���dzܰ�’96).&�Բ�����;

Kim also is a huge CU Boulder supporter. As a journalism student in the 1980s, she credits the foundational writing and reporting skills she gained at CU with helping her land her first job at 9News. 

She’s also a parent to her son and recent graduate Tanner Feith (Mktg’23). Since 2016, the nine-time Emmy Award winner has dedicated hours of her time to CU Boulder’s annual Alumni Awards Ceremony as emcee and video narrator.

For her efforts, the Alumni Association gave her theAlumni Recognition Award during the 94th awards ceremony Nov. 2. Eight other alumni also received awards at the ceremony, which kicked off Homecoming Weekend, Nov. 2–4.

See videos of all Alumni Award winners, plus other Homecoming 2023 highlights, at colorado.edu/homecoming.

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Photo courtesy Kim Christiansen

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Homecoming Weekend Returns Nov. 2–4

One of Maribeth Hite’s (CommThtr’73) favorite memories from her time at CU Boulder is the peaceful walk home to University Hill after late nights at theater rehearsals. 

“I remember walking the campus without fear,” she said. “I never felt any worries — CU was a place of safety and happiness for all four years.”

This fall, Hite will return to campus for her 50th reunion, joining Forever Buffs from around the world at Homecoming — one of CU Boulder’s most treasured traditions.

The celebrations include the annual Alumni Awards ceremony, the popular Buffs on Tap event featuring Buff-owned breweries and wineries, a chance to learn about the history of beer from a CU Boulder lecturer and beer archeologist — and, of course, the chance to see the Buffaloes take on Oregon State, led by Coach Prime. .

After a three-year pandemic hiatus, the Homecoming class reunion committee has also reconvened to welcome back the classes of 1973 and 1983 for their 50th and 40th reunions. Both classes will celebrate alongside members of the Golden Anniversary Club, which includes Forever Buffs who graduated in 1973 or earlier.

For committee member Zach McNeal (ElEngr’83), who’ll be celebrating his 40th reunion this fall, it’s a chance to reconnect with his classmates and the rest of the CU Boulder community — and be reminded of what it means to be a Forever Buff.

Said McNeal, “It’s about being a part of a family tradition that will live on: the Buffs!” 

Visit colorado.edu/homecoming for more details and to register.

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Photo by Stephanie Robinson

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At Homecoming Weekend last fall, nearly 480 people attended one of 10 affinity reunions — including 185 people at the Silver Buffs Marching Band reunion and 106 people at the CU Buffoons’ 60th-anniversary reunion. Other reunions were hosted by the Black, American Indian, and Latinx alumni clubs and CU Student Government. In addition, about 40 people attended the 50-Year and Golden Anniversary Club reunion, which included a private lunch at The Sink and an exclusive tour of campus. 

“Attendees love to tell stories of their time on campus, revisit meaningful facilities, talk to former professors and learn about current campus culture,” said Sarah Lurie (Mgmt’20), local engagement program manager at the Alumni Association. 

While Homecoming is the largest event for reunions to gather each year, groups can meet at other times. Last October, 19 alumni gathered in Bordeaux, France, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their study abroad experience. The Koenig Alumni Center, home of the Alumni Association, can also serve as a venue for reunions. 

“With such a large alumni base at CU, reunions serve as a way to nurture special connections with smaller campus communities,” said Lurie. 

Sign up to host a reunion here.

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Photo by Dennis Blum

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Plan a trip this fall to come back to campus for Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 27–29, and relive some of your favorite CU memories. 

Experience the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony, an evening of inspiring stories depicting positive impact around the world. Get your fill of laughter and comradery over drinks and food at Buffs on Tap, a popular alumni event showcasing the libations of Buff-owned breweries and wineries. A new addition, this year you can tour campus with a CU architect enjoying new places and old favorites. And don’t miss cheering on the Buffs at Folsom Field as they take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. 

“Octobers in Boulder are often spectacular,” said Ryan Chreist (Kines’96; MPubAd’09), assistant vice chancellor and executive director of the alumni association. “Plus, Homecoming is the perfect time for alumni to reconnect with some of the best memories of their lives.” 

Find more information about the weekend’s events, including how to register, at the CU Boulder Homecoming website.

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Photo by Glenn Asakawa

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Wherever they roam, Buffs can be part of CU’s Homecoming 2021 festivities — including in person in Boulder.

This year’s Homecoming tradition includes virtual activities for Buffs across the globe and several on-site events for those who come to campus.

“We’re trying to create an experience that all members of the Forever Buffs community can enjoy,” said Brennan Jones, Alumni Association associate director for events and outreach. “It’s important that we create Homecoming events that are flexible and accessible for all this year.”

Kicking off Nov. 1 and running through Nov. 7, virtual events include a virtual 5K race, a career panel for the Class of 2021 and a virtual “Dinner and a Movie” event featuring The Light Shines On, a short documentary celebrating CU’s history, pride and traditions.

For those returning to Boulder for the Nov. 4–7 weekend, anticipation is building for in-person events such as the annual Alumni Awards ceremony, Spirit Days on the Quad, Buffs on Tap, the 50-Year Reunion for the class of 1971 and the Ralphie’s Corral tailgate.

For Athletic Director Rick George, the school spirit that comes with in-person attendance is invaluable to the football season.

“The energy that [Homecoming] brings is crucial to our team, our campus and our community,” he said. “It’s going to be great for our alumni around the country, maybe even the world, to come back to Boulder and see what we’re doing.”

For extra-involved Forever Buffs like D.B. Wilson (Hist, Mktg’75) and his wife, Cindy, this year’s Homecoming will be a welcome reunion with friends. The couple is known for hosting a packed house at their Boulder home before walking down The Hill toward campus amid laughter and cheers.

“There’s such a wonderful energy that comes from everybody gathering together,” said Wilson. “Being on campus is always a treat. There's nothing like CU.” 

Visit for more details.

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From the 1920s and through the 1950s, a window-display mastermind joyfully created spectacular scenes in his hardware store on what is now the Pearl Street Mall. 

One display from the mid-1950s depicted a dog made out of pipes and brushes. Another featured a detailed sideshow of animals made from various random hardware parts. 

Harold Stevens’ displays at Valentine Hardware on 1144 Pearl Street (home now to Lindsay’s Boulder Deli and Häagen Dazs) often won contests, especially during CU Homecoming. In 1956, he won the Homecoming Merchant Window Decorating Contest for a large scene of jousting knights depicting a battle between CU and that year’s homecoming rival Nebraska. 

But mostly, his art brought immense joy. Eager to be a part of his work, community members often brought him items in hopes that he’d use them in his displays. 

Harold, who was born in England but lived in Boulder for 67 years, worked nearly 50 years at Valentine Hardware before retiring in 1958. The strong CU supporter loved his football season tickets, and he attended home games well into his 90s. 

Harold died in 1982 at the age of 102.

These photos were shared with the Heritage Center by his granddaughter Nancy Stevens Comprelli (Edu'61) and the Don Stevens family. 

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2019 Trips

Sailing the Windward Islands   
Feb. 26-March 5, 2019

Israel: Timeless Wonder   
April 6-17, 2019

Southern Grandeur
April 7-15, 2019 

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
April 23-May 9, 2019 

Wonders of Peru
April 25-May 6, 2019 

For more information about the Roaming Buffs travel program, email lisa.munro@colorado.edu, call 303-492-5640 or visit colorado.edu/alumni/travel. 

Homecoming Weekend 2018 

This Homecoming, Jeff Randall (Geog, Soc’78) of Boston and Jeff Gray (Psych’78) of Los Angeles will reconnect in Boulder to hike, visit friends, roam Pearl Street and rally behind the Buffs at Folsom Field. They and a core group of pals do it every few years. 

“It’s Boulder and CU that brought us all together in the first place,” said Randall, who, with Gray, is co-hosting a 40-year reunion for the Class of 1978. 

Also at Homecoming 2018 (Oct. 25-28), the alumni association will host its annual awards ceremony in the Glenn Miller Ballroom, a series of Buff Talks — short, Ted Talk-style lectures — in Old Main and Buffs on Tap, an afternoon of beer and wine tasting in Koenig Alumni Center’s backyard. There’s the Homecoming parade and pep rally on Pearl Street and the alumni tailgate before the big game against Oregon State.

In addition to the 40-year reunion, which includes a dinner at the Hotel Boulderado, more than 15 other reunions are planned.

Visit colorado.edu/homecoming to register.

Alumni Association Tidbits  

This summer, more than 600 people gathered in Colorado, California and Alaska for exclusive alumni showings of a new 30-minute documentary about CU’s history, The Light Shines On: A Celebration of CU Boulder. See the film yourself on campus during Homecoming Weekend. 

The NorCal alumni chapter has new leaders: Summer Vaughn (Phil’16) and Jenna Kinsinger (�󾱲�’16). Kelly McKee (PolSci’94) has taken over the Orlando chapter. Catch Buffs games this fall with alumni in your area. Visit colorado.edu/alumni/chapters to see which group meets nearest you.  

Join us on Duane Field before every home CU football game for our Ralphie’s Corral Tailgate. The free event, located south of Folsom Field, begins three hours prior to kickoff. Take a photo with live mascot Ralphie, pick up alumni swag, play games with your kids and get a bite to eat. On the road, we’ll hold Buff Bash tailgates at USC, Washington, Arizona and Cal. 

The Alumni Association welcomes its newest advisory board members: Chip Bollendonk (�ѱ𳦳󷡲Բ���’17), Kyle Evashevski (�����Dz�’96), Timothy Gurba (Chin, Fin’04), Svein Hasund (�ѱ𳦳󷡲Բ���’67), Mina McCullom (�������󷡲Բ���’09), Landon Mock (�ʲ��⳦��’07), Floyd Pierce (ApMath, Econ’17), Laurie Porter (Mktg’88) and Chrissy Renegar (Jour’06). The roughly 40-person volunteer board provides guidance and feedback to Alumni Association staff. 

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2019 Trips

Legends of the Nile  
Jan. 22-Feb. 2, 2019

Tanzania Migration Safari   
Jan. 23-Feb. 3, 2019

Radiant Rhythms
Feb. 10-23, 2019 

Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia 
Feb. 12-26, 2019

Dazzling Down Under
Feb. 13-March 1, 2019

For details, email roamingbuffstravel@colorado.edu, call 303-492-8484 or 800-492-7743 or visit our travel website. 

South Park Animator Joins CU Boulder Next

When South Park joined Comedy Central’s lineup more than 20 years ago, Eric Stough (Film’95) was the first person hired by creators Trey Parker (A&S ex’93) and Matt Stone (Art, Math’93).

He’s never looked back.

Now producer and lead animator for the taboo-shattering animated satire, Stough has won five Emmys and a Peabody Award for his work — and stands as the inspiration for the beloved character “Butters.”

In April, at the second installment of CU Boulder Next — the university’s large-scale, multiyear road show — Stough regaled the Washington, D.C., audience with tales of his days at CU (where Parker encouraged him to join the film department) through the present day, in which South Park-themed mobile and console games are part of American culture.

“All facets of my life echo the foundation given to me by CU,” he said during the conference’s closing remarks.

For videos of CU Boulder Next in Los Angeles and D.C. and information about next year’s San Francisco and Denver events, visit colorado.edu/next.

Alumni Association Tidbits  

Northern Nevada now has an alumni chapter led by Tiffany Smith (Acct’92). … The Grand Valley chapter in western Colorado, led by Matt Jennings (Hist’05; MPubAd’14) and Katie Larson (Comm, Psych’05), hosts monthly mixers every third Friday of the month at the Ale House on 12th St in Grand Junction.

Plan a trip to Boulder Oct. 25-28 for Homecoming Weekend 2018. Attend the Alumni Awards Ceremony, BuffTalks, reunions, the Buffs on Tap craft beer and wine event, the Parade and Pep Rally on Pearl Street and Ralphie’s Corral tailgate. CU football plays Oregon State Oct. 27 at Folsom Field. Register at colorado.edu/homecoming and receive a free Homecoming T-shirt while you’re here.

The CU Boulder Alumni Association received 1,399 scholarship applications this year, including 385 from legacy applicants. It awarded 96 scholarships, including 41 to legacy students, worth more than $170,000.

The Alumni Association is hosting its first golf outing Monday, July 30, at the Boulder Country Club. Proceeds benefit student scholarships. To join as a sponsor, contact Tricia at tricia.essenpreis@colorado.edu. Visit colorado.edu/alumni/golf2018 to register to play.

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Homecoming 2017: Oct. 26-29

At Homecoming 1978 Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids, still basking in fame from their appearance in George Lucas’ film American Graffiti, played for about 10,000 people in Balch Fieldhouse. Nearly everyone wore a toga.

“The movie Animal House had just been released,” said James Barry (Econ’79), who planned the event as the head of the Interfraternity Council. “It was the wildest party I remember at CU.”

Barry, a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity while at CU, is eager to reminisce about the event and others during this year’s Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 26-29. He’s hosting a reunion for all classes of Delta Upsilon, the first in more than 20 years.

“Delta Upsilon was at CU for over 35 years, and in that time over 2,500 members graduated from CU,” said Barry, CEO of marketing consultancy Duly Inc.

Barry hopes reunion attendees can “kindle the old spirit,” catch up with each other and discuss whether Delta Upsilon should reactivate a chapter in Boulder. (CU announced the launch of a new interfraternity council in July. Two fraternities, Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Tau Gamma, agreed formally to affiliate with the university.)

Also reuniting among nearly 20 other groups are American Indian Alumni, the President’s Leadership Class, Black Alumni, Veterans and Latino Alumni. All groups will celebrate at an exclusive reunions tailgate before the Buffs take on the Cal Bears at Folsom Field, Saturday, Oct. 28.

The weekend kicks off Oct. 26 with the annual Alumni Awards ceremony in the University Memorial Center. Eleven individuals will be honored, including Uncharted (formerly Unreasonable Institute) CEO Teju Ravilochan (IntlAf’09), education dean emerita Lorrie Shepard (MEdu’70; PhD’72) and student leader Alexander Martin (�ұ�Dz�’18).

During the BuffTalks micro lecture series Friday, Oct. 27, CU experts will succinctly discuss intriguing topics — space and brain injuries, for example — and alumni brewers will showcase their best libations during the Buffs on Tap beer tasting event. From there, the annual Homecoming parade and pep rally will commence on Pearl Street. On gameday, all are encouraged to attend the free, family-friendly Ralphie’s Corral tailgate on Duane Field before Ralphie takes the field in her 50th anniversary run. .

Photo courtesy James Barry

A Growing Class of Scholars

In 2012, Benoit Gorgemans (Bus’21) was the first student to represent Colorado in the National History Bee Finals in Washington, D.C. During a televised broadcast, moderator Al Roker quizzed competitors on topics such as apartheid and the fall of Communism. Gorgemans, who placed eighth, realized the payoff for hard work.

He’s not stopping now. Gorgemans joins CU’s class of 2021 this fall intending to pursue international business and finance. The Alumni Association is helping him get started: Gorgemans is one of nearly 90 standout students to receive a Forever Buffs scholarship.

Funds for the scholarships come from the sales of CU license plates, personal donations and alumni chapter and club events. This year, 86 students received $158,264, up from 67 and $151,950 a year earlier.

Some scholarships, 32 this year, are allocated for legacy students — Buffs whose parents or grandparents attended CU Boulder — as part of an endowment left by George (Bus’33) and Helen Lesser (�ʲ��⳦��’31).

Since elementary school, Gorgemans has watched the Golden Buffalo Marching Band perform in Friday-night pep rallies on Pearl Street. Now he's eager to attend as many athletic games as he can.

“CU represents everything that I desire in my college experience,” he said.

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Alumni Association Tidbits

The CU Heritage Center’s approximately 1-million-piece depiction of CU Boulder’s campus is getting a makeover. Beginning Oct. 26, visit the expanded exhibit in a larger room. New additions include the business school, the Ralphie-shaped pool and the Champions Center.

There are two new alumni chapters, in Honolulu and Santa Barbara. David Markle (Soc’12) leads the Honolulu chapter and Ryan Connery (PolSci’08), a former Phoenix chapter leader, heads the Santa Barbara chapter.

Tailgate with the Alumni Association this fall at Ralphie’s Corral, a free, family-friendly pregame on Duane Field starting three hours before each home football game. Ralphie and her handlers will make an appearance for photo opportunities. For away games, check out our equally festive Buffs Bash tailgates.

The Alumni Association welcomes its newest advisory board members: M. Susan Harvey (�ұ��’76), Mark Lambert (Econ, Engl’88), David Knox (�پ����ٳ���’82), Theresa Szczurek (MBA’84; PhD’89), Meghan Martelon Evans (�ʴDZ�������’89), Chris Allieri (EnvSt, LatAmerSt’96), Amanda Freeberg Donovan (Mktg’03) and Jennifer Gray Graves (��dz���’06).

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