In a historic ceremony on Sept. 15, 2021, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Marlon Reis (Engl’04) married at the Mary Rippon Theatre on CU Boulder’s campus. The date marked the anniversary of the couple’s first date 18 years prior. 

In 2018, Polis — a Boulder native — became the nation’s first openly gay governor. The wedding was the first same-sex marriage of a sitting U.S. governor. 

The couple wed in a traditional Jewish ceremony with close family and friends in attendance. Their son and daughter served as ring bearer and flower girl. 

“The greatest lesson we have learned over the past 18 months is that life as we know it can change in an instant,” the couple said in a statement. “We are thankful for the health and well-being of our family and friends and the opportunity to celebrate our life together as a married couple.” 

Reis is a writer and advocate for animal welfare. Polis started his political career in 2000 when he was elected to the Colorado State Board of Education. The couple resides in Boulder.

Reis and Polis said: “After 18 years, we couldn’t be happier to be married at last.”

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Photos by Jocelyn Augustino 

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House on the Corner 

There was a time when the stately house at Broadway and University was a quiet place: Built as the university president’s home in 1884, it stood mostly alone with Old Main. 

Since becoming the Koenig Alumni Center in 1968, it’s been a home away-from-home for Buffs of every stripe and a site for celebration in Boulder.

Freshly landscaped and newly upgraded, the center hosts about 100 events a year — from baby christenings and commencements to weddings, holiday parties and memorial services. In a typical year, 15 couples celebrate their vows in the backyard. 

The renovation expanded the grounds and added a new gazebo, a giant all-weather tent and a nursery’s worth of lilacs, roses, maples, peonies and locust trees. 

“Event space is at a premium in Boulder, and we believe we have one of the most unique and beautiful outdoor spaces in an incredibly beautiful city,” said Ryan Chreist (Kines’96, MPubAd’09), executive director of the Alumni Association. “We wanted to create a welcoming and functional space for the entire community.”

To rent Koenig for your event, call 303-492-8484 or visit . Alumni receive a 10 percent discount.

Photo by Glenn Asakawa 

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