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The Center for Leadership is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Graduating Leaders of the Year Award, celebrating the outstanding contributions of CU Boulder’s student leaders. This prestigious award honors individuals who have exemplified the transformative power of leadership education and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities.

The CU Boulder Graduating Leaders of the Year are nominated by their campus leadership programs, and are recognized for their:

• Academic excellence and curiosity
• Exceptional support for and innovation within campus leadership programs
• Outstanding service to the community, either on campus or in the Boulder metro area
• Exceptional character and personal resilience
• Exemplary embodiment of the Colorado Creed

These exceptional students will be honored at the Spring Leadership Summit in April 2025 and were recognized with a special shoutout during the . We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s awardees and look forward to recognizing their continued impact on the CU Boulder community and beyond.

For more details about the award criteria and past recipients, visit the CU Boulder Graduating Leaders of the Year page.

William Ashcraft | Learning Assistant Program

William is a Physics major at CU Boulder, with minors in Computer Science and Quantum Engineering. As a Lead Mentor in the CU Boulder Learning Assistant (LA) Program, he has dedicated himself to fostering inclusive and collaborative learning environments while mentoring fellow LAs to improve student success across campus. Known for his innovative approaches, such as designing interactive teaching methods and pioneering strategies to support asynchronous courses, William has had a transformative impact on CU's academic community.

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Oliver��Casis | Air Force ROTC

Oliver Casis is a Finance major at CU Boulder and a dedicated leader within the Air Force ROTC program, where he serves as Cadet Wing Commander for a unit of 270 officer candidates across nine universities. Known for his servant leadership and emotional intelligence, Oliver has transformed his detachment by fostering collaboration, connection, and esprit de corps. His commitment to mentorship and team development has had a profound impact on the cadets under his command, earning him respect and admiration from both peers and officers.

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Camden��Dempsey | Scripps Leadership and Career for Student-Athletes

Camden is a student-athlete at CU Boulder, majoring in Finance and Marketing with a Leadership Studies minor and a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies, as well as a a Presidents Leadership Class scholar. He excels academically while balancing the demands of being a dedicated member of the football team. A respected leader on the football team, Camden’s teammates know him as “the governor,” a reflection of his reliability, integrity, and ability to inspire those around him. Beyond athletics, he serves on CU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), advocating for inclusivity and shaping a stronger campus athletic community.

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Mitali��Desai | Leeds Consulting Group

Mitali is an Applied Mathematics major at CU Boulder with a passion for leadership and problem-solving. As a member of the Presidents Leadership Class and the Leeds Consulting Group (LCG), she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead with empathy and adaptability. During her tenure as LCG President, Mitali fostered collaboration through a flat leadership structure, expanded alumni engagement, and successfully organized the Flatiron Consulting Summit. Known for her composure and thoughtfulness, she inspires others with her ability to navigate complex challenges with compassion and courage.

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Katie��Ellis | Leadership Studies Minor

Katie Ellis is a Geography major at CU Boulder, with minors in Leadership Studies and Atmospheric & Oceanic Science. Guided by her passion for social and environmental justice, Katie has made significant contributions to both her academic and leadership communities. Her work spans impactful internships with NASA DEVELOP, where she was nominated by her local team to present at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., to her field research with the National Snow and Ice Data Center and Earth Lab.

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Kiah��May | Engineering Leadership Program

Kiah is an Aerospace Engineering BS and Engineering Management ME student at CU Boulder, with a Space Minor and an Engineering Leadership Certificate. Guided by a passion for space exploration and human innovation, she has made a remarkable impact on the CU community as a peer mentor, teaching assistant, and researcher. Kiah has mentored first-year engineering students as a recitation leader, fostering supportive and inclusive environments that help new students navigate the challenges of college life.

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Angel��Nuñez | TRIO SSS, SASC

Angel Nuñez is an Economics and Business major at CU Boulder whose leadership philosophy centers on ethical principles, compassion, and a commitment to uplifting others. As a participant in the TRIO Student Support Services Program, Angel has been a guiding presence for underrepresented and first-generation students, creating spaces where everyone feels valued and supported. His unwavering dedication to academic excellence, community service, and leadership has made him a cornerstone of the CU Boulder community.

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Lupita��Ortiz | Herd Leadership Council

Lupita Ortiz is a Sociology major with a minor in Political Science at CU Boulder, known for her unwavering dedication to leadership, equity, and community empowerment. As Chair of the Alumni Relations Committee for the Herd Leadership Council since 2022, Lupita has fostered meaningful connections between students and alumni through initiatives like the Affinity Graduation Ceremonies and the inaugural Herd Leaders Reunion. Her efforts have created inclusive spaces to celebrate CU Boulder’s diverse achievements and strengthen alumni-student relationships.

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Aaditya��Pore | Presidents Leadership Class

Aaditya Pore is a double major in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science at CU Boulder, with minors in Leadership Studies and Political Science. Aadi’s leadership philosophy is rooted in a human-centered approach that prioritizes understanding and connection. Aadi has made a lasting impact on the CU community through numerous leadership roles, including serving as Legislative Council President for CU Student Government, where he introduced structural changes still shaping governance today. As the founder of the CU Gateway Club and the Professional Development role in the Presidents Leadership Class (PLC), Aadi has helped peers secure prestigious opportunities at NASA.

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Rachel��Warren | Leeds Scholars Program

Rachel is a Business Administration student at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, with a double emphasis in Accounting and Real Estate and a minor in Political Science. An integral member of the Leeds Scholars Program, Rachel's leadership extends across various roles, including serving as a Leeds Ambassador, where she connects with prospective students, families, and donors to foster a supportive and collaborative community. She has also demonstrated her global perspective and commitment to service through projects like an international consulting initiative in Iceland and participation in an FGX program in Tokyo, Japan.