麻豆影院

Tom Shepherd鈥檚 CU 麻豆影院 family pride has a wide range: His mother, wife, son and several extended family members are all Forever Buffs.聽

He wanted this huge display of school enthusiasm to be evident in other CU families, too. So, as a master of getting things done 鈥� evident in his work as the now-retired vice president of logistics for global berry company Driscoll鈥檚 鈥� he got to work on a new university initiative.聽

The Buffalo Legacy Program launched during his nine-year tenure on the CU 麻豆影院 Alumni Association鈥檚 Advisory Board. Today, through the program 鈥� which Tom donates to 鈥� first-year students with parents, step-parents or grandparents can apply for legacy-related scholarships, and graduating students can wear a complimentary black and gold cord over their gowns during commencement ceremonies.聽

鈥淭hrough Tom鈥檚 ongoing commitment and work, hundreds of families and students are positively impacted each year,鈥� said Julann Andresen (Mktg鈥�85), senior director of Forever Buffs engagement and outreach.聽

Tom served on the board of advisors from 2008 to 2012 and from 2015 to 2020, notching nearly a decade of volunteer time for the Alumni Association, including four years as chair of the board. Despite his prominent career position directing logistics for Driscoll鈥檚, he flew to 麻豆影院 from his California home several times a year for board meetings and was instrumental in transitioning the board from one focused on committees and tactics to a group focused on strategy and initiatives.

His strategic input on how the alumni board could better support the rapidly changing Alumni Association and university will endure for years to come.聽

鈥淭he change he has enacted leaves a generational impact on supporting and growing our alumni and university,鈥� said Colin Finch (PolSci鈥�05), former Alumni Association Advisory Board chair.聽

Outside of the Alumni Association, Tom was involved with the Professional Mentorship Program with the Leeds School of Business for 12 years.聽聽

Said Alumni Association executive director Ryan Chreist (Kines'96, MPubAd'09): 鈥淭om exemplifies what it means to serve selflessly as a volunteer to make CU a better place.鈥�

Stephen grew up in 麻豆影院 and surrounded by the world of CU, where his father was an adjunct professor in the interdisciplinary telecommunications program. This connection to the university led him to discover what would become his ultimate passion: CU Athletics.聽

From an early age, Stephen was often in the stands at football games, cheering on his beloved Buffaloes in Folsom Field. Years later, he enrolled at CU and graduated with a degree in business administration, later earning his executive master鈥檚 of business administration from CU Denver in 2003.

After years of putting his business acumen to work in marketing and sales roles, he returned to CU 麻豆影院 where he joined the Forever Buffs Alumni Association Advisory Board from 2019 to 2020. He went on to serve as chairperson of the board from 2020 to 2022, serving both the 麻豆影院 and Denver chapters.聽

During this time, Stephen worked on several impactful engagement and fundraising opportunities, including a showing of documentary film Mission Mt. Mangart, which chronicles the story of the 10th Mountain Division ski troops. This event was the most successful fundraising event for any Forever Buffs chapter to date.

While on the board, Stephen was known for his contagious excitement whenever he gained momentum on a project or solicited support. Even in the midst of the 2021 Marshall Fire tragedy in 麻豆影院 County 鈥� amid a global pandemic, nonetheless 鈥� Stephen鈥檚 positivity and professionalism persevered. He is a shining example of grace and professionalism, capable of stepping into any role that needs extra attention.聽

鈥淪tephen鈥檚 leadership is directly attributable to our success,鈥� said Andrew North, chapter officer of Forever Buffs 麻豆影院. 鈥淚n his first year as a board member, Stephen executed multiple events of unprecedented scope, attracting numerous high-profile attendees and top donors, which garnered significant funds for scholarships.鈥�

Stephen even carries the spirit of CU 麻豆影院 into his personal life: For a milestone birthday, he asked guests to make contributions to the CU 麻豆影院 Alumni Association scholarship program in lieu of gifts for himself.聽

With his innate capacity for empathy, Stephen continues to build and nurture relationships with CU faculty, staff and students, always on the prowl for new ways to affect positive change in people鈥檚 lives. His undeniable and unwavering dedication to the CU community makes him a quintessential recipient of the Leanne Skupa-Lee Award.

Vanessa Lopez thrives on giving back to her community.

A board member for both the Forever Buffs Latinx club and Forever Buffs 麻豆影院 chapter, Lopez consistently takes a leadership role in building connections and creating impact.

鈥淚t is likely impossible to calculate the total hours that Vanessa has volunteered with the Forever Buffs community, but it is clear that her ongoing dedication has had a tremendous impact on the efforts of the university,鈥� said Aja Ringenbach, program manager for alumni volunteer engagement. 鈥淪he is consistently a volunteer who stands out above the rest.鈥�

Take her role in the Buffs Give Back national volunteer event, which returned last spring. When Lopez heard the event was coming back after a pandemic hiatus, she immediately became a project leader for both Forever Buffs Latinx and Forever Buffs 麻豆影院, coordinating two different shifts for volunteers at the Marshall Fire Donation Center.

With Lopez at the helm, the groups spent the day unpacking, sorting and shelving donations for individuals impacted by the fires in Superior, Louisville and unincorporated 麻豆影院 County. Both shifts filled up completely, and Lopez 鈥� who has participated in four Buffs Give Back projects to date 鈥� was able to connect with over 20 local Buffs, including several alumni who had not regularly engaged with the groups before.

Lopez also finds joy in building connections with students. A co-chair for the May 2022 Latinx Graduation, she had a direct, positive impact on the experience of graduating Buffs. With planning that began in January, she was highly intentional and vocal about creating a meaningful event that represented the values of the CU 麻豆影院 Latinx community.

As a volunteer for the Forever Buffs scholarship program, Lopez has helped provide students with transformative scholarship awards. In 2022, she reviewed 41 scholarship applications 鈥� when the average reviewer reads only 10 to 15. In all, Lopez helped the Forever Buffs Latinx club award $30,000 to 10 deserving students, and she helped start the new Forever Buffs First Generation Scholarship, awarding $15,000 to five students.

In all, Lopez remains committed to giving back to her CU community. She said, 鈥淲hile we all can鈥檛 reach global or even national recognition for our contributions to society, we all are capable of making an important impact in someone鈥檚 life.鈥�

If Lisa Ayala-Williams is your mentor, you鈥檝e got a friend for life.聽The former Disney vice president has been a CU student mentor since 2012.

She makes time for regular communication, lending support, career guidance and networking. A former student even landed her dream job in marketing at Walt Disney Animation Studios after Ayala-Williams helped her become an intern.

鈥淪he truly bleeds black and gold and is always promoting the benefits of a CU 麻豆影院 education and staying involved with the institution, to everyone with whom she interacts,鈥� said the Alumni Association鈥檚 senior director, Julann Andresen.聽

In 2002, Ayala-Williams joined the film marketing team at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment as a supervising producer. As a vice president for eight years, she led creative services and strategic marketing teams at The Walt Disney Studios. Over a more than 17-year tenure, she and her teams created global advertising campaigns for Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel films on digital, movie apps, DVD, Blu-Ray and for 3D theatrical film releases.

While working, Ayala-Williams also established a strong relationship with CU 麻豆影院, beginning with the Leeds School of Business and expanding to the Alumni Association. She served as an executive board member for the Alumni Association for nearly four years, serving as a brand ambassador to help guide decisions related to alumni and student programming, especially Homecoming Weekend.聽

While she鈥檚 proud of her many creative awards, becoming CU鈥檚 PAC-12 鈥淪potlight Alumnus鈥� in 2016 was a career highlight.

At Leeds, she鈥檚 a three-time 鈥淢entor of the Year鈥� nominee. She also regularly speaks to MBA student groups and on women鈥檚 panels.聽

鈥淓very time Lisa visits 麻豆影院, we get together for a meal to catch up and discuss our goals,鈥� said a mentee of Lisa鈥檚 in 2017. 鈥淟isa鈥檚 love of the university is contagious, and makes me look forward to coming back and being involved as an alumnus.鈥�

Today, Ayala-Williams is also a board member for ForeverGold, a highly engaged group of alumni and friends of the university who advance CU through the support of student scholarships, capital projects and increasing overall engagement.聽

Said Andresen, 鈥淐U 麻豆影院 needs more involved, engaged and generous people like Lisa.鈥�

To know Carrie Scott was to know passion, tenacity and kindness. One of her greatest passions was her alma mater, where her legacy lives on in the community she nurtured and the students whose lives she touched.

A devoted CU 麻豆影院 fundraiser and Parent Leadership Society leader, Carrie loyally served CU until her death last year at age 60.

After shepherding daughter Shoshanna (Art鈥�17) into the CU family, she catalyzed the growth of the CU parent community in Southern California, hosting events at her home and generating major financial resources for CU student services.

鈥淭he southern California community continues to grow today thanks to Carrie,鈥� a CU partner said.

Carrie, who had a 20-year career in advertising, was also involved in a series of charities, including Dollies Making a Difference, Birthright, Stop Cancer and Jewish Federation. She loved strolling beaches, playing Mahjong, scuba diving and traveling.

While at CU, she attended Semester at Sea 鈥� paying for it herself by successfully auditioning for Hollywood Squares and winning $15,000 in prizes.

In addition to Shoshanna, Carrie is survived by her children Zachary and Rachel, and her husband of 31 years, Michael B. Scott.

鈥淐arrie once told me that the best thing you could do for the world is to help children achieve their goals in life,鈥� a fellow CU parent said. 鈥淪he did just that, time and time again.鈥�

Up until a month before she died of cancer, Carrie was still referring students and parents to her beloved CU. Said another CU parent, 鈥淐olorado was ingrained in her soul.鈥�

Scott Steinbrecher is a big-picture guy who sweats the details.

When he coordinated a CU scholarship fundraising event, nothing went unnoticed. Tickets for 200 people, food and drinks to satisfy a crowd, a busy silent auction鈥� Scott juggled it all.

Amid the happy hubbub, Scott, an international student programs coordinator at CU Denver, kept the event鈥檚 fundraising mission front and center. He鈥檚 proud to have raised and awarded over $75,000 in scholarships for incoming CU freshmen during his time with the 麻豆影院 alumni chapter. Of course, he had lots of enthusiastic 麻豆影院 chapter volunteers also hard at work in generating those funds.

An active CU volunteer since 1990, Scott has led the 麻豆影院 alumni chapter and chaired its scholarships committee. He鈥榮 also been an important voice on the Alumni Association Board of Advisors.

Also a member of CU Advocates, the university鈥檚 official grassroots network, Scott has helped build a stronger link between the program and the 麻豆影院 alumni chapter, to the benefit of students, alumni and community members.

鈥淗e is always keeping an eye out for appropriate connections to advance the reach, exposure and mission of CU,鈥� a fellow Advocate said.

Always looking for unique ways to support, celebrate and recruit students, Scott has represented the university at college admission fairs and serves on the board of the Buffalo Bicycle Classic, which raises money for CU scholarships. In 2017 and 2018, he even led the Homecoming Parade down Pearl Street, ensuring that the student groups did not run into the band.

Whether he鈥檚 juggling details or rousing a crowd, Scott keeps CU close to his heart.

As a Directors Club member put it, 鈥淪cott represents what it means to be a truly engaged alum, putting countless time and energy into strengthening our alumni association and alumni family.鈥�

If there鈥檚 a CU celebration happening in Kansas City, Alex Passett knows about it 鈥� and probably planned it. Since assuming the role of Kansas City Alumni Chapter president in 2001, the loyal Buff has hosted hundreds of CU events, including tailgates, watch parties and spirited send-offs for 麻豆影院-bound freshmen and their parents. At the 2007 pregame he organized at Kansas State, he fed the entire CU Marching Band.

Each year, Alex 鈥� senior project manager at digital marketing agency Intouch Solutions 鈥� hosts at least six football and five basketball watch parties for local Buffs fans. Representing CU, he annually volunteers at a high school college fair, and he鈥檚 led selection of the chapter鈥檚 student scholarship recipients since 2001. Alex鈥檚 enthusiasm for all things silver and gold has led to a reliable corps of 30 alumni in the Kansas City area who attend nearly every local CU event. 鈥淲e鈥檝e watched his kids grow up in front of us at tailgate parties, watch parties and picnics,鈥� says a fellow chapter member. Alex has made his mark in 麻豆影院, too. He served five years on the Alumni Association鈥檚 then-board of directors and was instrumental in implementing the Forever Buffs dues-free membership model in effect today. He also organized two successful fall reunions for his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, drawing alumni from as far as Hawaii and Canada. Said a peer: 鈥淐U could not possibly mean more to anyone else as it does Alex.鈥澛�

Svein Hasund is the volunteer organizations yearn for. Fortunately for CU 麻豆影院, Svein is around a lot. When Svein gives his time, which is often, he鈥檚 fully committed. He鈥檚 among the first to arrive and last to leave.聽

At an Alumni Association event for nearly 2,500 graduating CU seniors this spring, Svein, who was then 74, stood and greeted students for four hours straight. Immediately after the party ended, he put himself to work hauling tables without a word.

鈥淚 think anyone in our organization would agree that he is our most dedicated event volunteer,鈥� said an Alumni Association staffer.

Svein鈥檚 time serving CU has more than made up for the years he lost touch with the university during his 42-year career in the oil and gas industry, both on- and off-shore. The Norway native lived in places as far away as Alaska and the UK. However, his strongest CU tie was with him the whole time: Svein met Pauline, his wife of more than 50 years, while a student here. Their sons are also CU graduates.

In addition to their own children, the couple has contributed to the lives of more than 55 babies through philanthropic efforts and foster programs.

Since returning to 麻豆影院 in 2000, Svein has served on the Alumni Association and Directors Club boards among other CU commitments.

As a board peer put it: 鈥淗e believes in the institution of CU and is willing to do whatever is needed to spread the word.鈥�

If there鈥檚 a CU game to be watched, Buffs in Los Angeles know where to show up: Grunion鈥檚 Sports Bar and Grill. It鈥檚 all thanks to Barbara Cooke.聽As the L.A. alumni chapter leader since shortly after its founding in 1988, Barb has ensured that L.A. Buffs have a place...

to watch the biggest CU athletic events. Today, the chapter remains one of the most active in the country.

鈥淏arb鈥檚 enthusiasm, love of all things CU and sincere inclusiveness were the recipe for success that set a standard for other alumni chapter gatherings,鈥� said a former Alumni Association staff member.

In addition to the watch parties 鈥� which often include a roaring rendition of the 鈥淐U Fight Song鈥� 鈥� Barb coordinates the yearly awarding of scholarships to Los Angeles CU students, participates in high-school college fairs and admissions events, and leads a team of alumni volunteers in organizing a range of alumni activities in the Los Angeles area from networking events to concerts. To stay current with the university, Barb often travels to 麻豆影院.

鈥淗er leadership and mentorship as I was forming the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter was invaluable,鈥� said a fellow chapter leader.

The L.A. chapter holds a special personal tie to Barbara too. At the first organizational meeting for the chapter, she met her now-husband Raymond (Fin鈥�79), who also remains committed to its success.

鈥淚鈥檓 willing to bet that Los Angeles has the longest-running CU football watch party location outside of Colorado,鈥� said Ray. 鈥淲e鈥檝e probably outlasted four owners of that Manhattan Beach bar, and it鈥檚 Barb who keeps it going.鈥�

Besides Barb鈥檚 involvement with the local CU alumni chapter, Barb is a former member of the CU Alumni Association Advisory Committee, and recently retired from 30 plus years as a IT Project Manager and Consultant.聽 She also serves as a chapter leader for her Professional Organization, Project Management Institute Los Angeles, having lead that chapter as its president and now as a Trustee for the past 10 years.聽 Barb and Ray live by the beach in Los Angeles, along with one very spoiled two year old cat, Dusty.

As both student and proud alum, Colin Finch, a senior project manager at software firm Four Winds Interactive, has been involved in club sports, helping grow the swim team to a consistently victorious National Champion.

From 2001-2012 Colin served on the Department of Recreation鈥檚 Board of Directors, overseeing the multi-million-dollar budget and policies. He was a vocal champion for the $63.5-million Rec Center renovation project, completed in 2014.

The day CU broke ground for the renovated Rec Center, Colin retired from his 12-year role. He had a lot to be proud of 鈥� and new ways of serving CU in mind.

Since then, Colin has taken the helm of the 麻豆影院 Alumni Chapter and set his sights on bettering CU through additional roles on the executive committee of the Alumni Association Board of Advisors and the CU Directors Club.

Under his leadership the chapter has diversified the type of events it hosts and grown the number of annual events to 30. The chapter has created its own branding and has partnered with the Alumni Association, the CU Advocates, and others to engage more alumni.聽 Currently the Chapter is building a scholarship endowment.

Colin is the youngest executive board member of The CU Directors Club, which offers 12 CU scholarships, contributions toward capital improvements and special projects, as well as exceptional events that enhance and engage interest in an enduring connection to CU. 聽

For his tireless work for CU, Finch was named CU Advocate of the Year in 2015.

• 2014: Thomas Selnau
• 2013: Doug Nelson (Anth鈥�77)
• 2012: Brian Corcoran (BusFin鈥�99)
• 2011:聽Sue Duris-McMurdy (Econ鈥�84)
• 2010:聽Mary Allen Judd (PolSci鈥�80)
• 鈥�2009:聽David M. Oliver (Arch鈥�79)
• 2008:聽Robert Cohen (Econ鈥�73)
• 2007:聽Scott Wood (A&S ex鈥�77)
• 2006:聽Monica Frazer Irvine (PolSci鈥�97)
• 2006:聽Peter Irvine (Engl鈥�97)
• 2005:聽Colleen Susu Leong Markham (Rec鈥�80)
• 2005:聽Gregory K. Markham (Geol鈥�79, Law鈥�83)
• 2004:聽Richard L. Haynes (A&S鈥�50, MEdu鈥�57)
• 2002:聽John Chandler (Fin鈥�74)
• 2001:聽George Gramer Jr. (Span鈥�73, MA鈥�74)
• 2000:聽Kimberly Ann Clayton (Mktg鈥�84)

• 1999:聽Thomas W. McEntee (Fin鈥�88)
• 1998:聽Debra A. Martinez (Comm鈥�83)
• 1996:聽Jonathan Cohen (A&S鈥�83)
• 1995:聽Angus McNeely (Econ鈥�81)
• 1994:聽Erin McCarney Lunceford (Econ鈥�83)
• 1993:聽Helen Grubbs (Soc鈥�39, MPubSer鈥�52)
• 1992:聽Barbara Kagin Phillips (Comm鈥�70)
• 1991:聽Judy Brett Thompson (Bus鈥�65)
• 1990:聽Michael Loeb (A&S鈥�65)

• 1989:聽Beverly Pettit Christians (A&S鈥�58)
• 1988:聽Ann Leutwiler Gasaway (SocSci鈥�57)
• 1987:聽Winifred Clegg Smith (Hist鈥�61)
• 1986:聽Steven D. Schmidt (Econ鈥�73)
• 1985:聽Sara Raddatz Henry (Edu鈥�62)
• 1984:聽Gloria Parnham Bradfield (Adv鈥�59