Get to Know

Meet Gina ‘Dr. G’ LaFrazza—psychologist, triathlete and spouse to Justin Schwartz

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:39:06 +0000

Meet Gina ‘Dr. G’ LaFrazza—psychologist, triathlete and spouse to Justin Schwartz Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/26/2024 - 08:39

CU �鶹ӰԺ Today recently sat down with Gina LaFrazza to get to know more about her and what she’s looking forward to as she transitions to living in �鶹ӰԺ.

Gina LaFrazza and Chancellor Justin Schwartz

Can you tell us about your professional background and what you love most about your work?

I’m a psychologist and have been practicing for close to 20 years. Currently, I have my own practice where I work with adults of all ages with a variety of presenting issues. I specialize in working with sexual assault victims, chronic and acute health issues with various prognoses (including terminal), grief and loss, and marginalized communities. I approach my work with a humanistic orientation and view struggle through a multicultural/feminist lens.

My favorite part of my work is hearing people’s stories and witnessing their resilience. While seeking help and utilizing mental health services has become far less stigmatized than it used to be, it still exists largely within the medical model, where we talk about “sickness” and “disorder.” I find that conceptualization can be unhelpful and disempowering. Asking for help is not a weakness. In fact, it takes great strength. I see my clients as strong, inspirational and a testament to what people can achieve. Being able to witness my clients grow in understanding and make positive changes in their lives is an honor and privilege.

What do you do outside of work?

I’ve been a triathlete and cyclist for over 25 years. I’m a three-time Ironman and have done hundreds of triathlons and bike races. I love lifting weights, hiking and spending time with my family, friends and dogs.

What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know but would love to hear?

I grew up a huge Yankees fan and watched Coach Prime come up through their system. I still have his rookie card.

What excites you most about being a partner to the chancellor?

Redefining what it has traditionally meant to be married to a chancellor (or president). I see my current situation not as a role with the university but as having a presence around my spouse while maintaining my own identity. CU is awesome, and I’m excited for it and �鶹ӰԺ to be my adopted community, but I didn’t earn or accept a job. My professional and personal interests, projects and goals will remain independent.

Some of my initial experiences and encountered assumptions were very different from those of my male analogs across the country. That’s a curiosity about which I welcome conversation. I’m looking forward to being present in my new community and around Chancellor J, but I also want to be very intentional about what I represent as the chancellor’s spouse. I plan to use my presence to bring awareness to persisting gender norms and to do my small part to dismantle a model I find to be problematic.

As you start your journey in �鶹ӰԺ, what are you most looking forward to?

I recently had the absolute pleasure of meeting Dr. Sona Dimidjian at the Renée Crown Wellness Institute and Dr. Reiland Rabaka at the Center for African & African American Studies. I look forward to exploring professional collaborations and ongoing personal connection with each of them, as well as the many other inspiring staff, faculty and students at CU and members of the �鶹ӰԺ community.

I’m excited to join the �鶹ӰԺ triathlon and cycling communities, as well as continuing to support and work with the White Line Foundation and It Could be Me to advocate for changes to create a safer space for vulnerable road users. We’ve done some morning workouts in parallel with the Ralphie Runners, who are such impressive athletes. I’m ready to join in on weighted pull-ups whenever they’ll let me! I’m excited for the amazing hiking �鶹ӰԺ and all of Colorado offers and can’t wait to start my list of bagged 14ers.

And of course, I’m excited to watch Chancellor J lead CU to ongoing excellence!

In a Q&A, Gina “Dr. G.” LaFrazza discusses what she’s looking forward to as she transitions to living in �鶹ӰԺ.

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In the business of making dreams come true—Get to know Ofelia Morales

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 20:42:18 +0000

In the business of making dreams come true—Get to know Ofelia Morales Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 11/08/2022 - 13:42

Get to Know is a series highlighting community through the unique perspectives, interests and involvements of our faculty and staff members at CU �鶹ӰԺ. In this issue, learn more about Ofelia Morales’ corner of campus.

Morales is from Pueblo, Colorado. She began her financial aid career as a work-study student in 1991 at the University of Southern Colorado—now CSU-Pueblo—where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master of business administration. She has over 26 years of financial aid experience and has held director level positions at CSU-Pueblo, the New Mexico Higher Education Department and CU �鶹ӰԺ.

In May, Morales was promoted to assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management, where she oversees the Admissions Office, Bursar’s Office and the Office of Financial Aid. The role is key in ensuring recruitment and enrollment plans improve the campus’s academic profile, maintain access, promote inclusive excellence, increase enrollment, meet campus recruitment and revenue goals, and diversify the student body.

Without saying your title, describe who you serve on campus and what you do.

When asked what I do, I like to say, “I'm in the business of making dreams come true.” My own dream started in the seventh grade when I stepped foot on a college campus for the very first time. As a first-generation student, I conquered what felt like the impossible by earning a bacherlor's in social work and an MBA.

I wholeheartedly believe my education changed the trajectory of my life, and I love doing work that makes this dream possible for others. I do this by providing leadership to the Admissions, Financial Aid and Bursar's offices and by collaborating with just about everyone on campus to ensure we recruit, support, retain and graduate students who are pursuing their educational dreams.

Ofelia Morales, assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management

Read other Get to Know Q&As

Beyond your unit, what is a campus group or effort you are involved in or want to highlight?

I've been involved in the UndocuNetwork since it began. This is a group of campus leaders, faculty, staff and students who come together to identify ways our campus can better support our undocumented students. I feel completely energized every time we meet because we all care deeply about the unique issues and challenges these students face.

What are you most proud of professionally or personally?

Professionally, I'm most proud of all the financial aid programs we've expanded or implemented over the years, such as CU Promise, ASSET grants, Impact Scholarships and first-generation scholarships. However, during the pandemic, I've never seen this staff pour so much of their time and dedication into administering emergency grants. In total, we provided over $50 million in emergency grant aid to students impacted by COVID-19 and the Marshall Fire. It was a true team effort, and I will never forget what it was like to lead the team through something this extraordinary.

Personally, I'm proud of the lessons I've learned as a mother. My children are now adults, ages 27 and 24. They may not have followed the path that I dreamed for them, but they are walking confidently in their own path, and I couldn't be prouder.

What are your favorite spots or moments on campus?

What I love most about being on a college campus is the opportunity to see guest speakers. My two favorites have been Laverne Cox and Viola Davis, who both have incredible life stories. I was so inspired by both of their powerful messages. These are events I will never forget.

What is your current office like?

It is still a very interesting time. Lots of hybrid and remote work is still happening, and students do not come into our offices as often as they did before the pandemic. The topic of staff engagement and retention is top of mind, and I'm hopeful we'll create sustainable plans on how we move forward in a post-pandemic world.

What is the best-kept secret on campus?

Pekoe Sip House in ATLAS. Seriously, the best chai latte I've ever had.

A first-generation student, she now works to support CU �鶹ӰԺ students who are pursuing their educational dreams. She's passionate about the UndocuNetwork group on campus and knows where to find the best chai latte. Learn more about Ofelia Morales.

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Coaching a heart and soul team—Get to know Taylor Stratton

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 22:38:00 +0000

Coaching a heart and soul team—Get to know Taylor Stratton Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/30/2021 - 16:38

More about Taylor Stratton, program manager for the Ralphie program

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Without saying your title, describe who you serve on campus and what you do.

My job is to prioritize the health and safety of Ralphie and her handlers above all else. My assistant coach Colton Behr and I will always put that above everything else that is asked us of. Working with animals and students is incredibly rewarding and watching them grow and learn is an unparalleled experience. My whole job is to create situations where our team can be successful because they have developed the skills and confidence they need to through training to perform under pressure. For 54 years, Ralphie has transcended game days to become a symbol of CU that alumni and fans can rally behind—I'm biased, but I consider her to be the heart and soul that campus can rally behind and I spend my days making sure she has the top notch care and love that she deserves.

Beyond your unit, what is a campus group or effort you are involved in or want to highlight?

Student Philanthropy is a fantastic effort across campus, and it's being spearheaded by Sara Abdulla with the Herd Leadership Council as well as the Buff Club. The Ralphie Program is entirely fan funded and this year, the students who purchased a CU Sports Pass donated a portion of that purchase to Ralphie, and it made a huge difference to our program. I want to thank the students and let them know that every bit helps, so find something you're passionate about and give back!

What are you most proud of professionally or personally?

I really pride myself on being a person who acts with integrity in my personal and professional life. I focus on making the best of each day and recognizing, supporting and building up those around me who are putting out their best effort. So many things in today's world are out of our control and while at times it's difficult, I pride myself on focusing on the controllables, such as my personal attitude, the effort I put forth and the results that I'm able to achieve. I don't like to focus on single events or achievements, but instead focus on living a life as a good person.

What are your favorite spots or moments on campus?

My favorite place on campus is Folsom Field in the early morning when there is nobody else there. I've spent a lot of time doing workouts on those steps and when the sun is just coming up and hitting the Flatirons, there's no better place on campus. Game days are a great atmosphere also, but there's something special about being in a silent Folsom putting in the work!

What is your current office like?

I have two offices actually! One is located on the fifth floor of the Champions Center and I adore it—I'm surrounded by some of the best people in the world who are fantastic sports when I extrovertedly interrupt their work days to say hello and catch up. My second office is very special and where I'm lucky enough to spend time with Ralphie VI and Ralphie V (who is happily retired and doing well). I also spend a good amount of time in the Dal Ward weight room and running around town to get things such as feed and enrichment items for the buffalo.

What is the best-kept secret on campus?

Ralphie is a prestigious title for our favorite buffalo. Each buffalo has their own nickname they go by, depending on their unique personality, situation and characteristics. There will be an upcoming announcement regarding Ralphie VI’s name, so follow Ralphie on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).

Her work centers around a campus treasure, Ralphie. Health and safety are her top priorities. And while she cherishes quiet sunrise moments at Folsom Field, the extrovert tends to seek out office visits and chats. Learn more about Taylor Stratton.

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In it to help students experience success⁠—Get to know Crystal Lay

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 22:45:20 +0000

In it to help students experience success⁠—Get to know Crystal Lay Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 08/24/2021 - 16:45

Get to know Crystal Lay, director of residence life in the Division of Student Affairs

Read other Get to Know Q&As

Without saying your title, describe who you serve on campus and what you do.

I am very fortunate to work with an amazing team of individuals who work very hard to make the CU �鶹ӰԺ campus a home for over 10,000 occupants. This includes students, faculty, staff and families. The team includes many student leaders, professional staff and student-employees who are excited to provide a great experience through programs, connections to resources and crisis management.

Beyond your unit, what is a campus group or effort you are involved in or want to highlight?

I have the opportunity to serve on this year's Campus Common Read Committee, which consists of several campus partners. This builds upon the previous Buffs One Read program sponsored by the University Libraries and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE), with the new goal of specifically engaging our incoming first-year students and returning undergraduates. The program establishes a unifying theme for the year that can serve as a basis for classroom discussion, programming, social and civic development, and connection to campus. This year's text is American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures by America Ferrara.

What are you most proud of professionally or personally?

I entered the field of student affairs to help students experience college in a way that allows them to be successful and also navigate any barriers. Most often those barriers have been related to an identity that they hold. This passion area has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many “folx” throughout my career. I have been able to travel, attend conferences as a presenter, connect to various resources and also begin doctoral work all focused on the importance of diversity.

What are your favorite spots or moments on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the grassy areas in Williams Village, affectionately known as Will Vill. You can find students reading books while laying out in the grass, laying in hammocks, playing soccer or just waiting together to get on the Buff Bus. It is especially gorgeous in the winter because there is snow covering everywhere and then you look up and there's this great view of the mountains. Breathtaking!

What is your current office like?

My office is located in the Center for Community. It is a great location because it is there that one can find many of our campuses resources. There's a dining hall, showers, a grab-and-go, and you can also get your Buff OneCard. In my physical office, I have pictures on the wall of my family, fun little sayings and a small collection of coffee mugs. I try to keep my door open whenever I am not in meetings. “Folx” will stop by to sit down on the couch where we either problem-solve or tell pretty terrible dad jokes.

What is the best-kept secret on campus?

There are so many beautiful spaces on the �鶹ӰԺ campus. During breaks or downtimes, I walk around campus and I will just sit and reflect. You cannot beat the Flatirons, the campus ponds, beautiful architecture or the little random corners where you can sit down and relax. So, maybe not a secret but definitely something I treasure about CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Editor’s note: Lay uses the term “folxs” as an alternative spelling of “folks” to signal inclusivity for all communities.

She works with a team that helps make the CU �鶹ӰԺ campus home for over 10,000 occupants. She was key in this year's Buffs One Read program. And the grassy areas surrounding Williams Village are among her favorite spots. Learn more about Crystal Lay.

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Understanding our socio-environmental systems—Get to know Peter Newton

Anonymous — Wed, 26 May 2021 20:15:31 +0000

Understanding our socio-environmental systems—Get to know Peter Newton Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/26/2021 - 14:15

Editor’s note: Get to Know is a series highlighting community through the unique perspectives, interests and involvements of our faculty and staff members at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Peter Newton

Get to know Peter Newton, assistant professor in environmental studies

Without saying your title, describe who you serve on campus and what you do.

I conduct research on socio-environmental systems—trying to understand the ways in which humans use and affect the natural environment and explore ways in which we can do so more sustainably. My research covers a range of topics, from forest conservation and sustainable development in Brazil to agriculture and food systems in the U.S. I also teach undergraduate and graduate classes on food systems and the environment. And I coordinate our department’s honors program.

Beyond your unit, what is a campus group or effort you are involved in or want to highlight?

I am a faculty advisor to the �鶹ӰԺ Alt Protein Project. However, this recently-formed student group barely needs my advice: they are knowledgeable, motivated and organized. They are doing amazing things to advance research, education and student engagement in the field of alternative proteins (e.g., plant-based and cultivated meat). Given the enormous toll that conventional animal agriculture has on the environment, it is great to see a passionate cohort of students collaborating on this topic. The �鶹ӰԺ Alt Protein Project represents a great opportunity for other students on campus to join an effort to create a more sustainable food system.

What are you most proud of professionally or personally?

I am proud of the students I work with. It’s been such a tough year in so many ways. Yet the students have made it work. For example, I work with two fantastic graduate students who moved to �鶹ӰԺ and began a new doctoral program in the midst of the pandemic. They barely met me or their peers for their entire first year of school. Yet they are thriving: writing papers, securing grants and teaching online.

A second example is the honors students I work with: an honors thesis is a big undertaking in any student’s senior year, but to do it without being able to get into the field to collect data, and with all the added stresses of 2020–21, was hard. But they innovated around the challenges and wrote exceptional theses. I’m proud of them all.

What are your favorite spots or moments on campus?

I love the Norlin Quad and the older buildings that surround it. It is somewhat reminiscent of the quads at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom where I got my undergraduate degree, so I think there’s an element of nostalgia whenever I pass through there.

What is your current office like?

My usual office is in the Sustainability, Energy & Environment Community (SEEC) building on East Campus. It has huge windows facing the mountains and is a great spot to work from. That said, I haven’t been in that office since early March 2020, for obvious reasons.

For the last year, my office has been the spare bedroom of our home in south �鶹ӰԺ. That office has its own perks: our two golden retrievers hang out on the bed next to me as I work at my desk, and I can pop out of the door for a trail run up Bear Canyon in between Zoom calls. But I miss bumping into students and colleagues in the hallways of SEEC, and I will be grateful when our community can share space again.

What is the best-kept secret on campus?

This may not be a secret per se, but as a professor who teaches about food systems, I would like to highlight just how great the CU Dining Services are. For example, the diversity of food on offer in the Center for Community dining center is phenomenal! Without wanting to sound old and curmudgeonly, it makes the catering options I endured as a student pale in comparison. And the commitment of the Dining Services staff to exploring more sustainable ways of sourcing food and feeding the campus is commendable.

He researches and teaches how humans use and affect the natural environment. Despite the perks of his home office, he misses running into colleagues at SEEC. And he's got a compliment or two for students and CU �鶹ӰԺ Dining. Learn more about Peter Newton.

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Helping students where they are—Get to know Michael Shernick

Anonymous — Mon, 10 May 2021 15:12:46 +0000

Helping students where they are—Get to know Michael Shernick Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 05/10/2021 - 09:12

Editor’s note: Get to Know is a faculty and staff series highlighting community through the unique perspectives, interests and involvements of individuals on campus.

Michael Shernick pictured in front of Alphabotanicals artwork he designed and drew as the illustrations for a book

Get to know Michael Shernick, program coordinator for the Stories and Societies RAP

Without saying your title, describe who you serve on campus and what you do.

Every year I support 320 students and more than 20 faculty in Sewall Hall for the Stories and Societies RAP. I run a one-person office, doing everything from helping students find the best resources on campus for any problem they bring to me to making sure the faculty are paid. Some parents have referred to me as an "academic concierge" once they hear how much I can help their child.

Beyond your unit, what is a campus group or effort you are involved in or want to highlight?

I work for one of 12 Residential Academic Programs on campus. The RAPs were started in Sewall Hall in 1970 by a student initiative to bring classes and faculty to the students where they lived. Since then, we've grown to a dozen RAPs (seven in Arts and Sciences, two in business, two in engineering and one in CMCI) serving more than 50% of the incoming first-year class each year.

We help students make the academic and personal transition to college via courses and co-curricular activities taught and held in their residence halls. Our faculty are experts in teaching first-year students, and our staff are dedicated to helping first-years learn everything they need to know, from how to register for courses to where to put a stamp on an envelope.

What are you most proud of professionally or personally?

I'm very proud of my volunteer service as a city of Longmont planning and zoning commissioner since 2010, with the past five years acting as the chair of the commission.

I graduated with my Master of Architecture degree from CU Denver in 2009, at the height of the crash. Unemployment for architects in Colorado was about 40–60%. I never became a registered architect due to this, but I applied to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission to put my education and creative talents to good use.

I've served with amazing city staff and other volunteer commissioners; I've met a wide spectrum of city residents; and I can look at projects around town and know I had something to do with them. For example, the height exception request for the Oskar Blues sign on the silo at the entrance to Longmont was the first decision I helped make as a commissioner.

I’m also very proud to have received the Marinus Smith Award twice, in 2016 and again in 2021. The Marinus Smith Award is based on nominations by students and their families and recognizes “a particularly positive impact on our students.” To me, it's the highest honor I can receive at the university.

What are your favorite spots or moments on campus?

My favorite moment on campus was when I took mail to Mailing Services in the basement of Regent Hall and met Martha. Martha and I have been married for 23 years now.

What is your current office like?

My office is in Sewall Hall, which was built in 1934 as the women's dorm and was the first purpose-built dorm on campus. It was designed by Charles Z. Klauder, who established the campus architectural style, and it is often considered the best of the buildings he designed for CU. My office is a dorm room with an en suite bathroom, which still functions.

Sewall has never been fully renovated, so my office still has some original doors and wood trim, penny tile in the bathroom, and I have a Klauder-designed mirror on the wall. I think of Sewall Hall as the “grande dame” of the campus buildings, and we often have alumni come back to visit her––one family had four generations of women who all had lived in Sewall Hall!

What is the best-kept secret on campus?

The �鶹ӰԺ campus is so full of history, nooks and crannies, and special memories for me, it's hard for me to choose just one “best kept secret.” Instead, I'll suggest something for students: office hours.

Go to your professor's office hours. As an honors student once told me, “What makes an honors student is not that we're smarter; it's that we ask for help before anyone else.” So go to your professor's office hours with good questions. Office hours are so underutilized, you'll feel like you've stumbled on the best kept secret on campus, and you'll do better in class!

He's a two-time Marinus Smith Award winner who holds a master's degree in architecture, has been called an academic concierge and met his wife on an errand. Learn more about Michael Shernick's corner of campus.

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