Students in Focus

Dulguun Baatarkhuyag honored with college perseverance award

Megan Maneval — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:51:14 +0000

Dulguun Baatarkhuyag honored with college perseverance award Megan Maneval Tue, 12/17/2024 - 10:51

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Undergraduate student Dulguun Baatarkhuyag, from the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, has earned the fall 2024 Perseverance Award.

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Meet outstanding graduate Clarrisse Bosman

Megan Maneval — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:42:46 +0000

Meet outstanding graduate Clarrisse Bosman Megan Maneval Mon, 12/16/2024 - 12:42

College of Music

Clarrisse Bosman graduates this month with a bachelor’s degree in bassoon performance and instrumental music education.

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Meet outstanding graduate Melda Turunçoğlu

Megan Maneval — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:15:51 +0000

Meet outstanding graduate Melda Turunçoğlu Megan Maneval Mon, 12/16/2024 - 12:15

College of Music

Melda Turunçoğlu graduates this month with a master’s degree in guitar performance.

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Chaya Farley honored with college perseverance award

Megan Maneval — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:20:23 +0000

Chaya Farley honored with college perseverance award Megan Maneval Thu, 12/12/2024 - 09:20

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Chaya Farley, who’s graduating this month, was awarded a college award for undergraduate students who persevere despite adversity above and beyond the inherent perseverance needed in any engineering major.

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Racing for climate action at 18,000 feet

Elizabeth Lock — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 22:29:30 +0000

Racing for climate action at 18,000 feet Elizabeth Lock Thu, 12/05/2024 - 15:29

Invited by the king of Bhutan, ��ֱ�� Boulder doctoral student Clare Gallagher completed the 109-mile Snowman Race to bring attention to the realities of climate change.

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The biggest and best yet: CMCI’s Class of 2028 poised to impress

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:39:04 +0000

The biggest and best yet: CMCI’s Class of 2028 poised to impress Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:39

College of Media, Communication and Information

The College of Media, Communication & Information incoming class is the biggest yet, with 573 new undergraduate and graduate students. From carrying on their parents’ dreams to finding their own, four students talked about why they’re excited to call ��ֱ�� Boulder their new home.

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Advice from the Class of 2024

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 23:00:57 +0000

Advice from the Class of 2024 Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/17/2024 - 17:00

From the Class of 2024

What will you carry forth?

Your best piece of advice

What graduation means to you

Read words of wisdom from some of the many talented and innovative students who graduated in May 2024, leaving inspirational legacies—with advice and reflection—for those who follow.

What will you carry forth?

Ava Barnett

My time at ��ֱ�� has taught me the importance of leading with kindness, empathy, and integrity—principles I am proud to carry with me into my next chapter.”

Fin, Acct’24
Leeds Undergraduate Impact Award

Joe Constancia

No institution has impacted my life more than ��ֱ�� Boulder. Ten years ago, I came to ��ֱ�� as a recycling collector. Since then, some of my most significant milestones have taken place on this campus. The opportunities and kindness I have received have humbled and inspired me to pay it forward. My confidence and belief in my abilities are at an all-time high, and I am excited to use my skills and education for the betterment of both my community and the world.”

Mgmt’24

Sydney Kheng

I will carry my passion for diversity into my next chapter. The unwavering support of the Office of Diversity Affairs at the Leeds School of Business has been instrumental to my personal and professional growth. As I transition to the next phase of my life, I am committed to paying forward this support to uplift and inspire the diverse communities that lie ahead. I am forever grateful for the dedicated staff and amazing friends who have supported me these past four years!”

BusAna, Mktg’24
Leeds School of Business & Office of Diversity Affairs Visionary Award

Bethany Morton

As I have learned more about the complexities of the education system and issues of injustice and deficit perspective, my professors not only showed the importance of advocacy but also showed me ways to be an advocate for teachers and students. From improving my capacity to support students—socially, emotionally, and academically—to understanding what truly serves students’ needs, my experiences at ��ֱ�� Boulder have equipped me to be an advocate for students and teachers.”

MEdu’24
Outstanding STEM Education Master’s Graduate

Silvia Ortiz

The most profound, significant lesson I take away from my time at ��ֱ�� Boulder is this: All of our students come to us with various gifts and talents. It is up to us, educators, to explore such gifts and talents and leverage them to inspire and nurture independent learners and thinkers. By disrupting injustices created by systemic oppression, we give our students opportunities to thrive.”

MEdu’24
Outstanding Education, Bilingualism, and Biliteracy Master’s Graduate

Shelby Roberts

I will carry with me the generous, inspiring and collaborative spirit my peers and professors have shown me throughout my time here.”

Mus,MusEdu’24

Doha Shahba

My time at ��ֱ�� has taught me the importance of learning things outside of my comfort zone—and the perseverance it takes to do so—and having a strong community behind me when facing challenges. I could not have accomplished my goals without the support of my family, friends, faculty and community in the Office of Diversity Affairs at the Leeds School of Business and the Business and Engineering Women in Technology program.”

Acct, Fin, Mgmt’24
Leeds School of Business & Office of Diversity Affairs Outstanding Senior Award

Nicolas Tamayo

I will take with me the connections I’ve been able to make with people from so many corners of life. They’ve taught me lessons that I may never have learned without their friendship and mentorship.”

Fren, Jour’24
William W. White Outstanding Senior Award; Fulbright awardee
President, CMCI Student Government

Lisa An

I learned that keeping your work to yourself because of the fear of not being good enough does no good. If you share your work and receive feedback, you are able to improve your craft and obtain opportunities you otherwise never would have been able to.”

Art, CritMediaSt’24
William W. White Outstanding Senior Award

Nikki Bechtold

Take advantage of all the incredible opportunities that the university has to offer. Look on bulletin boards, read your emails and join as many clubs as you have time for. Some of my best experiences happened from the organizations and clubs I randomly joined.”

Bus’24
Leeds Office of Diversity Affairs Salesforce Intern; Leeds Welcome Desk Specialist; Leeds P2P Mentor Executive Team Member

Peyton Biggers

Take advantage of the many opportunities available at ��ֱ��. Join clubs, attend sporting events, spend time on campus, and immerse yourself in the community. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone!”

BusAna, Mktg’24
Leeds Academic Excellence Award; Marketing Division Outstanding Student Award

Aja Bos

I would tell future students to keep their minds and options open going into ��ֱ�� Boulder. I changed my career path several times in college, and I think it's important to remember to enter a degree you are passionate about for the sake of your future and not the future others think you should have.”

EBio, Anth’24

Elijah Boykoff

Your professors are people just like you. Get to know them—if you are able to resonate with your professors on a deeper level, you will be much more enriched by the knowledge they have to share.”

InfoSci’24
William W. White Outstanding Senior Award

Vincent Bursey

Say yes to new opportunities and environments that have you feeling uncertain about the outcome. Your best friends and support group may be waiting on the other side!”

InfSys, Mgmt’24
Leeds School of Business & Office of Diversity Affairs Outstanding Senior Award

Eleanor Gentry

Work hard but rest harder—you won't actually remember anything you do on no sleep or when you're so stressed you can't focus. If you stay on top of resting, then you won't struggle to get things done.”

Phys, WomSt’24

Luke Hatton

Take advantage of all of the resources available to enrich your experience. There is so much more to benefit from beyond just time in the classroom.”

MBA’24

Robert La Trobe

Be a leader in class and school organizations. It will enrich your school experience, hold you to a higher standard of excellence and ultimately help you land a job you're proud to have earned.”

MBA, MSSCM’24

MarieFaith Lane

My advice to fellow students is to embrace the interconnectedness of their passions and skills. I encourage others to see themselves as universal musicians, trusting their individual paths and pursuing diverse disciplines that allow them to explore versatile career options. Especially—beyond becoming skilled musicians and broadly based professionals—I urge other students to prioritize developing empathy and kindness in all aspects of life.”

MMus’22; Artist Diploma in Solo Performance ’24
Graduate Teaching Assistant; Communications Assistant

Samantha Lane

When you feel overwhelmed or stressed, feel it fully, as these emotions are valid and part of the college experience. It is through these experiences and emotions that you grow the most. So embrace the chaos that is college, and know that every experience and every emotion, whether good or bad, is valid and brings beauty and strength.”

LeadCommEngmt’24
Outstanding Leadership and Community Engagement Graduate

Milena Pajevic

I would advise other students to make efforts to leave their comfort zones! All of my best experiences in college (including my friends, classes, and adventures) were due to me pushing past my comfort zone and trying new things.”

MCDBio’24

Bianca Perez

Every connection I made at internships and with professors, every assignment and application, every interaction with peers in class, and every hour at the library has been in some way meaningful to me. Pay attention to the details because they coalesce together into a bricolage of knowledge.”

Comm, MediaSt’24
William W. White Outstanding Senior Award

Andrew Schwartz

Explore classes outside of your discipline—you will learn more in a class about something new to you than in one you’re already familiar with.”

InfoSci, Phil’24
William W. White Outstanding Graduate Award

Victoria Zaugg

College can be an incredibly chaotic time, and tough, emotional situations are bound to happen; sometimes it's because we aren’t perfect people either. Try to focus on having a growth mindset that allows you to learn, have fun, build self-compassion and recognize that perfection is an unattainable goal.”

Psych, Soc’24
Learning Assistant for PSYC 3102 Behavioral Genetics; LA Mentor

What graduation means to you

William Solorio Hernandez

Graduating from college is a monumental achievement that represents all of the hard work my family and I have done to succeed in America. My parents moved to ��ֱ�� from Mexico before I was born and never got to pursue a higher education, and yet they were able to make a living in ��ֱ��. Their dedication and grit inspired me to pursue a degree in physics, and I would not have made it this far without their support.”

Math, Phys’24

Emma Hoeschler

Graduating from ��ֱ�� Boulder represents a long-held dream of becoming an active change-maker in my community. The skills and knowledge I have developed throughout my time at ��ֱ�� have prepared me to be a teacher who empowers her students to think critically about our world and work to advance our communities for the better.”

Edu, Hist’24
Outstanding Secondary Humanities Undergraduate Teacher Licensure Program Graduate

Er-Hsuan Li

As a first-generation college graduate, it is certainly a dream come true to earn a doctorate. With the challenges of the pandemic and a year of mandatory military service, I am proud of overcoming all the difficulties with resilience over the past few years. I learned to be a well-rounded musician, prepared to be a confident professional in the field. I will cherish all the connections I made at ��ֱ��.”

PhDMus’24
Dean’s Graduate Student Grant; Nancy Brogden Booker Collaborative Pianist Award; James and Lola Faust Chamber Music Scholarship

Norma Marquez

Graduating from ��ֱ�� Boulder with a master’s degree further validates all the sacrifices, obstacles and challenges my family and I have faced while trying to make a better life and establish ourselves in this country. This further exemplifies how education is the best way out of generational poverty for our communities. I would not be where I am today in my career had it not been for this program.”

MEdu’24
Program Manager for the Pre-Collegiate Center, ��ֱ�� Denver

Sujei Perla Martinez

Graduating means carving a path for those in my family where there once wasn’t one. Growing up, I saw my mother work hard jobs to raise my brother and me. Every day, I try my hardest to show my mother that her sacrifice wasn’t in vain. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my community, and for them I’m grateful.”

StratComm’24

Nataly Diaz Ortega

Graduating from grad school represents a lot of pride for myself and my family, as I am a first-generation student. Graduating represents the advancement of women in color in graduate school, and feels like an immense pride to reach this accomplishment for the Hispanic community.”

MBA’24

Yazmine Lynette Patiño

Graduating from ��ֱ�� Boulder represents sacrifice, growth and possibilities for myself and my family. I’m the first in my family to receive a bachelor’s and now a master’s degree, both of which I could not have accomplished without the unwavering support of my family. Every educational milestone also represents educational possibilities for my younger siblings.”

MEdu’24
Outstanding Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice Master’s Graduate

Dana Ritterbusch

As a non-traditional student, I came to this campus with a passion for neuroscience and looking for a sense of purpose to match. Not only did I find myself among truly exceptional academic peers, I was warmly welcomed into an inclusive community of driven, compassionate, fearless young adults who have inspired me beyond measure. I leave sad to say goodbye but with complete certainty the world is in hands that are immensely capable, guided by clear minds and open hearts; and I am better for knowing and having been loved by them.”

Neuro, Psych’24

Editor’s note: Quotes may include minimal edits for length and clarity. See a list of degree abbreviations.

Commencement-related stories from around campus

College of Arts and Sciences: Ainsley Baker’s family hails sixth generation (and counting!) of ��ֱ�� students

College of Engineering and Applied Science: Magnus Boee: Balancing success in athletics and engineering

College of Arts and Sciences: Student Marcos Castillo took a long, winding road to graduation

Physics: Interstellar dust research leads to top award for Shivank Chadda

College of Engineering and Applied Science: Unstoppable: Gabrielle Dunn honored as overall Outstanding Undergraduate of the College

School of Education: Graduates Emily Gillette, Morgan (Mo) Rains make ��ֱ�� Department of Higher Education honor roll

College of Media, Communication and Information: Shamika Klassen making the digital less discriminatory

College of Arts and Sciences: Standout grad Grant Mannino eyes career at nexus of biomedical, preclinical research

College of Music: Joshua Russell to be presented as distinguished alumnus at recognition ceremony

University Libraries: Ella Schigur is the University Libraries outstanding graduating senior

College of Music: Graduating senior spotlight: Madison Tallman

Physics: Physics major Katie Wootten earns top award for fiber-based sensor research

College of Music: Graduating student Joy Yamaguchi shares College of Music experience, future plans

College of Arts and Sciences: Amazing grads 2024

College of Arts and Sciences: Meet some of our graduating physics Buffs

Read words of wisdom from some of the many talented and innovative students who graduated in May 2024, leaving inspirational legacies—with advice and reflection—for those who follow.

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Meet the undergrads who founded the School of Education Student Government

Anonymous — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:54:59 +0000

Meet the undergrads who founded the School of Education Student Government Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/10/2024 - 09:54

In fall 2022, two education students had a light bulb moment: the ��ֱ�� Boulder School of Education needs a student government that helps organize community-building activities and supports leadership skills among aspiring educators.

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Forever Buffs Network forges connections

Anonymous — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:47:55 +0000

Forever Buffs Network forges connections Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/18/2024 - 12:47

A graduate student found connections at ��ֱ�� Boulder as an ambassador for the Forever Buffs Network. Learn more about Sima Bhowmik's experience and get involved.

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Cadet chases her dream of becoming an Air Force pilot

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:57:16 +0000

Cadet chases her dream of becoming an Air Force pilot Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:57

Hope Muñoz

Mackenzie Sigler knew she was interested in joining the Air Force from a young age. It began with a visit to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I saw everyone all dressed up in their uniforms,” Sigler said. “I was like, wow, that's kind of cool.”

Now a first-year student at ��ֱ�� Boulder, Sigler attends weekly meetings as part of her training with Air Force ROTC. Her schedule includes physical training sessions at least twice a week, a job within ROTC, an aerospace studies course and a leadership laboratory—on top of a full course load.

I know how important it is that I'm showing up and working on myself to become a future leader in the Air Force.”
–Mackenzie Sigler

��ֱ�� Boulder’s AFROTC is part of Detachment 105, the largest detachment in the Northwest region. Aspiring cadets can expect a world of opportunities including leadership development, scholarship options, a rewarding future and more.

Aim high

Sigler dreams of being a pilot one day—she even flew a plane in past training—but before getting her dream job, there are many hoops to jump through. Becoming an Air Force pilot requires getting pilot hours before applying, taking the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and passing physical tests.

Sigler is a rockstar, to say the least.

Once she reaches junior year, she’ll be asked what kind of profession she wants to pursue in the Air Force. While pilot is at the top of her list, she would also be content with getting a job in aircraft maintenance or being assigned a position as a developmental engineer.

Day in the life

“Sometimes with engineering, my schedule gets a little hectic,” Sigler said. “I usually have three to four classes on any given day.”

Even with a busy schedule, she always keeps her eye on the prize. On some days of the week, she wakes up before 6 a.m. and heads to a physical training session, which either takes place at the Rec or outside, weather permitting.

“I can't miss it. I'm just disciplined in that way, like, I know how important it is that I'm showing up and working on myself to become a future leader in the Air Force,” Sigler said. “Having a sense of purpose and a goal in mind, I think, is really helpful for waking up.”

AFROTC offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities and clubs for those interested in piloting. Amongst these clubs is Success Enabled Pilots, a program in which cadets can explore their interests in aviation.

Another benefit of joining AFROTC is the built-in resources within the program and the value of forming relationships with flightmates.

“We're all in ROTC, so we're all in it together,” Sigler said. “We have those same values, the same life view and the same goal. It’s really easy to bond with those around you.”

A helping hand

Sigler has a mentor who helps her work her way through AFROTC, and who she describes as a “really good resource and friend.”

Sigler’s mentor also heads the AFROTC Cadet Wing Information Operations, where Sigler works. In this position, she reaches out to cadets and news outlets to spread awareness about the program.

After graduation, Sigler will join the Air Force and begin commissioning.

Incoming freshman and sophomores interested in AFROTC can learn more about eligibility on the Detachment 105 website.

“There's just a whole bunch of opportunities within the Air Force and ROTC that I think are really valuable and worth the trouble of going through,” Sigler said. “It's really rewarding.”

Mackenzie Sigler, a first-year engineering student and Air Force ROTC cadet, says she knows how important it is to keep showing up for herself.

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Students in Focus

Dulguun Baatarkhuyag honored with college perseverance award

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Advice from the Class of 2024

What will you carry forth?

Ava Barnett

Joe Constancia

Sydney Kheng

Bethany Morton

Silvia Ortiz

Shelby Roberts

Doha Shahba

Nicolas Tamayo

Your best piece of advice

Lisa An

Nikki Bechtold

Peyton Biggers

Aja Bos

Elijah Boykoff

Vincent Bursey

Eleanor Gentry

Luke Hatton

Robert La Trobe

MarieFaith Lane

Samantha Lane

Milena Pajevic

Bianca Perez

Andrew Schwartz

Victoria Zaugg

What graduation means to you

William Solorio Hernandez

Emma Hoeschler

Er-Hsuan Li

Norma Marquez

Sujei Perla Martinez

Nataly Diaz Ortega

Yazmine Lynette Patiño

Dana Ritterbusch

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Cadet chases her dream of becoming an Air Force pilot

Aim high

Day in the life

A helping hand

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