Alumni Stories

Buffs, brews and blancs: 35+ breweries, wineries and cideries with CU ties

Anna Tolette — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:09:04 +0000

Buffs, brews and blancs: 35+ breweries, wineries and cideries with CU ties Anna Tolette Thu, 10/15/2026 - 16:09

Keeley Haynes

At this year’s Buffs on Tap, Forever Buffs brewers and vintners shared their fermented favorites with more than 600 alumni. From Napa Valley noirs to Boulder barleys, find featured vendors and other breweries, wineries and cideries with ��ñ�� ties in this Buffs beverage guide.

Featured at Buffs on Tap

Asher Brewing Co. • Boulder, CO

At this organic craft brewery — Colorado’s first — Chris Asher, a 2002 MBA graduate, and Steve Turner serve fresh beer, fruity hard seltzers and fun non-alcoholic drinks. Attendees at this year's event voted Asher Brewing Co. the best brewery at the 2026 Buffs on Tap.

Big Choice Brewing • Brighton, CO

From hand-tossed, crispy crusts to homemade craft beer, this neighborhood pizzeria is a carb-lover's paradise. Tyler Ruse, a 1998 journalism graduate, bakes and brews specialty, made-to-order pizzas and signature hops so good that the only hard choice will be what not to order.

Bootstrap Brewing • Longmont, CO

Raise a glass to Steve Kaczeus, a 1982 mechanical engineering graduate, and to his wife Leslie’s internationally award-winning, classic-rock-inspired IPAs. Their brews are available in bars, restaurants and liquor stores across Colorado. 

Boulder Social • Boulder, CO

Longtime Boulder resident and restaurateur Gina Day brings her Boulder Beer Co. brewing background to Boulder Social. Alongside brewmaster Rodney Taylor, she uses the 10-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse to craft iconic Boulder-themed beers, including the signature Buffalo Gold Golden Ale. 

Grimm Brothers Brewing • Loveland, CO

As Loveland’s oldest brewery and one of northern Colorado’s largest tasting rooms, Grimm Brothers Brewing brews German-inspired beers worth fantasizing about. Don Chapman, a 2002 electrical and computer engineering graduate, co-founded the brewery in 2010.

Ratio Beerworks • Denver, CO

Ratio Beerworks channels the do-it-yourself spirit of punk rock, led by Jason Zum Brunnen, a 1997 chemical engineering graduate, and Sami Hartman, a 2009 English graduate. Crafting trailblazing beer that moves musicians, artists and ale lovers alike, Brunnen’s innovative recipes, such as the Carrot Elderflower Saison, earned Ratio Beerworks the title of Forever Buffs September Business of the Month.

Wibby Brewing • Longmont, CO

Berlin-certified brewmaster Ryan Wibby, alongside Robin Brower, a 2014 geography graduate, brings traditional German brewing techniques and craft beer creativity to the Front Range. Together, they share artfully crafted lagers through their women-owned business, Wibby Brewing.

Bella Grace Vineyards • Amador County, CA

For more than 17 years, Michael and Charlie Havill, a 2005 humanities graduate, have cultivated a family-owned vineyard celebrated for its extensive selection of award-winning wines, olive oils and vinegars.

Honing Vineyard and Winery • Napa Valley, CA

At 22, Michael Honing took over his family’s Napa nursery and transformed a garage winery into a family enterprise. Steven Honing, a 1986 finance graduate and director of California sales, returns to Boulder annually for Buffs on Tap. Honing’s famous Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon now ship to all 50 states and shine at the vineyard’s terrace tastings.

Colorado Staples

Avery Brewing • Boulder, CO

With its signature red “A” logo, Avery Brewing is among Colorado’s most recognizable craft breweries. Its iconic Belgian-style White Rascal and Buff-inspired Stampede lager are served year-round at Avery’s 12,000-square-foot taproom in the Boulder foothills.

Left Hand Brewing Co. • Longmont, CO

In 2011, Eric Wallace became the first American craft brewer to bottle nitro beer without a widget. After opening three Colorado taproom locations and crafting 135 unique recipes, Wallace continues to help Coloradans get their hands on Left Hand’s standout beer.

Upslope Brewing • Boulder, CO

Upslope Brewing believes après should not be reserved for skiing alone. Its portable snowmelt hops and seltzers are the perfect cap to any Rocky Mountain adventure.

Red Rocks Beer Garden • Morrison, CO

Hang out at this historic hop haven for the perfect pre-Red Rocks show pump-up. Paul Thompson, a 2009 MBA graduate, serves only Colorado-brewed ales. Westward named Red Rocks Beer Garden to its “Top 10 Patios” list, making this spot quintessentially Coloradan.

Westbound & Down • Idaho Springs, Denver, Lafayette and Basalt, CO

This Western watering hole was named Brewery of the Year at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival. With four locations across Colorado (and two more in the works), head brewmaster Jacob Gardner, a 2011 English graduate, is at the forefront of today’s craft brewing era.  

Woman-Owned Businesses

Cheluna Brewing • Aurora, CO

In 2025, VinePair named this Latin-inspired brewery among the “30 Best Breweries in the Country Right Now.” Owner and lead product taster Jennifer Perez also serves on the Colorado Brewers Guild board of directors and the Brewers Association government affairs committee. Cheluna Brewing regularly attends ��ñ��’s Culture on Tap during the spring.

Crooked Stave Brewing Co. • Denver, CO

At this experimental brewery, Yetta Vorobik produces 6,500 to 7,000 barrels of sour and international-style aged beer annually.

Holidaily Brewing Company • Golden, CO

When Karen Hertz, a 1999 psychology graduate, was diagnosed with cancer, she adopted a gluten-free diet to support her treatment. Her new lifestyle inspired her to start one of the nation’s only 100% gluten-free breweries, which remains dedicated to preserving life’s simple pleasures.

Kokopelli Beer Company • Westminster, CO

This hop house is Colorado’s first solely woman-owned brewery. Of the 30 beers owner Christine Wares offers at her twin tavern, 27 are her original recipes, which she brews in-house.

Novel Strand • Denver, CO

From a fruity sour rosé to a rich honey ale, Ayana Coker, Chantel Columna and Tamir Danon engineer unique beers that challenge beer’s DNA. This java shop-taproom fusion also adds a novel flair to the community by hosting monthly book clubs and a weekly run club. Their brews are a favorite at ��ñ��’s Culture on Tap.

Brews and Bites

Cerberus Brewing Co. • Colorado Springs, CO

At this mythical tavern, Jerry Morris, a 2011 studio arts graduate, crafts beers, seltzers and sodas to complement monstrous handheld burgers and sandwiches.

Echo Brewing and Pizzeria • Erie, CO

Brothers Daniel Richards, a 1998 information systems graduate, and Dennis Richards, a 1999 information systems graduate, transformed a historic fire station into a pizzeria that continues to extinguish carb cravings and serve up brews the locals love.

The Old Mine • Erie, CO

Located in a restored 19th-century mercantile building, this comfort cidery pairs refreshing ciders with rustic pizza. John Jacquat, a 2001 finance alum, pushes boundaries with a bold, creative cider lineup featuring seasonal infusions.

Ska Brewing Co. • Durango, CO

For more than 15 years, this alternative brewhouse — voted Durango’s Best Brewery — has been owned by Bill Graham, a 1992 business and journalism graduate, and by Matt Vincent and Dave Thibodeau. It offers a diverse food menu and a rocking drink lineup that will leave you dancing. 

Brews for All

Gravity Brewing • Louisville, CO

When two regulars learned that Louisville's first brewery – originally owned by 2001 civil engineering alum John Frazee — was in danger of closing, they swooped in to save the day. Now, Matt Gorbsky and Don Brown serve international pints with a pull strong enough to blow you out of this orbit.

Mike Hess Brewing • San Diego, CA

In 2010, Mike Hess, a 1990 economics graduate, pioneered San Diego’s beer industry by opening the city’s first nano-brewery. Now, his brewery is considered California’s most dynamic craft beverage brand, with eight locations across the state.

Liquid Mechanics Brewing • Lafayette, CO

Davin Helden, a 1998 biochemistry and 2007 MBA graduate, experiments with flavorful, gluten-free and non-alcoholic drink options to prove that science is power at this magnetic brewery.

Ramblebine Brewing • Grand Junction, CO

Rob James, a 1995 biochemistry graduate, and Eli Gerson’s “Best of the West”-winning beer are sure to give you something to ramble about.

Resolute Brewing • Arvada and Centennial, CO

With over 75 nonprofit partners and 40,000 beers donated, Pyper Lund, a 1994 business graduate, joined Brad Crilley and Jacob Wells to change the world, one pint at a time, through their service-focused brewery.

Telluride Brewing Co. • Telluride, CO

In need of après-ski? Chris Fish, a 1998 geography graduate, has you covered. Located at the base of Telluride Ski Resort, this mountain-town pub offers an extensive beer menu that will warm you up and cure your cabin fever. 

Wineries

E&J Gallo Winery • Modesto, CA

This family-owned global wine leader owns more than 100 wine labels, including its own Gallo Family brand, Barefoot Wine, Manischewitz Wines and the Louis Martini Winery.

Blanchard Family Wines • Healdsburg, CA

Brothers Mark and James Blanchard, a 2012 business graduate, celebrate their exclusive Californian wines and local artisanal wines at their tasting rooms in Denver, Golden and Fort Collins, CO.

La Randonnée Wines • Willamette Valley, OR

Kevin Green, a 1997 chemical engineering alum, and his wife, Clodagh Moloney, own a boutique Oregon winery that bridges Irish humor with Rocky Mountain spirit and earned the couple’s Pinot Noir accolades at Sunset Magazine’s International Wine Competition. 

Vivac Winery • Dixon, NM

During his semester abroad in Chile, Jesse Padberg, a 2000 Spanish graduate, fell in love with wine. Now, he and his brother run one of the world's highest-altitude wineries and produce specialty red wines that have been featured in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Sunset Magazine, HGTV and USA Today. 

Chill Switch Wines • Cedaredge, CO

At his Western Slope vineyard, Dave Aschwanden crafts all-natural wines from grapes grown exclusively in Colorado, making his wines anything but chill.

Eagle Harbor Wine Co. • Bainbridge Island, WA

After purchasing Eagle Harbor Wine Co. from longtime mentors Cynthia and Hugh Remash in 2014, Emily Parsons, a ��ñ�� geography and MBA graduate, now sources ingredients from Washington’s most prestigious grape growers to craft elegant, balanced and approachable wines.

Kanzler Vineyards • Sonoma County, CA

Only eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, Steve Kanzler and his wife defied the odds of traditional winemaking to craft exquisite Pinot Noir in a cold, windy climate. Now their son, Alex, a 2008 sociology graduate, and his wife, Breauna, a 2011 psychology graduate, continue their legacy by overseeing the small winery’s seasonal and classic wine production. 

Culitvar • Sausalito and San Francisco, CA

Sip Cultivar’s cultivated Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc as you savor this sea escape. Founder and wine sommelier Jody Harris, a 1999 economics graduate, curates a seasonal oceanic menu designed to complement the estate’s Napa Valley noirs.

Want to be featured? Add your business to the Forever Buffs Business Directory.

To support even more Buffs-owned businesses, check out restaurants owned by alumni.

Explore the Forever Buffs Business Directory

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Conquering Climate Change — Creatively

Anna Tolette — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:10:19 +0000

Conquering Climate Change — Creatively Anna Tolette Wed, 10/14/2026 - 10:10

Keeley Haynes

On Sept. 28, 2026, the esteemed MacArthur Foundation named climate scientist Marika Holland (Math’90; MAeroEngr’94; PhD’97) a 2026 fellow.

Each year, the foundation awards an $800,000, “no-strings-attached” grant to exceptionally creative change-makers who are navigating the world’s most pressing social issues. Holland is now one of the 1,195 fellows in history.

As a senior scientist in the Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Marika’s research on polar sea ice and global climate dynamics helps scientists and policymakers better understand and predict the wide-ranging implications of our changing climate.

Read on to learn more about her research, thoughts on climate change and life in Boulder.

How did you receive the news that you were named a MacArthur Fellow?

I was on a walk in Central Park with my daughter and my husband when the news was publicly announced, but I found out about a month before. I had a missed call from an unknown number; they left a voicemail saying it was someone from the MacArthur Foundation and that they’’d call me back. They broke the news during that phone call, and I was stunned. I can be a little emotional, so I got choked up. It was not what I was expecting.

Why is sea ice imperative to our climate?

Sea ice acts as a refrigerator for the planet. It’’s very bright, so it reflects a lot of sunlight away from Earth’s surface — some of which escapes to space. But as the Earth loses sea ice and this bright, reflective surface, it begins to absorb more sunlight. This causes Earth’s system to warm further, which causes more sea ice loss, which causes more solar energy absorption and further heats the globe.

The loss of sea ice also impacts multiple global and local ecosystems, climates, socioeconomic conditions and communities. Understanding all of the implications and intersections really requires working beyond the physical sea ice system. I’ve done a lot of work with biologists, decision-makers and local Arctic communities to try to understand those influences.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?

Working with people from areas of expertise that differ from mine. We’re all living through changes in our climate, yet these changes are not just about climate. They ripple through Earth’s systems. They affect people. They affect ecosystems. In order to understand that complexity, you really need interdisciplinary teams.

How do you integrate creativity into your research?

Earth systems are incredibly complicated. There are lots of questions you can ask about why things are changing, how things are changing and what those changes mean. Some of the creativity is in thinking about what the really important questions are; what tools and teams we can build to tackle them; and how I can broaden my narrow focus of expertise to better understand the bigger repercussions of these questions.

How do you plan to use the stipend to advance your research?

It’s all still pretty fresh, so I don’t quite know yet. I have been thinking a lot about how to build scientific community spaces and how to enable solution practitioners. In the past, I’ve done field schools in Utqiagvik, Alaska, which is the northernmost U.S. city. We brought together people with very different perspectives on sea ice and spent a week thinking through the changing ice cover. With this grant, I think there are opportunities to enhance that kind of collaborative work and space.

What would you tell people who are experiencing climate anxiety?

Climate change is really complicated, which I think is why it’s such a challenging issue to attack. Sometimes it just feels paralyzing not knowing what to do. But I think if all of us are thinking, ‘What can I do?’, it makes an impact. Controlling the changing climate is beyond what one individual can do, but many individuals thinking and acting in beneficial ways have an influence. Some of that can be as simple as voting and supporting policies that bring environmental solutions into being, but there are also many different solutions across the globe. It’s a global problem, and it requires responses across every region. Everyone can help contribute to the solutions.

What do you do outside the lab?

I grew up in Boulder, so I love the outdoors. I spend a lot of time hiking and skiing. It’s maybe not a surprise that I ended up in an Earth science field because the natural world is just amazing to me. I have also raised two amazing young women who are now doing very cool things on their own, so I spend a lot of time focusing on my family outside of work.

Forever Buffs welcome new students and build community across generations

Anna Tolette — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:03:45 +0000

Forever Buffs welcome new students and build community across generations Anna Tolette Wed, 10/14/2026 - 10:03

For ��ñ��’s newest students, arriving on campus means more than finding a residence hall, navigating a new class schedule and settling into college life. It also means finding community.

This fall, Forever Buffs alumni communities helped ease the transition by welcoming incoming students and their families to a gathering that fostered connections and a sense of belonging from the start.

Building belonging from day one

Alumni partnered with the staff at Hallett Hall — home to four identity-based Living and Learning Communities (LLCs) — to host a family-style picnic for new students and their families. Forever Buffs joined students, staff and campus partners to share a meal, learn about campus resources and begin building relationships that can support students throughout their ��ñ�� experience.

“My biggest priority was to find community during the first few days on campus because I know how hectic life can get, and it is always really nice to have people to lean on,” said Samantha Ayeni, a first-year student living in the Black Scholars & Allies: Lucile Berkely Buchanan LLC.

“Meeting alumni was also an amazing experience because I was able to learn and receive advice regarding how to navigate a predominantly white space in college,” she said. “Finding community so far has been amazing, but thanks to the LLC pre-arrival system and the Welcome Table, it has been so much easier and more enjoyable.”

The Forever Buffs Latinx and Forever Buffs Black Alumni groups partnered to welcome incoming and current students with food and music and to connect with alumni, student organizations and culturally based fraternities and sororities.

Connecting generations of Buffs

For alumni volunteers, these gatherings offered more than a chance to welcome the newest generation of Buffs. They also provided opportunities to share experiences, build relationships across generations and show students that the communities they discover at ��ñ�� can remain part of their lives long after graduation.

"When I attended ��ñ��, there weren't many Black students on campus, so finding a community where I felt comfortable meant a lot to me,” said Charles Nathan, a 1980 theater graduate and member of the Forever Buffs Black Alumni community. “Having people around who care and make you feel comfortable can make all the difference.

“University is about getting a higher education, finding your place, building relationships and growing into who you want to become. That's why welcoming new students matters so much."

That intergenerational connection is one of the strengths alumni communities bring to ��ñ��. Alumni can offer students the perspective of someone who once stood where they are now. By returning to campus, sharing their experiences and investing their time in today’s students, alumni help build a bridge from a student’s first days as a Buff to a lifelong connection to the university.

A community that lasts a lifetime

The welcome event also introduced students to a broader support network. Hallett Hall’s identity-based LLCs, for example, bring students and allies together with live-in peer mentors to explore cultural identity and development, social justice, connecting across differences, mentorship and strengthening communities.

Alumni participation adds another dimension to that network, showing students that those connections can extend beyond campus and graduation.

The benefits flow both ways. Volunteering offers alumni a meaningful way to reconnect with ��ñ��, meet today’s students and contribute to the campus community they want future generations to experience. You can be part of this experience by joining a Forever Buffs community. Learn more about volunteering through the ��ñ�� Alumni Association.

For the newest Buffs, these gatherings introduced them to the people and communities ready to support them. For alumni, they were a chance to welcome the next generation into something they already know well: Being a Forever Buff means belonging to a community that lasts a lifetime.

Explore alumni volunteer opportunities

For ��ñ��’s newest students, arriving on campus means more than finding a residence hall, navigating a new class schedule and settling into college life. It also means finding community. This fall, Forever Buffs alumni communities helped ease the transition by welcoming incoming students and their families to a gathering that fostered connections and a sense of belonging from the start.

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10 last-minute CU-inspired Halloween costumes

Anna Tolette — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:18:35 +0000

10 last-minute CU-inspired Halloween costumes Anna Tolette Tue, 10/13/2026 - 13:18

Keeley Haynes

Forgetting to order your Halloween costume can be a fright. Celebrate in style with 10 last-minute costume ideas you can put together from your closet or a local thrift store.

Ralphie

Here’s Ralphie! Folsom Field may not be the Stanley Hotel, but the same chill will be in the air at this year’s Halloween game day. Wear your best brown outfit and stop by the CU Book Store during your pregame ritual to pick up a pair of buffalo horns to complete your Ralphie costume.

Ralphie Handler

You don’t have to be a student-athlete to be a Ralphie handler this Halloween. You only need to scour your closet for a cowboy hat, black button-down, blue jeans, a belt buckle and black running shoes to show off your speed. For extra fluffy fun, you can show off your handling skills by carrying a mini Ralphie around.

Coach Prime

Halloween is Prime Time to wear your flashiest chain, biggest sunglasses and best game-day headset. Pair that with a CU hoodie and hat, and you might be stopped on the street for a picture. Don’t forget to give your fans a motivational speech while you’re at it.

Superfan Peggy

Superfan Peggy Coppom never misses a game. Dig in your closet for an oversized CU vintage crewneck, fluffy pom-poms and a gray wig. Bonus points if you wear her signature glasses.

Chip

Celebrate Halloween as Chip. Throw on a CU jersey, brown pants, a pair of buffalo horns and a foam finger to dress up as CU’s beloved mascot. Be sure to show off your best dance moves and silly poses for pictures!

Bumblebee

Black and gold scream CU. Duct tape a yellow shirt, cut teardrop-shaped wings from white cardstock and twist black pipe cleaners around a headband to make a DIY bumblebee costume that will have you buzzing with Buffs pride.

CU Football Player

Win this Halloween by flaunting your CU football fandemonium. Sport a black or white CU jersey, athletic pants, and cleats or tennis shoes for a touchdown-worthy costume. For extra points, smear eye black under your eyes and bring a football to pass throughout the night.

The Flatirons

Bring CU’s iconic mountainous landscape to life with a Flatirons-inspired costume. Cut out the Flatirons’ slanted slabs from cardboard, then tape the outline to the back of your hiking pack. Add your favorite sun hat, hiking boots and hiking poles for an unbeatable Boulder look. 

Skier

Skiing is an eerie-sistible CU activity. Start the season early by suiting up in your favorite winter jacket, snow hat and ski goggles. If you add ski poles or a neon snowsuit, your costume is sure to be peak.

Professor

For a wickedly smart professor costume, don a blazer, button-down shirt, slacks and glasses. Throw on a DIY name tag and carry a coffee mug to earn your costume an A+.

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Sauce Leopard with Shaun Goodwin (Mktg’2013)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 22:24:31 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Sauce Leopard with Shaun Goodwin (Mktg’2013) Anna Tolette Mon, 10/12/2026 - 16:24

Shaun Goodwin (Mktg’13) and Michael Goodwin (Jour’11)

With another season of being featured on YouTube’s “Hot Ones” under their belts, Shaun Goodwin (Mktg’13) and new marketing director and co-owner Michael Goodwin (Jour’11) share how virality has grown their hot sauce business, Sauce Leopard, bringing broader reach and exciting ��ñ�� collaborations. A spin on traditional celebrity interviews, Hot Ones is only growing in popularity, with millions tuning in. A spot on the lineup means growing exposure, catapulting Sauce Leopard’s award-winning hot sauce brand to new (and hotter) heights.

Hot sauce and pop culture fans alike can check out Sauce Leopard’s newest sauce, Homegrown Hell, in the number six spot on Season 29 of “Hot Ones.” First featured in the show’s hot sauce lineup in 2022, the exposure prompted a shift toward larger-scale production, paving the way for future growth.

“[Sauce Leopard] walked away, realizing we could capitalize on the exposure a bit more if we were featured again,” said Shaun Goodwin. “We were much better prepared to use it as leverage in other areas of our business once this latest season aired.”

Translating exposure into business operations has been both exciting and challenging. From supply chain developments to expanded distribution and entry into the food service sector, Sauce Leopard now has eight distributors. Buffs can find their hot sauce at their favorite retailers and restaurants worldwide, including at some iconic food spots on campus, more easily than ever.

The only ��ñ�� hot sauce on the market was an immediate hit, especially because it was an alumni-owned small business.

“We knew the sauce color should align with CU’s school colors, so we went with a unique spin on a yellow/gold mango habanero sauce,” said Goodwin. “While very mango-forward, it has notes of garlic, turmeric, banana and pineapple. We wanted to deliver a versatile, medium-heat sauce that was fit for barbecues on The Hill, quick meals in the dorm or football game tailgates.”

Buffs can find the CU Buffs Mango Habanero sauce online and on campus at the Farrand, Kittredge, Village and Sewall Markets.

Seeing their products on the shelves at CU is an achievement that seemed daunting when Goodwin first founded the company.

“The packaged food industry wasn’t even on my radar when I was in school; it seemed unattainable and completely controlled by massive corporations (which isn’t entirely untrue), but a consumer movement shifting back towards health-conscious, craft food brands has given companies like us a fighting chance,” said Goodwin. “We’re so grateful that the university is supporting us on our journey.”

If you have other exciting ideas, the Sauce Leopard team would love to hear them in their Forever Buffs Community. You can reach out to hello@sauceleopard.com with any questions, partnership ideas or just say hello.

So, Forever Buffs, do you think you can take the heat? Use the code BUFFS20 for 20%.

Want to share your alumni-owned business? Share it in the Forever Buffs Directory:

Add your Buff Business

Shaun Goodwin (Mktg’13) and Michael Goodwin (Jour’11)

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Ef Rodriguez

Anna Tolette — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 21:13:52 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Ef Rodriguez Anna Tolette Tue, 09/22/2026 - 15:13

Keeley Haynes

When Ef Rodriguez, a 2007 journalism graduate, attended the ��ñ�� as an undergraduate student, he didn’t join any clubs. He didn’t go to any sporting events. He didn’t live in the residence hall. In video game terms, he “speed ran” his college experience.

But in 2024, Ef received an email alerting him that the Forever Buffs Latinx chapter was at risk of being dissolved. Wanting to ensure Latinx Buffs retained access to the alumni network, he stepped up to serve on the chapter’s board and began his volunteer journey with ��ñ��.

Now, as an alumni volunteer, Ef is more involved than ever. With Forever Buffs Latinx, he helps Hispanic/Latino students achieve their educational goals and foster a strong cultural community on campus. He dresses up for Homecoming and attends the staple campus events he missed as a student. He is essentially recapturing CU in a new light.

“It's excessively fulfilling,” said Ef. “Dude, I'm going to my first volleyball game next week!”

Read on to learn how Ef continues to make new memories at CU through volunteering.

What is your favorite CU memory?

I was asked to deliver the commencement address for the old School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 2011 since I had quickly built a career in the then-new and exotic field of social media. I skipped my own commencement, so it was a delightful proxy. There was also the time I wore a piñata costume to Buffs on Tap and got pummeled by Chip.

Who or what inspires you?

Mountain Dew. I've been preoccupied by the stuff for ages. The classic original. The sanguine Code Red. The rare Typhoon. The ubiquitous Baja Blast. The questionable, now discontinued Flamin' Hot. It is my nectar.

What is your favorite way to volunteer for ��ñ��?

My favorite event to volunteer at is the annual Día de los Muertos celebration. It’s a little spooky and a lotta soulful. Students and alumni spend meaningful time together to reflect on the holiday’s festive and macabre aspects. It’s sensational.

If you could give advice to someone interested in volunteering, what would it be?

Start small. Administrative terms like “board” can dissuade people from volunteering since they conjure ideas of dusty, powdered wigs. But simply showing up to a volunteer opportunity to snag a free shirt, meet a few folks and chug sparkling water is enough to get started. And there are so many ways to get active at CU, beyond just alumni activities.

How else do you give back to your community aside from ��ñ��?

I'm on the board of Glider, a local nonprofit striving to create better communities through inclusive thinking. We produce community events like Boulder Startup Week, TEDxBoulder and Ignite Boulder. We’re also the fiscal sponsor of Colorado Startups.

Where is your favorite spot in Boulder?

There's a fast-casual Mexican restaurant called Nopalito's that is my absolute favorite. Their hot salsa is something I dream about. They've catered a bunch of the Forever Buffs Latinx events, and I encourage anyone reading this to try them if they are a fan of flavor.

Learn how to become an alumni volunteer

As an alumni volunteer, Ef is more involved than ever. With Forever Buffs Latinx, he helps Hispanic/Latino students achieve their educational goals and foster a strong cultural community on campus. He dresses up for Homecoming and attends the staple campus events he missed as a student. He is essentially recapturing CU in a new light.

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10 ways to inspire the next generation of Buffs

Anna Tolette — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:09:48 +0000

10 ways to inspire the next generation of Buffs Anna Tolette Thu, 09/17/2026 - 11:09

Buffs pride shines brighter together.

As a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, mentor, coach, family friend or simply a proud Forever Buff, you can introduce the next generation to a place and community that means something special to you.

Whether the young people in your life become Buffs themselves or grow up understanding why the ��ñ�� means so much to you, there are many ways to share the traditions and community that make being a Buff special.

Here are 10 ways to get started.

Sport the black and gold

Buffs spirit looks good at every age. Dress the littlest Buffs in your life in CU onesies and miniature cheerleading uniforms. Pass down your “vintage” T-shirt or sweatshirt from your student days. Or get everyone decked out in black and gold for game day.

CU gear is an easy way to share your Buffs pride from the very beginning. Bonus points if you have an old photo of yourself wearing the same sweatshirt.

Show them ��ñ��

Anyone can give a campus tour, but only you can share your college experience.

Visit campus and highlight the residence hall where you lived, your favorite study spot or the building where you took most of your classes. Then make new memories together. Catch a laser show at the Fiske Planetarium, go bowling at The Connection, grab a meal at a campus dining hall or explore the Hit the Bricks! campus diorama, built from 1.5 million Lego bricks.

When you share the places that mattered to you while discovering new favorites together, campus becomes more than just where you went to school. It becomes a place that holds memories for both of you.

Give back together

Show the next generation that being a Buff is also about giving back. Find an opportunity to volunteer with the ��ñ�� Alumni Association, including Buffs Give Back events each April, when Forever Buffs come together through service.

Let them also see the ways you stay involved with CU. Maybe you mentor a fellow Buff through the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship program, volunteer during Homecoming or give your time in another way that matters to you.

Sharing those experiences demonstrates that being a Buff doesn’t end at graduation. It’s also about finding ways to connect and make a difference.

Make game day special

Saturdays are for the Buffs. Whether you watch from the couch at home or join other Forever Buffs in your community for a Game Watch, cheering on CU together is an easy tradition to start. Teach them the fight song, explain the rules and tell them about the games you still remember from your student days.

The memories you make together will last much longer than the final whistle.

Watch Ralphie run

Some CU traditions must be experienced in person.

Bring a young Buff to Folsom Field to feel the anticipation before Ralphie charges the field, hear the roar of the crowd and experience a CU game day together. For younger fans, Chip’s Kids Club offers even more ways to get in on the fun, with special activities and opportunities to spend time with everyone’s favorite costumed mascot, Chip. Their first Ralphie Run might just become one of those stories you share for years.

Tell them your ��ñ�� stories

Pull out your old photo albums. Tell them about the professor you still remember, the roommate who became a lifelong friend, the class that changed how you saw the world or the ridiculous story behind that photo you hoped they’d never find.

Keep the stories going by sharing the Coloradan alumni magazine, which features alumni stories, campus news and highlights from across the Buffs community. It’s another way to show the next generation that the stories don’t end at graduation. The Forever Buffs impact lasts a lifetime.

Introduce them to your Forever Buffs community

Chances are, some of your favorite things about college aren’t things at all. They’re the people.

Introduce the young people in your life to the friends you made at CU and the fellow alumni you’ve connected with over the years. Bring them to alumni events in Boulder or across the country so they can experience the Forever Buffs community firsthand.

You can also show them how Buffs stay connected through the Forever Buffs Network, a free online community for ��ñ�� alumni where Forever Buffs can build professional connections, find or become a mentor and engage with the CU community. They’ll see that the Buffs community endures long after you leave campus.

Let them discover something they love at CU

You don’t have to be a college student to learn something new at ��ñ��. Young scientists can experiment, build and explore through CU Science Discovery programs. Aspiring athletes can develop their skills through CU Sports Camps. Budding performers can take the stage at CU Presents’ Shakespeare Camp.

Instead of just telling young people about the opportunities CU offers, give them a chance to explore one on their own. They might discover a new interest, a future career or simply a great way to spend the summer.

Add a little magic with CU Wizards

Explosions, optical illusions and science? This one practically sells itself.

At free CU Wizards shows, CU professors bring subjects like physics, chemistry, biology and astronomy to life through interactive demonstrations designed for young audiences.

It’s an entertaining way to spend time together and a chance for kids to see how ��ñ�� poses big questions and explores new ideas.

Start a Buffs tradition of your own

The traditions they remember most might be the ones you create together.

Take a photo at the Farrand Field Arch every year, make Homecoming an annual trip or sign up together for every Buffs Give Back. Or invent a tradition that is entirely yours.

Years from now, they may not remember every campus visit or game they watched, but they’ll remember that ��ñ�� is a place you shared. That may be the best way to inspire the next generation of Buffs.

Ready to make Buffs memories together? Explore upcoming Forever Buffs events.

Explore Alumni Events

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Forever Buffs Impact Story: Q&A with Alexa Tovar (StrComm’28)

Anna Tolette — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:01:27 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Q&A with Alexa Tovar (StrComm’28) Anna Tolette Thu, 09/17/2026 - 11:01

Newsworthy stories come from many places around the ��ñ�� community, even from students themselves.

As a storyteller in the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information (CMDI), Forever Buff Alexa Tovar helps share CMDI stories by creating meaningful experiences as a lead ambassador and resident advisor. Her social videos for CMDI help share on-campus stories, reaching as far as David Muir’s desk on ABC World News Tonight. It all started with an idea to use an old rotary phone to capture messages CU families left for their students on move-in day, filled with surprise messages of support, encouragement and love for their journey ahead.

Collaborating with ��ñ�� Strategic Communications, CMDI Communications and ABC’s network news team, Alexa shared a meaningful move-in moment with a global audience.

Ready for the challenge at hand, Alexa drew on the many experiences and opportunities that shaped her as a storyteller. From capturing special moments to crafting a campus-wide narrative with heart, her work was felt far beyond campus.

What has been a defining moment or opportunity that has shaped your time at ��ñ��?

A defining opportunity that shaped my time at ��ñ�� is CMDI Pathways to Excellence. Pathways gave me the college experience before I arrived, giving me the confidence to take on this new chapter. It gave me a community I can always count on and mentored me through my college journey, while also giving me the opportunity to give back by mentoring incoming students who were in the same position I was in when I started college.

Pathways gave me friendships I will forever cherish and job opportunities that have been amazing to try and network with. I seriously do not know where I’d be without Pathways!

How have on-campus experiences, whether in the classroom or in other activities, helped you bring real-world experience into the working world?

On-campus experience helped me bring real-world experience by teaching me how to communicate throughout a professional organization and how to maintain a work-life balance. The scenarios in class put us in the position of a consumer, rather than trying to convince the consumer, which is important because it puts us directly in their shoes.

Can you share more about your resident advisor and peer mentor role and the impact you hope to make by helping the next generation of Forever Buffs?

Being a resident advisor is not just creating the schedule of the program, but making it a place where incoming students feel safe and supported. The impact I hope to make is encouraging the next generation to take risks and not to be afraid to take on a new journey.

What are your aspirations post-grad? Is there a dream role you're targeting or a specific industry you want to work in?

My aspirations post-grad are to attend law school at CU Law to study family law while working in public relations. A dream role I am targeting is owning my own law firm one day to help families in need and handle the firm's marketing.

What was your experience submitting a video to be featured on ABC News? Can you share a little behind the scenes about how the opportunity came about and how it all came together?

I am a commuter, and I do not go to campus on Tuesdays or Thursday, which is when the opportunity came about. I remember just getting back from the gym and getting the call to do the video. I quickly got ready in 45 minutes while finding a place in my house to film and decorate with Buff merch and reviewing what I was going to say.

After getting the technical side done and going through three video drafts, we got the video to send off to ABC!

What advice do you have for fellow students who want to share their impact or accomplishments?

Be a yes person to every opportunity you are asked to do, even as simple as a task. Those little things can make an impact you might not realize at the time. Just like how I thought helping with getting participation for the video turned out to be even greater!

What are you most proud of about the experience?

Being part of the CMDI communications team, the phone call idea was to make a space for parents to share the emotions they were feeling on move-in day with their students.

I’m most proud of the teamwork on the day we filmed the video, asking parents to participate and seeing their reactions firsthand after they left the message and hung up. Getting to see students and their families move in reminded me of how my family and I were. It is such a special nerve-wracking day!

How can Forever Buffs support students like you?

Forever Buffs can support students like me by offering more opportunities to connect with alumni who can offer career advice and guidance about life after college. As I’m preparing for law school, having someone to guide me through LSAT preparation and having someone who’s built their career is valuable. Scholarships and financial support would help because it reduces financial stress.

What’s something you want Forever Buffs to know about you?

I am so grateful for the opportunities and people ��ñ�� has given me! From Pathways to becoming a resident advisor, lead ambassador and working with the CMDI communications team, each has helped me grow in ways I never would have thought! I hope my story encourages other students to say yes to opportunities even if they are nervous or unsure. You truly never know where one yes can take you.

Support the next generation of Buffs, like Alexa, on the Forever Buffs Network

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Inside the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program

Anna Tolette — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:19:37 +0000

Inside the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program Anna Tolette Tue, 09/08/2026 - 13:19

A good mentor can offer advice. A great mentor can help you see what’s possible.

That’s the idea behind the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program, which connects the ��ñ�� students and recent alumni with Buffs who are ready to help guide the next generation. Mentorship matches are based on professional interests, career goals and personal preferences, but participants don’t need to share the same background to make a meaningful connection.

Sometimes, a new perspective is exactly what you need.

Mentors Jake Loskutoff (Comm’03) and Jen Davies (Jour, MediaSt’09) and mentees Muhammad Ali (Jour’27) and Luke Ruhl (IntlAf’25) shared what brought them to the program, what they learned from one another and how mentorship strengthened their connection to the Forever Buffs community.

What brought you to the mentorship program?

Jake Loskutoff, mentor:
Initially, I joined to make myself available to students who could benefit from my experience and network. But I keep coming back because of the perspective I gain from connecting and collaborating with others. Hearing what students and recent graduates are experiencing gives me a perspective I don’t necessarily encounter at this stage of my own career.

Jen Davies, mentor:
I love giving back to the CU community. My time in Boulder was transformative, and after having a great experience as a mentee in a previous session, I wondered whether my skills and experience could help someone else.

Muhammad Ali, mentee:
I wanted to learn from CU graduates who had experience navigating the transition from school to professional life. I was especially interested in practical advice about preparing for my career, understanding industry expectations and learning from someone who had already made that transition.

Luke Ruhl, mentee:
I joined while I was searching for my first job after graduating. I had already been connecting with alumni, recruiters and other professionals to learn as much as I could about different industries and what professional life was really like. The mentorship program felt like an opportunity to build a more personal connection with someone who shared my ��ñ�� background.

What made the connection meaningful?

Jake:
I like that the relationship doesn’t have to end with the program. These are people I may hire, recommend, work alongside or call years from now. I don’t really see it as building a temporary mentor-mentee relationship. I see it as starting a professional relationship earlier.

Jen:
Ali and I have been able to connect over family and our different backgrounds, and I’ve found that incredibly fulfilling. There’s more that we have in common than what makes us different. I’ve also learned from his expertise in AI and media, which wasn’t something I expected when I entered the program.

Muhammad:
Having someone experienced to turn to for practical advice made the mentorship especially valuable. My mentor helped me improve my resume, which I was able to use successfully in my job search. She also offered guidance and encouragement during moments when I felt stressed about my career and what came next.

Luke:
For me, it was flexibility. I started the program without a job, and then everything changed when I accepted my first corporate role. My goals for mentorship changed with it. My mentor met me where I was and became one of my biggest advocates, whether I was navigating the job search or figuring out this new stage of my career.

What did you learn along the way?

Jake:
The further I get from starting my own career, the easier it is to forget what it felt like to try to get someone to take a chance on me. These conversations have reminded me of that. They’ve also changed how I evaluate people professionally. I find myself asking more about where someone wants to go, what they’re curious about and how they think, not just what they’ve already done.

Jen:
I learned that I had undervalued my own experience. Before becoming a mentor, I discounted some of what I had learned as not being enough to provide value to someone else. Mentorship has challenged me to recognize what I can offer while also looking for blind spots in my own understanding.

Muhammad:
I learned that having strong academic and professional experience is important, but presenting those experiences effectively matters, too. My mentor helped me recognize my strengths and communicate them more clearly. That has given me greater confidence as I prepare for my career.

Luke:
I’ve learned that I can be too hard on myself. When I started my job, I wanted to be a problem solver and a top performer right away. My mentor helped me think differently about work-life balance, setting boundaries and giving myself time to grow. I’m learning that you can’t solve everything, and you don’t have to. Growth takes time.

How has participating in the program strengthened your connection to the Forever Buffs community?

Jake:
It’s made being a Forever Buff feel less like an alumni designation and more like an ongoing connection. I get to hear what current students are thinking about, what they’re worried about and what they want from their careers.

Jen:
Because I no longer live close to campus, it can sometimes feel like I’m far away from the CU community. The mentorship program reminded me that being a Forever Buff isn’t measured by distance. Every call and message has helped me feel connected to the community again.

Muhammad:
The program showed me that the CU community continues to support students beyond the classroom. Connecting with an alum and learning from her experience also encouraged me to stay involved. I hope I can support other Buffs in the future just as my mentor supported me.

Luke:
My relationship with my mentor showed me that the Forever Buffs community isn’t just a resource but a personal support network. As CU graduates, we have this community for life. I hope I can carry that forward and someday use what I’ve learned to support other Buffs on their journeys.

Find your connection

You never know what one conversation or connection might lead to.

Apply by Sept. 30 to join the 2026–27 Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program.

Apply to the Mentorship Program

Hear more from Forever Buffs mentors and mentees.

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Forever Buffs Spotlight: Andrew Marsh (StrComm’26)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:01:55 +0000

Forever Buffs Spotlight: Andrew Marsh (StrComm’26) Anna Tolette Mon, 08/24/2026 - 14:01

Forever Buff Andrew Marsh (StComm’26) dedicated his time at the ��ñ�� to developing leadership skills for himself and fellow students. As professional development chair of the Herd Leadership Council (HLC) and a recipient of the 2026 Center for Leadership’s Graduating Leaders of the Year award, Andrew sees leadership as more than personal achievement; to him, it is about what can be achieved together.

He also contributed to the campus community in various roles, including as a student facility manager at the Koenig Alumni Center and as a photographer for CU Athletics.

In his first year after graduation, Andrew is interning with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment in government policy and public relations as a strategic communications intern.

Andrew credits his success to the meaningful connections he made with Forever Buffs and to the professional experiences that helped launch his career.

“If it were not for all the strong connections I made in school, I would never have had the current opportunity I have,” Marsh said. “Meeting [Forever Buffs Advisory Board Member] Joe Barela (DistSt’06) on campus opened doors that I did not believe were possible just months after my graduation. CU helped me every step of the way with launching my career through these connections.”

Seeking to make the most of every experience, Andrew became involved with HLC, which offered him a unique opportunity to learn and apply his professional development and leadership skills. Each experience served as a building block toward becoming a better leader and professional.

“HLC gave me opportunities to strengthen my communication, event marketing and time-management skills while also challenging me to grow as a leader,” he said. “My biggest takeaway was to take advantage of every opportunity HLC provided.”

As part of his on-campus leadership, the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program and HLC also helped shape his post-grad journey through unexpected connections.

“Through the mentorship program, I was able to connect with a CU alumnus who had experiences and interests like mine and could guide me through the transition from college into my career,” Marsh said. "HLC also helped me build meaningful relationships with current students and alumni who have supported me and helped me find opportunities after graduating. Most importantly, both experiences allowed me to meet incredible people while growing personally and professionally.”

Forever Buffs can be a life-changing connection for Buffs like Marsh. His advice to alumni is simple: Be willing to help.

This is especially true for supporting today’s students entering a competitive and challenging job market, where those relationships and connections are more valuable than ever.

“Reaching out, making introductions and helping students navigate career opportunities can make a huge difference,” he said. “For me, building those connections has been one of the most important parts of starting my career.”

On campus or online, sometimes all a student needs is someone willing to start the conversation.

“I would encourage alumni to continue reaching out to students,” he said. “Some students may be hesitant to approach an alum. Making that first connection and letting students know that you are willing to help can go a long way.”

As for current students, Marsh encourages them to take advantage of the resources and networks available to them.

“You are surrounded by a huge and strong network of alumni, faculty, staff and other students who want to help,” Marsh said. “Create your LinkedIn and Forever Buffs Network profiles early, start reaching out to people and use those conversations to explore what interests you.”

“The sooner you start building those relationships, the more connected you will be when it comes time to graduate and begin your career.”

Forever Buffs is a unique community of support, and Marsh’s story highlights the doors that open for those willing to embrace new connections and the possibilities they can unlock.

Whether you are a current student or an alum, you're part of something special at CU. Marsh's connections changed the trajectory of his career in ways he couldn't have imagined.

A proud Forever Buff, Marsh said ��ñ��’s on-campus leadership, professional development and alumni connections were the catalyst for his post-graduation success.

“Earning a CU degree has opened doors to organizations and opportunities that I am passionate about, while also allowing me to build lifelong friendships and relationships,” Marsh said.

Find your next Forever Buff connection: Apply for the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program by Sept. 30.

Apply Now

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