Alumni Profile

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 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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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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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Thom and Mary Rabaglia

Anna Tolette — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:14:39 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Thom and Mary Rabaglia Anna Tolette Mon, 08/17/2026 - 10:14

Keeley Haynes

As new Buffs move into residence halls to begin their CU journeys, their possibilities feel endless. A simple greeting can turn into a lifelong friendship. A casual invitation to the dining hall can lead to unforgettable conversations. And in the case of Forever Buffs volunteer Mary Rabaglia (EPOBio’77), an innocent prank can be the start of a generational love story.

In the fall of 1973, two weeks after moving into Hallett Hall, Rabaglia was in the mood for some late-night mischief.

“I had taken a bunch of butter pats from the cafeteria because I was going to make some popcorn in my dorm room,” said Mary. “It got late, and no one wanted popcorn, so I started buttering the doorknobs on my floor.”

That’s when Thom Rabaglia (CivEngr’77) became her partner in crime.

“Thom saw what I was doing and started to help me,” said Mary. “The rest is history. We just celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary.”

Now, the two share their love with CU by giving back.

Read on to learn how Thom and Mary use volunteering to reminisce about their first dates and five decades together.

Favorite shared CU memory

Watching the Buffs beat Notre Dame and become national champions at the 1990 Orange Bowl in Miami. Thom was on the field; I was in the stands. John Parker, the former Ralphie Program director, asked Thom to be on the field. We made several flags that John arranged to have run on the field with Ralphie at every game. It was always a thrill to see our flags on the field, and a few times, Thom ran the largest 10 feet by 14 feet flag.

Who or what inspires you?

Currently, Coach Deion Sanders. We have been consecutive season ticket holders for over 50 years. The energy and excitement Coach Sanders brings to the football program and the broader Boulder community is amazing and so wonderful. Both of us have read Sanders’s book, “Elevate and Dominate,” which is filled with so many inspirational messages.

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

We help set up events on campus and at away games. Our favorite on-campus event is Buffs on Tap at the Koenig Alumni Center during Homecoming weekend. We also set up the Buff Bashes anytime we travel for away games.

What have you learned about yourself through volunteering with ��ñ��?

Now that we are retired, it is wonderful to have the time to help others. I volunteered very little while focusing on my career, so now I am glad I can give back, especially to an institution that gave me so much. Both of us are who we are today because of CU, and now we love all the fellow Buff alums we have the honor to meet at the events where we volunteer.

Where is your favorite spot to go to in Boulder, either on or off campus?

Folsom Field will always be a special place for us. We had one of our first dates watching a football game in the student section, and we just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with a party on the Rooftop Terrace. Off campus, our favorite spots are Eben G. Fine Park, Pearl Street and the trails around Boulder Creek.

Learn how to become an alumni volunteer

Mary and Thom Rabaglia on their 50th anniversary

For Forever Buffs volunteers Mary (EPOBio’77) and Thom (CivEngr’77) Rabaglia, an innocent prank can be the start of a generational love story. Read on to learn how Thom and Mary use volunteering to reminisce about their first dates and five decades together.

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July Buff of the Month: Shu-Wei Tseng (DMA'10)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:53:36 +0000

July Buff of the Month: Shu-Wei Tseng (DMA'10) Anna Tolette Mon, 08/03/2026 - 11:53

Shu-Wei Tseng

Forever Buff Shu-Wei Tseng (DMA'10) is an acclaimed musician celebrated for her outstanding technique and musicality. She has performed in prominent concert halls across four continents, demonstrating her skills as a soloist and chamber musician playing piano and cello. She serves on the faculty of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

Since 2024, Shu-Wei has been part of the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, a volunteer group offering strategic advice to the ��ñ�� Alumni Association. Representing the university’s alumni, they work to foster pride and increase engagement with Forever Buffs.

Besides her musical and teaching pursuits, Shu-Wei has a keen interest in science, especially neuroscience. Her MS in psychology complements her music degrees and deepens her interest in the connection between music and scientific research, enriching her music teaching approach.

What led you to choose ��ñ�� for your doctoral degree in Musical Arts?

While researching where to pursue my DMA, I came across a music recital program featuring a ��ñ�� graduate. That chance discovery led me to learn more about the university, and I was immediately drawn to its strong reputation in both music and the sciences. Combined with Colorado's breathtaking landscape — often referred to as the "Switzerland of America" — ��ñ�� offered the perfect environment in which to complete my final degree.

What is your favorite ��ñ�� memory?

Attending faculty concerts with my new friends was one of the highlights of my time at ��ñ��. These performances were among the most inspiring experiences of my student years. Unlike my experience in Europe, where students often have to seek out their professors' concert schedules and pay their own travel expenses to hear them perform, ��ñ�� offered the remarkable opportunity to experience world-class faculty performances right on campus. Two of my professors (Doris and Ozwald Lehnert) helped launch the college’s popular Faculty Tuesdays recital series in 1999.

Watching professors demonstrate on stage the very techniques, artistry and musical ideas they taught me each week was both inspiring and humbling. Seeing their teaching come to life in performance deepened my understanding of the music and reinforced everything I was learning in the studio. It also gave me an even greater appreciation for their extraordinary artistry and musicianship.

Having such exceptional performances woven into campus life was a rare privilege — one that profoundly enriched my education and left a lasting impression on my further development as both an artist and an educator.

If you could pick one song to capture your Forever Buffs experience, what would it be?

“Stand Up for Something,” the song written by Common and Diane Warren, performed by Common and Andra Day.

What inspired you to stay connected with the university beyond graduation?

My time at ��ñ�� was an emotional journey — one filled with challenges, but also with meaningful relationships and unforgettable experiences. Along the way, I met extraordinary mentors and lifelong friends who enriched my journey and helped shape both my personal and professional growth. I have remained involved because I value those connections and believe the experiences, perspectives and skills I gained can help support and inspire current and future ��ñ�� students.

You’ve conducted workshops and masterclasses across four continents. What has been the most surprising thing that you’ve learned in teaching the next generation of musicians?

The amount of information and the wealth of resources available today far exceed anything we could have imagined just a generation ago. While this unprecedented access offers remarkable opportunities, it also presents new challenges. In a culture that prizes speed and efficiency, we should be cautious about equating faster with better. One thing that has particularly surprised me is how rarely students ask themselves why — the question at the heart of meaningful musical interpretation.

The real challenge is finding a balance: embracing the efficiency of modern tools and physical stamina, while allowing learning to unfold deeply, thoughtfully and organically.

What advice would you give to fellow Buffs about building a professional music career?

The priorities of your education should evolve with each stage of your life. As an undergraduate, choose a professor who has the time to mentor you, rather than one whose frequent travel results in inconsistent lessons or substitute teachers. These formative years are when close mentorship has the greatest influence on your growth as both a musician and a person.

For postgraduate study, broaden your horizons. Study in different cities or countries, explore diverse musical traditions, research historical contexts and learn from teachers and peers whose backgrounds differ from your own. These experiences cultivate not only artistic maturity but also a broader perspective on the world. By embracing different cultures, pedagogical approaches and ways of thinking, we become more thoughtful musicians and more compassionate global citizens.

Music is a universal language, and with that comes a responsibility to learn, question, explore, exchange ideas, teach and pass on knowledge. In doing so, we honor both the composers whose works we perform and the audiences with whom we share them.

How can Forever Buffs support you, or how can they check out an upcoming performance?

My website and social media platforms are regularly updated, including my new Instagram, to share upcoming projects and opportunities.

Forever Buffs can support these efforts by helping me connect with students, alumni and prospective Buffs who may be interested in collaborating or simply meeting up. Together, we can create meaningful events and experiences for the entire ��ñ�� community and accomplish wonderful things.

Connect with Shu-Wei and our other Forever Buffs Advisory Board members.

Explore the Forever Buffs Advisory Board Directory

Shu-Wei Tseng

Forever Buff Shu-Wei Tseng (DMA'10) is an acclaimed musician who has performed in prominent concert halls across four continents, demonstrating her skills as a soloist and chamber musician playing piano and cello. Since 2024, Shu-Wei has been part of the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, a volunteer group offering strategic advice to the ��ñ�� Alumni Association.

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Forever Buff Brian Nevin reflects on 40 years with Big Head Todd and the Monsters

Anna Tolette — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:46:28 +0000

Forever Buff Brian Nevin reflects on 40 years with Big Head Todd and the Monsters Anna Tolette Wed, 07/22/2026 - 13:46

April Driver

Brian Nevin of Big Head Todd and the Monsters, photo by Jenise Jensen

Forty years ago, Brian Nevin was a ��ñ�� student playing music at fraternity parties and local venues with two friends who shared a dream. Today, he is still behind the drums with Big Head Todd and the Monsters, one of Colorado’s most enduring and beloved bands.

From regular gigs at Tulagi on The Hill during college to today’s annual performances at Red Rocks Amphitheater, the band’s Colorado roots have remained central to their story. One memorable Red Rocks performance in 2014 even featured an introduction from astronaut and fellow Forever Buff Steven Swanson aboard the International Space Station.

Over four decades, Big Head Todd and the Monsters has built a loyal following through its signature blend of rock, blues, funk and jazz, along with a reputation for energetic live performances. This summer the band returns to Boulder as the headliner of the Boulder Roots music festival, Aug. 27–30.

Ahead of the festival, Nevin reflected on the early days at ��ñ��, the friendships that have sustained decades of music success and the advice he’d offer Buffs today.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters began while you and your bandmates were still in high school. How did coming to ��ñ�� help shape the band’s future?

Todd Park Mohr (singer, guitarist and songwriter), Rob Squires (bass) and I started playing as Big Head Todd and the Monsters in 1986. We were high school buddies [who ended up] attending the University of Colorado. Boulder was a wonderful playground for three young guys who thought we had something special and loved playing music together. It started with us playing parties for friends and fraternities and at Quigley’s on campus.

Is there a particular memory, experience or lesson from your time at ��ñ�� that has stayed with you throughout your career?

On Friday afternoons, the Program Council would put on an FAC (Friday Afternoon Club) either in the Alfred Packer Grill or, if the weather was good, on the University Memorial Center terrace. These were great events and memorable for us as a band.

When you think back to those early days playing fraternity parties, Tulagi's and other Boulder venues, did you have any sense that the band would become your life's work? At what point did it start to feel like this could be something bigger?

We started to get popular playing parties at the music bars around town, primarily Tulagi on The Hill, The Walrus and JJ McCabe’s. We didn’t think this would be our life’s work at the time. We made a couple of recordings that started to get airplay on the ��ñ�� campus and other college radio stations, so we decided to take a semester off school, buy a van and drive around the country booking shows in college towns.

It was a great era for live music, especially for indie and college bands. Because it was before the internet, bands could make a good amount of money selling their cassette tapes, CDs and vinyl at shows. We sold enough copies of our independent releases “Another Mayberry” and “Midnight Radio” that we attracted the attention of a major record label called Giant Records, who signed us to a deal in 1992. That’s when we knew it was going to be our focus and career.

Photo by Jenise Jensen

The band has built a loyal following by continually touring and connecting with fans year after year. What has kept performing live exciting for you after all this time?

We’ve been a band for 40 years, and in many ways our live performance has gotten more rewarding and challenging. The bravado of youth made the early years exciting, but as I’ve gotten older, it’s more about wanting to play a perfect show. The other guys in the band keep getting better, so I’ve got to keep working on my game. That’s what keeps it exciting.

One of the most remarkable parts of your story is that the band has stayed together for nearly four decades. What's been the key to maintaining those friendships and creative partnerships over the years?

Our friendship and respect for each other have been key to our longevity, but the creative element is what is still intriguing. I love playing music with these guys and like what we produce together. It still feels like it’s growing and there’s more to learn.

This August you'll be returning to Boulder for the Boulder Roots music festival. How does it feel when you play for a hometown audience after all these years?

Boulder is our roots, and we’re happy to be a part of the Boulder Roots Music Festival!

Looking back on your journey, from rehearsing and performing as college students to building a long and successful career, what advice would you offer today's ��ñ�� students who hope to pursue creative careers or follow an unconventional path?

Find a way to make what you love to do with your time profitable, then you can spend your time doing what you love to do and pay the bills.

Forty years after first playing at campus parties and Boulder venues, Nevin and Big Head Todd and the Monsters will return to the city where it all began. Fans can see the band as the headlining act at the Boulder Roots music festival.

Get Your Tickets for Boulder Roots

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Judith Glyde

Anna Tolette — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:27:31 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Judith Glyde Anna Tolette Fri, 07/17/2026 - 10:27

Keeley Haynes

For more than 20 years, Judith Glyde shared her passion for music with ��ñ��’s College of Music students as a professor of cello and chamber music and the Strings Department Chair. Now, she continues to bring joy and expertise to the CU community as a Forever Buffs New York alumni chapter board member.

From producing specialty holiday performances amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to promoting cultural events around New York City, Judith strengthens bonds among CU alumni and deepens her personal enrichment through volunteering.

“We grow from knowing the students and, hopefully, they grow from knowing us,” said Judith upon receiving the College of Music’s Distinguished Service Award in 2022. “To be able to continue a relationship with our alums, supporting their music and their dreams, is a rare privilege.”

Read on to learn how Judith transfers her wisdom from teaching to volunteering and continues to make an impact on the youth of today.

What is your favorite ��ñ�� memory?

Remembering every student I had the pleasure of teaching (some of whom are in NYC with me now) and every colleague I had the pleasure of performing with at Faculty Tuesdays. My favorite memory as a volunteer, however, is when Dawn Barone and I produced a Holiday Christmas celebration in December 2020. We held live stream performances by 13 CU alumni, with an introduction by emeritus chancellor Phil DiStefano. Hearing these professional presentations during a time of disconnection was truly inspirational.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by the passion and energy CU alums bring to NYC to follow their dreams. I am so proud of any alum who comes to New York City — a city that can be quite demanding. A great deal of patience is required.

Why do you volunteer?

I love young people! I have carried into retirement the important idea that we are never too old to learn from the younger generation. It’s delighting to collaborate with CU alums and help them adjust to life in the city. All of this is surely the ‘icing’ on the proverbial ‘retirement cake.’

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

I was asked to be on the Forever Buffs NY Board to promote culture for the sportier alums in the city. Specifically, I keep an eye out for productions that highlight and involve our alumni. These events can take place on large or small stages, or in the pit of a Broadway show. I also love to help Scott Snyderman at our Judy Z’s Watch Parties!

Where is your favorite spot to go to in Boulder either on or off campus?

I believe at one point Boulder was known as “America’s Foodiest Town.” Many of my favorite eateries (The Dark Horse, for one) are no longer around, but my ‘favorite spot’ had to be wherever I met up with my colleagues for a great meal and conversation. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the Rocky Mountains — ideal for a hike in the hills.

How else do you give back to your community?

I am on the board of Friends of Chigiana, a non-profit organization based in NYC. Our mission is to promote the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy. We provide scholarships that grant talented musicians the opportunity to study abroad in Siena, thus making a lasting impact on their lives and cultivating a unique cultural exchange between Italy and the United States.

What drew you to teach at CU?

��ñ��’s College of Music has an incredible history of chamber music with the Pro Arte and Takacs Quartets. Being a chamber musician (I was with the Manhattan String Quartet for 23 years), I could not think of a better environment to teach and perform. In addition, I have always loved the mountains. I probably have every book written about Mt. Everest, K-2 and the North face of the Eiger.

Why should other Forever Buffs volunteer?

Volunteering is the perfect way to keep in touch with fellow alums and to remember the stories and joys that stay with you after leaving Boulder.

Learn more about alumni volunteering

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Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with JJ Zykan (StrComm‘21)

Anna Tolette — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:22:13 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with JJ Zykan (StrComm‘21) Anna Tolette Tue, 06/16/2026 - 13:22

For Forever Buff JJ Zykan, a career in sports has moved about as fast as a puck on the ice.

Wrapping up her fifth season with the Colorado Avalanche, JJ is a senior content strategist, leading the team’s social media strategy and campaigns across multiple platforms like Instagram, Facebook and X. During the 2025-26 season, the Avalanche generated the most social media value in the National Hockey League (NHL), totaling $27.2 million, according to Sports Business Journal.

Her experiences at ��ñ��, both in and out of the classroom, shaped her path. JJ graduated in 2021 with a BA in strategic communications and double minors in business analytics and sports media. As a student, she immersed herself in campus life and gained hands-on experience through opportunities that served as stepping stones to her career.

Among her favorite experiences covering football and basketball games, she credits the guidance of Jessica Baumgarten and the Business of Sports Program for helping develop her skills and preparing her for future success.

Did you ever have an “I’ve made it” moment at the beginning of your sports career?

My “I’ve made it" moment was during the Stanley Cup parade in 2022. I had just completed my first full season with the organization and felt immense pride in the work we, as a social media team, accomplished during that run. 

How does the Avalanche’s 2026 playoff run differ from the regular season? How does your day-to-day role change?

The playoffs bring a lot more eyes to the channels we run and with that comes added pressure to produce fresh content for our current fans and new ones! My day-to-day is different, especially with a seven-game series and not picking up and flying to the next city after each game, as well as keeping content surrounding the same opponent fresh and exciting. 

As senior content strategist for the Avs, what does this season’s social media engagement success as the highest in the NHL mean to you? 

It was a huge honor to be recognized by the Sports Business Journal! As a social team, we focus on the added value we can bring to the organization through our online fan engagement. To see the work we did directly relate to impressions and engagement of such high value reaffirms our strategy and makes us excited for the future. 

What do you like most about working in social media and digital marketing? And what is challenging about it?

I like that no day is the same! There is always something new and exciting happening in the world of social media and that ensures there’s never a boring day. That can also bring a challenge of coming up with new and innovative ideas that stay with the times and don’t feel redundant. 

Is there any behind-the-scenes information from your time in the sports industry that Buff fans might find surprising?

What surprised me when I first started was simply the amount of manpower that goes into putting on each game throughout the season. There is a whole team behind the team on the ice that puts in countless hours of work each season to make the gameday experience seamless for the fan experience.

If you could do your job for any other professional sport, what would it be?

CU football will always have my heart, but after spending 5 years in pro sports, I think Formula 1 does a really great job at social media and would be a great league to be in. Or the Masters. Go look at their social media, it rocks! 

What does it mean to you to be a Forever Buff?

Having pride in having attended CU and always feeling connected to the university. I can be in a different city and see someone with a CU hat on and instantly feel a connection to them! I continue to stay involved at CU, coming back to guest lecture for the Business of Sports Program each summer.

Books by Buffs: 10 alumni-written books to read this summer

Anna Tolette — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:43:39 +0000

Books by Buffs: 10 alumni-written books to read this summer Anna Tolette Tue, 06/02/2026 - 10:43

Keeley Haynes

Summer is the best time to sit back, relax and crack open a book written by a fellow Buff! Whether you need a fun poolside fiction escape, a thought-provoking memoir or an intriguing biography, these 10 books written by ��ñ�� alumni are perfect additions to your summer reading list.

Finding Amal by Firyal Alshalabi (MEdu’77, PhD’82)

Set in Boulder, this poignant coming-of-age story follows Hadeel, a young Kuwaiti woman, on her journey to uncover her late aunt’s legacy and clear her name from defamation. Along the way, her grieving uncle, Jonathan, asks her to reclaim the copyright to a literary discovery about historical Western writers, such as Washington Irving and Percy Shelley. As a debut novelist, Firyal Alshalabi explores the complex relationship between Islam, women’s roles and the Western world, which simultaneously entertains and challenges traditional beliefs.

Burn: From Struggle to Strength – A Woman’s Guide to Reclaiming Herself by Michelle Kooi (Jour’88)

In her introspective memoir, Michelle Kooi recounts her personal transformation through divorce, car accident recovery, parenting, grief, menopause and professional burnout. Join her on her resilient journey to self-acceptance, newfound wisdom and spiritual renewal.

Everybody Needs Something by Melanie Pappadis Faranello (Engl’95)

With 14 character-driven short stories, Melanie Pappadis Faranello offers unique insight into love, grief, identity and human complexity. A newly widowed construction worker rekindles a high school romance. A single father navigates his first Thanksgiving alone. A son attempts to tell his estranged father about his divorce. Faranello’s lyrical prose reveals the beauty of ordinary intimacy and human connection in this Donald L. Jordan Literary Prize winner.

Notions of Grace: A Memoir of Climbing, Cancer and Family by Jason Kolaczkowski (PoliSci’99)

Jason Kolaczkowski, a healthcare analytics professional, amateur climber and leukemia survivor, questions the legacy he wants to leave behind in his powerful memoir. After his cancer diagnosis, Kolaczkowski attempted to summit an unclimbed Himalayan peak to teach his twin sons the importance of dreaming in the wake of life’s uncontrollable obstacles. However, when COVID-19 began infecting the world, he grappled with another life-risking challenge: the fear of isolating his family to protect his health. Kolaczkowski provides vulnerable insight into facing mortality, confronting familial responsibility and managing it all with grace.

Two Minutes Before by Sarah Kanter (Psych’88)

Two Minutes Before follows Theresa, a Type-A career woman who once shaped her habits around her husband’s lifestyle. Two years after her husband’s death, a stranger drops off a box of her husband’s belongings at her office, rattling her routine-revolving world. This new understanding of the world she once thought she knew opens her to new connections and helps her redefine meaning in her life. Sarah Kanter delves into the power grief holds over memory in her debut novel.

A Spy Walked Into A Bar: A Practitioner’s Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft by Rob Dannenberg (IntlAf’78)

Former senior CIA Officer Rob Dannenberg reminisces on his career milestones by re-crafting the cocktails he enjoyed on his espionage missions. Behind each drink are authentic stories and photographs, spanning from recruitment operations to mission celebrations to government secrets. Featuring 56 mixed drink recipes, A Spy Walked Into A Bar will refresh your taste buds and reel you into the life of a spy.

Cutthroats: The Tight Line Between Guilt and Innocence by David B. Harrison (IntlAf’78; Law’82)

Boulder lawyer Fred Davidson discovers a dead body while flyfishing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fred becomes the forefront of the police investigation, forcing him to confront his career-defining cases and sense of justice. Using his experience as a retired criminal defense attorney, David B. Harrison provides judiciary intel that blurs the line between fiction and reality in this mystery page-turner.

Global Goals: The International Hockey Life of U.S. Defenseman Eric Weinrich by Andy DeRoche (PhDHist’97)

Cool down this summer with hockey legend Eric “Weino” Weinrich’s captivating biography. Weinrich played in more than 1,000 NHL games over 17 seasons and represented Team USA in more international tournaments than any other American player. Historian Andy DeRoche chronicles Weinrich’s rise to success, contextualizes his career with the end of the Cold War and includes commentary from Weinrich himself, making this a score of a read.

Fanatic: Why We Love the Things We Love by Joe Ungemah (Psych’99)

Psychologist Joe Ungemah examines the motivations behind social, emotional, physical and financial fanaticism. He profiles science fiction lovers, ultramarathon runners, gamers, hoarders and thrill seekers to understand how passions become obsessions. Through his research, Ungemah unmasks the stigmas behind fanaticism and discovers the personal and social benefits it provides.

Separate Lives: Uncovering the Hidden Family of Victorian Professor Mary Rippon by Silvia Pettem (Psych’69)

Celebrate ��ñ��’s 150th anniversary with this biography following the private life of the university’s first female professor, Mary Rippon. During the Victorian era, female academics were expected to be quiet, unassuming spinsters; however, Rippon broke this status quo by secretly balancing the lives of a professional and a mother. Colorado-based researcher Silvia Pettem respectfully humanizes Rippon and cements her legacy in CU history with this groundbreaking discovery.

Your reading doesn’t have to stop here! From poetry collections to children’s books, Buffs are publishing year-round. Check out these summer titles and more in the alumni book list.

Alumni Profile

Conquering Climate Change — Creatively

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

Why is sea ice imperative to our climate?

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?

How do you integrate creativity into your research?

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

What would you tell people who are experiencing climate anxiety?

What do you do outside the lab?

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Forever Buff Brian Nevin reflects on 40 years with Big Head Todd and the Monsters

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When you think back to those early days playing fraternity parties, Tulagi's and other Boulder venues, did you have any sense that the band would become your life's work? At what point did it start to feel like this could be something bigger?

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Did you ever have an “I’ve made it” moment at the beginning of your sports career?

How does the Avalanche’s 2026 playoff run differ from the regular season? How does your day-to-day role change?

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If you could do your job for any other professional sport, what would it be?

What does it mean to you to be a Forever Buff?

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Books by Buffs: 10 alumni-written books to read this summer

Finding Amal by Firyal Alshalabi (MEdu’77, PhD’82)

Burn: From Struggle to Strength – A Woman’s Guide to Reclaiming Herself by Michelle Kooi (Jour’88)

Everybody Needs Something by Melanie Pappadis Faranello (Engl’95)

Notions of Grace: A Memoir of Climbing, Cancer and Family by Jason Kolaczkowski (PoliSci’99)

Two Minutes Before by Sarah Kanter (Psych’88)

A Spy Walked Into A Bar: A Practitioner’s Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft by Rob Dannenberg (IntlAf’78)

Cutthroats: The Tight Line Between Guilt and Innocence by David B. Harrison (IntlAf’78; Law’82)

Global Goals: The International Hockey Life of U.S. Defenseman Eric Weinrich by Andy DeRoche (PhDHist’97)

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Separate Lives: Uncovering the Hidden Family of Victorian Professor Mary Rippon by Silvia Pettem (Psych’69)

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As senior content strategist for the Avs, what does this season’s social media engagement success as the highest in the NHL mean to you? 