Forever Buffs Spotlight: Andrew Marsh (StrComm’26)
Forever Buff Andrew Marsh (StComm’26) dedicated his time at the 鶹Ѱ 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 鶹ѰAthletics.
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. 鶹Ѱhelped 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 鶹Ѱalumnus 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 鶹ѰBoulder’s on-campus leadership, professional development and alumni connections were the catalyst for his post-graduation success.
“Earning a 鶹Ѱdegree has opened doors to organizations and opportunities that I am passionate about, while also allowing me to build lifelong friendships and relationships,” Marsh said.
