Alumni Profile

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Asaiah Gifford (MechEng’26)

Anna Tolette — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:11:45 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Asaiah Gifford (MechEng’26) Anna Tolette Tue, 05/19/2026 - 15:11

Among the record number of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder degrees conferred during the 2026 Commencement ceremony are countless stories of impact. Characterized by leadership and multidisciplinary perspectives, the next generation of Forever Buffs is carving unique paths and forging new ways to get there.

Asaiah Gifford (MechEng’26) left a legacy in engineering through her interdisciplinary path, which combined her technical interests with a global perspective. In addition to her BS in mechanical engineering, her minors in Spanish and global engineering have shaped a unique perspective on global leadership. She also left her mark on on-campus organizations, including Engineers Without Borders and serves as the outgoing president of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

What’s next for Asaiah? She’ll be pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering this fall, following an internship with the rocket manufacturing company United Launch Alliance this summer.

What led you to study mechanical engineering at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder?

I knew I wanted to study engineering, and I initially started in aerospace. When I was a freshman, study abroad opportunities in that major were limited, so I switched into mechanical.

[Mechanical engineering] allowed me to study abroad in Spain, Singapore and Rwanda, but also because of the incredible faculty and staff and the uniquely awesome coursework, like building a drill-powered bike in Component Design.

How has studying Spanish and global engineering shaped your perspectives?

One of the greatest gifts of being a student at �鶹��Ѱ��is that it has allowed me to both seek out and create opportunities to serve and learn from communities, both locally and abroad. While completing my minors in Spanish and global engineering, I engaged in coursework that expanded my worldview. I learned about Spanish-speaking cultures across categories ranging from food to politics to film and media and explored global ways of thinking through the Herbst and Engineering Leadership programs.

This laid the foundation for my experiences abroad, such as my work on the Engineers Without Borders Guatemala team, traveling to rural Guatemala to monitor the water distribution aerial crossing we had previously implemented. On that trip, I learned firsthand that effective cross-cultural collaboration requires not just technical expertise but also a commitment to navigating complex organizational challenges and maintaining trust with the communities we serve.

I also completed a global seminar in Rwanda with the Engineering Leadership Program, which gave me the opportunity to collaborate directly with students at African Leadership University, to develop a platform that could cultivate cross-continental collaboration, reimagining what a ‘connected world’ really means.

How did you decide what you wanted your post-grad chapter to be and at what point of your journey?

I didn’t plan my post-grad path super early at all. I decided to start taking courses for the BAM program in my senior year, and I plan to stick with it next year. I always thought that a graduate degree required research, but the flexibility of the MS Professional through the mechanical engineering program made it enticing to me.

I connected with the internship opportunity I have this summer at one of the campus career fairs in the fall. Every opportunity I’ve taken has taught me something new about myself and my interests (or lack thereof), and now I’ve got another year to keep exploring and figure out what I’d like to do after graduating again next May.

What �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder experiences have best prepared you for your next chapter?

At CU, I participated in a wide array of social and professional organizations, from serving as the student-signer for New Era Colorado and as president of my sorority chapter to serving as a student researcher and much more. Engaging with this wide variety of networks and opportunities has also allowed me to explore fields ranging from aerospace to global and biomedical engineering and has equipped me with an amazing perspective on the value of a multidisciplinary engineer and person, which will inevitably manifest as I move forward.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

I hope that future �鶹��Ѱ��engineers and students see paths like mine and feel that it’s feasible for them to pursue multiple interests, especially those that seem disconnected. I am so glad that I said yes to the opportunities �鶹��Ѱ��offered me, even though they didn’t all seem to lend themselves directly to my academic or professional future.

I am also excited about the future of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations on campus and the increased connections among Black students through membership, which encourages them to serve their communities.

What advice would you give to current �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students?

Build relationships with people who invest in you and be purposeful about investing in yourself. If you see a gap or feel like there’s a community you don’t see on campus, know that it probably exists but needs to be poured into.

As a student, there may be opportunities you see that feel out of reach or too far away from the path that has been suggested to you. But by choosing to pursue the things (not limited to just one) that are important to you, you can find the professors, mentors and peers who will work with you to help you find or create the path you are trying to take.

What does being a Forever Buff mean to you?

I’m so excited to be a �鶹��Ѱ��alumna and to serve as a resource for future Buffs and the �鶹��Ѱ��community as I advance in my career. I want to inspire and motivate younger students to pursue their passions just like the alumni who inspired me. I’m also excited to connect with other Forever Buffs in the alumni network as I move to new places around the country and the world.

Connect with more inspiring graduates from the Class of 2026 on the Forever Buffs Network:

Join FBN

Support the next generation of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Engineers:

Give to Engineering

Characterized by leadership and multidisciplinary perspectives, the next generation of Forever Buffs is carving unique paths and forging new ways to get there. Asaiah Gifford (MechEng’26) left a legacy in engineering through her interdisciplinary path, which combined her technical interests with a global perspective.

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Colonel Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:42:39 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Colonel Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00) Anna Tolette Mon, 05/18/2026 - 14:42

Keeley Haynes

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alumni Ben Donberg, Rebecca Lange, Brock Lange and Emily Gebo.

Col. Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00) embodies what it means to be a Forever Buff.

After commissioning through �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Air Force ROTC program, she became an intelligence officer within the US Air Force. She served four overseas deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and UN Peacekeeping missions.

But even thousands of miles from campus, the Buff Spirit never left Lange. While deployed in Iraq in 2010, the �鶹��Ѱ��cheerleaders visited the base where she was deployed on a USO Tour. When she heard the �鶹��Ѱ��Fight Song’s opening trumpets, her school pride shined through.

“I was at my desk, heard the Fight Song, grabbed my flag and found the team!” said Lange.

Now, wanting to give back to the institution that made her feel like she belonged, Lange acts as �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Air Force ROTC commander and Aerospace Studies department chair.

“When I was a captain, the only reason I wanted to be a colonel was to return to �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder and command the Air Force ROTC unit,” said Lange.

Through her volunteer work with CU’s Air Force ROTC unit, Lange witnesses how CU’s spirit of service trains and professionalizes future lieutenants she feels confident in.

Read on to learn where Lange’s volunteer journey began and how it shaped her into the leader she is today.

What’s your favorite �鶹��Ѱ��memory?

Every day, I appreciate the campus’s beauty. While walking to class as a student, I looked at the Flatirons and thought, I will never take this for granted. Now, as a faculty member, I say the same thing. The view never gets old.

Lange volunteering with Honor Flight, an organization that brings veterans to Washington D.C. to see the war memorials.

Who or what inspires you?

My mom is an extraordinary example. Growing up, I saw her “do good and disappear.”

She would show strangers random acts of kindness and be satisfied that she helped someone who may never know. Her goodwill and humility inspire me to give back and make the world a better place.

Why do you volunteer?

Since 2002, I have volunteered as an advisor for the Forever Buffs Air Force ROTC Detachment 105. I strive to inspire the next generation to say yes to Boulder in hopes that young Americans will further get to know themselves, believe in their capability and make forever friends.

What have you learned about yourself while volunteering through �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder?

Each volunteer opportunity teaches me how much we can give regardless of how much we have. As a college student, I volunteered with �鶹��Ѱ��Night Ride and the Volunteer Clearing House. I struggled financially at the time, but volunteering brought me peace among chaos. I did not need money to help others and feel fulfilled.

How has your experience serving in the military shaped your willingness to volunteer?

For me, it was the other way around: my love of volunteering led to my military career. After high school, I joined AmeriCorps to serve my country and belong to an organization bigger than myself. We built houses with Habitat for Humanity, tutored in schools, widened trails to the American Disability Act standards, worked with Special Olympics and food banks and much more. It was the change I needed to give back, earn money for college and find out who I was outside of my home. After a year of volunteering, I joined Air Force ROTC to continue a career in service.

Col. Lange with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder cheerleaders traveling with USO tour.

Learn more about volunteering through �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder

Col. Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00) embodies what it means to be a Forever Buff. After commissioning through �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Air Force ROTC program, she became an intelligence officer within the US Air Force. She served four overseas deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and UN Peacekeeping missions. Read on to learn where Lange’s volunteer journey began and how it shaped her into the leader she is today.

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Nuanes Tabano (Ebio’08)

Anna Tolette — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:21:37 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Nuanes Tabano (Ebio’08) Anna Tolette Fri, 04/10/2026 - 09:21

Sara Muderick

Heather Nuanes Tabano, a 2008 graduate in ecology and evolutionary biology, continues to carry forward the same sense of excitement in her volunteer work with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder that defined her first day as a Buff. Whether fostering connections through the Alumni Association and Forever Buffs Latinx or simply reflecting under the trees at Norlin Quad, Heather’s �鶹��Ѱ��journey continues to shape both who she is and how she shows up for others.

What’s your favorite �鶹��Ѱ��memory?

I have so many great memories of my time at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, but the first day on campus will always stick with me. I remember feeling so much hope and excitement for the future.

Who or what inspires you?

My North Star is my son, Luca. He inspires me everyday. He pushes me to find answers to questions I don’t yet know and understand complex issues so I can help explain the world to him. He motivates me to be better and to do more.

Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer my time and effort because it not only makes me feel good but also helps strengthen my community. Everyone has something to offer, whether it’s talent, knowledge or simply their time, and those contributions help make more good things possible.

What is your favorite way to volunteer for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder?

My favorite way to volunteer for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is through the Alumni Association and Forever Buffs Latinx. It’s an awesome experience to connect with other groups to plan and promote Homecoming and Alumni Weekend events. We’ve also had the opportunity to support our future alumni — current students — through a variety of campus initiatives. Helping with the Latiné Buff Meetup this year was especially memorable; seeing such a strong sense of support and community on campus was truly heartwarming.

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Bruns (EnvSt’99, MA’05)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:28:23 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Bruns (EnvSt’99, MA’05) Anna Tolette Mon, 03/23/2026 - 10:28

Sara Muderick

Laura Bruns (EnvSt’99, MA’05) knows that Buff pride doesn’t end at graduation. Through her volunteer work, Laura helps keep �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s alumni community strong while giving back to a place that means so much to her. Whether welcoming new graduates or supporting alumni initiatives, she believes even small acts of service can make a long-lasting, meaningful impact.

As a member of the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, Laura works alongside a group of dedicated volunteers who represent �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s diverse alumni community and encourage engagement among Forever Buffs. The board strives to be an inclusive and representative voice for alumni, expanding the reach and impact of the Forever Buffs community.

Laura is also a Forever Buffs Denver board member, where she helps the local group plan Game Watches and other engaging and innovative events. She also helps fundraise for the Forever Buffs Denver Scholarship Fund each year.

Read on to learn more about Laura’s contributions to �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder and why giving back remains such a rewarding part of her Forever Buffs journey.

What’s your favorite �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder memory?

I will never forget the first time I saw snow dusted on the Flatirons with the sun shining brightly in the sky. Growing up in the Midwest, cold and sunny simply do not go together, so the moment felt unbelievable. In my first 18 years of life, I had never felt simultaneously cold and happy. There was snow on the ground, the air was crisp and the sun was shining. It was such a wild phenomenon, and it is one that will forever keep me in the state of Colorado.

Who or what inspires you?

Every two years, I am immensely inspired by the Olympics, especially the athletes whose journeys include training through war-torn infrastructure or overcoming profound personal loss. Hearing their stories and watching them compete on the world’s biggest athletic stage always puts things into perspective for me. While they certainly possess incredible physical talent, what truly sets them apart is their mental fortitude.

Why do you volunteer?

It is important to me to try to make a positive difference in the world whenever I can, even if that difference is small. Volunteering is incredibly fulfilling, and in a world that can sometimes feel out of control, it reminds me that there are still meaningful ways to contribute and make things just a little bit better.

What is your favorite way to volunteer for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder?

For the past five years, I have served on the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, which has been rewarding in so many ways. One of the more memorable experiences recently was volunteering at Grad Bash. Despite the rainy weather, the event was filled with so much joy and hope. Seeing students celebrate such an exciting milestone made it clear that maybe the kids really are going to be all right.

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Freya Nagy (Psych, Neuro’27)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:40:00 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Freya Nagy (Psych, Neuro’27) Anna Tolette Mon, 03/16/2026 - 14:40

Freya Nagy (Psych, Neuro’27) of Lakewood, Colorado always had her sights set on attending �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. What she found was a community that quickly felt like home.

While exploring ways to get involved at the Be Involved Fair, Freya found Senior Class Council (SCC), a student-led group dedicated to building connections and celebrating the senior experience. The opportunity to bring students together excitedly stood out.

Now serving as the senior gift manager for SCC, Freya helps lead fundraising efforts for the Senior Class Gift, including the Seniors Creating Future Buffs scholarship, which supports future �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students.

This student-contribution led effort reflects a powerful tradition of seniors giving back to support the next generation of Forever Buffs to begin their journey at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

Read on to learn more about Freya, SCC and how their collective action is fostering a lifelong spirit of giving at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

What is your favorite part about being SCC’s senior gift manager?

The people I get to work with are my favorite part of this position. The current director, Aly Young, is one of the most driven, hardworking people I’ve ever met, and it’s genuinely inspiring to get to work alongside her. It’s also incredible to be a part of the scholarship process here at CU. Getting to play even a small role in making college a little more accessible for a future Buff makes the work feel meaningful.

What does philanthropy mean to you?

Philanthropy means giving back to your community and making someone’s life just a little bit better. It can be something as small as holding the door for someone or giving them a compliment on a hard day, or something bigger such as creating and awarding a scholarship that helps ease the financial burden of college.

What advice would you give students or young alumni who want to make an impact but aren’t sure where to start?

You don’t need a big title or a lot of authority to make a meaningful difference. Impact doesn’t start with position; it starts with intention. Sometimes it’s as simple as donating a small amount to one of the many scholarships here at CU, showing up to volunteer at move-in or graduation, or reconnecting with a program that shaped your own experience as a student.

Real change rarely comes from one huge, headline-making gesture. More often, it’s built through a collection of small, consistent contributions of time, energy and resources from numerous individuals. Start with what genuinely matters to you and take one step. From there, the impact naturally grows.

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy of giving do you hope to help build at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder?

I hope to encourage a community here at �鶹��Ѱ��that’s rooted in collective collaboration and fosters a genuine sense of belonging for all students. To me, being a Buff isn’t just a four-year experience; it’s a lifelong identity. If we can create a culture where students feel supported, seen, and invested in, they’ll carry that with them and want to give back, strengthening what it means to be a Forever Buff.

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Cassidy Davis (StComm’23)

Anna Tolette — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:31:45 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Cassidy Davis (StComm’23) Anna Tolette Tue, 02/03/2026 - 10:31

From Folsom Field to Lumen Field, Forever Buff Cassidy Davis (StComm’23) has built a career from historic football seasons and meaningful mentorship relationships.

Learning the power of Buff connections early, Cassidy began her journey as an intern with �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics, where she took full advantage of opportunities to learn from �鶹��Ѱ��staff, faculty and alumni mentors. Today, she’s a corporate partnerships coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, contributing to the organization during its landmark 50th anniversary season.

Along the way, Cassidy discovered just how small the sports world can be with the help of a few familiar faces, and just how far the Forever Buffs network reaches.

Read on to find out more about Cassidy’s road to the Super Bowl LX.

What shaped your �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder journey?

To work with the incredible team at �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics was the pivotal moment for me in choosing the direction I wanted to take in my career.

My time as a marketing and fan experience intern for �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics was the most impactful experience I was a part of. As one of my first introductions to sports, this role kickstarted my love for the industry and taught me the ins and outs of marketing across multiple teams. Starting this role in 2022 and ending with my graduation, I was able to see the transformation of the school’s program from being a 1-11 football team to welcoming Coach Prime and becoming one of the most talked about collegiate teams in the country.

What has it been like to be a part of the Seattle Seahawks organization during their Super Bowl bound season?

Absolutely unreal. I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl just two years into my career. The team’s success this year has created one of the most exciting work environments I’ve ever been part of. To experience such a historic playoff run during our 50th season is a beautiful story that I’ve had the privilege to help tell alongside my teammates.

As a corporate partnerships coordinator, my job is to help position our partners at the forefront of one of the most anticipated moments in sports. Doing this during such an important anniversary season has shifted my day-to-day role toward building on the legacy of an incredible team — one that will be celebrated and reshared by Hawks fans for years to come.

How has mentorship influenced your career in sports?

To succeed in the sports industry, mentorship is essential to positioning yourself as a competitive applicant. Mentors give you the opportunity to build on your network and can give you advice from the perspective of someone who has once been in your shoes.

Dawn Doty taught me the power of sharing words of encouragement and advice to those who are reaching for their dreams. Her mentorship to me as both my professor and friend during my college career has inspired me to mentor students in my post-graduate career. 

Mike Davies (Jour’94) was a guest speaker in one of my college classes who took the time to personally mentor me through my post-grad application process. He taught me the importance of maintaining connections as I’ve learned that sports is an incredibly small world! From giving me a chance to work my first NFL game in college as a FOX Sports Production Assistant, to connecting me with his network while applying for jobs — we still have the pleasure of working together whenever FOX Sports comes to town for a Hawks game.

Is there a recent sports trend that you’ve found especially interesting, exciting or meaningful? 

I am incredibly excited to see the NFL’s continuous expansion into an international sport. Over the past several years, the Seahawks have been granted marketing rights in New Zealand, Australia and Germany, expanding our fanbase in a way we’ve never seen before.

To see this sport grow across countries is so fun to be a part of as it opens up entirely new opportunities for partnerships and experiences that our fans can be a part of. I’m looking forward to continuing to see this expansion grow to countries who are just now being introduced to the world of football!

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

Almost always when a team wins a championship, the entire staff receives the same championship ring that players get!

Who is an artist that you would like to see at a future Super Bowl Halftime performance?

I’m a country girl at heart, so I would say either Luke Combs or Morgan Wallen! 

What advice would you share with Forever Buffs in sports and beyond?

If you’re looking to get a start in the sports industry, figure out a way where you can add value! Whether you’re freshly out of college or 10 years into your career, there is always a way you can position yourself as applicable for a role in this industry. Use your experiences as ways to bring new perspectives to a team. You will never achieve your dream job if you don’t try!

From Folsom Field to Lumen Field, Forever Buff Cassidy Davis (StComm’23) has built a career from historic football seasons and meaningful mentorship relationships. Along the way, Cassidy discovered just how small the sports world can be with the help of a few familiar faces, and just how far the Forever Buffs network reaches.

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Forever Buffs Impact Story: Debbie Ley (MCivEngr’02)

Anna Tolette — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:49:49 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Debbie Ley (MCivEngr’02) Anna Tolette Wed, 01/28/2026 - 11:49

From Boulder to global climate action, read on to learn how mentorship fuels a lifelong journey of impact.

Debora “Debbie” Ley (MCivEngr’02) remembers the moment she knew �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder was the right place for her. As a participant in Sandia National Laboratories’ One Year on Campus scholarship program, she visited �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, met with faculty and felt an immediate sense of connection.

“It was the people and the environment,” Ley said. “The experience of meeting faculty and the culture of support made a lasting impression.”

That sense of belonging, fostered by an early mentor who guided her through her first year, became the foundation for a career rooted in service, collaboration and global impact.

Today, Ley coordinates the update of the Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 and the National Climate Change Action Plan for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Guatemala. Since graduating from �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, her work has focused on rural electrification projects and reducing energy poverty in rural Central America and Mexico.

Since 2006, she has also served as a professional partner with Engineers without Borders, the organization founded by �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Professor Bernard Amadei.

In recent years, her focus has centered on the science-policy-practitioner interface, examining how these scientific assessments can be used at the local level and how local action can inform policy and research.

“What I find meaningful is how these scientific processes can inform policy processes while also improving action in communities,” Ley said. “[That includes] supporting most vulnerable and marginalized populations, for example, people with disabilities and how even inclusive climate action can leave people behind.”

Looking back, Ley credits �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder for shaping her approach to teamwork, community and community engagement in the classroom and beyond.

Debbie Ley and her horse, Shogui

What we learned in class had real applicability in local communities, and there was a culture at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder of helping each other,” said Ley. “Even after graduation, we’ve maintained bonds, friendships and have continued to work together.”

She also found a home away from home in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers/Latinos in Science and Engineering (SHPE/MAES).

Throughout her academic and professional career, mentorship has remained central to her growth. Ley points to several mentors at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder and Sandia National Laboratories for helping shape her path.

“Thanks to Thanks to Dr. Frank Figueroa, Dr. Max Harcourt, Dr. Jan Kreider, Dr. Michael Brandemuehl and Dr. Paul Klimas,” said Ley. “I’m a better engineer and scientist, and I so appreciate them mentoring me.”

From learning to manage challenges, navigate difficult situations and build trust with rural communities, Ley says mentorship taught her the value of listening and character, ultimately shaping her leadership.

“They shared empathy, trustworthiness and the ability to inspire, helping me believe in myself.”

Mentorships’ lasting impact has also inspired her commitment to mentoring others.

“I’ve had — and still have — great mentors who have helped shape me and guide me,” Ley said. “I strongly believe the mentoring scheme is something we can all benefit from. I want my mentees to take away advice, guidance and confidence. In some cases, I’ve been lucky, and these mentors became good friends.”

For those seeking mentorship at any stage in their journey, Ley encourages them to look for people who are honest, approachable and strong listeners.

“Make sure your mentor knows how to inspire and empower you. My mentors have been my role models,” she said.

Looking for guidance or ready to give back? Find your match on the Forever Buffs Network.

Explore Mentorship on FBN

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Buff love stories 60 years in the making

Anna Tolette — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:19:42 +0000

Buff love stories 60 years in the making Anna Tolette Fri, 01/16/2026 - 13:19

April Driver

College is often the launch of lifelong friendships and unforgettable stories. For one remarkable group of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alumni, campus life became the starting point for connections that would shape the rest of their lives.

In the fall of 1965, this group arrived at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder ready to begin their college adventure and discovered friendships new and old where their stories unfolded.

More than 60 years later, those connections remain strong. Despite careers, families and the miles between them, they’ve never lost touch. Today, they host monthly Zoom calls, swapping stories from their college days and celebrating the lives they’ve built.

“Communication is the secret to staying in relationships,” Mike Ringenberg said.

Within this close-knit group are four enduring Buffs love stories, each unique and shaped by �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

Barbara and Dale Anderson: A full-circle love story

Dale and Barbara first met in their high school marching band in Arvada, Colorado, where Barbara’s initial impression of Dale was that he was “kind of goofy” — a trait she later came to adore. They began dating during the winter of their senior year, though their relationship had pauses in those early years.

Unexpectedly, they both chose to attend �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, reigniting their relationship. Living in the same residence hall, they frequently shared meals. When Dale helped charter the Alpha Kappa Lambda (AKL) fraternity alongside close friends, it created a community that would shape their lives long after graduation.

By junior year, Dale proposed. Barbara, wanting to be sure, took a break and spent a semester at sea through Chapman College. “When the ship docked in New York, Dale was waiting for me,” Barbara said. “He proposed again, and I said yes.”

They married before their senior year and navigated the uncertainty of the Vietnam era and Dale’s ROTC commitment. Ultimately spared deployment, the couple built a life together grounded in education and service: Barbara as an elementary school teacher, and Dale as a high school communications teacher and principal — eventually at Arvada West High School, where their story began.

“It was a sweet finish,” Dale recalls.

Married for more than 57 years, Barbara and Dale have raised two children, remained in Colorado and stayed closely connected to their �鶹��Ѱ��friends. For them, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder wasn’t just a campus — it was the starting point for a lifetime of love, friendship and purpose.

Dale and Barbara in college

Dale and Barbara now

LuAnn and Mike Ringenberg: Love that found its way home

LuAnn and Mike met in the Kittredge Dining Hall, where they joined a group of mutual friends for meals. LuAnn had arrived with her friend Barbara, who was dating Dale, Mike’s roommate.

“We dated off and on after that,” said LuAnn. “We even talked about marriage during our sophomore year.”

Life had other plans. LuAnn’s parents wanted her to wait to marry and instead see the world. She traveled through Europe and dated other people. “When I returned, I went to Mike’s work and told him I wanted to get back together,” she said. The rest is history.

LuAnn earned her math degree in 1969, but Mike’s education was delayed by the Vietnam War. He served in the Air National Guard and later completed his psychology degree.

The couple married in 1971 and built a life deeply rooted in Colorado, raising two children and welcoming three grandchildren, two of whom now attend �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. Loyal Buffs through and through, Mike and LuAnn continue to audit classes, attend sporting events and travel with fellow alumni. Mike was also a charter member of AKL and still enjoys connecting with his fraternity brothers. From Roaming Buffs trips to Alumni Weekend, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder remains a constant backdrop to their shared adventures.

What started as a college romance has grown into more than 55 years of marriage, friendship and devotion. Their love — for each other, their friends and the university — continues to deepen.

LuAnn and Mike in college

LuAnn and Mike now

Linda and Dan Morris: From �鶹��Ѱ��roots to a life of service

Dan and Linda’s story began long before �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, but it was on campus where their bond truly deepened. Both graduated from Arvada West High School and arrived at �鶹��Ѱ��in August of 1965. While they had known each other since junior high, college gave them the space to grow closer.

“That transition from high school to �鶹��Ѱ��marked the start of a new and formative chapter in our lives,” Dan said.

Dan became a charter member of AKL fraternity, joining his friends in building a home for students who valued connection and community. Those friendships would prove to be lasting.

After graduation, Dan and Linda embarked on a remarkable journey of service, joining the Peace Corps in 1969. Linda served in Western Samoa and Dan in Ghana. When they returned, their �鶹��Ѱ��friendships remained strong.

In 1972, Dan and Linda officially became a couple. They married soon after and built careers centered on giving back. Linda worked for the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and Dan worked as a teacher, administrator and education technology leader.

Today, they live in Broomfield, Colorado, near their daughter — a �鶹��Ѱ��Colorado Springs nursing graduate — and two grandchildren. From football games to alumni gatherings and now regular AKL Zoom calls, �鶹��Ѱ��remains woven into their lives.

“�鶹��Ѱ��has been a constant thread throughout our family’s story and across multiple generations,” Dan shared.

Dan and Linda in college, on the right

Dan and Linda now

Alice and Roger Cain: From a fraternity party to 57 years of love

Roger and Alice met in 1968 at a Voodoo-themed fraternity party. Roger, a busy chemical engineering student and AKL member, was set up by a fraternity brother who had met Alice in geology class. At midnight, playful “marriage ceremonies” took place. Roger and Alice ended their first date with their first “wedding photo.”

Their connection grew quickly. “In my senior year, I gave Alice my fraternity pin,” Roger said.

They soon married and moved into married student housing. Roger graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and began his career with 3M in Minnesota, where they started their family. Their daughter and son both went on to college, with their son following in his parents’ footsteps at CU.

After a decade in Minnesota, they returned to Colorado and settled in Loveland. Roger worked for Hewlett-Packard, while Alice pursued interior design, teaching and eventually kitchen and cabinet design — she even designed and managed the construction of their home. “She’s a woman of many talents,” Roger said.

Now retired and celebrating 57 years of marriage, the couple enjoys RV adventures and long-distance travel, including a month in New England and a 9,500-mile journey to Alaska.

Through it all, �鶹��Ѱ��has remained a steady thread, connecting them to lifelong friends and shared memories that began with a blind date and a little Voodoo magic.

Alice and Roger in college

Roger and Alice now

Where forever begins

These are more than love stories. They’re reminders of what makes �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder special.

“�鶹��Ѱ��was not just where all our paths crossed — it was where lifelong friendships were formed, where our relationship deepened and where a community was built that continues to this day,” Dan said.

Decades later, the bonds on campus still bring these alumni together. It’s proof that a Buff connection can last a lifetime. Whether through love, friendship or shared experiences, �鶹��Ѱ��remains where forever begins.

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Scott Snyderman (IntBus’85)

Anna Tolette — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:57:53 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Scott Snyderman (IntBus’85) Anna Tolette Thu, 01/08/2026 - 15:57

Keeley Haynes

When recent graduates leave �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s campus for the first time, they may feel uncertain about life after college, but Scott Snyderman (IntBus’85) ensures they know they’re not alone.

As the chair of the Forever Buffs New York alumni chapter, Snyderman helps welcome over 500 new Buffs to New York City each year. The volunteer-led chapter organizes football and basketball Game Watches, networking events and mixers in the city, which connect recent graduates to over 8,000 other Forever Buffs in the area. He also coordinates with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s off-campus career exploration and immersion trips, such as the Leeds School of Business’s Wall Street Treks, to expand current students’ New York network. network.

Read more about what drives Snyderman to volunteer and how he keeps the Buff spirit alive.

What’s your favorite �鶹��Ѱ��memory?

A few years ago, I returned to Folsom Field and watched the Buffs beat Nebraska. Seeing us take down the Cornhuskers and celebrating with fellow �鶹��Ѱ��fans in person was something I got to check off my bucket list. I’ll never forget it.

Who or what inspires you?

I like to live by the motto: “Do to others as you want done to you, your friends and your family.” I try to replicate the kindness I’ve been shown in the past and the respect I want my loved ones to be treated with. This helps me be the best person I can be.

Why do you volunteer?

It is all about connecting our Buff family in New York. When Buffs first graduate and arrive in New York, we’re their first impression of the city and post-grad life. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so I volunteer to help ensure NYC Buffs know that they have a community and a support system behind them. I love when a new Buff shows up to an event we are hosting and they find out that there is a whole group of Buffs here. They usually run into a friend or two that they didn't know lived here. That's the magic of being a Buff for life.

What is your favorite way to volunteer for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder?

We host Buffs Football Game Watches, which are always lots of fun. When 300 to 500 Buffs gather to watch a game, it is just madness. We’re always loud and proud; it’s a great time.

What does being a Forever Buff mean to you?

It means being part of a family. No matter where you are in the world, if you meet a Buff, it’s an immediate connection. You’re instantly met with a familiar Boulder smile and the typical excited “Sko Buffs!” It’s comforting to know we have community everywhere.

Learn more about alumni volunteering

As the chair of the Forever Buffs New York alumni chapter, Snyderman helps welcome over 500 new Buffs to New York City each year. Read more about what drives Snyderman to volunteer and how he keeps the Buff spirit alive.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Spotlight: Homecoming Spirit Chair Kate Jordan Little

Anna Tolette — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:37:42 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Spotlight: Homecoming Spirit Chair Kate Jordan Little Anna Tolette Wed, 10/08/2025 - 09:37

Kate Jordan Little is a fourth-generation Buff, making her the 23rd member of her family to attend �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. A junior from Denver, Colorado, she is pursuing a dual major in management and entrepreneurship and marketing, with a minor in leadership. Her academic distinction sets her apart. She is a U.S. Presidential Scholar and a Boettcher Scholar, complemented by her involvement in the President’s Leadership Class and the Leeds Scholars Program.

Beyond academics, Kate’s commitment extends to campus engagement, including her roles as the New Member Educator and former Foundation Ambassador for Chi Omega, as well as being active in �鶹��Ѱ��Sports Information and competing with Club �鶹��Ѱ��Swimming and Diving. Little currently serves as the Homecoming Coalition Spirit Chair for �鶹��Ѱ��Student Government and is excited for all that is in store for the upcoming Homecoming festivities.

What does �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Homecoming mean to you?

Homecoming means so much to me because it celebrates family and tradition.

I am a fifth-generation Coloradan, a fourth-generation Buff and the 23rd member of my family to attend CU. My parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins have all shared this same journey, and we have each felt the magic of being a Buff in our own way.

My grandfather is remembered through the Zack Jordan Award that honors the �鶹��Ѱ��Football Most Valuable Player each year, and my family has never missed a home game.

Homecoming is a time to gather, celebrate the love and pride we all feel for CU, and carry forward a legacy that has shaped my family for generations. It reminds us that �鶹��Ѱ��is not just where we go to school but part of who we are.

What is your favorite part of your role as Homecoming Spirit Chair?

Kate, pictured with her parents and sister, is the baby on the right!

My favorite part of being the Homecoming Chair is seeing people light up with Buff pride. Helping create the parade and pep rally feels meaningful because I know how much joy those moments bring to students, alumni and families. I think about my family filling the stands and how often we have experienced that same excitement together.

Being Spirit Chair is a way of giving back to a community that has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember. Whenever I see people laughing, singing the fight song, and cheering together in black and gold, I feel connected to something bigger: a �鶹��Ѱ��family we all belong to.

If you had the attention of every Forever Buff for one minute, how would you convince them to attend Homecoming?

I would tell them that Homecoming is not just about events but about being part of a story stretching across generations. It is laughter with friends, the traditions we pass down and the memories we create together.

When you come back for Homecoming, you are not just celebrating a weekend; you are celebrating the pride, the joy and the love that make �鶹��Ѱ��a family. Every voice in the fight song, every smile in the crowd and every cheer from the stands matters.

We are all Buffs, and Homecoming is our chance to remember that and celebrate it shoulder to shoulder.

What is special about Homecoming this year?

Homecoming 2024

This year feels extra special because it focuses on community and connection.

Whether you are a student experiencing your very first Homecoming, an alum returning to the place that shaped you or a Forever Buff family member who has loved �鶹��Ѱ��for decades, there is a place for you here. The parade, the pep rally and the game bring us all together in one place where generations of Buffs can stand side by side and celebrate what we share.

For me, it is not just about carrying forward my family’s traditions; it is about being part of the bigger �鶹��Ѱ��family and knowing that we are all Buffs.

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Alumni Profile

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