In September, Denver-area alumni gathered with friends and department faculty for the “Engaged Media” reception and short program in the state-of-the-art WestWorks Studio at the Comcast Media Center. Guest speakers included Jim Janicek (B.A., ’84), Dr. Scott Diffrient, who gave a sneak peek of the upcoming ACT Human Rights Film Festival, and Dr. Ann Gill (M.A., ’76), dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Brian Hunt (B.A., ’06), comedian and radio host at 93.7 The Rock, emceed the event.
Many of you joined us for alumni career panels on the Friday morning of Homecoming weekend. The insights and guidance you offered undergraduate students on life, school, and career was extraordinary. A special thanks to the following alumni who joined us for panels on media, health communication and education, and marketing, sales, and business:
Letia Frandina (B.A.,’02, M.A., ’04); Carole Hemmelgarn (B.A., ’86); Jim Janicek (B.A., ’84); Kendra Johnson (B.A., ’02); Nicole Laydon (B.A., ’02; M.A., ’04); Marty Lenz (B.A., ’90); Bruce MacCallum (B.A., ’74); Terri Porter (B.A., ’88); Will Reutemann (B.A., ’13); and, Joseph Sennett (B.A., ’95).
Dean Ann Gill was deeply moved to reconnect with so many alumni during the Homecoming Tailgate Tribute. The ‘Chairleaders Spirit Squad,’ gave a rousing performance that made the morning celebration unforgettable. Thanks to everyone who joined us.
Honors & Awards
Kendra Johnson (B.A., ’02)
Benefits Consultant with Flood and Peterson
Johnson was named to the 2015 class of BizWest’s 40 under 40 for Northern Colorado. Read more about BizWest’s Forty under 40.
Elizabeth Sink (M.A., ’06)
Communication Studies Senior Teaching Special Instructor
This fall, student-athletes selected Sink as the recipient of the Waterpik Award for Teaching Excellence. In addition to teaching “Communication and Popular Culture” and “Public Speaking”, Sink created and teaches two courses for the new Key Interfaith Community; “America’s Sacred Ground: Exploring Civic Interfaith Connections” and “Interfaith Leadership.” Students in these classes helped organize the 2nd annual Interfaith Thanksgiving.
Spotlight
Back in Colorado: Tiffany Williamson Executes Her Own Strategic Plan
Tiffany Williamson, 1999 Colorado State University graduate and current Vice President of the Global Segment Strategy at Proquest, does not lack determination, whether it’s applied to shredding down mountains or excelling through law school.
Class Notes
Read about the lives and careers of department alumni from across the decades.
Jennifer Davey (B.A. ’92; B.F.A., ’02)
This year I had my first solo exhibition in painting at Point Gallery in Denver, where I returned to my roots of studying speech and language by incorporating stencils in my painting. I also wrote extensively about this body of work and the inspiration behind the words on my blog…I am still always inspired by Ann Gill, the ultimate example of a strong wise woman who knows how to use words well and to build peace wherever she goes.
