Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Thom and Mary Rabaglia
As new Buffs move into residence halls to begin their ĢӰ 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 ĢӰ 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 ĢӰ 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. , 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 ĢӰ Boulder?
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 ĢӰ Boulder?
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 ĢӰ, 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 . Off campus, our favorite spots are Eben G. Fine Park, Pearl Street and the trails around Boulder Creek.
Mary and Thom Rabaglia on their 50th anniversary