Alumni Profile

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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ��, 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder for your doctoral degree in Musical Arts?

While researching where to pursue my DMA, I came across a music recital program featuring a Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ��'s breathtaking landscape — often referred to as the "Switzerland of America" — Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder offered the perfect environment in which to complete my final degree.

What is your favorite Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder memory?

Attending faculty concerts with my new friends was one of the highlights of my time at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder. 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, Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ��’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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder, 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ��. 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder?

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 Ģ��Ӱ��?

Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder, 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?

Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� and always feeling connected to the university. I can be in a different city and see someone with a Ģ��Ӱ�� hat on and instantly feel a connection to them! I continue to stay involved at Ģ��Ӱ��, 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’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. Ģ��Ӱ��-based researcher Silvia Pettem respectfully humanizes Rippon and cements her legacy in Ģ��Ӱ�� 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.

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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder experiences have best prepared you for your next chapter?

At Ģ��Ӱ��, I participated in a wide array of social and professional organizations, from serving as the student-signer for New Era Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� alumna and to serve as a resource for future Buffs and the Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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

Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder alumni Ben Donberg, Rebecca Lange, Brock Lange and Emily Gebo.

Keeley Haynes

Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� cheerleaders visited the base where she was deployed on a USO Tour. When she heard the Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder and command the Air Force ROTC unit,” said Lange.

Through her volunteer work with Ģ��Ӱ��’s Air Force ROTC unit, Lange witnesses how Ģ��Ӱ��’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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder?

Each volunteer opportunity teaches me how much we can give regardless of how much we have. As a college student, I volunteered with Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder cheerleaders traveling with USO tour.

Learn more about volunteering through Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder

Col. Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00) embodies what it means to be a Forever Buff. After commissioning through Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� journey continues to shape both who she is and how she shows up for others.

What’s your favorite Ģ��Ӱ�� memory?

I have so many great memories of my time at Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder?

My favorite way to volunteer for Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder and why giving back remains such a rewarding part of her Forever Buffs journey.

What’s your favorite Ģ��Ӱ�� 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 Ģ��Ӱ��.

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 Ģ��Ӱ�� 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.

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