Alumni

¿Dónde Está �山��? The Baca Family's Three Generations of Buffs

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:34:05 +0000

¿Dónde Está �山��? The Baca Family's Three Generations of Buffs Anna Tolette Mon, 03/10/2025 - 14:34

Patricia Kaowthumrong

"I don’t know what I would have done if my brother was not recruiting Chicano students to the University of Colorado."

As a teenager growing up in Trinidad, Colorado, during the early 1970s, attending the �山�� seemed out of the question for Bernal Baca (A&S’75). Instead, he planned to follow the advice of his high school guidance counselor and enter an auto mechanics program after graduation. But his older brother Richard Baca (Edu’71) intervened.

Richard, a student at �山�� at the time, was back home visiting his former high school. As a United Mexican American Students (UMAS) member, he was recruiting Hispanic students like Bernal to attend the university. Bernal was hesitant, insisting he wanted to become an auto mechanic — but Richard wouldn’t take no for an answer. Bernal heeded his brother's advice and applied to the school, where he was accepted and enrolled.

In retrospect, following in his brother’s footsteps to an education on the Front Range turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Bernal — and future generations of Baca family members.

“I don’t know what I would have done if my brother was not recruiting Chicano students to the University of Colorado. That signaled to me that we had a chance,” Bernal said. “So I took that chance, and I’m glad.”

Deep Roots

Richard and Bernal earned degrees from �山�� and went on to achieve doctoral degrees in psychology and education, respectively. According to Richard, these feats were considered improbable at the time, given the siblings’ humble upbringing.

The Baca family’s history in the United States dates back to the 1600s, when a settlement from Spain’s Oñate Expeditionary Group landed in northern New Mexico. Eventually, the family migrated to the southern Colorado city of Trinidad, whose establishment in the 1870s by Felipe Baca and his wife, Dolores, was a catalyst for Hispanics to settle in the area.

“In essence, [Bacas] have been here for a long time,” Richard said. “We often hear the notion that ‘America came to us’ because our family was here long before the United States was founded.”

The Bacas, a family of farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs, were influential in southern Colorado. However, after Richard graduated from Trinidad State College in 1969, he thought his only two choices in the rural town were to work in the coal mines or join the military. An unlikely opportunity arose, though: Richard was selected with a cadre of other Latino students to apply to �山�� under what was then called the Educational Opportunity Program, which was established in the 1960s to recruit young Latinos who might not have met all the established admissions criteria at the time.

"My brother was the one who showed me the way, and he was able to teach his own son and granddaughter the same thing. I love it."

Without this program, the thought of attending the university would have been as unlikely as eating “frijoles sin tortillas” (beans without tortillas), Richard said. “Formal admission to the university opened an educational dimension immeasurable by traditional means and inexplicable to [my] mother who had all of a third-grade education,” he wrote in a letter about his family to the Coloradan this past August.

�山�� or Bust

When Richard told his mother he was accepted to �山��, she replied, “Ah, que bueno jito. ¿Dónde está �山��?” which translates to, “That’s good news, my son. Where is �山��?”

Over the next few years, �山�� evolved from what Richard called “a strange land” into his second home. He credits his success to living of campus with a group of graduate students and to his participation in student groups and campus activities. Richard’s tenure at CU coincided with the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

“At that time, the movement was really becoming strong, so I just became involved in campus activities related to Chicano students and learned more about my roots, my heritage and the importance of trying to advance ourselves as a grouping,” Richard said.

"I got my spark at [�山��] because I was mentored by one of the best professors I think I’ve ever met."

As a result of initiatives such as the Educational Opportunity Program that supported Richard, �山�� began recruiting hundreds of students from new communities — including Native American, Mexican American, Black/African American and Asian American communities — to attend the university. Some of these students formed organizations inspired by broader civil rights movements, including UMAS.

Bernal also became involved with the Chicano Movement, joined UMAS and studied under Salvador Ramírez — who taught Chicano studies. When Ramírez moved to the Pacific Northwest, Bernal followed to help him establish the first Chicano studies program at Washington State University. After a long career as a college professor, Bernal now serves as executive director at a nonprofit called Mi Centro, which provides social, cultural and educational services to the Latino community in the greater Tacoma area.

“I got my spark at [�山��] because I was mentored by one of the best professors I think I’ve ever met,” Bernal said. “I feel really honored to be bestowed that university bachelor’s degree because it was the most important degree I have received.”

Passing the Torch

From left: Ryan, Alexandra and Richard Baca.

While Richard is now retired, his career in higher education, mental health, consulting and politics spanned over 40 years. He even ran for University of Colorado regent in 1994 and served as the assistant vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University) in Grand Junction. Richard raised his family on the Western Slope, and his son Ryan (Bus’96) was admitted to �山�� in the 1990s, continuing the legacy started by his father and uncle nearly three decades prior.

Ryan’s daughter, Alexandra (Bus’28), is the latest Baca family member to become a Buff. She moved into student housing at �山��’s Cheyenne Arapaho Hall in fall 2024. Like her father, Alexandra was admitted to the Presidents Leadership Class, which Ryan said was key to his success as a student and later as a management professional. The university also offered her scholarships from the Latinx Association and the Business and Engineering Women in Leadership program.

“I don’t know another place I would want to go to for a university experience,” Bernal said. “My brother was the one who showed me the way, and he was able to teach his own son and granddaughter the same thing. I love it.”

While Richard, Ryan and Alexandra each experienced the university in different eras, they’re united by their love for the beautiful campus, �山��’s ever-evolving cultural scene and their love for Colorado Buffaloes football.

The legacy they continue to nurture is one we know Alexandra’s late abuela would definitely be proud of.

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Have a �山�� family legacy to share? Email us at editor@colorado.edu with your story.

�山�� is involved in several programs in Trinidad, Colorado. Visit the Office for Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship for more information.

Illustration by Emiliano Ponzi; Photo courtesy Richard Baca

Attending �山�� changed Bernal Baca's life and sparked a multi-generational family legacy.

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Spring 2025

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Introducing �山��'s Alumni Weekend

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:22:46 +0000

Introducing �山��'s Alumni Weekend Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 13:22

On April 5–7, �山�� is launching Alumni Weekend, an event where former classmates and fellow Forever Buffs can reminisce on old memories while creating new ones during campus tours, �山�� excursions and plenty of opportunities to network and socialize over meals and happy hours. This inaugural weekend will include reunions for graduates from 2020, 2015,

1985 and 1975 and the Golden Anniversary Club, which is for those who graduated 50 years ago and earlier. Participants also are invited to extend their campus visit and attend �山��’s Conference on World Affairs, a cost-free event April 7–10.

Register for Alumni Weekend.

A New Alumni Volunteer Experience

The �山�� Alumni Association is revamping its volunteer experience, starting with an updated online platform to connect alumni and friends to a broader range of CU-related volunteer opportunities. Forever Buffs can host or help at events, mentor alumni or current students, and support �山�� initiatives. Alumni are also invited to host events in their local areas, further strengthening the Forever Buffs community and fostering deeper connections with each other across the globe.

Learn more about volunteering.

Buffs Give Back

April is National Volunteer Month! Join Forever Buffs across the country to make an impact in your community through Buffs Give Back. Last year, over 700 alumni, family and friends volunteered on behalf of �山�� through scholarship reading, outdoor clean-up, event planning and mentoring programs. This year, there are plenty of opportunities during the month of April for alumni to get involved.

Find more information.

Scholarship Impact

For the 2024–25 academic year, the Alumni Association, chapters and clubs awarded $317,250 in scholarships, benefitting 204 students. Alumni volunteers and donors make these scholarships possible, which help cover the cost of attendance at �山�� and create lasting opportunities for students across academic disciplines.

Learn more about scholarships.

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Photo by Ian Scott

2025 Trips

Istanbul and the Turquoise Coast

Sept. 10–20, 2025

Flavors of Tuscany

Oct. 2–10, 2025

Patagonia and Chilean Fjords

Oct. 22–Nov. 2, 2025

Egypt and the Eternal Nile

Oct. 31–Nov. 14, 2025

Iceland and Northern Lights

Nov. 15–23, 2025

For more information about the Roaming Buffs travel program, email roamingbuffstravel@colorado.edu, call 303-492-8484 or visit here.

�山�� is launching Alumni Weekend from April 5-7.

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Spring 2025

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How Alumni Keep Their �山�� Bonds Strong as Forever Buffs

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:34:29 +0000

How Alumni Keep Their �山�� Bonds Strong as Forever Buffs Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:34

April Driver

For many �山�� alumni, the university is more than just the location of their college experiences. It’s a part of their lives today. They want other CU students and alumni to experience this deeper connection too, starting with embracing themselves as “Forever Buffs.”

“Your journey as a Forever Buff begins when you enroll on campus,” said Ryan Chreist (Kines’96,MPubAd’09), Alumni Association executive director. “The day you graduate, you join the larger Forever Buffs community of over 300,000 who live all over the world. It is a way to have a relationship with the university and your fellow alumni for life.”

For alumni like Rochelle Maki-Williams (Psych’96; ExecMBA’11), being a Forever Buff means more than staying actively involved with the university — it means nurturing future generations of Buffs. Since 2011, Maki-Williams has volunteered for the �山�� Alumni Association, the CU Athletic Department and Buffalo Belles, a group dedicated to supporting CU Athletics. As a Denver Forever Buffs chapter leader, she’s also helped raise scholarship money for local high school students.

Maki-Williams’ bond with CU is personal. It’s where she met her husband, T.H. Williams (A&S’95; ExecMBA, MFin’04), built lasting friendships and created cherished memories.

“Being a Forever Buff is something I live every day,” she said.

For Royer Lopez (Mktg’18), “being a Forever Buff is about creating endless possibilities — for yourself and others.”

His involvement is wide-ranging. He holds roles on the Leeds GOLD Board and the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, volunteers as a Leeds School of Business mentor and helps host reunions for the Multicultural Greek Council. Plus, he attends every CU football home game with his family.

Through his many CU connections, he aims to create a broader impact and ensure that future Buffs have expanded opportunities. Lopez, a first-generation college student, is passionate about helping other first-generation students and often recruits interns from Leeds.

For Maki-Williams and Lopez, being a Forever Buff is more than a point of pride — it’s a lifelong commitment to give back, stay connected and make an impact.

Become involved with the Alumni Association to connect with other Forever Buffs. Visit colorado.edu/alumni/volunteer.

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Photo courtesy Rochelle Maki-Williams

�山�� alumni stay connected to the university through lifelong involvement, giving back and supporting future generations of Buffs.

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Spring 2025

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Shared Wisdom, Shared Success: FBN Mentorship in Action

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:15:06 +0000

Shared Wisdom, Shared Success: FBN Mentorship in Action Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:15

April Driver

When Karen Shimamoto (Bio’07) first heard about the Forever Buffs Network (FBN) Mentorship Program, she knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to give back and support a fellow Buff. The program offers a unique opportunity to connect with other Buffs through a guided mentor–mentee relationship.

Shimamoto was paired with Gennah Penalosa (Fin’23), a recent graduate who joined the program looking for help in navigating her new career.

“The program was the perfect opportunity to guide me,” said Penalosa. “In looking through the various alumni profiles, I was astonished to see the diversity of ethnicities, careers, interests and other identities across the community.”

For Shimamoto and Penalosa, one of the biggest benefits of the mentorship program has been the opportunity to see the world through each other’s eyes.

“She has taught me so much. Her approaches to professional and personal situations have helped me widen my perspectives and find ways to be more inclusive,” said Shimamoto.

The FBN Mentorship Program offers participants prompts and guided activities to help make the meetings more comfortable and intentional. For example, one prompt that Shimamoto and Penalosa had was to do a learning activity together. They chose to listen to a podcast episode on leadership in the professional setting which focused on women of color. After listening, they discussed their shared experiences as women of color and the different ways in which they approach leadership. The activity helped them learn about each other and deepen their relationship.

“It’s truly an honor to understand how a recent graduate is experiencing and navigating the workforce,” said Shimamoto. “She is also helping me understand how I can advocate, encourage and uplift women of color professionals.”

Whether as a mentor or mentee, you can expand your knowledge and grow with a fellow Buff. Learn more about how to apply for the mentorship program here.

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Photo courtesy Karen Shimamoto and Gennah Penalosa

When Karen Shimamoto (Bio’07) first heard about the Forever Buffs Network (FBN) Mentorship program, she knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to give back — but it ended up being so much more.

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Fall 2024

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Alumni Awards: Celebrating the Legacy of Forever Buffs

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Alumni Awards: Celebrating the Legacy of Forever Buffs Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

April Driver

CU’s annual Alumni Awards shine a spotlight on high-achieving Buffs who demonstrate excellence, from professional achievements to philanthropic generosity and innovative research.

Each year, a volunteer committee and the Alumni Association review nominations submitted by alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members to select winners for the six award categories.

“Winning this award is not just a personal honor, but a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of community and education on individual success,” said Stephen Hatfield (Bus’96), winner of the 2023 Leanne Skupa-Lee Award and a leader in the �山�� Forever Buffs chapter.

The 2024 winners, announced in May, include Paul Beddie (IntlAf’89) and Penny E. Patterson (Geol’76; MS’81; PhD’90) for the Alumni Recognition Award, Benny Shendo Jr. (OrgMgmt’87) and Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IntlAf’93) for the George Norlin Award, Joseph Arora (Mgmt’12) for the Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Graduate Award, D.B. Wilson (Hist, Mktg’75) for the Leanne Skupa-Lee Award, Chancellor Phil DiStefano, Reiland Rabaka and Christopher Pacheco (Bio’88; MEdu’16) for the Robert L. Stearns Award, and Manasa Kolavennu (MDataSci’24) and Sydney Strecker (Fin, Phil’24) for the Forever Buffs Student Award.

The awards highlight that alumni can continue their Buff legacy long after graduation. Hatfield continued: “It reaffirms my commitment to uphold and advance the values that define our shared experiences and aspirations at the University of Colorado."

The recognition culminates with the Alumni Awards ceremony and dinner during Homecoming. It’s an evening of inspiring stories, shared accomplishments, community connection and CU pride.

“We recognize and honor outstanding individuals in our Forever Buffs family. I am always awestruck by the impressive accomplishments and superb character of our award winners. It is a night that makes you proud to be a Buff!” said Ryan Chreist (Kines’96; MPubAd’09), assistant vice chancellor of Alumni and Constituent Engagement and executive director of the Alumni Association.

Visit www.colorado.edu/homecoming to register for the celebration.

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Photos by Stephanie Yves

CU’s annual Alumni Awards shine a spotlight on high-achieving Buffs who demonstrate excellence, from professional achievements to philanthropic generosity and innovative research.

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CU's Precollegiate Development Program Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

CU's Precollegiate Development Program Celebrates its 40th Anniversary Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Christie Sounart

This July, �山��’s Precollegiate Development Program (PCDP) celebrates its 40-year anniversary. The program gives social and academic resources to Colorado middle and high school students — particularly first-generation students who live in geographically diverse communities — to help them prepare and succeed at the post-secondary institution of their choice.

Over the past 40 years, PCDP has helped approximately 1,800 student and family participants from 60 middle and high schools. Ninety-eight percent of them attended college (73 percent at �山��). In 2003, the program’s success led to a partnership with the Roaring Fork Valley School District to create the state’s first rural precollegiate partnership program. In 2009, �山�� helped create a similar program in Colorado’s Summit County School District.

Here, five PCDP alumni speak out about their experiences.

Tyler Ting (BioChem; MechEngr’15)
Director of Regulatory Affairs at Avio Medtech Consulting
Carbondale, Colorado

“The precollegiate program gave me a lot of confidence that, despite the fact I was a first-generation student, I would have the tools and resources to succeed. Also, I was introduced to two of my lifelong mentors, Herb and Kate Feinzig, through the program.”

Hon. Joseph A. Salazar (Soc’93)
Chief Legal Counsel for Adams 14 School District
Thornton Colorado

“The first day of the summer program, my dad expressed his astonishment that his son was going to attend college classes at �山��. He hadn’t finished high school. He was a printer. He grew up in the San Luis Valley, Denver and Brighton. What did he know about this world? His first visit was my third, and I saw myself in his expressions. I was so damn happy that my dad was excited about this journey. My mama was excited, too. She is a fiercely strong woman, and she was my guiding light to seize this moment and do something with it.”

Estefania Vigil (Acct’13)
Financial Reporting and Technical Accounting Wenior Manager at EY
Basalt, Colorado

“The program provided me with the resources necessary to make attending a higher education institution an attainable goal, as well as provided a lifelong mentor whom I can still call upon for advice. I also currently hold a position on the precollegiate advisory board as it instilled in me the desire to pay it forward in the form of mentorship.”

Wenming Ye (CompSci’99; MS’00)
Senior Product Manager Lead for Google Cloud
�山��, Colorado

“My family immigrated to the United States in 1992. We lived off Folsom Street, and I was curious about college life and research work that was done at �山��. The PCDP program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the university system, enabling me to navigate the campus more effectively two years later. Most notably, it led to a system administration job with the director of the Center for Integrated Plasma Studies, where I developed a keen interest in high-performance computing systems. This interest played a crucial role in securing positions with the Microsoft HPC team and later at Microsoft Research, where I developed strong interest in machine learning and deep learning.”

Nicole Lucero-Holub (OrgMgmt’93)
Vice President of Human Resources for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Englewood, Colorado

“PCDP gave me the opportunity to experience the challenges of college-level coursework, prepare for the ACT and gain exposure to campus living. I had comfort knowing that I wasn't alone on campus as there were other PCDP graduates and friends, program staff and mentors, and not to mention Hispanic alumni that I’d get to meet at alumni events. … My mom always taught me that through my success I have a responsibility to pay it forward to our Hispanic community. After my freshman year in college, I became a counselor at the CU Denver Precollegiate program in 1989.”

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Illustrations by Ryan Olbyrsh

This July, �山��’s Precollegiate Development Program (PCDP) gives social and academic resources to Colorado middle and high school students — particularly first-generation students who live in geographically diverse communities — to help them prepare and succeed at the post-secondary institution of their choice.

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�山�� Chapters and Clubs: A Way to Engage

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

�山�� Chapters and Clubs: A Way to Engage Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/04/2024 - 00:00

Vanessa Lopez (EthnicSt, Mgmt’09) has been involved with the Forever Buffs Latinx club since 2017. She most enjoys the friendships she’s made with other members.

“Being able to reconnect with fellow Latinx Buffs and leading the way for future Latinx Buffs has been a great way to re-engage with the CU community,” she said.

She wants other alumni to get involved too. Several CU chapters and affinity-based clubs are located around the country. The groups hold events such as football and basketball watch parties, volunteering opportunities and networking events. Leadership opportunities are also available for the organizations and can involve being part of a board, reviewing scholarship applications or volunteering at events.

“I have loved leading the Washington, D.C., chapter because it has introduced my wife Kristen (Psych’92) and me to Forever Buffs of all ages — from 22 to 82 — and has allowed us to build a community in the D.C. metro area that also includes students, parents and friends of CU,” said Dale Farrand (AeroEngr’93), who has been a part of the D.C. chapter since 2015 and served as its leader for nearly 3 years.

The �山�� Alumni Association offers planning and event support to chapters and clubs. Find out more about getting involved here.

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Photo courtesy Forever Buffs Washington D.C.

Several CU chapters and affinity-based clubs are located around the country. The groups hold events such as football and basketball watch parties, volunteering opportunities and networking events.

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Spring 2024

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“I Feel CU In My Heart”

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 23:13:45 +0000

“I Feel CU In My Heart” Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 02/14/2024 - 16:13

Christie Sounart

Yuka Hasegawa (ChinLang&Lit MIntlEdu), who graduated in the 1990s, lives in Japan and splits her time between Tokyo and Yokohama. She is vice chair of the alumni chapter in Japan, Forever Buffs Tokyo, which for more than two decades has hosted alumni, students, faculty and staff from �山�� for events, internships and career opportunities. In January, she was part of a CU Global Ambassadors event in Tokyo which hosted more than 80 alumni.

How long have you been involved with �山��?

I’ve had an ongoing relationship with �山�� for over 35 years. While at CU, I was one of the starting members of the Japanese Student Association, Japanese Movie Club and other Japan-related food and culture clubs. The opportunity to be passionate and deeply involved in teaching language and culture was luckily expanded for me as I became a teaching assistant when completing the professional teacher license program in teaching Japanese through the Colorado Department of Education, and then an instructor (visiting professor) in the Japanese department (known as East Asian Languages and Literature at that time). It was a privilege for me to have now-Chancellor Philip DiStefano as my dean of the School of Education. And my scholarship from CU for Semester at Sea helped broaden my view for the immense value of a cross-cultural education.

Why did you get involved in the Japan alumni chapter?

I’ve been involved in the alumni chapter for more than 20 years. It has been my dream to be a bridge between the U.S. and Japan since I was a child. I spent my childhood and early education with my parents in New York — that’s where the motivation started. These memories and experiences made me want to receive a higher education degree in the U.S.

I had the life-changing fortune of getting to know �山�� and CU thanks to my father, an engineer who at one time was assigned to work for a company in �山��. When I spent a whole summer with him, a young woman who was a CU student and who worked at the front desk of the hotel we stayed at showed me around the campus. I was impressed by the beauty of the huge campus and by the vibrant student life, and fell in love with �山�� instantly. That was when my tie with CU started.

These childhood and CU experiences made me want to contribute back because of the hospitality that I received from the U.S. It is such a rewarding and humbling experience for me to not only benefit the Buffs we help, but it also enriches my life in countless ways. I feel CU in my heart. Making someone happy makes me happy. It’s truly fulfilling and heartwarming. That becomes the source of my energy.

What sort of connections have you made with other chapter members during this time?

In Japan, we have hosted alums, scholars and students and high school students who may go to CU in many different cultural enrichment activities. A good example was when we hosted the inaugural visit of students and faculty from Leeds Business School in May 2016. About 30 students were hosted by the very first Fulbright Scholar from Japan after WWII, Mr. Akira Horie (MMktg’54), who connected us to the Japanese global company Mitsubishi. And, in 2018, to serve Buffs better, I obtained an official tour conductor license in Japan to help show them around the city and visit businesses. It is my wish to continuously be of assistance to CU.

Does a particular event that involved CU stand out to you?

I enjoy supporting alumni meetings or parties through the chapter and accommodating staff or scholars visiting Japan. It is a special honor for me to be involved in CU chancellor or president visits. Collaborating with CU, working together to create a tie with the U.S. and Japan and, most importantly, being of assistance during their stay in Japan are the most delightful events of my life.

Why is a global presence important for �山�� to have?

Each cultural exchange can be one that is given on a grassroots level. These exchanges not only enrich our own lives, but it also contributes to a bigger global presence. We can broaden our horizons and foster mutual respect deeply. We can share knowledge, exchange ideas and it deepens our understanding of each other. I respect and cherish this philosophy. This is my lifelong work that I wish to continue forever.

Photo by Brian Scott Peterson

Yuka Hasegawa is vice chair of the alumni chapter in Japan, Forever Buffs Tokyo, which for more than two decades has hosted alumni, students, faculty and staff from �山�� for events, internships and career opportunities. In January, she was part of a CU Global Ambassadors event in Tokyo which hosted more than 80 alumni.

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�山�� Alum Part of First All-Black Team to Summit Mount Everest

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

�山�� Alum Part of First All-Black Team to Summit Mount Everest Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/07/2022 - 00:00

Cheyenne Smith

Former CU decathlete Eddie Taylor (BioChem, Math’12) admits he never expected to stand on the summit of Mount Everest — especially as part of the first all-Black team to attempt the expedition.

Organized by veteran alpinist Phil Henderson of Cortez, Colorado, Taylor summited the tallest mountain on Earth in May 2022 alongside seven other athletes and 12 Sherpa guides on a team called the Full Circle Expedition. Under the mentorship of Henderson, the team’s accomplishment nearly doubled the number of Black climbers to summit Everest. Previously, less than 10 Black climbers had reached the summit out of thousands of others.

As someone who didn’t have climbing mentors he could relate to, Henderson — the first Black American instructor at NOLS [National Outdoor Leadership School] — said of the feat: “It came full circle.”

Invitation to Everest

Taylor grew up in the Midwest, where he enjoyed running track while getting his mountain fix on family trips to northern New Mexico and various national parks. When it came time to choose a university, the appeal of the well-known track and field team, innovative community and beautiful Colorado weather was a no-brainer: �山�� was the perfect fit. Taylor double-majored in math and biochemistry, all while competing in the decathlon.

“The Buffs are a legendary sports team,” Taylor said. “I was a walk-on, and the opportunity was amazing.”

Taylor’s experience reinforced what it meant to train hard and find success in chosen objectives. After graduating from CU, a friend invited Taylor to go rock climbing, and a light switched: “I went all in,” he said. Taylor became a strong, competent climber and mountaineer, and where he once had track goals, he was now setting goals in the mountains.

In early 2021, Taylor met Henderson at a dog park in Ouray, Colorado, when both were in town to ice climb. The two sparked a conversation and saw each other around the town’s infamous ice climbing park. Henderson took notice of Taylor’s impressive climbing ability and mountain sense. When Henderson began finalizing his Full Circle team in 2021, he invited Taylor to join.

Spearheaded by Henderson, Taylor and the rest of the team — Moanoah Ainuu, Fred Campbell, Abby Dione, KG Kagambi, Thomas Moore, Dom Mullins and Rosemary Saal — raised over $800,000 for the expedition as they began their training.

To train, Taylor stayed true to his weekly routine: climbing outside three to four days a week, coaching track at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, Colorado, and getting out to Rocky Mountain National Park to climb or ski on the weekends.

The Summit

The team traveled to Nepal in March 2022, embarking on a 70-day expedition up the southwest ridge of Everest. After hiking 25 miles to Everest’s base camp (17,400 feet), Taylor and the Full Circle team spent a few days acclimating and preparing for the ascent. Henderson, who did not attempt the summit, remained at base camp.

From base camp, the team spent many rotations successively climbing higher to acclimatize to high altitude, eventually making it to Camp 3 at more than 22,000 feet. On May 12, the team staggered hiking times and pushed for the summit at their own pace.

Where he once had track goals, he was now setting goals in the mountains.

During a good weather window, Taylor stumbled out of his tent around 9 p.m., wearing an oxygen mask, down suit and pack. He saw a line of headlamps heading up the mountain and “put one foot in front of the other and started plodding toward the trail,” he said.

“Soon enough, I caught up to the traffic,” he said. “I was cold, so I did what I knew how to do best; I unclipped and started passing folks.”

At midnight, Taylor and Pasang Ngima Sherpa were among the first at a resting place known as the Balcony. At 2:40 a.m. Taylor and Pasang stepped onto the highest point on Earth. The summit of Everest was dark, short and sweet. Taylor snapped a blurry photo and quickly turned back to begin a safe descent and eat a hot meal.

“The summit didn’t mean that much to me, but what the expedition means is very important,” said Taylor.

The seven other Full Circle team members also summited on May 12, officially reshaping the future of mountaineering. The team’s accomplishment was featured in USA Today, Outside magazine, National Geographic, CNN and more.

“Our goal here is to help folks aspire to have a profound and respectful relationship with the outdoors and feel not entitled to it, but welcome to it. If you see it can be done, you can do it right,” said Full Circle team member, Abby Dione, in a CNN interview.

Bringing It Full Circle

As it did for Henderson, the experience has come full circle for Taylor.

Just as Taylor prepared for Everest is how he returns from Everest — continuing his daily routine. Taylor continues teaching at Centaurus and coaching track after school. He travels to the mountains in his free time and plans to climb in Yosemite National Park next season.

“I just love giving back, taking my knowledge and giving it to the kids in the up-and-coming community,” Taylor said.

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Photo by Amrit Ale

Former CU decathlete Eddie Taylor admits he never expected to stand on the summit of Mount Everest — especially as part of the first all-Black team to attempt the expedition.

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Alumni Association News Fall 2021

Anonymous — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Alumni Association News Fall 2021 Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 11/05/2021 - 00:00

Host an Event at Koenig

Forever Buffs can rent the historic Koenig Alumni Center for both large and small-scale events — weddings, graduation ceremonies, retirement parties, retreats and more. The ground level of the historic house and its back deck were recently renovated to better serve gatherings of all sizes.

Jordan Geiger (Mgmt’11) and his wife Lindsey Vencill can attest — the couple held their wedding at Koenig in 2021. According to Lindsey, it was a “magical night.” CU mascot Chip even made an appearance.

“Jordan had always dreamed of getting married on campus,” said Lindsey. “�山�� is a very special place to us, and Koenig encompassed the history and charm that we wanted for our wedding day.”

Alumni receive a 10% discount when booking the venue.

CU Lights up the Zoo

On Nov. 21, head to the Denver Zoo for the annual CU Night at Zoo Lights event. This year, a portion of the registration proceeds will be devoted to funding student scholarships. CU invites Forever Buffs and their families to join this annual tradition and enjoy a sneak peek at the Zoo Lights before it opens to the general public. Tickets include admission to Zoo Lights and photo opportunities with mascot Chip.

Join the Volunteer Network

As part of the �山�� Alumni Volunteer Network, your time and talents can help students, alumni and community members locally and around the world — all while bettering the university. Interested in volunteering at Forever Buffs events nationwide? Learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Forever Buffs Spotlights

�山�� alumni are impacting the world through their work. With the Forever Buffs Spotlight event series, you can hear stories about the impact Buffs are making everywhere. Past events have featured legendary climber Emily Harrington (IntlAf ’07), Oscar-nominated producer Michael Scheuerman (MTeleCom’95) and Olympic Bronze medalists Jenny Simpson (Econ, PolSci’09) and Emma Coburn (Mktg’13).

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Photos courtesy of �山�� Alumni Association

Renovation of the Koenig Alumni Center, CU Night at Zoo Lights and more.

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