Alumni Association Events: At a Glance

Veterans Day

To enlighten Upper School students, parents, and faculty, Leah Blake (Grade 10) hosted an alumni panel discussion featuring three alumni: Annelise Agelopoulos ’22, in her first year at West Point; Colin Gumm ’94, veteran of Kosovo and Iraq; and Maggie Sherrill Nicklas ’12, Air Force F-16 pilot.

Care Packages for the Class of 2022

A decades-long tradition brought cheer to CA alumni in the Class of 2022 when care packages arrived in their college mailboxes just prior to their first final exams. In most cases, the package contained a really special treat: a personal greeting card from their Kindergarten Buddy.

Skating Party

Alumni and their families set a new record for attendance at the annual Alumni Skating Party. The widespread appeal of the event was evident, as alumni who have attended for two decades welcomed new families. Many young alumni came solo or with classmates, including some who stayed until the rink closed, playing broomball and hockey. The Skate House kitchen worked overtime bringing tray upon tray of family-friendly food and replenishing the ice cream sundae bar frequently. This was, in fact, the best Skating Party yet, with the most fun being time spent catching up with friends.

College Alumni Lunch

Back on campus after a three-year pandemic absence, alumni from the Classes of 2019 through 2022 joined faculty, coaches, and current students in the Campus Center for lunch on January 5, 2023. Stories from college, extracurricular activities, and Winter Break brought back the familiar CA community camaraderie.

College Alumni Panel

In January 2023, Senior Class Dean Gabe Bernstein, along with the College Office, hosted an alumni panel for current Seniors, held in the Schotters Music Center. In attendance were seven CA alumni, all currently in college, who provided a wealth of perspective. Enormous thanks to this year’s panelists for sharing their time and wisdom: Makayla Sileo ’19 (University of Colorado Boulder), Juliet Cramer ’20

(Macalester College), Erick Hernandez ’22 (Gonzaga University), Michael Malley ’22 (Indiana University), Jaden (JJ) Moore ’22 (Harvard University), Cooper Quatrochi ’22 (Colorado College), and Connor Wolfe ’22 (Vanderbilt University).

Thank You Alumni Association Board!

The Alumni Board administers the activities of the Colorado Academy Alumni Association and upholds its Bylaws and Mission Statement. The Alumni Board helps plan alumni events, focuses on diversity, equality, inclusion, and justice within the alumni community, raises funds for the Alumni CA Fund (Annual Campaign), and represents CA and the Alumni Association in the community.

A special thanks to our officers: President Zach Tucker ’01, VP of Development Emma Harrington Kane ’07, VP of School Relations Katie Cordes ’03, and Co-VPs of Special Events Jared Harding ’97 and Andrew Bourke ’04.

Thank you also to the committees who worked hard this year.

DEIJ: Caroline Cramer ’11, Lisa Harrison Ellsworth ’79, Elsa Woolley Harberg ’11,

Jared Harding ’97, Isabel Gary Harper ’09, Emma Harrington Kane ’07, Marcus King-Stockton ’04, Natalie Newcom Ralston ’99, Evan Simmons ’06, Terrie Dickinson Warren ’73, and facilitator Aaron Green ’05. A mentoring committee initiated our first steps and will continue efforts next year: Andrew Bourke ’04, Sarah Goodyear ’06, Elsa Woolley Harberg ’11, Brian Pushchak ’04, and Dan Roller ’99. n

Back-to-School Night Returns

The Alumni Office said farewell to virtual events this year and hosted its eighth inperson Back-to-School Night in February, following a three-year pandemic break. Alumni, alumni parents, and current and former faculty enrolled in a variety of classes. Gathering in the Froelicher Upper School for a light supper, guests greeted friends and former classmates to socialize a bit before heading to their classes.

Thank you to the Back-to-School Night presenters who shared their knowledge and expertise for the event this year: Abel Ramirez ’16, Jenni Hohensee Skeen ’97, Dr. Mike Davis, Elissa Wolf-Tinsman, Marcia Richards, Beth Folsom, Georgia Grey ’08, Dr. Jon Vogels, Jim Milavec and his wife Maureen Holland, Ben Hock ’07, Charles Coleman, and Bill Elder, Sr.

1960s Alumni Meet in the Desert

On a balmy evening in March, alumni who live full or part time in Arizona met for a happy hour in Phoenix, for several convivial hours of spirited conversation. Attending were Jeff ’68 and Kim Baker, Don ’69 and Jana Dodge, John ’69 and Kim Mullins, and John ’64 and Meredith Sullivan. Catching up on each other’s lives, introducing spouses, and reminiscing about campus life during the 1960s was on the agenda. Fond memories and humorous stories about Head of School Chuck Froelicher and other alumni and faculty who have passed on were shared. All affirmed their gratitude for the lifelong friendships first formed at Colorado Academy. Particular thanks go to Don and Jana Dodge for their assistance in planning the event.

A Conversation with Collinus Newsome

What makes a strong, cohesive school a community? What does it take for a school to achieve a culture of belonging? How can I contribute to that goal?

These were all questions discussed on an April evening at CA’s REDI Lab, located in the Mariposa neighborhood of Denver. The thoughtful conversation with CA Alumni Board members and local alumni was led by CA’s Director of Culture and Community, Collinus Newsome.

Annual Alumni Career Panel

The annual Alumni Career Panel is a highlight of the spring Senior Launch Week, when soon-to-be Colorado Academy graduates participate in workshops and activities that encourage them to look ahead to college and