May 2024 Commencement Ceremony

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Dear Graduate,

One of the greatest honors for the University of Colorado Board of Regents, the institution’s governing board, is to be part of this commencement ceremony. Your success is a success for us all. Your degree is a measure not only of an accomplishment of dedication and talent, but also notice to the world that you have the skill and discipline to contribute greatly to any endeavor you pursue.

This commencement ceremony, like every University of Colorado graduation since 1935, will close with the reading of the Norlin Charge. As originally expressed by former CU President George Norlin in 1935, graduation “marks your initiation in the fullest sense of the fellowship of the University, as bearers of her torch, as centers of her influence, and as promoters of her spirit.” Welcome to the ranks of CU’s alumni family, which is over 475,000 strong. Congratulations on achieving this milestone. Well done and well earned!

Cordially,

The Regents of the University of Colorado

Back Row: Callie Rennison, Chair, District 2 (Boulder), Mark VanDriel, District 8 (Greely), Frank McNulty, District 4 (Castle Rock), Wanda James, District 1 (Denver), Glen Gallegos, District 3 (Grand Junction)

Front Row: Nolbert Chavez, District 7 (Lakewood), Ken Montera, Vice Chair, District 5 (Colorado Springs), Lesley Smith, Regent at Large (Boulder), Illana Dubin Spiegel, District 6 (Highlands Ranch)

SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

10:00 A.M. MORNING CEREMONY ORDER OF EXERCISES — PAGE 14

2:30 P.M. AFTERNOON CEREMONY ORDER OF EXERCISES PAGE 28

BROADMOOR WORLD ARENA MAP AND SECURITY INFORMATION — PAGE 49

REAL-TIME CAPTIONING

All spoken information during both ceremonies will be captioned and made available to follow along in real time from a personal, mobile device. To access this service and follow along during the ceremony, open the browser on your mobile device and enter the following website: uccs.edu/cc. Please keep in mind that data rates from your personal device may apply. Venue Wi-Fi is not available. Captioning Services provided by: Verbit.ai

May 10, 2024

Congratulations, graduates! Today marks a major milestone in your lives. With your University of Colorado degree, you’re well-positioned for the future regardless of which path you choose from here. The entire CU community celebrates you and your achievement, and is rooting for your continued success.

You’re now part of an extraordinary network of CU alumni making significant contributions to their communities, the state of Colorado, the nation and the world. As a fellow CU alum, I have experienced firsthand the transformative effects of a CU education. I know yours will serve you well.

Among the many things you’ve learned during your time at CU is the value of hard work, perseverance, being open to different perspectives, and self-awareness in achieving your goals. Throughout your educational journey you’ve also undoubtedly benefited from others’ support. I urge you to pay this forward. Helping others – in any capacity – is among the most rewarding things you can do in life, and it enables you to be a force of good in the world.

On behalf of the CU community, I wish you success and fulfillment now and in the years to come. Again, congratulations.

All the best,

Todd Saliman President, University of Colorado

May 10, 2024

Today, the entire university community comes together in celebration of the achievements of the class of 2024. We gather to celebrate your academic success and to honor the extraordinary journeys you have undertaken to reach this pivotal milestone. We are confident UCCS has prepared you to thrive in a complex and fast-changing world.

And we know you have not arrived at this achievement alone. Your peers stand beside you and your support system of family and friends will cheer from the stands.

As you step forth into the world as graduates of UCCS, you carry with you the lessons you have learned both inside and outside the classroom. The knowledge you have acquired here is not merely a set of facts and figures; it is a foundation upon which you will build your future. But remember that learning is a lifelong journey, and your capacity to adapt and grow will be your greatest asset.

Your graduation today is not the end; it is the start of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities. After all, “commencement” means “beginning.” Devote yourselves to becoming lifelong learners and creative problem solvers. And remember to always keep a curious mind.

This is your moment, graduates. I have every confidence that you will continue to make us proud as you embark on the exciting journey ahead. Congratulations, Class of 2024!

With pride and great respect,

Jennifer Sobanet Chancellor

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) commits to acknowledging the land on which we reside. We honor our Native Indigenous communities past, present, and emerging, and recognize the original inhabitants and traditional guardians of what is now Colorado Springs.

We honor this land as the ancestral home of the ‘Nuuchiu’, which includes the Northern Ute, the Southern Ute, and the Ute Mountain Ute Peoples. The ‘Nuuchiu’ originally referred to Pike’s Peak as ‘Tava-kaavi’, or Sun Mountain, being the first peak of the Shining Mountains to see the sun’s rays.

We also recognize the many Indigenous Peoples in this region, including the Apache Nation, the Arapaho Nation, the Cheyenne Nation, the Comanche Tribe, and the Kiowa Tribe, and their historical and continuing relationships as stewards of this land.

Land acknowledgments do not exist in the past or as historical context. Colonialism is a current and ongoing practice, and thus we remain mindful of its present impacts. As an institution of higher education, we share the responsibility to actively listen, reflect, and center the histories and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples.

In community, we will work to dismantle the tragic and oppressive systems that displaced Native Peoples and commit to promoting Indigenous visibility and re-indigenizing our spaces.

CU SYSTEMWIDE LANDS RECOGNITION STATEMENT

As we gather, we honor and acknowledge that the University of Colorado’s four campuses are on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute, Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, Lakota, Pueblo and Shoshone Nations. Further, we acknowledge the 48 contemporary tribal nations historically tied to the lands that comprise what is now called Colorado.

Acknowledging that we live in the homelands of Indigenous peoples recognizes the original stewards of these lands and their legacies. With this land acknowledgment, we celebrate the many contributions of Native peoples to the fields of medicine, mathematics, government and military service, arts, literature, engineering and more. We also recognize the sophisticated and intricate knowledge systems Indigenous peoples have developed in relationship to their lands.

We recognize and affirm the ties these nations have to their traditional homelands and the many Indigenous people who thrive in this place, alive and strong. We also acknowledge the painful history of ill treatment and forced removal that has had a profoundly negative impact on Native nations.

We respect the many diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land. We honor them and thank the indigenous ancestors of this place. The University of Colorado pledges to provide educational opportunities for Native students, faculty and staff and advance our mission to understand the history and contemporary lives of Native peoples.

GOLDEN AND SILVER GRADUATES

In 2012, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs began a new Commencement tradition for two very special groups of alumni — our Golden and Silver Graduates. These alumni graduated 50 and 25 years ago, respectively, and helped build the foundation of what our university has become today. We are honored to recognize the classes of 1974 and 1999 at our 2024 Commencement ceremonies — Golden Graduates are recognized at the Spring ceremonies, and Silver Graduates are recognized during the Summer/Fall ceremony.

UCCS operated as an extension of the Boulder campus from 1965 - 1971. In 1974, UCCS graduates were finally recognized in Colorado Springs.

In 1997 a Colorado Springs community referendum merged the city-owned Beth-El College of Nursing, founded in 1904, with UCCS.

Dressed in gold regalia, alumni of the Class of 1974 will lead the 2024 graduates during the afternoon ceremony processional.

Class of 1974 Attendees — 2:30 Ceremony

College of Business and Administration

Robert R. Chandler

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Michael P. Lohman

College of Letters, Arts & Sciences

Gayle Kathleen Berardi

Ronald Martwick

Tom Segady

Sue M. Sumter Williams

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

In 2009, the UCCS administration decided to showcase a graduate as the main speaker during the Spring Commencement ceremonies. They chose to designate the speaker honor to the recipients of the Student Achievement Award.

The Student Achievement Award is an annual award that has been in existence since 1982. It is presented during the annual Campus Awards Ceremony to two students who have excelled in one or both of the following areas:

• Made a significant personal accomplishment in conjunction with earning a degree (e.g., overcame a personal barrier, or undertook a special student research project)

• Made a substantial contribution to the quality of student life at UCCS (e.g. served with a student organization, launched a new program or group)

This year’s speakers are:

Christian Ruiz (10:00 Ceremony)

Christian Ruiz is graduating with a Bachelor of Innovation in Game Design and Development. Returning to UCCS after a brief hiatus following his initial experience in 2016, Christian reignited his academic and creative pursuits post-COVID-19 with a fervent resolve. His journey back to academia was fueled by the realization of the paramount importance of following one’s creative passions and the value of embracing challenges and opportunities to fulfill his creative potential and make a meaningful impact.

As the program coordinator and leading actor for the Clyde the Mountain Lion Mascot Program, Christian played a crucial role in rejuvenating this initiative, significantly enhancing school spirit and community involvement. His efforts were not solitary; alongside dedicated UCCS faculty and students, he helped reimagine Clyde’s role, ensuring the mascot became a symbol of unity and engagement across numerous campus events, including collegiate and club sports, Student Government Association gatherings, Student Life events, and initiatives with M.O.S.A.I.C. Beyond the campus, he extended Clyde’s reach into the community, participating in fun runs, fundraisers, school carnivals for at-risk children, community garden projects and parades, thereby weaving the mascot into the fabric of local engagement.

Christian’s engagement at UCCS wasn’t limited to the Mascot Program. His involvement spanned various domains, from hosting events, serving as Vice President of the Game Design Club, and producing the student-created game “Penguin Noir” to acting in student-produced theatre and performing with the UCCS Improv Troupe “The Trolley Problem.”

As he looks to the future, Christian is enthusiastic about continuing to explore new opportunities, take risks and learn from each experience. He believes in finding joy and creativity in challenges and aspires to inspire others through the art of video game design, a field he regards as one of the most innovative and engaging mediums of our time.

Celine Habimana (2:30 Ceremony)

Celine Habimana is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Celine is a first-generation graduate and has been involved on campus through the Chancellor’s Leadership Class, Student Life, Residence Life and Housing and as a Pay It Forward Scholar.

Over her four years at UCCS, she has been an integral part of campus by volunteering her time with various events, including as a facilitator for UCCS lead Game Changer and as a lead member for the UCCS Day of Service. She has also completed copious amounts of volunteer hours with the Care and Share Food Bank, Labor Day Lift Off, Cool Science Festival, Boo at the Zoo with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and others. She was also chosen as a speaker for the Student Leadership Conference, which is an event that focuses on leadership development.

Celine has also worked as a Student Engagement Leader with Student Life, where she served as a point of reference for new incoming students. She has also worked as a Resident Assistant with Residence Life and Housing, fostering a sense of belonging, individualism, growth and citizenship for UCCS students. Lastly, she has worked as a Patient Care Assistant, which has given her a great sense of preparation as she steps into the nursing field.

Celine believes in the maxim “live today like tomorrow’s desires” and attributes this mindset to all she has achieved. With each and every opportunity she pursued, she lived and believed it was already hers, and this is something she encourages others to do. After graduation, Celine will take a national licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse and hopes to eventually pursue graduate school. Celine is grateful to have been part of the Mountain Lion community and thanks everyone who has left a positive impact on her over the last four years.

In 2016, the Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 196. This bill established a pilot program to develop opportunities for inclusive higher education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our state. UCCS was one of the institutions given the opportunity to develop a pilot program because of our reputation for excellence and the expertise of the professors and staff in our college of education. The UCCS program is fully established and on-going within our College of Education. Students with disabilities who completed the 54-credit course of study program this spring will be recognized during the afternoon ceremony.

Grace Arnold Makena Bennewitz Katelyn Chesser Emerald Doyle

COLLEGES GONFALON BEARERS

Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences – Dr. Joey Lee College of Business and Administration – Dr. Matt Metzger College of Public Service – Dr. Cathy Simmons College of Education – Dr. Cortny Stark College of Engineering and Applied Science – Dr. Peter Gorder College of Letters, Arts & Sciences – Dr. Colin McAllister

UCCS ROTC COLOR GUARD PARTICIPANTS

Corey Cartrette Robert McCarron

Kevin Ovalle Katie Zender

MSG Ruben Baltierra SFC Arcos

MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

The University of Colorado is a public research university with multiple campuses serving Colorado, the nation and the world through leadership in high-quality education and professional training, public service, advancing research and knowledge, and state-of-the-art health care. Each campus has a distinct role and mission as provided by Colorado law.

(Laws of the Regents, Article 1, Part C. Adopted 02/11/2010.)

MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO COLORADO SPRINGS

The Colorado Springs campus of the University of Colorado shall be a comprehensive baccalaureate and specialized graduate research university with selective admission standards. The Colorado Springs campus shall offer liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and teacher preparation undergraduate degree programs, and a selected number of master’s and doctoral degree programs.

Colorado Revised Statutes. Senate Bill 11-204. Section 2. 23-20-101 (1) (c) Approved June 10, 2011.

VISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO COLORADO SPRINGS

UCCS, a premier comprehensive undergraduate and specialized graduate research university, provides students with academically rigorous and life-enriching experiences in a vibrant university community. We advance knowledge, integrate student learning with the spirit of discovery, and broaden access to higher education for the benefit of southern Colorado, the state, nation and world.

Photo by Gabby Hensley, Staff, 2024

From the baccalaureate address by President George Norlin, of the University of Colorado, June 1935. Portrait of University of Colorado President George Norlin taken by Charles Snow, January 27, 1931 Courtesy, CU Boulder Libraries, Collections of Distinction.

“You are now certified to the world at large as alumni of the university. She is your kindly mother and you her cherished sons and daughters.

This exercise denotes not your severance from her, but your union with her. Commencement does not mean, as many wrongly think, the breaking of ties and the beginning of a life apart. Rather it marks your initiation in the fullest sense into the fellowship of the university, as bearers of her torch, as centers of her influence, as promoters of her spirit.

The university is not the campus, not the buildings on the campus, nor the faculties, nor the students of any one time — not one of these or all of them. The university consists of all who come into and go forth from her halls, who are touched by her influence and who carry on her spirit. Wherever you go, the university goes with you. Wherever you are at work, there is the university at work.

What the university purposes to be, what it must always strive to be, is represented on its seal, which is stamped on your diplomas — a lamp in the hands of youth. If its light shines not in you and from you, how great is its darkness! But if it shines in you today, and in the thousands before you, who can measure its power?

With hope and faith, I welcome you into the fellowship. I bid you farewell only in the sense that I pray you may fare well. You go forth, but not from us. We remain, but not severed from you. God go with you and be with you and us.”

We take a moment to orient the Norlin Charge in the context of its history, which includes harmful ideologies that historically plagued our community, state, and nation. We remind ourselves of the values we stand for and the power of education to combat ignorance and hatred. A UCCS degree not only qualifies our graduates to be leaders in their respective fields but is a mandate to positively influence the world and combat negative forces that seek to divide us.

The University of Colorado has used three seals in its lifetime.

The present seal, adopted in 1908, depicts a classical male Greek figure seated against a pillar and holding a scroll. Laurel branches frame a burning torch beside him. The Greek inscription means “Let Your Light Shine.” The seal’s designer, Henry Reed of Denver, chose the classical motif because Greek civilization “stands as the criterion of culture.” The laurel symbolizes honor or success, the youth of the figure suggests the “morning of life,” and the scroll represents written language.

From 1893 to 1908, the university seal was a copy of Wyon’s medallion, “Science Trims the Lamp of Life.” The classical figure of a Greek woman knelt before a lamp and was flanked by mariposa lilies, which President Baker described as “a true Colorado flower.” Before 1893, a seal was used which essentially copies the Colorado state seal. It was never adopted by the Regents.

The official seal of the University of Colorado is used primarily on official documents, such as diplomas and transcripts that have been issued on behalf of the university. The Board of Regents uses the seal in transmitting official business.

THE UNIVERSITY SEAL

Chains of office or “necklets” are one of the oldest symbols of authority. They have been worn as early as the days of the Roman Empire and displayed by emperors, kings, pharaohs, and religious figures as physical representation of their power and position. In their formal portraits, both Napoleon and Henry the 8th were pictured wearing these symbols.

The tradition of the chain of office was passed down through the Middle Ages and coincided with the rise of the university system in Europe. Many of these European institutions of higher learning were branches of the church or connected to royal power and soon the chain of office became a treasured part of university practice.

When American colleges and universities began to establish themselves in the 17th century, they adopted the same chain of office tradition from their European counterparts. Each chain of office is as unique as the institution it represents. In most designs a prominent medallion or shield is suspended from a series of links. The central piece usually bears the institution’s official seal or logo, and it may be enhanced with enamel in the official colors of the school.

The links in each chain of office are also highly personal to the institution they represent. Often shaped to resemble specific school symbols, they can be engraved with meaningful words, mottos, or ideas. Chains of office are worn as part of the pomp and ceremony at official public celebrations of the college or university.

The University of Colorado Presidential Chain of Office was created in 1980 by Mary Sartor, M.F.A., University of Colorado Boulder, for the inauguration of President Arnold R. Weber. The chain was a gift to the university by Mr. and Mrs. David G. Hawthorn, Class of 1924.

Colorado gold and silver are used throughout the chain to symbolize the importance of those minerals to the history of the state. The gemstones chosen also consist entirely of minerals from Colorado.

Three pendants are suspended on the chain. The back pendant is the seal of the State of Colorado surrounded by a golden ribbon representing the golden “Circle of Knowledge.” The top pendant in the front, the seal of the University of Colorado surmounted by an arch set with diamond and topaz, signifies the necessary link between the search for knowledge and its practical application to the world outside the university. The seal is supported at the bottom by the laurel wreaths found in the seal, emblematic of honor and success.

The bottom pendant is centered with a golden topaz indicating man’s quest for knowledge. The surrounding ring is paved with fragmented cubes and diamonds which suggest fragments of knowledge with brilliant breakthroughs of understanding. The chain surrounding these pendants symbolizes the endless but ever-changing cycle of human knowledge.

The presidents of the University of Colorado are:

Joseph A. Sewell

Horace M. Hale

1877–1887

1887–1892

James H. Baker 1892–1914

Livingston Farrand 1914–1919

George Norlin 1919–1939

Robert L. Stearns 1939–1953

Ward Darley 1953–1956

Quigg Newton 1956–1963

Joseph R. Smiley 1963–1969

Eugene H. Wilson 1969

Frederick P. Thieme 1969–1974

Roland C. Rautenstraus 1974–1980

Arnold R. Weber 1980–1985

William H. Baughn 1985

E. Gordon Gee 1985–1990

William H. Baughn 1990–1991

Judith E. N. Albino 1991–1995

John C. Buechner 1995–2000

Alexander E. Bracken 2000

Elizabeth Hoffman 2000–2005

Hank Brown 2005–2008

Bruce Benson 2008-2019

Mark Kennedy 2019-2021

Todd Saliman 2021-present

THE CHANCELLOR’S CHAIN OF OFFICE

A campus commencement tradition began in 2008 when the Chancellor’s Chain of Office was created to recognize and celebrate the chancellors who have led the University of Colorado Colorado Springs since its founding in 1965. The chain was a gift to the university from Kathy Griffith and other campus leaders. Mrs. Griffith worked in the Chancellor’s Office for 30 years – upon her retirement in 2008, and provided the initial gift to create the chain.

The chain is a traditional part of academic regalia that provides recognition at formal events to the person who currently holds the position of chancellor, as well as those who previously filled the role.

The Chancellor’s Chain of Office is connected with the interlocking CU to symbolize campus ties to the University of Colorado System. The words “Chancellor” and “Colorado Springs” surround the chain’s medallion of the university’s seal. The chain includes links denoting the university’s six colleges; it also includes individual links recognizing all UCCS chancellors.

The chancellors listed are:

Lawrence Silverman 1974–1977

Don Schwartz 1978–1982

Neal Lane 1984–1986

Dwayne Nuzum 1986–1993

Linda Bunnell Shade 1993–2001

Pam Shockley-Zalabak 2002–2017

Venkat Reddy 2017–2023

Jennifer Sobanet 2023–present

The tradition of the academic costume began during the twelfth or thirteenth century in the early European universities. Since the clergy composed the majority of the educated class, academic dress is an adaptation of the cape or mantle which was usually of silk or wool and worn by church dignitaries in religious processions.

Through the years, great diversity in color and in style of cap, gown and hood developed. In 1896, the colleges and universities in the United States adopted a uniform code governing academic dress. Today, the black gown, hood, and mortar board worn by the graduates in most institutions follow this code.

While it is not apparent to the casual observer, the gowns worn by the recipients of the various degrees differ somewhat in design. The sleeves of the gown worn by the baccalaureate candidate are long and pointed, while the sleeves of the gown worn by the master’s degree recipients are square at one end with a slit at the elbow. The doctor’s gown has flowing sleeves with three bars of velvet and facing of velvet down the front of the gown.

Those who receive a master’s or a doctoral degree from the University of Colorado wear hoods lined with the school colors, silver and gold. The hood worn by the doctoral candidate differs in design from that of the master’s as it has side panels and is slightly longer. The velvet border of the hood indicates the degree and usually follows the same code as the color of the tassels.

The oxford cap, usually referred to as a mortar board, is black and has a long tassel which is fastened by a button on the top. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree wear the tassel pendant over the right front of the cap before the degree is conferred, then it is worn on the left thereafter.

Cum Laude candidates wear bronze honor cords. Magna Cum Laude and honors candidates wear silver honor cords. Summa Cum Laude and special honors candidates wear gold honor cords. The color of the tassel on the bachelor’s cap indicates the field of study, with the exception of the BA degrees in Letters, Arts & Sciences whose candidates wear white tassels indicating the arts.

DOCTORATE TASSEL COLORS

Doctor of Philosophy Old Gold

Doctor of Nursing Practice Apricot

MASTER TASSEL COLORS

Master of Science/Sciences (Beth-El) Gold

Master of Social Work Citron

Master of Business Administration Sapphire

Master of Criminal Justice ........... Peacock

Master of Public Administration Peacock

Master of Arts (Education) .......... Light Blue

Master of Sciences (Education) Light Blue

Master of Engineering/Science .......... Gold

Master of Arts (LAS) White

Master of Science/Sciences (LAS) Gold

BACHELOR TASSEL COLORS

Nursing Apricot

Health Care Science Green

Social Work Citron

Business Sapphire

Criminal Justice Peacock

Education Light Blue

Engineering ....................... Orange

Letters, Arts and Sciences White

ASSOCIATES TASSEL COLOR Black

Undergraduates having been awarded honors are noted in the program. Definitions of Latin honors appear in the footnote following each college’s graduate listing. Following is an explanation of the criteria required of the additional honors designations. Please note not all colleges recognize all types of honors.

with Honors with Special Honors

These terms denote students who have met criteria including, but not limited to, grade point average set by the college from which they are graduating that demonstrate exceptional academic performance within the college. with Distinction with High Distinction with Highest Distinction

These terms denote students who have met criteria including, but not limited to, grade point average set by the department of the student’s major that demonstrate exceptional academic performance within the major.

Undergraduates having completed an honors program are also noted in the program. Following is an explanation of the criteria required of the honors programs.

University Honors

This program recognizes students who have successfully maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.75 and have completed 18 hours of Honors-dedicated or designated courses, including the First-Year Honors Seminar, Honors Public Speaking, and the Honors Capstone Seminar.

Mountain Lion Honors

This program recognizes students who have successfully maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.50 and have completed the First-Year Honors Seminar, Honors Public Speaking, and the Honors Capstone Seminar.

RECOGNITION OF 2023-2024 RETIREES

Leyna Bencomo (Staff)

Cheryl Birkelo (Faculty)

Brian Duvick (Faculty)

Samuel Frank (Staff)

Carlos Garcia (Staff)

Linda Goodwin (Staff)

James Harper (Staff)

IN MEMORIAM

Mark Malone (Faculty)

Rita Martinez (Staff)

Sherwyn Morreale (Faculty)

Janet Myers (Faculty)

Stephen Perucca (Staff)

Thomas Pyszczynski (Faculty)

Sara Qualls (Faculty)

Jenifer Robertson (Faculty)

Jefferson Spicher (Faculty)

Carole Traylor (Faculty)

Phil Trujillo (Staff)

Mark Zamora (Staff)

Mia Brown, Nursing, Student

Linda Bunnell, Chancellor Emeritus

Stephen Campbell, Custodian, Facilities Services

Brian Erdek, Exercise Science, Student

Sam Joseph Knopp, Music, Student

James “Jim” Null, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Former Dean of College of Letters, Arts & Sciences

Maria Sergia Steen, Professor Emerita of Spanish

OF

College of Education College of Letters, Arts & Sciences

– 10:00 A.M.

DR. JANE RIGLER, COMMENCEMENT MARSHAL

UCCS MARSHAL’S CLUB MEMBER*

PROCESSIONAL

Pomp and Circumstance Military March No. 1 in D, Op. 39, No. 1 Arranged by Joseph Prostakoff Lecturer/Pianist Kelly McSweeney Zuercher

CEREMONY

Land Acknowledgment Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rame Hanna

Posting of the Colors UCCS ROTC Color Guard

The National Anthem ............ Visual and Performing Arts Graduate Evelyn Curtis, B.A. in Music

Directed by Instructor Solveig Olsen

UCCS Chancellor’s Welcome

University of Colorado President's Remarks

Class of 2024 Gift ......................................

Congratulations from 2024 Student Achievement Award Recipient

Presentation of Honorary Degree to Apolo Anton Ohno

CONFERRING OF ADVANCED DEGREES (page 15)

Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet

President Todd Saliman

SGA Vice President Aidan Clark

B.A. in Political Science

Graduate Christian Ruiz

B.I. in Game Design & Development

Regent Callie Rennison

Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Academic Deans

Recognition of Honors Graduates Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nancy Marchand-Martella

CONFERRING OF BACCALAUREATE DEGREES (page 18)

CONFERRING OF ASSOCIATE DEGREES (page 26)

Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Academic Deans

Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nancy Marchand-Martella

Initiation of Graduates into Alumni and Friends Association

Student Madeline Metzger Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Representative

Norlin Charge to the Graduates Regent Glen Gallegos

RECESSIONAL

Music Lecturer/Pianist Kelly McSweeney Zuercher

To view Virtual Ceremony videos, visit commencement.uccs.edu

*The 2013-14 Faculty Assembly created the UCCS Marshal’s Club; the Club selects a Commencement Marshal for each graduation ceremony starting this year going forward.

CANDIDATES FOR ADVANCED DEGREES

MORNING CEREMONY

The following list of candidates for degrees includes students graduating in May 2024.

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Hillary Fouts, Dean

P h D – EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP RESEARCH & POLICY

James Brendan Burke

“Addressing Attrition in College Readiness Programming: Identifying Temporal Points of Student Departure from the 21st Century Scholars Program”

Derion Michael Ibarra

“No Child Left Sedentary: Bridging the Policy Rhetoric and Practice Gap”

Ann Louise Kasunich

“Impact of Industrial Agriculture Glyphosate Use On Application Trends and Chronic Diet-related Disease Prevalence in the United States”

Emily Caryl Kulakowski

“The Fairness Fallacy: A Discourse Analysis of U.S. State Anti-Trans Sports Bans”

P h D – APPLIED SCIENCE

Lamech Moses Mbise

“Transition Experiences of International Medical Graduates in the United States”

Megan Sue Oleson

“Teachers’ Perceptions on Social Emotional Learning: A Case Study of Teacher Preparedness in a K-5 Setting”

Jennifer Weiss

“A Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Discourse Surrounding Educational Gag Orders and the Environment in Which They Are Enabled”

Marissa Joy Williams

“NCAA Dll Soccer Coaches: Perceptions of Preseason and Leadership Behaviors”

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Jonathan Davidson

Jonathan Davidson (emphasis in Physics)

“Langevin simulations of magnetic nanoparticles: from self-assembly to magnetic relaxation”

P h D – PSYCHOLOGY

Katie Lynn Granier*

(emphasis in Clinical Geropsychology)

“An Examination of the Differential Effects of Age and Cognitive Functioning on Late Life Presentations of Anxiety and Worry”

Julie Hurd*

(emphasis in Trauma Psychology)

“We Can Do It: Intraindividual and Interindividual Effects of Dyadic Efficacy on Posttraumatic Stress and Relationship Quality”

Lisa Stone-Bury*

(emphasis in Clinical Geropsychology)

“The Alternative Model of Personality Disorders and Psychosocial Functioning in Later Life: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study”

Kendall L. Weber*

(emphasis in Clinical Geropsychology)

“Neuropsychological Evaluation Recommendations: Exploring Psychologists’ Views on Implementation”

*Summer 2024 graduate walking in Spring 2024 ceremony following successful defense of dissertation; internship completion Summer 2024.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Joseph Wehrman, Interim Dean

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING AND HUMAN SERVICES

Outstanding Graduate Students of the Year: Kenneth Patrick Hertzler, Alicia Robillard Ojeda, Connor James Scroggins

Juan Antonio Arambula

Jessica Louise Barnes

Megan Elizabeth Bates

Kaytie Nicole Blan

Michael Taylor Ray Bradshaw

Elizabeth Karen Brown

Lisa M. Buckman

Brittany Byrd

Eric Chin

Nathan Charles Christian

Erika Lynne Cordes

Rachel Corriea

James Thomas Cushing

Kelli Catherine Wood DeBock

Danielle Dickey

Shaina Anushka Dominicci

Tiffany Brooke Dow

Alexis Marie Duarte

Joseph Ferrari Eastman

Sydney Croxton Freeman

Katie Greene

Emily Jo Gyurman

Delaina Lee Harris

Brinetta Marqetta Hence

Shawna Henry

Kenneth Patrick Hertzler

Adam Skyler Johnson

Eric Russell Johnson

Stefanie Kerr

Jacqueline Leindecker

Lauren Kate Lopez

Desirae Elmillie Lujan

Em Mais

Alena Carlanne Marrese

Lauren Anne Mehrhoff

Hailey Mompher

Jeremy Mooney

Thomas Gregory Nichols

Alicia Robillard Ojeda

Nathalie Jane Padilla

Sarah Alison Remilekun Palmore

Jason Michael Ponce

Eryn Raborn

Jessica Boone Rahl

Aubrey Kristin Reel

Jeffrey Rodriguez

Rebecca Ann Roodhuyzen

Jamela Dominique Sharrie Satterfield

Connor James Scroggins

Michael Richard Shaw

Arpa Shirvanyan

Sasha Danielle Shrestha

Lindsay Ann Smith

Danielle Sorcher

Connor Philip Sullivan

Sarah Tan

Nichelle Raeann Taylor

Kate Ann Thielemann

Eiryn Waldman

Connor Waters-Miller

Katelyn Amber Wilcox

Ryan Thomas Witzig

Ashlyn Rae Woeltge

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Alyssa Lyn Brinton

Kristin Marie Chaney

Allison Christine McDonald

Maranda SummerWind McGowan

Amanda McLane

Amanda Joyce Przymus

Sally Katherine Robinson

Aspen Storm Walker

Nathan Benton Woodroof

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN LEADERSHIP

Outstanding Graduate Students of the Year: Mollie Derry Hayden, Kristi Ann Real

Brittany Leigh Abbott

Jessica Kayelynne Allen

Jamilex Dukes

Erika Alexis Rene Griego

Bonnie Hart

Mollie Derry Hayden

Brandy Kaminsky

Mary Deen Leusink

Samantha Luckiw

Graham Eric Maxwell

Samantha Louise McComas

Jennifer Marie Morgan

Hunter Lee Owens

Kristi Ann Real

Andrea Marie Sedoryk

Angello Carlos Soto

Leonard Edgar Tardiff

Caroline Nicole Wooten

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Tonya Lynne Caruthers

Andrew Caswell

Mairis Maestas

Theresa Marie Lynch

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Tonya Lynne Caruthers

Darren Neal

Lauren Ashley Pegg

Jorie Vallejo

Kaitlin Shea Vyvlecka

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Jennifer Peck

Jennifer Peck

Chantal Stark

COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS & SCIENCES

Lynn Vidler, Dean

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN APPLIED GEOGRAPHY

Garrett Alexander Boord

Nicholas Michael Miller

Kayla E. Williams

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Crystal Bernadette Blake

Crystal Bernadette Blake

Kristen Lee Brainard

Deidre Castaneda

Andrew James Garcia

Nathaniel Hernandez

Jessica Mehring

Brendan Ian Montoya

Michelle D. Reiley

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY

Outstanding Graduate Students of the Year: Kristine Marie Bell, Kateri Lynn Pacetti, Kristy Louise Wilson

Andrew Belet

Kristine Marie Bell

Michelle Louise Cote

Kylie Renee Gonzalez

Kora Leann Ivesdal

Kory Mathews

Miguel Ortega

Kateri Lynn Pacetti

Trinity Parker

Kristy Louise Wilson

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Elias Cruz Acevedo

Elias Cruz Acevedo

Christopher Xavier Griffith

Katrina Adrianne Becker

Neah Bay Downs Dybas

Jenny Anita Lagervall

Heidi M. Martinez

Joshua Ryan Shulkin

Jonathan Mark Sundby

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Megan Garedakis

Megan Garedakis

Diedra Marie Russell

Courtny Ann Stewart

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Michael Nameika

John Nagle

Michael Nameika

River Gassen

Joseph Noernberg

Jonathan Michael Thompson

River VanIwaarden

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCES IN BIOLOGY

Ikenna Chris Ozor

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCES IN PHYSICS

Adrian Leanza

Renju Peroor

CANDIDATES FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

MORNING CEREMONY

The following list of candidates for degrees includes students graduating in May 2024.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Joseph Wehrman, Interim Dean

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES

Alyssa N. Anderson**

Kimberly Burriesce***

Sue Curtis***

Emma Margaret de Ryk*

Meagan Grace Harding

Heidi Harvey*

Terese Maria Hourigan**

Dorothy Johnson

Kara Kathleen Kennedy*

Alexis Lauren Kube*

Sydney Nelson

Mia Cemone Perez

Maisie Marie Rice***

Imani Unique Rucker

Kaitlyn Paige Smith

Shelby Kaye Strode**

Marlyn Torres

Victoria Jacqueline Velasco**

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INCLUSIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Kathleen Barr

Brittney Erin Benavidez***

Baylee Cortes

Christina Gearhart

Margaret Elizabeth Grimes**

Lisa Marie Hannon***

Marissa Hart***

THE DEGREE BACHELOR

Lessly Citlaly Aguado

Drew Elise Biermeier

Andrew Nathanael Bracht***

Jayla Brown***

Ajani Buckhanan

Daniela Buman**

Hannah Lee Burgess

Biridiana Corral-Ramos**

Emily Crain**

Shannon Doyle***

McKenna Lauren Frakes***

Matt Jonathan Grant

Lauren Dolores Gregor

Matt Jonathan Grant

Justine Diane Henderlong

Misty Blue Hinkle

Brynn Nicole Johnson**

Erin Johnson***

Misty Sue Judson

Leah Murphy

Nichole Jean Myers***

OF ARTS IN INCLUSIVE

Colton Alexander Haase***

Michael A. Hall***

Eriqa Mercedes Hallam

Paris Johnson***

Ashley Janet Jones*

Lauren Audrey Jordan**

Joshua Glen Keltner

Reagan Maye Kraemer*

Alexandria Elaine Lawson**

Maille Alise McGraw

Jennifer Marie Oakes**

Gisell Ivette Rivera

Brandi Michele Rusnock***

Kennedy Rutherford

Randi Nicole Payan Ontiveros

Jasmin Reliford

Melisa S. Rondomanski**

Tiffany Salazar

Nyah Joann Sims

Elisha Marie Stewart**

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Kendall Rae Sargent***

Cassandra Shaw*

Faith Katherine Shirey*

Breanna Jordan Skinner

Fatima Stansell**

Samantha Marie Steiner***

Deanna Gabriella Vasquez**

Dayna Wahl*

Madelyn Grace Wells

Sophie Welp**

Megan Ashleigh Whitling***

Lindsey Shou Woolsey**

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

Alina Isabel Ehry-Ventura*

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN INCLUSIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Emily Ann Reddix*

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN INCLUSIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP

Laura Trujillo**

COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS & SCIENCES

Lynn Vidler, Dean

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ANTHROPOLOGY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Sophia Grace Byrd, Shannon Marie Sullivan

Jacqueline Diane Alonso Holtorf*

Seth Evi Boniface*, With Honors

Sophia Grace Byrd***

Jaylee Nicole Ciniello-Hepner***, With University Honors, With Highest Honors

Seiva Balay Cunningham

Jasmyne Jones

Kaily Michelle Kessinger**

Sienna Latham

Sirena Jade Maley

Emily S. Maxon*

Emma Faith Marie Pirillo

Shannon Marie Sullivan***

Nicholas Wedde

Ryan Michael Anthony Wood

Jillian Youtz

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BIOCHEMISTRY

Sara Lynn Anderson**, With Distinction

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Advita Bhatia

Advita Bhatia***, With University Honors, With Honors

William Yuean Smith***, With Distinction

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CHEMISTRY

Brandy Marie Baysinger*

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Anthony James Meister, David Allen Roberts, Cody Michael Standridge, Graham Benjamin Smith

Christian Michael Alires-Gallegos

Colton Cedirc Aquino

Delanie Marie Baker

Cameron Ryan Barnes

Ella Josephine Barry**

Cherish Ellen Bass*

William Becker

Joshua Aaron Bermudez**

Dylan R. Billinger

Ivy Haynes Bingham***

Caitlyn G. Branine

Logan Matthew Brasili

Jasmine Lee Bruce

Allison Cornelia Burgess*

Mackenzie Cameron***

Alli Ann Carpenter*

Eric Edward Carroll***

Brendan Michael Clark

Gustavo Silva Costa

Emily Crosson**

Ava Grace DiCola**

Caelan Quinn Echeverio

John Gerald Delfino Elvrum**

Alexander Cole Ferguson

Klarissa Alondra Gamboa

Kimberly Garcia

Zachary James Gardner

Jasmine R. Gerald***

Haden Garcia Gillespie**

Kelsey Lenae Graff***

Dylan L. Hammett

Zachary Robert Kelley*

Nadea Su Khan

Brady Thomas Lachemann**

Emily Jane Larson**

Cole Ronald Mahon**

Bennett Paul Mallott

Chloe Manansala

Natalie Marie Martinez*

Soraya Mayard

Anthony James Meister**, With Highest Distinction

Juan Miguel Mejia**

Sierra K. Mench

Candace Mintz

Dennis Molina

Olivia Rose Nordyke**

Sophia Dolores Notarianni**

Faith Elizabeth Novess

Ryan Dashon O’Neal

Jackson Powers Owens

Mason Joseph Pastorello**

Zoe Isabella Peery**

Sebastian Pratt*

David Allen Roberts

Jonathon Roper*

Isabel Rossi***

Raven Sol Sanchez**

Sara Brittney Singleton

Graham Benjamin Smith**

Laney Kay Spaide

Cody Michael Standridge***, With Highest Distinction

Caden Audrey Stergius

Braden Cole Stevens

Cosette Samantha Stockstill

Keegan Michael Sullivan

Benjamin Edward Summers

Kami Taylor

Clarice Michelle Thompson***

Rebekah Longley Tonyan**

Estevan J. Trujillo

Cole Austin Tscherter

Eric Hart Tschudy

Jimmy Wang, With High Distinction

Taylor Blaine White

Cade Winders

Jessica Diane Thien Ly

Yun-Washington**

Hannah Lynn Zwahlen

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Olivia Opal Santonastaso

Matthew John Carpenter

Ryan Gannaway***

Samuel James Gilbert

Devin Jacob Harriman

Robert Hatten

Alexander J. Hecker, With High Distinction

Ian Herrera-Ruiz

Zachery Hershberger***, With Highest Distinction

Sterling Gage Kunau, With Distinction

Ian Zhen Li**

Jackson Wyatt Lupton*, With High Distinction

Niyonyishu Magnifique

Noah Steven Rakosky

Ismael Ramirez

Olivia Opal Santonastaso***, With Highest Distinction

Jonathan James Schroeder

Luke Zachariah Sussex

Ethan Tramel

Ashley Mi Vo

Nicholas Alexander Wilson

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Melody Kim Anderson, Andréa Marie Culling, Riley Jordan Gentsch, Ashlynn Renee Royall

Melody Kim Anderson***, With Honors

Anahi Angel Guzman

Jessica Bussell**, With Honors

Julia Lauryn Carpenter**, With Honors

Andréa Marie Culling***, With Honors

Colleen Catherine Devino*

Eliana Diaz**, With Honors

Nolan Harold Dotter

Riley Jordan Gentsch***, With Honors

Lauren Nicole Hancock

Arianna Celeste Hernandez**

Jadyn Marie Hunt***, With Honors

Nicholas Gabriel Matte*, With Honors

Amanda Marie Miranda

Annie Erin O’Keefe*, With Honors

Uriah James Oxford

Daniel James Patterson**, With Honors

Ashlynn Renee Royall***, With Honors

Brenden Craig Sisk

Dakota Smith*

Sheybine Ložca Sylvain

Jenny Marie Tedesco***, With Honors

Jerri Selena Thomas***, With University Honors, With Honors

Katie Lyn Turner**, With Honors

Arabella Idalene Underwood**, With Honors

Joshua T.L. Wright

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Charlea Kathryn Howard, Lyndsay Weir

Micah Alexander Becker***

Miranda Benson

Benjamin Stephen Blood***

Julie Cochran**

Natasha Kay Cowling***

Jean Oliver Drake

Marcus John Emerson

Melissa Rose Fisher*

Jackson Michael Gaarder*

Luis Angel Garcia-Lopez

Charlea Kathryn Howard***

Mallory Jeffson

Kayla Irene Lamreau

Ethan Michael Lane*

Kyle Marcell Owens

Drake David Panzer

Nicolaos Paul Pappas

Travis Michael Leaf Pochipinski

Colin Jake Ponville

Aaron Riley***

Austin J. Schriever

Mac Alexander Stodart**

Lyndsay Weir***

Ethan Wilson

Cherreka Wirth*

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Catherine Elaine Bauder, Jaylee Nicole Ciniello-Hepner,

Amanda Anna Espinel, Lee Adam Files, Bradley Joseph White, Ryan Wilkinson

Matthew Tyler Barko

Catherine Elaine Bauder***, W ith Highest Honors

Eric Anthony Boyle

Jacob Timothy Brown**, With High Honors

Matthew Brunette***, With Highest Honors

Benjamin Carlen*, With Honors

Jaylee Nicole Ciniello-Hepner***, With University Honors, With Highest Honors

Timothy Coltrin

Michael Corkill***, With High Honors

Dustin R. Dunn***, With Highest Honors

Amanda Anna Espinel, With High Honors

Eric John Farmer**, With High Honors

Lee Adam Files***, With Highest Honors

Braxton Alexander Fuller*

Selby Knox***, With Highest Honors

Tyler L. Lambott

Dominic Markham**

Alissa Winter Mason

Justice Hunter Mendoza

Shannon Elizabeth Miller**, With High Honors

Milly Lynn Mollica***

Thor Donovan Moy**, With High Honors

Matthew J. Nelson

Brooke Emily O’Brien

Dennis Lloyd Parker**, With High Honors

Tyler Lee Richardson

Bradley Michael Schultz

Taylor Noel Sibley*, With Honors

J’Amie Sirvaitis

Maddison Dawn Sullivan*, With Honors

Bradley Joseph White***, With Highest Honors

Ryan Wilkinson***, With Highest Honors

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Benjamin Czaplewski

Benjamin Czaplewski**

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC

Natalie Breanne Jensen

Christopher Dale Swanson***

Hope Gabrielle Tuin***

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PHILOSOPHY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Kurt Bricker

Chloe I. Bailey

Madeline Elyse Bailey

Kurt Bricker***

Jack Robert Certo**

Madison Christine Crispen

Lovie B. Fairbanks*

Olivia Grace Ferrara*

Ari Alexander Field

Anthony William Langdon**

Jake Alan Neiber***

Ella Sayeed

Elizabeth Marie Shafer

Michelle Christine Shinnick**

Aliyah Briánn Smith**

Madeline Anne Tyson

Rachel Olivia Wight***

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

David Michael Aguirre**

Kyra Faith Alexander

Lisa Hyland Alexander

Nicole Gibson Asuquo***

Emma Elizabeth Banse

Mariah Paige Boudrieau

Kai E. Dillon***

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Connor Hathaway

MacKenzie Grace English**

Lovie B. Fairbanks*

Olivia Grace Ferrara*

Emma Carlota Frazier*, With Honors

Connor Hathaway***

Chloë Abigail Jensen*

Brandon William Leiser

Erynn Christyne Loges***, With High Honors

Milly Lynn Mollica***

Keenan Brady Powell

Lisa Renee Ward**

George Zoorob Jr.

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above

Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Kristina Marie MacDonald, Elisabeth Cotsy McLane

Brianna Lynn Adams*

Lubna Tarik Al Sindy

Christian James Kaipo Allen

Karla Summer Andrade Saenz***

Keely Andrews

Sophia Mikaela Bauer

Hannah Maya Binder*

Emily Brockway*

Scout Carpenter

Cuitlahuac Cervantes***

Raegan Elizabeth Cole

Mackenzie Cooper

Haley Crawford

Aja Grace Curtis

Jacob Dane

Kylie Day**

Kayla Alexis Dishuck**

Emily Marie Doolittle**

Jazlyn-Lanae Amunique Dyson**

Jacqueline Grace Eide

Robbi Alexis Esler

Liliana Josefina Favila**

Kira I. Ferguson*

Madilene Kenna Fleming**

Jaycee Jade Fuller

Catherine Gajewski

Will Fischer Gannon

Isabel Nicole Gaston***

Steven Haemmerle

Lyn Hamer

Sage Nicole Hamilton*, With Honors

Jade Marie Hardin

Natalie C. Harrison***

Cheyanne Victoria Hart**

Macie Glynn Hengel*

Noelle Christine Hernandez**

Natalie L. Hill**

Emaya Jae Hoff

Kyle Holcomb

Natasha Holloway

Audrey Hort

Corah Breanna Hurd**

Chanel Nicole Jackson

Zachary L. Jacobson*

Hope Renee Johnson**

Maggie Jones

Jessica Lynn Kearns

Madelynn Rae King

Joy Kitts***

Mandaryn Leander

Brianna Rose Lindsey**

Emily Grace Lovato*

Caitlyn Marie Lutyen

Kristina Marie MacDonald***

Conrad Matteson**

Kamryn Carol McCain*

Sophia Danielle McConnell*

Caylan Marie McGregor

Elisabeth Cotsy McLane***, With Honors

Kara Rose Meyer

Deborah Ruth Moyles*

Brenna Joy Moynihan**

Kaylin Muller***

Allifair Mundine, With Honors

Jessica Lauren Nelson***

Scott Edward Nistler***

Heather Jacqueline O’Hern

Abigail Olson*

Amanda Elizabeth Orchard

Mickayla Star Oswald

Anthony Pantoja-Cassidy*

Monet Symone Patterson-Gray

Alexandria Kathryn Pavkov

Abigail Lauren Peed***

Joesph Perez

Alexis Maree Price

Sylence Rain Pruett

Shehzad Kodi Rahman

Bahromkhon Valikhonavich Rashidov

Matthew Lawrence Regovic**

Anastasia Marie Rendon

Aracelli Ann Repola**

Hailey Elizabeth Richey**

Adalina Marie Rodriguez

Alejandra Rodriguez*

Angelina Amanda Rodriguez*

Emma Grace Roeda***

William Kenneth Ross*

Amelia C. Sarton*

Ella Sayeed

Abigail Riley Sena**

Elizabeth Marie Shafer

Miriam Elizabeth Shamess***, With Honors

Sheila Silverio

Kimberley Marie Sincavage**

Haleigh Mae Spadaccini**

Natasha Elizabeth Spiers*

Benjamin Deane Steiner*

Samantha Marie Stevenson

Rachel Virginia Sullivan***

Haley Dawn Tafoya, With Honors

Alyssa Lynn Trujillo**, With Honors

Bethany Pearl Ullom

Lucas Scott Urchell

Scott Albert VanCamp

Madison Waller

Jessica Warren

Taylyn Rene Warth

Ainsley Irene Woodfin***

Jillian Rose Woods*

Nora Jeanine Yousef

Jadyn Brielle Zook**

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Freddy Lopez Rodriguez, Saydra Maddison Schmitz

Hayl Antis

Gillian Ann Dunlap

Paige Kanani Fahrni***

Jayla Rose Garcia

Nicolas J. Grassi

Parker James Gregory

Noelle Christine Hernandez**

Audrey Hort

Anisha Koirala

Freddy Lopez Rodriguez***

Saydra Maddison Schmitz***

Aliyah Briánn Smith**

Maria Gisselle Vazquez

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPANISH

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Kelsey Lynn Maiers, Rachel Annmarie Richtman

Kelsey Lynn Maiers*

Rachel Annmarie Richtman***

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION DESIGN

Kaitlyn Adair*

Haley Jordyn Apricio*

Amelia Hope Herman***

Dylan Asher Morrison*

Haley Renee Thomas**

Teague J. Torrance**

Inayah Rose Velasquez

Amelia Wright Niswonger**

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Abraham Bush Guevara, Laura Kuykendall, Skye Maldonado, Matt Alexander Phillips, Heather Alcorn Pitts, Grace Rudolph

Alexiss Marie Bedminster**, With High Distinction

Hunter L. Buck

Jonah Paul Butterfield

Jewel Beacham Charsley***

Eliana Diaz**

Karina Kho Frederick

Georgia Grace Gabriel

Abraham Bush Guevara***, With Highest Distinction

Phoebe Ruth Qiao Hartman*, With Distinction

Ian D. Hay

Sam Joseph Knopp, posthumously

Laura Kuykendall***, With Highest Distinction

Lindsey Larson**, With High Distinction

Jesse Hunter Laverty

Meagan Taylor Lorance**, With High Distinction

Skye Maldonado**

Audrey Ann McGee*

Sydney Fullon Omadio

Matt Alexander Phillips

Heather Alcorn Pitts***

Grace Rudolph***

Sheridan Grace Singer*

Madison Lynn Troesh

Taeron Jacob Waring

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN WOMEN’S AND ETHNIC STUDIES

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Nicole Gibson Asuquo, Amanda Anna Espinel

Nicole Gibson Asuquo

Amanda Anna Espinel, With High Honors

Megan Marie Moen**

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN COMMUNICATION | DIGITAL FILMMAKING

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Aurora Ray Linn Weaver

Aurora Ray Linn Weaver*

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN COMMUNICATION | DIGITAL MEDIA

Tobias A. Estrella

Sean Madsen Ford*

Meghan Rose Germain**

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Daniel Terry

Brady Michael Hindman*

Jon Patrick Karish*

Althea Burgos Savage

Daniel Terry

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN WOMEN’S AND ETHNIC STUDIES

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Hailey Jordan Clark

Hailey Jordan Clark

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above

Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

Brianna L. Burgess

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOCHEMISTRY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Jamil Eihab Jamil Nemri

Shannon Elizabeth Campbell***, With Distinction

Grant Foster

Skyler Elinor Gillespie

Farh Kaddar**, With Honors

Nha Hoang Le

Jamil Eihab Jamil Nemri***, With Honors

Lyda Duong Quach

Helen A. Sanabria

Camden Trent*, With Honors

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Audrey Chun Fahland

Alicia D. Beauford*

Violet Mary Benson*

Molly Elisabeth Boettiger

Brennan Jacob Carey

Yuliana Carreon

James Garrett Childress

Anna-Claire Cooper***

Jolene Donielle De Leo***

Kelsey Drennan

Alexis Leigh Duffy***

Audrey Chun Fahland

Lauren E. Flutts

Vivian Gaytan

Andre Celestino Genova

Luis Alberto Gilart

Benjamin Gokey

Jordan Robert Hester

Alahni Deseray Jackson

Jourdan Rae Jackson

Cale Coulon Kennamer***

Katrina Koetting

Heather Dawn Lowry**

Jonah Scott Marean

Simon Marinelli

Logan McCord

Melissa Margaret Moreni***

Jessica Taylor Nation**

Ashley M. Nguyen

Aubryn Jewell Nicholas*

Rebekah Elizabeth Parsons*

Joanna Philips*

Joyclyn Reed-Starr

Christopher Scott Rogers

Kelli C. Sebastine-Krisanda

Isabella Elise Rene Shannon

Clarissa Mae Silva***

Luke Isaiah Smith

Alasyn Mathea Stowers

Emma Delaney Stump*

Adrienne Bou Talain*

Autumn R. Tapia

Alexia Thompson

Megan Webb

Gabriel Alano Weber

Izaac Nathaniel Williams**

Michal Levi Zaza

Aaron Thomas Cuellar

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Hunter Redmon

Natasha Michelle Mastalka-Tatro, With Honors

Hunter Redmon**, With Distinction

Allison Nicole Strimbu

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Brendan Todd Gould, Donovan Yoshio Leyba

Rezheen Hamid Aram

Amanda Ariel Downs

Brooke Leanne Drake

Johnathan Cole Duran

Olivia Elias

Samantha Abigail Foster**

Anders Rhys Frey

Frederick Carter Frillman*

Brendan Todd Gould***, With Honors

Donovan Yoshio Leyba**

Liam McDowell

Joshua Raymond Nogajewski

Jacob Robert Pintor

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS AND ENERGY SCIENCE

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Kaitlin Hope McAllister

Tyler Christian Mahnken

Kaitlin Hope McAllister***

Kelly Taylor Alixandir Jacob-Bear Walters**

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above

Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREES

MORNING CEREMONY

Alexander R. Abeyta

Amber Kassandra

Alderete

Katrina Antoinette

Alexander

Marissa Siobhan

Anderson

John Antich

Daniel Benjamin Arellano

Amanda Marie Arnold

Jade Brianna Atkinson

Victor Aki Atterberry

Kressa Brianna Baier

Tyler N. Bair

Talyn Drew Barger

Melanie Anne Barker

Brian James Beem

Kyle Aaron Bell

Robert Ben III

Victoria Kaye Benway

Conor Thomas Bertles

Daniel Shane Bird

Reid Lauren Biren

Brittany Danielle Blair

Bryan Kenneth Boatman

Justin Michael Bobo

Quinten-Andrew Storm

Boneta

Taylor Bosler

Justin Boyle

Rebekah Breeze

TJ Brickell

Cara Brooking

Christian Willem Brouwer

Katheryn Brunswick

Tyler Bryant

Matthew Gerard

Butcher

Kalinka Caldas

Premawardhana

Janelle Nicole Canody

Cassidy Carlson

Nicholas Cetti

James L. Chasseur

Anthony Joseph Cila

James Richard Clark

David Ray Claycomb

Marquita Shequin

Cleare

Michael James Coletti

Ashley Marie Collins

Calvin Joseph Comstock

Madeline Conrique

Derek Ryan Cotton

Alim S. Craig

Rebecca Lynn Culp

Amber R. Davidson

Nicole Paige Dayberry

Daren Lavell Dickson

Emma Kathleen Dolce

Zachary James Dulmes

James Dunlap

Cassandra Dye

Michael B. Elrod

Daniel Esteban Espejo

Marcela Espinoza

Aaron Evans

Cassidy Jordan Fairey

Ramona Christine Faulkner

Sydney Diann Feakes

Sara Lynn Felix

Chelsea Nicole Ferguson

Steven Finch

Morgan-Marie Fiss

Imani Taisha FloydBonner

Rebekah Ridings Forti

Dominick Fraccica

Michelle Fulmer

Christopher Paul Gallegos

Kristina Marie Gallegos

Breanna Garcia

Shelly Marie Gavin

Jaden Dominique Geiser

Athena Givens

Kaitlyn Goldberg

Marina Adele Gonzales

Natalie Lucia Goodrick

Connor Matthews

Gordon

Robert Allen Gray

Rachel Helen Anna

Marrs Grignano

Aaron Gregory Haefner

Marcus Hake

Jasmine Renea Harris

Benjamin Clark Hatfield

Brianna Lynn Hatfield

Alex Hayes

Tyler Hendricks

Veronique Shen’e Henry

Emma Marie Herman

Chelsi Rae Hernandez

Denesia HernandezMeza

Jorge Cristian Hidalgo III

Kelly Hilbert

Adrienne Joy Hill

Kevin Horst

CurDesia Alishawn

Hudson

Andrew Humes

Kyle Jackson

Katherine Nicole Jarrett

Kip Andrew Jessup

Andrew Michael Jones

Noah Jun Kelley

Elizabeth Kestel

Mikaila Sierra

Ketcherside

Brian Kiely

Nayounn Eileen Kim

Taylor Renee King

Blair Kinsley

Benjamin Scott Kirby

Michelle Kosley

Tommy Ryan Kurth

Aaron Lamatsch

John P. Lecato

Sephen Lewis

Maximiliano Fernando

Llamas

Sarah MacDonald

Shane Phillip Madriaga

Georganne Madelyn

Mager

Dominik Maligranda

Vinson Thomas Marr

Sandra Marroquin

Samuel A. Marsh

Alexander James Martin

Calvin Dewayne Martin

Lisa Martin

Allie Martinez

Taylor Danielle McMillan

Antonia Medina

Selena Leticia Medina

Kaitlin Marie Mersnick

Chase Metier

Danica Michelle Miller

Richard Victor Miller

J Kegan Minock

Bart Wade Mitchell

Travis Dean Monroe

Ivonne Abigail Montaño

Maggie Isabelle Montoya

Amanda Marie Montuori

Christopher John Montuori

Jonathan Morgan

Skye Marie Morris

Karen Lily Mortimer

Elizabeth E. Moxley

Taylor Akiko Nanamura

Nicholas Nelson

Michael R. Norton

Colleen Rose

Nussbaum

Deneisha Cherecer

Obermuller

Rieshel Esther Osiecki

Parker Ozburn

Arthur Dale Pancoast

Adam Parker

Reilly Takeo Nicasio

Pasion

Steven Douglas Payne

Michele Perez-Lopez

Vanessa Perkins

Joshua Michael Perkins

Kerri-Ann Pitt

Andrea Place

Heather Marie Podrasky

Jessie Alice Proffitt

Amber Pruitt

Morgan Catherine Quintal

Audrey Anne Raezer

Briana Raposa

Rebecca Nicole Raymond

Lauren Cristina Reece

Andrew Robin ReedMoutray

Monika Ruth Reinholz

Constantin Riedner

Preston Scott Riley

Ruthann Vivian Rivera

Emily Robinson

Damian Rose

Michael Allen Ruff

Evelyn May Sachaj

Kyle Scamman

Hana Marlee Schneider

Sara Schneider

John Schommer

Diana Dominique Scott

Jonny Lee Senamontry

Deborah Ann Shilaikis

Joseph Alexander Shofner

Christian Sibo

Everette Dean Sigler

Nicca Jane Small

Carson Smidt

Andrae D. Smith

Mirage Childs Smith

Ryan Patrick Soeder

Jacob Alexander Solberg

Ethan Andrew St Amand

Mackenzie Paige Stark

Hannah Jean Stebbins

Tate Raymond Lee

Stephens

Sydney Marie Stills

Kelly Stokes

Michael Wayne Straub

Matthew Taylor

Pamela Phillips Taylor

David Robert Terrell

Kinsey Tanae Thayer

Tara Grace Thomas

Sierra Danae

Thompkins

Jennilee Toctocan

Christa Maria Toliniu

Timothy Townley

Macayla Rylee Trottner

Kenneth Matthew

Trousdale

Armand V. Trujillo

Jannelle Tsosie

Stephen Charles Turner

Cameron Justice

Underwood

Yana Stacy Vadala

Nicholas W. Valdez

Rhiannon Faith Vigil

Kori Alexandra Wagner

Lucas David Wankum

Steven B. Weimann

Seth James Williams

Jasmine Vivian-Leigh

Williams

Preston Jacob

Williamson

Jessi Jo Witham

Tesa Anne Woodman

Michael Vernon Zarling

Associate of General Studies degree: UCCS welcomes the inaugural class of Associate of General Studies degree recipients to these Commencement exercises, as part of the State of Colorado Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative. The CORE Initiative enables four-year higher education institutions to award earned associate degrees to eligible former baccalaureate students who have met specific criteria including the course requirements defined by the four-year institution.

https://cdhe.colorado.gov/students/attending-college/colorado-re-engaged-core-initiative

Apolo Anton Ohno

Apolo Anton Ohno is the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian, a bestselling author, and a captivating speaker.

Apolo’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. From claiming his first major speed skating title at only 14 years old to accumulating an astounding eight Olympic medals across multiple Winter Games, he has etched his name in the record books. But his achievements go far beyond the medals he proudly wears around his neck.

What sets Apolo apart is his unwavering commitment to personal growth and his unparalleled ability to transform adversity into triumph. With an astute understanding of sport psychology, he has honed a resilient mindset that empowers him to overcome setbacks and embrace change. This resilience has not only propelled him to the top of his game but has also shaped his life’s mission to inspire others to reach their full potential.

As a New York Times bestselling author, Apolo’s powerful words have resonated with countless individuals, igniting a spark of transformation within them. His journeys across the globe, bridging the worlds of sports and business, have enabled him to guide leaders in cultivating high-performance mindsets and thriving in a world defined by uncertainty.

But Apolo’s insatiable hunger for new challenges doesn’t stop there. In addition to his remarkable athletic and business achievements, he has conquered triumphed as the winner of season four of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and completing the grueling Ironman Triathlon Championships in Kona in less than 10 hours. Apolo pivoted into the world of entrepreneurship & investment in the worlds of technology and consumer products. His previous experience was GP of the venture firm Tribe Capital, a $1.6b venture capital company based in San Francisco.

Drawing upon his vast expertise and the guiding principles outlined in his book, “Hard Pivot: Embrace Change. Find Purpose. Show up Fully,” Apolo inspires us to embrace change, uncover our true purpose, and unlock the boundless potential that lies within each of us.

ORDER OF EXERCISES – 2:30 P.M. CEREMONY

Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences

College of Business and Administration College of Public Service College of Engineering and Applied Science

JIAN (JAMES) MA, COMMENCEMENT MARSHAL

UCCS MARSHAL’S CLUB MEMBER*

PROCESSIONAL

Pomp and Circumstance Military March No. 1 in D, Op. 39, No. 1 ... Arranged by Joseph Prostakoff

Lecturer/Pianist Kelly McSweeney Zuercher

CEREMONY

Land Acknowledgment Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rame Hanna

Posting of the Colors UCCS ROTC Color Guard

The National Anthem

Visual and Performing Arts Graduate Evelyn Curtis, B.A. in Music Directed by Instructor Solveig Olsen

UCCS Chancellor’s Welcome ................................. Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet

University of Colorado President's Remarks

Class of 2024 Gift

President Todd Saliman

SGA President Axel Brown Master of Social Work

Congratulations from 2024 Student Achievement Award Recipient Graduate Celine Habimana B.S. in Nursing

Presentation of Honorary Degree to Apolo Anton Ohno

Recognition of the Class of 1974

CONFERRING OF ADVANCED DEGREES (page 29)

Regent Mark VanDriel

Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet

Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Academic Deans

Recognition of Honors Graduates ....... Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nancy Marchand-Martella

CONFERRING OF BACCALAUREATE DEGREES (page 34) .....

Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Academic Deans

Initiation of Graduates into Alumni and Friends Association Graduate Karel Hernandez Bandrich Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Representative

Norlin Charge to the Graduates

RECESSIONAL

Music

Regent Ken Montera

Lecturer/Pianist Kelly McSweeney Zuercher

To view Virtual Ceremony videos, visit commencement.uccs.edu

*The 2013-14 Faculty Assembly created the UCCS Marshal’s Club; the Club selects a Commencement Marshal for each graduation ceremony starting this year going forward.

CANDIDATES FOR ADVANCED DEGREES

AFTERNOON CEREMONY

The following list of candidates for degrees includes students graduating in May 2024.

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Hillary Fouts, Dean

P

h

D – COMPUTER SCIENCE

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Junxian Zhao

Michael Bihn

“Synthesis of Neonate Connectomes for Artificial Sentience and Common Sense”

Uma Chinta

“Pioneering Facial Expression Recognition: Unveiling Multimodel Strategies, Confronting Data Imbalance, and Decoding Emotion”

P h D – ENGINEERING

Justin Leo

“Advancing Incremental Learning for Autonomous Neural Networks”

Junxian Zhao

“Improving Performance of Garbage Collection for Data-Intensive Applications in Cloud Systems”

Outstanding Graduate Students of the Year: Aloisio Kawakita de Souza, Maycon Meier dos Santos

Emma Boyd

(emphasis Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering)

“A Diffuse Interface Method for Modeling Solid/Fluid Phase Boundaries with Mass and Heat Transfer”

Aloisio Kawakita de Souza

(emphasis Electrical Engineering)

“Physics-Based Modeling, Estimation and Control for Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Metal Batteries”

P

h

D – SECURITY

Maycon Meier dos Santos

(emphasis Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering)

“Thermal-Elastic Model of Regression of Solid Composite Propellants”

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Simeon Wuthier

Thomas Hastings

“Identifying and Mitigating Key Risk Indicators in Open-Source Software for Combating Next-Generation Supply Chain Attacks”

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

Alexandria Jo Anderson

“Optimizing Sexual Health Assessments & STI Screening in Rural Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Project”

Katrina Eileen Rose Gustafson

“Implementing a Substance Use Protocol at a University Wellness Center”

Victoria Michaelson

“Improving a Primary Care Clinic’s Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Screening via Algorithm”

Arijet Sarker

“Digital Trust Management for Distributed, Privacy-Required and Mobile Networking”

Simeon Wuthier

“Securing Networking in Blockchain and Distributed Systems”

Akua Osei Poku

“Reducing Medication Administration Errors at Pueblo Regional Center”

Michael Starling

“Emergency Room to Inpatient Unit Nursing Handoff Reporting”

HELEN AND ARTHUR E. JOHNSON BETH-EL COLLEGE OF NURSING

AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Kevin Laudner, Dean

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING (MSAT)

Nissa Rose Davis

Madeleine Decker

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Lindsey Nicole Murphy

Brooke Dill Madison Duran

Lindsey Nicole Murphy Ashlyn Week

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

Monica Nicole Alm

Megan Joy Ara

Vanessa Victoria Belcourt

Jennifer Blea

Grayson Alexandra Braddy

Shelby Rebecca Crenshaw

Meagan Gamlen

Hilary Anne Guye

Taylor Hartke

Mitchell Lee LeMieur

Shannon Alexandra Mast

Candice Christine Milone

Sophia Oakjean Kim Murphy

Christine Dawn Nicks

Sandhya Nuggehalli

Sylina Noel Peterson

Ashley Jane Picinich

Katherine Elizabeth Pinto

Jennifer Lynn Plummer

Megan Rotatori

Cecilia Smith

Ericka Dawn Southwick

Diana Marie Taggart

Kristine Ann Terry

Jill Michelle Thomas

Johney W. Tsai

Kayla Patrice Varela

Samantha Zambrano

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCES IN APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY

Megan Renee Barnes

Rachel Dowd

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Phillip Tracy

Taigan Makina Lowman

Kevin Michael Sullivan

Phillip Tracy

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCES IN HEALTH PROMOTION

Outstanding Graduate Students of the Year: Velette Britt, Keegan Aaron Sueltz

Velette Britt

Ethan Christopher Gage

Catherine Allison Hine

Laura S. Montanez Villafane

Kyleigh Rae Neese

Jeanette Espiritu Stewart

Keegan Aaron Sueltz

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCES IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Allika Nouveau Pearson

Allika Nouveau Pearson

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION

Thomas Aicher, Dean

THE DEGREE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards: Michael Joseph Petkash, Nathan Aaron Schoonmaker,

Dakota Abbott

Heriberto Angel Reyes

Branwick Bismarck Arancibia

Cassie Lynn Marie Bonner

Nataliya Church

Bradley William Deland

Michael Ross DuPree

Jonathan C. Ehresman

Brennen Erlenbach

Shanda Fahey

Holly Eileen Fal

Tasha Franklin

Kathleen Fuller

Allison Goldhammer

Mason Ryan Kellar

Ethan Thompson

Brent Matthew Fulmer

Canyon Daniel Hill

Timothy Hoffpauir

Karen Lynn Jackson

Justin Allen Jones

Gregory Louis Koumis

Benjamin Michael Lavoie

David Evan McConnaughey

Matthew S. McInerney

Yamil Mendez Montes

Kaitlyn Morgan Mitchell

Angela Bess Naughton

Michael Joseph Petkash

Matthew William Radcliffe

Tania Reyes

Christopher W. Satchell

Nathan Aaron Schoonmaker

Kendra Danyel Scott

Natalie Sheble

Jordan Silva

Michael Dominick Sinicropi

Andrew Terry

Ethan Thompson

Shawna Jane Valencia

Aaron L. Vestal

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

Luke Anthony Morales

Juanita Rose Munar Quengua

Naja Allen

Walker Benjamin Baker

Sheannah Angel Beale

Chad E. Beatty

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

George Reed, Dean

THE DEGREE MASTER OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Michael Kelley

Alyssa de Jesus

Michael Kelley

Jared Ian Kovacs

Kaitlin Wickwire Panovich

Edward Alec Pedraza

Brittany Nicole Purnell

Alexandria Nicole Remillard

Miranda Williamson

THE DEGREE MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Outstanding Graduate Student Awards: Neah Bay Downs Dybas, Clayton Scott Lobaugh

Katrina Adrianne Becker

Hanah Julan Cronk

Alanah Symone Daniels

Neah Bay Downs Dybas

Robert Michael Felts

Eric Gomez

Kevin Johnston

Deonson Leatimua

Clayton Scott Lobaugh

Shay Ellen Redmond Lyon

Kaitlin Wickwire Panovich

Brittany Nicole Purnell

Alexandria Nicole Remillard

Rori Anne Romero

Benjamin Daniel Shackelton

Bradley Dale Smith

Courtny Ann Stewart

Jonathan Matthew Waldon

Andrew Yost

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

Outstanding Graduate Student Awards: Camille Dysart, Leigh-Andre Faye Fleming, Jasmin Panique

Helen Christine Anderson

Michael Allan Baker

Sydney Bauer

Isabel Frances Belarde

Matthew Blasquez

Michael Dean Brinson

Michael Anthony Brown

Erin Lee Bruski

Ronaldrey Navarrete Budhi

Sarah Anne Connors

Corrine Emerita Cyr

Claire Anne Dauwe

Lizeth Guadalupe De La Rosa

Vazquez

Blanca Diaz

Camille Dysart

Leigh-Andre Faye Fleming

Aneqwa Francis

Flor Daniela Gamboa

Shundrel K. Garcia

Jimena Citlali Hernandez

Jeffrey Kaschnigg

Margaret Kiehna

Barry Christopher Leath

Mary Karen Lichlyter-Klein

Jordyn Kaylene Lohn

Erica Lynch

Jannet Martinez Chavira

Raveena Mohan

Jessica Diane Morales

Jose Michael Ochoa

Jacquelyn Elaine Othon

Jasmin Panique

Tory Patsis

Taylor Marie Power

Katrina Quinn

Cassandra Ramos

Bridget Renee Roberts

Isabella Marie Rodriguez

Adrienne Marie Ross

Amanda Arlene Savoie

Gillian Sheffield Scoville

Taylor Luwen Swiontek

Olivia Maria Thomas

Amanda Karin Veneklasen

Clara Vierstra

Isabelle Rae Wilson

Samantha Fay Wisor

Michael Andrew Woissol

Louis Yurkovic

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE

Michael Corl, Interim Dean

THE DEGREE MASTER OF ENGINEERING

Outstanding Graduate Students of the Year: Omolade Ikumapayi#, Kevin Allan Smith

Bobby Wayne Allen

Bernard Jojo Amu

Arthur Ayres de Almeida

Itandehui Bravo Valdes

J Cole Cupit

Aaron Fikar

Daniel Gradisar

Amanda Rae Harper

Smita Khapre

Solomon Ovinda Otuonye

Alexandra Zinn Petkov

Joseph Tyler Prosper

Robert James Sallee

Kevin Allan Smith

Ryan Solomon

Nicholas Stamatakis

James Turner

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year: Colton Zachery Hill#

Riyam lutfi Abdulhameed Albazrkan

Andrew Robert Bell

Brendan Zachariah Bena

Carlos Eugenio Lopes Pires Xavier

Torres

Samuel Ode Oglegba

Minhajul Alam Rahat

Simeon James Wuthier

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Outstanding Graduate Students of the Year: Wesley Allen Hileman, Ryan Toffel#

David Abillar

Madeleine J. Bahorski

Joshua David Frisby

Wesley Allen Hileman

Caleb Hill

Emmanuel Chimere Nwaulu

Aaron Pauls

THE DEGREE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Outstanding Graduate Students of the Year: Karel Hernández Bandrich, Rebekah Marie Shepherd

Karel Hernández Bandrich

Duncan Schlueter

#Degree was awarded at UCCS Summer/Fall Commencement, December 2023.

Rebekah Marie Shepherd

CANDIDATES FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

AFTERNOON CEREMONY

The following list of candidates for degrees includes students graduating in May 2024.

HELEN AND ARTHUR E. JOHNSON BETH-EL COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Kevin Laudner, Dean

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE

Jenna J. Abblett

Rachel Adair*

Justin Arias

Warren Bennett Baker*

Ian Michael Barela

Gabriella Lorelie Barnett

Jakob Michael Bauer

Kimberly Rae Blough**

Peterson Bohannon

Logan Anthony Bracamonte

Chloe Paige Brown

Desarae Renee Burke

Sofia Catalina Campos

Carley Elizabeth Connelly***

Adrianna Cook

Madison Duran*

Elizabeth Grace Ebbert**

Marc Ekker

Desiree Goldsmith***

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Jai Rumi Liester

Sara Leah Green

Morgan Elizabeth Gross**

Angeline Guindon***

Nathan Daniel Hayes

Michela Marie Hewitt

Nicole R. Hill***

Madaline Eve Holguin, With University Honors

Cheyenne J. Hubbard

David Odhiambo Jabedo

Kennedy Rose Karge

Alysha Lavonne Kimler***

Mariah Kjostad

Kylie Marie Knoll***

Zachary James Lau

Payton A. Lewis

Jai Rumi Liester**

Ashten Louise Loeks

Alexei Yuri Masanko*

Jennifer Marlene Medina

Makayla I. Merlo**

Mykal Montanez Atencio

Laura Marlene Morones

Zachary Nance

Vionna Quynh Nhi Do Nguyen

Sydney Nilles

Julia Mary Patrick**

Dulce Megan Peacock

Lauren Sara Stephens*

Camden Aliah Strain*

Erika J. Timbang

Kaitlyn M. Townsend

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Ubben*

Shianne Avory Marie Valdez

Aaron Bradley Ward

Anna Weiss**

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH CARE SCIENCE

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Judiel Amante Rico Almacen, Sarah Jacqueline Cooper, Milly Sofia Salazar

Judiel Amante Rico Almacen***

Nadine Samer Almasri***

Madisyn M. Azzopardi

Melanie Alyssa Bates

Madalyn Joan Bender

Katherine Marie Briner**

Julia Rose Carter*

Maia Beth Case**

Sarah Jacqueline Cooper**

Jordan Rae Cordova

Josephine Nicole DeVries

Sidney Thomson Doring

Cristina Leigh Fleming*

Mariah Rhiannon Haver-Robinson*

Carly Allison Horn**

Amanda Irene Hughes**

Kathy Thien Tam Kha**

Noah Scott Lasecki**

Angela Marino

Libby Lynn McGrath**

Britney Mercer*

Hannah Montano**

Kaylie Yu Feng O’Flynn

Aitana Reyes Farinas

Milly Sofia Salazar**

Janelle Sasaki***

William Gregory Schoonard

Amanda Temte*

Jillian Turner***

Kyler White

Rayna M. White

Carisa Leahi Wilkerson***

Lauren Ashley Youngquist

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.74; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.75 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Esi Adomaa Fynn

Evan Joseph Baehr*

Avery Elizabeth Beck-Davis*

Carly Dianne Bertelsen*

Kadi McConnell Cienega**

Macynn Elizabeth Day*

Leah Elayna Derrera*

Esi Adomaa Fynn*

Joel Daniel Hill***, With University Honors

Kathryn Elizabeth Kuhn

Simon W. Kurtz

Gabrielle Joan Pontillas Marcojos***

David Hunter McKean

Amie Pham

Edwin A. Sarmiento**

Emma Scheitzach

Caroline Tak*

Autumn R. Tapia

Krislyn Aiko Teruya**

Kristina Olegovna Vdovich

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: May YuanLi Bombria, Claire Dahlia LiMing DiIorio, Yoshimi Jenkins Gomez, Harley Piper Hogan, Maya Paige Powell, Bogeum Quiroz, Ashley Randall

Delali Danae Adon**

Emma K. Alderman*

Megan McFarland Bayona***

Michael Edmund Boe

May YuanLi Bombria***

Alexandria Bonus**

Chandler Rose Brown*

Ian Brown**

Megan Ayn Carter*

Stephanie Castro**

Kendall Ann Clabaugh*

Brooke C. Coleman**

Ashlyn Marie Cordova**

Lauren Elizabeth Cowie**

Klara Marie DeJesus*

Derek Desgroux***

Claire Dahlia LiMing DiIorio***

Maxwell Anthony Duffner**

Ella Grace Eddy**

Michelle Alexis Fink*

Briana Sue Gascon

Amanda Leigh Sue Goble***

Yoshimi Jenkins Gomez***

Joshua Matthew Gornick*

Celine Billie Habimana*

Nicole Renee Hansen

Lily A. Harding*

Krista Anne Haubert

Luci Ann Heines

Haley Ann Hermes**

Kaitlin Renee Hinkle**

Harley Piper Hogan***

Autumn Louise Hoskins*

Gabriel Joesph Hotzfield**

Caroline A. Howard*

Mira Jenkins*

Shannon Johansen***

Kearstin Leigh Johnston**

Danielle Kahwaji**

Theodore John Kolks*

Kathryn Elaine Kossack*

Kylee C. Kujalowicz*

Alena Elizabeth Kuzinski*

Stephanie Lynne Langhart***

Kimberly June Langston**

Sydney Nichole Leifheit**

Savanna Levesque*

Julissa C. Livingstone**

Chandler Elizabeth Mayfield***

Emma Grace McCune***

Aaron Christopher Menke*

Makayla Teresa Montague***

Wendy Moreno**

Jocelyn Moreno Morales*

Amie Elizabeth Morgan*

Teyanna Fay Norris

Wendy Thi Nuno*

Aspen Karis Palieri***

Rachel Kay Patterson***

Emma Pendergast**

Julia Katherine Peterson***

Grant Powell**

Maya Paige Powell**

Bogeum Quiroz***

Ashley Randall***

Staci Dianna Reebenacker***

Robin Allison Repola***

Jannette Gamar Rhodes**

Anha L. Richards*

Brock Hunter Ried

Tyanna Belle Rollo*

Madison Bailey Root*

Lauren Ann Russo***

Téa Marie Salerno***

Alexandra Maeve Savage

Rebecca Lynn Schwartz

Abigail Catherine Simonton***

Ashlyn Michele Smithhart*

Jayme Smyth**

Carllene Maria Spurlock*

Ashley Kate Stenzel***

Brennan H. Stretch**

Hope Lawrence Strickland*

Jasmyne Sullivan**

Hayli Jean Sundgaard*

Jillian Elizabeth Swedensky*

Sophie Lou Terry*

Jace Patrick Toon**,

With University Honors

Giuliana Alexis Tucker

Erin Utesch*

Kira Elizabeth Villavert**

Christi Lynn Walker*

Scott Michael Weimer**

Nicole D. Williams

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.74; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.75 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION

Thomas Aicher, Dean

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Kylie Marie Autry*

Axyle Zylen Belveal***

Isabella Rose Bledsoe

Chase William Culver

Abbey Jacobs*

Ian Michael Kersey**

Myla Elizabeth Marnell***

Gabriel James Rivera

Aleksandr Solano***

Danny Phuong Dang Tran**

Jack Wormington

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS

Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards: Beth Backora, Riley Hand, David Montero, Sydney Samuels, Alexis Wagner, Georg Weggener

Marcus E. Aguilar*

Camryn Jessica Amick*

Derek Bradley Anderson

Alexander M. Anspach

Zane Maximilian Arabalo

Beth Backora***

Nicholas Anthony Bandeira**

Justin Daniel Banta*

Antonia Loren Batuello*

Andrea Bazan

Alexander Manuel Bejarano

Alberto Beltran**

Trenton Allen Blume**

Brisia Michelle Brousseau

William Jay Brown*

Elijah Ray Brownewell*

Kylee D. Burton

Hayden Gerald Byrd

Maxwell T. Cahill

Christina Nicole Carlisle*

Angel R. Carrera

Mic Chapur Ferrera

Chad John Chargualaf**

Rory Kesler Chase

Jonas Powell Chilopoulos

Meghan Clark**

Elise Kathryn Cloonan***

Joshua Clutter

Matthew Ryan Cochrane

Sarah Renee Coker

Abigayl B. Cox

Karina R. Cruz*

Juan Cruz Jr.

Ryan Joseph Dague

Holden Daniels*

Colin James Derenburger

Bally Idrissa Diakite

Amanda Dinh

Christopher Dominguez

Zachary Thomas Donlan**

Laura Downs**

Ebisa Shahinllari Dundas**

Dylan Jackson Efird

Preston Matthew Eisenach**

Aitana Elder

Jeffery Edward Ericson*

Matthias Faas

Joseph Michael Martin Fiocchi

Karina Zosia Florek

Caden Frasl

Emily Gaylord***

Alexe Dustin Gilles

Elijah James Gonzales

Daniel Luis Gonzalez

Douglas Howard Goslin**

Gavin Gary Gray***

Elijah James Gustad

Fern Gutierrez

Riley Hand***

Dylan Handlovitch

Justin Harris

Megan Lynn Harris

Branden Jonscott Hart*

Cade Michael Hathaway***

Cameron James Hathaway

Amelia Susanne Haverkamp

Daniel James Hayden

Kate Sandra Hedlund

Jonathan Jooyoung Ho*

Brenna Ann Hoff***

Franz-Xaver Korbinian Huber

Haley Huschka**

Brandon Travis Hussey**

Kailey Jo Johnson

Serenity Anne Johnson

Brandon David Jones

Terrence James Jones**

Shannon Kareus*

Karson Karge

Jared Karlin

Riley McKee Keenan*

Kathy Thien Tam Kha**

Lauren Mikayla Kim

Joel Steven Kinyon***

Kevin Don Knuth*

Bailey Katrina Kolarik

Michael Kopriva

Garrett Craig Larson

LaRiah Imani Lee-Davis**

Blake Cullen Leiding*

Nika Mihaelovna Lowery

Dylan Luc

Richard Joseph Martin*

Alyia Mathenia

Lauren Ashlyn McCoy

Mitchell Montgomery Meler**

Azuriah Mersereau***

Stephen Meyer

Brennen James Meyers

Jackson Robert Million

Chase J. Monestime

David Montero***

Lauren Jenay Moody

Collin P. Moore

Alyssa Victoria Moos

Aiden John Murphy

Alexander William Mussone

Alexis Daryl Newland**

Ashley Leilani Nguyen

Fiona Norby

Nadia Ortiz-Harris***

David Osnas*

Aspasia Zoe Paganis**

Elise Palmer

Dylan Patrick Parsons

Steven Joseph Pauka**

Lexi Alexandra Petri*

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude – Overall GPA: 3.3 - 3.49 with COB GPA: 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude – Overall GPA: 3.5 - 3.69 with COB GPA: 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude – Overall GPA: 3.7 or above with COB GPA: 3.9 or above

Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS cont.

Cole John Philip

Kaitlyn Ashley Pitts

Anastasia Marie Polaczak**

Shannon Lynn Pool

Trinity Pope*

Justice Jacob Pryor

Jordan Pshigoda

Bryce James Raines***

Chelsea Blue Rardon*

Michael Gunther Rauschenbach

Christina Marie Reece*

Allan J. Remedor

Evan Jack Reynolds

Mikayla Raye Roche**

Brittney Linae Rodriguez-Barragan*

Samuel Steven Rogers

James Matthew Roper

Erin Ross

Carson Alex Ruppert

Arianna Jade Russell**

Mikayla J. Russell*

Sybren Hoekstra Russell

Robert Ryan

Ian Charles Crockett Sachs

Sydney Samuels***

Brycen Nicholas Sanchez

Michael R. Schneider

Ryan Bernard Schulz**

Evan Charles Schwarzbart*

Nathaniel Lee Seay

Joshua Sekutera

Bailei Shaw**

Jakob Shook**

Garrett Liam Shriver

Barbara Anett Sierra Guerrero*

Alexander Raymond Sigrist

Esad Sipilovic*

Ainsley Marie Smith**

Darinel Soriano Castillo

Jack William Souder

Kyle Austin Balazon Srichantra

Luke Andrew Stephens*

Molly Joy Strickler*

Caleb James Stubbings

Yujiro Tamura**

Jenna Catherine Tandy***

Zachary Daniel Terradez

William Smith Thompson***

Rachel Hannah Elizabeth Toon

Peter V. Tran

Julien Gerald Loving Trocha

Chandler Tully

Gabriel Nikolas Tvedt*

Emily VanGundy*

Rylie Elizabeth Vaughan*

Alexis Wagner***

Alexia Rose Ward

Nicholas Weber

Georg Weggener***

Alex William Welch

Brendan Ervin Weyand*

Thomas T. Whitesel

Hunter D. Wilhelm*

Titus John Williams

Shekinah Elihoenai Worthwealth

Alexander Scott YBarra

Ziyi Zhang

Titus Harvey Ziesel

Cooper Jack Zippwald**

Mason Nicholas Zurun*

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude – Overall GPA: 3.3 - 3.49 with COB GPA: 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude – Overall GPA: 3.5 - 3.69 with COB GPA: 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude – Overall GPA: 3.7 or above with COB GPA: 3.9 or above

Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

George Reed, Dean

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Maya Anne Cafasso, Kade Joseph Naso

Robyn Abrams**

Brianna Lynn Adams*

Renée Lynnette Anderson

Karla Summer Andrade Saenz***

Benjamin William Azbell*

Trevor Bailey*

Sophia Mikaela Bauer

Tarik Bektasevic

Sierra Bensing

Hannah Maya Binder*

Keyanda Bolton

Hannah Kirsten Brower***

Anthony Bryant

Maya Anne Cafasso***

Faith Caldwell

Cuitlahuac Cervantes***

Allie Paige Clementi**

Mackenzie Cooper

Aja Grace Curtis

Sarai Crystal Damasco**

Nataly Moran De Lira

Emily Marie Doolittle**

Hunter G. Driscoll**

James Philip Dunbar**

Jacqueline Grace Eide

Paige Kanani Fahrni***

Madilene Kenna Fleming**

Katelyn E. Galloway***

Itzel Garcia Vazquez

Sean Brayton Graff**

Parker James Gregory

Jordan Nicole Gurule

Javen Ryan Hansen*

Natalie L. Hill**

Crystina Marrie Hirschman

Abby Holmstoen**

Zachary L. Jacobson*

Fiona Kaira Berta Kaugars

Athena Echo Keller

Andrew Daniel Kovacevic*

Braden Luke Krull**

Annjela Katherine Lane*

Dylan C. LeCocq

Brianna Rose Lindsey**

Dimitri Alexander Lopez***

Lara Martin***

Colton Matthews

Kamryn Carol McCain*

Ian Augustine McClung

Anastasia Montoya

Maria Guadalupe Moscosa

Brenna Joy Moynihan**

Nathan James Murray

Kade Joseph Naso***

Rockley Grey Neal***

Scott Edward Nistler***

Stacey Pietig**

Anastasia Marie Rendon

Aracelli Ann Repola**

Marissa A. Reyes

Ella Marjorie Richards

Alejandra Rodriguez*

Angelina Amanda Rodriguez*

Darren J. Sayers

Devynne Schoch*

Lindsay Noelle Severson***

Faith Morgan Grace Shierling**

Sabryn Nicole Shtatman

Frank Nicholas Slavens***

Alyssia Solano-Hinojosa

Michael Stevens**

Alexia Tabarez-Halcomb

LeAnne Tomlinson**

Jeremy Arthur Valdez*

Maria Gisselle Vazquez

Lindsey Christina VerBrugge

Brendan Nicholas Walters**

Taylyn Rene Warth

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Tyesha Rikia Robertson

Sarah Bouchard***

Samantha Lynn Boutan***

Lillian Rose Carson*

Elizabeth Nicole Churchill

John Jay Cosmato III**

Stephen R. Crahan***

Aneta Czepiel***

Emonie Davis

Emily Sue Dees

Jonnie Nichole Field**

Emmagin Goldman***

Emily Graber*

Michael Ryan Greenbaum

Daniel Greenberg***

Megan Harrison***

Olivia Kimberley Hernandez

Par Hnem*

Alexis Aleas Huguenin

Ketti Lane Lemon

Anna Christine Long*

Braden Lee Love***

Alicia Martinez***

Kierra Audrey Nash

Teemaeh Huynh Ngo***

Tyesha Rikia Robertson**

Kiahna Nicole Sanders*

Rebecca Marie Sharp

Ava Marie Simone

Kaylee Sylvia Smith**

Sarah Elizabeth Smith**

Emma Lynn Stenzel**

Paige Taylor***

Eric Cordero Vega

Marley Jean Waltert***

Madejah A. Watson**

Russell Luke Williams***

Amelia Wright Niswonger**

*Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE

Michael Corl, Interim Dean

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Joshua Alexander Muller

Yulia Marina Gutierrez Baratutis

Eric Keis*

Jamie Caleb Kiser

Joshua Alexander Muller*

Andres Eloy Puga

Justin Matthew Rodriguez

Isaiah M. Romero**

Rilee Jo Seebaum

Justice William Sparks

Connor Wilson

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Felicia J. Friend*

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Sherman Douglas Kettner

Masen Robert Gutormson

Sherman Douglas Kettner***, With University Honors

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN COMPUTER SCIENCE & SECURITY

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Dante Takashi Cannestra

Landon Christopher Bunker

Dante Takashi Cannestra**

Cole Christian Fukumitsu

Katherine Elizabeth Larsen***

Marcus Ryan Manuel*

Chris Michael Moody

Jacob Paul Robert Murphy

Ivan Alejandro Sarmiento

MaryKathryn Elizabeth Schneider***

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF INNOVATION IN GAME DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Branden Patrick Arms

Jordan Arms***

Eshan Anup Bhatt

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Ian K. Shouldice

Aimée Grace Branine**

Alexander Scott Hughes

Luis Fernando Martinez**

Brendan Perry Christian James Ruiz

Ian K. Shouldice**

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Jacob Lynn Wall

Donovan Matheau Espiritu Cruz

Daniel Kennedy**

Judah Thomas Small**

Kevin Paul Smithgall

Jacob Lynn Wall**

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Brendan Todd Gould

Matheus Abrantes

Samuel Robert Adamson***

Daniel Atkinson

Brogan Bewley**

Matthew Elliot Bidwell

Ryan Bieg*

Benjamin Brady Bittles

Brandon Bradshaw

Joseph Braitsch**

Joshua Everette Braseth

Jasmine Nykole Brown**

Christopher Burrows-Riggan

Zachary Chanza

Nicholas Michael Chesi

Nicholas Dalton*

Errick George Denning

Luke Daniel Flancher

Owen Zayne Garrett Johnson

Matthew Francis Gibbons**

Kobe Donavan Goodermont

Brendan Todd Gould***

Nicholas Owen Grube

Robert A. Hawkins**

Brandon Hernandez

Noah J. Holt

Ron Lustig

Jack McArthur***

Grayson G. McKenzie

Mikaela Ann Moores*

Chase Alexander Mutzig***

Gareth Nott*

Antonio Rodriguez**

Murphy James Schaff***

Keegan Martin McCrocklin Shry***

Riley Jack Staite

Alexander Nicholas Traffis

Moisey Tulepkaliev***

Connor Whittington*

Patrick Joseph Woods***

Logan Daniel Zeien***

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DATA ANALYTICS AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Cynthia Dawn Valentine

Gabriel Batizy**

Mark Phillip Bowen**

Brett A. Ford**

Cynthia Dawn Valentine***

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Nicholas Brown*

David Chandra

Joshua Enzio Essler

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Michael Jed Martinez

Mackenzie M. Lind*

Michael Jed Martinez**

Logan Ray Mros**

Zachary Christopher Thomas

THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards: Benjamin Kopriva, Jackson Thorne

Daniel Abifoluwa Adebonojo

Mathew Anderson***

Turner Lee Benham

Alexa Boerger

Jacob Wesley Buller**

Dawson Armstrong Burch

Sandy Camarena

Nathaniel Rian Carey**

Uriel Castellanos

Austin J. Corniels

Bruce Henry Cushman***

Reese Matthew Dodd**

Dae Leon Downs

Kyle Franklin**

Jonathan David Garbrick

Brian MacFarlane Gartrell

Jonathon Glidden

Antonio Fidel Gonzales

Jacob Paul Hamilton*

Tristan Alan Hodges

Benjamin Kopriva***

Caleb Krantz*

Julius Nicholas Lonsky***

Brock A. Martin

Ethan Thomas Martin

Andrea Jean Miller**

Marco A. Morales***

Peter Balazs Nagy-Szasz

Conor O’Brien

Isaac Jonathan Payne**

Daniel Jay Roach

Ryan Christopher Roman

Mabon Daniel Russo-Way

Shea Singler***

Alexander J. Stasiak

Matthew Harold Terry*

Justin James Thomassen**

Jackson Thorne***

Tyler Tryon***

Tristan Neal Turner

Jackson Lucas Tuttle*

Christian Tyler Underwood***

Nikita Waintrub, With University Honors

Grace Taylor Whitehorn*

Explanation of Honors: *Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.69; **Magna Cum Laude - 3.7 - 3.89; ***Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or above Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.

CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSION

AEROSPACE STUDIES

Colonel Bradley L. Spears, United States Air Force

SECOND LIEUTENANT, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Nathaniel L. Seay

George K. Zoorob

MILITARY SCIENCE

Lieutenant Colonel David R. Campbell, United States Army

SECOND LIEUTENANT, UNITED STATES ARMY

Distinguished Military Graduates: Sheannah Angel Beale, Alberto Beltran, Zachery Rutger Hershberger, Steven Joseph Pauka, Edward Alec Pedraza, Allan Nmn Remedor, David Allen Roberts, Cody Michael Standridge, Caden Audrey Stergius, Ethan Brierly Tramel, Mason Nicholas Zurun

Heriberto Angel Reyes

Sheannah Angel Beale

Alberto Beltran

Joshua Aaron Bermudez

Anthony Syrall Bryant

Hunter Gene Driscoll

James Philip Dunbar

Joseph Michael Martin Fiocchi

Brent Matthew Fulmer

Zachery Rutger Hershberger

Zachary James Lau

Deonson Tuanuu Leatimua

Ian Zhen Li

Juan Miguel Mejia

Wendy Moreno

Miguel Angel Ortega Jr.

Steven Joseph Pauka

Edward Alec Pedraza

Joesph Steven Perez

Shehzad Kodi Rahman

Allan Nmn Remedor

David Allen Roberts

Diedra Marie Russell

Luke Isaiah Smith

Cody Michael Standridge

Caden Audrey Stergius

Ethan Brierly Tramel

Jonathan Matthew Edward Waldon

Jimmy Xue Wang

Miranda Renee Williamson

Mason Nicholas Zurun

The preceding list of candidates for degrees is not an official record that such candidates have been awarded such degrees or honors.

Diplomas will be mailed late August 2024 to your address of record.

This program and other graduation information is available on the UCCS Commencement website: commencement.uccs.edu

This program is produced collaboratively by the Chancellor’s Office, University Events, Marketing and Communications Office, Information Technology Office and the Office of the Registrar.

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

1966

First UCCS student graduates; walked in the Boulder Commencement and listed in the Boulder program.

1975 & 1976

Graduates were honored with a “recognition ceremony” on-campus.

1977 – 1992

Until 1977, UCCS graduates marched in CU Boulder’s Commencement. UCCS held its first official Commencement at the BROADMOOR International Center on May 17, 1977. Later ceremonies moved to the original BROADMOOR World Arena.

1998

First PhD in Computer Science graduates.

1998

First Distance MBA Degree graduate.

1999 – PRESENT

May Commencement held at new World Arena.

1965

1976 – 1985

Graduates wore gold regalia from 1976 (centennial year of the University) to 1985.

1977 – 2005

Professor Paul Ballantyne was the featured vocalist at every UCCS commencement.

1984 – 2013

May Commencement Marshal is the previous year’s Outstanding Teacher Award Recipient.

1988

First PhD in Electrical Engineering graduates.

1993 – 1998

Commencement held on campus in former parking lot in front of Engineering Building.

2006

Stephen Ludwig (’93) becomes the first UCCS alumnus to serve on the CU Board of Regents and attend Commencement in that role.

2007 – 2013

December Commencement

Marshal is that year’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Research recipient.

2007 First PhD Psychology graduate.

MAY 2008

First graduates under reworked PhD in Engineering.

MAY 2009

First Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates.

DEC 2009

First Bachelor of Innovation™ graduate.

MAY 2012

First recognized Golden and Silver graduates.

MAY 2013

First concurrent high school/UCCS graduate –earns BS in Biology.

2014

The 2013-14 Faculty Assembly created the UCCS Marshal’s Club;the Club selects a Commencement Marshal for each graduation ceremony starting this year going forward.

DEC 2015

First ceremony to be livestreamed.

MAY 2020 – MAY 2021

Virtual Ceremonies (in-person ceremonies cancelled due to COVID-19).

2024

Over 59,000 alumni.

2007

First December Commencement for Summer and Fall graduates held at the Pikes Peak Center on December 14, 2007. Moved to the World Arena in 2009.

MAY 2009

Student Achievement Award recipients are first introduced as May Commencement speakers.

DEC 2009

Distinguished Alumnus first introduced as December Commencement speaker.

MAY 2010

First PhD in Educational Leadership Research & Policy graduates.

MAY 2011

First PhD in Applied Science graduate.

2013 – PRESENT

Increasing numbers of graduates prompts a need for two May Commencement ceremonies; separated into LAS and all other colleges.

2024

College of Education moved to the morning ceremony as a result of increasing numbers.

The history of the University of Colorado dates back to the earliest days of Colorado and precedes the creation of the state. At its first session in 1861, the Colorado territorial legislature passed an act providing for the creation of a university in Boulder. To establish the university, the legislature appropriated $15,000, which was matched by Boulder residents. However, the formal founding was delayed for another fifteen years by the Civil War. When Colorado became the 38th state in the Union in 1876, the university was declared an institution of the state, and the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado was established under Colorado’s State Constitution as its governing authority.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has a rich history as a site and campus. Many millennia before any students began studying here, a small group of ancestral American Indians set up camp overlooking an arroyo on the west edge of what is now the campus. Remains from approximately 30 sites used by Plains Indians from about 100 A.D. to 1400 A.D. dot the campus grounds. The cultural heritage of the area is witnessed not only architecturally and in diverse ecological phenomena but also in the significant prehistoric archeological components observable throughout the University acreage. The daily discarded artifacts of Cragmor Sanitorium life - medicine bottles, crumbling foundations, and broken dishes are intertwined with artifacts from the prehistory of the region.

Henry Austin, for whom the bluffs on campus were named, purchased a large part of what is

now the campus in 1873 to graze herds of sheep. The first known building on the site was a cabin built by the world-famous physician, Dr. Edwin Solly. Dr. Solly suffered from tuberculosis and moved from England to the area, as the region was becoming known for its healthy climate. After years of planning for a sanatorium on the site, Dr. Solly was spurred into action in 1902 when General William Jackson Palmer (founder of Colorado Springs) gave him 100 acres of land on Austin Bluffs and $50,000 towards the start of his sanatorium. Solly selected one of the most important and versatile architects working in Southern Colorado, Thomas MacLaren. MacLaren (1863-1928), acknowledged master of architecture, designed many structures in Colorado Springs including several sections of the opulent BROADMOOR Hotel. The sanitorium building echoed the aesthetics of the founders merging with Spanish-Moorish influence; it embodied the heritage of the builders of Colorado Springs and the understated beauty of the Hispanic culture.

Cragmor Sanitorium (now Main Hall) opened its doors to patients on June 20, 1905, and thereafter became the most luxurious place for well-to-do consumptives in the United States. Dr. Solly named the site Cragmoor (later shortened to Cragmor), reminiscent of the crags and moors he had left behind in Great Britain.

Cragmor became the health mecca for artists, writers, and corporate tycoons who found not only their health but also a new home in Colorado Springs. Laura la Tille (Broadway performer), Constance Pulitzer (Joseph Pulitzer’s daughter), Murielane Pancost (concert soprano), Jeanette

Circa early 1960s Courtesy, Kraemer Family Library, UCCS Archives

Circa 1968, Cragmor Campus sign Courtesy, Kraemer Family Library, UCCS Archives

MacCoil (well-known New York musician), and Russell Cheney (renowned painter) spent time and regained their health at Cragmor. Upon his death Solly was memorialized as a world class physician who had brought the Colorado Springs community to global acclaim for its outstanding health facility. Ironically, the world forgot Solly as Cragmor became even more established under the direction of new leaders in health care: Gerald B. Webb, Alexius M. Forster, Otto Einstein, and George J. Dwire.

The 1930’s stock market crash brought financial disaster to many of the Cragmor Sanitorium’s exclusive clientele. The facility was adapted to serve the health needs of less affluent patients. Alexius Forster’s death in 1954 (took charge of Cragmor in 1910 at age 29) found Cragmor at a loss for medical and financial leadership. The last decade of the sanitorium’s homeopathic life was to become tied to the Bureau of Indian Affairs

as Navajo Indians were flown in to Cragmor. This was one of the first public health programs launched by the newly formed U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW). The first Indian patients arrived at Cragmor in 1952 with the signing of a government contract between the Cragmor Foundation and HEW. The institution would be guaranteed a permanent base of financial support. In return, Cragmor would provide for the medical needs of hundreds of tuberculous Navajos. George Dwire, Managing Director, oversaw the decade of fiscal recovery for the institution. He created a dynamic program which not only provided for the health needs of hundreds of Navajos infected with tuberculosis but also expanded to include educational and occupational therapy. As the health crisis of the Navajo people subsided so did the Federal funding for Cragmor. By April of 1962, remaining patients were being transferred to other facilities.

Circa 1980s, Main Hall

Courtesy, Kraemer Family Library, UCCS Archives

As early as the 1920s, the University of Colorado offered courses at numerous Colorado Springs locations including Colorado College and various storefronts. By the mid-1960s, community leaders were pressing for a full-fledged University of Colorado presence in the community. In his negotiations with then-Governor John Love, Hewlett-Packard (HP) co-founder David Packard, a Pueblo native, wanted a permanent University of Colorado campus in Colorado Springs to support the educational needs of company employees. The combination of the state’s desire to attract HP to Colorado Springs and George J. Dwire’s sale of the defunct 80-acre Cragmor Sanatorium property for $1 led to birth of the Colorado Springs Center of the University of Colorado. June 15, 1964, commemorated the funding and legislation signed by Governor Love allowing the University of Colorado to assume custody of Cragmor. In 1965, the Colorado Springs Center of the University of Colorado opened on the south side of Austin Bluffs, an area which showcased a spectacular panoramic view of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods; tuition was $13 per credit hour. Professor offices in Cragmor Manor (now Cragmor Hall) were equipped with small kitchenettes and private bathrooms, due

to the building’s previous use as a nursing home (Cragmor Manor was added to the Sanitorium in the 1950s). A few offices were still outfitted with this unique piece of history as late as 2002; Cragmor Hall was completely remodeled and reopened in January 2004.

From 1965 to 1972 the Colorado Springs Center operated as a division or extension of the Boulder campus. It became the first permanent home for a growing following of scholars. Colorado Constitutional Amendment 4, approved at the 1972 Colorado General Election, designated the Colorado Springs campus and two other centers as distinct campuses of the University of Colorado. Dwire Hall opened as the first solely academic building on campus in 1972; it was completely remodeled in 2007. In 1974, the University of Colorado reorganized into four campuses – Colorado Springs, Boulder, Denver, and the Health Sciences Center in Denver. The two Denver campuses later consolidated administratively in June 2004; the model was reversed in 2014 for each campus to again have its own chancellor. 1974 also marked the establishment of the first Chancellor of the Colorado Springs campus, with ties to the

Circa 1995, Spring Commencement On-Campus Courtesy, Kraemer Family Library, UCCS Archives

Boulder campus being changed to have the campus directly reporting to the President of the University. UCCS grew over the years, and in 1996 the first on-campus student housing opened. The next year a community referendum merged the city-owned Beth-El College of Nursing with the campus. During the 2010-2011 new branding campaign, “at” was removed from the official UCCS name – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – to become University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Because of the ties to HP, initial university programs focused on engineering and business. Today, 59 years after its beginning, UCCS offers 56 bachelor’s, 23 master’s, and eight doctoral degrees in six colleges. The initial university programs of engineering and business still serve as pillars of the university, and are joined by a broad range of degree programs offered in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional programs in nursing, education and public service to meet the needs of Colorado’s second-largest metropolitan area and beyond. In 2012, Colorado Springs voters again added to the UCCS campus by agreeing to lease city-owned Memorial Hospital to University of Colorado Health. As part of the agreement, an administrative branch of the CU School of Medicine is in the University Hall at UCCS.

Meaningful partnerships with the National Cybersecurity Center cast an eye toward the future. From its original 80 acres, UCCS has added 450 additional acres along Austin Bluffs Parkway and North Nevada Avenue. North Nevada Avenue continued growth with the opening of the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center adjacent to the Margot and John Lane Academic and Health Sciences Center in the summer 2020. Most recently, UCCS opened the Anschutz Engineering Center in February 2024.

UCCS spring commencement ceremonies have been held at the old BROA DMOOR Ice Arena, a campus parking lot where the Osborne Center for Science & Engineering now stands, and The BROA DMOOR World Arena. The first December commencement ceremony for summer and fall graduates was held on December 14, 2007 at the Pikes Peak Center. After only two years, the December graduates outgrew the Pikes Peak Center, and now all yearly ceremonies are held at The BROA DMOOR World Arena. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the May and December 2020 and May 2021 Commencements to be the firstever in-person ceremonies to be cancelled. Since the first UCCS commencement in 1975, over 59,000 students have graduated from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Photo by Gabby Hensley, Staff, 2022

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs mascot is the mountain lion. It is visible across campus in a variety of ways – as the artistic logo on UCCS shuttles, the grand marble statue on El Pomar Plaza (moved from University Center Lower Plaza in March 2016), and the costumed mascot who ignites crowds at athletic games and official campus events. The mountain lion is an integral part of campus life, but that has not always been the case.

As UCCS began to develop an intercollegiate sports program in the 1980s, it became necessary to establish team identity with official colors and a mascot. In 1986, the first UCCS mascot, the hawk, was chosen and green and white sports uniforms were purchased. The Editor’s Corner in The Scribe (student newspaper) was even renamed “The Hawk’s Eye.” Until this time, the campus was told it was part of the University of Colorado System, and as such, already had a mascot — the buffalo. NCAA rules stated that due to differences in division level sports played at the Boulder and Colorado Springs campuses, UCCS was not allowed to claim the buffalo as its mascot. At the June 18, 1987 University of Colorado Board of Regents Meeting, the “regents decided not to officially designate a school mascot and colors for UCCS, but instead opted to allow UCCS to choose its own mascot while still maintaining the official CU colors of gold, silver, blue and black” (The Scribe, August 1987, pg 1). “CU Gold” became the accepted identity of the sports teams in Fall 1987.

In 1991, the student body voted for the “Fighting Longneckers” – or giraffes – to become the unofficial spirit symbol. This was personified by “Stretch,” a costumed giraffe obtained by former chancellor Dwayne Nuzum. Other options for a new spirit symbol considered by the Student Government Association (SGA) Committee were eagles, prospectors, gold diggers, golden avalanche, and pronghorns. Popularity of the spirit symbol waned with time. Many did not connect the giraffe with “CU Gold” and wanted a stronger identity.

Not until 1997 did a new campaign for a UCCS mascot begin. Realizing a need for a credible mascot, the SGA collected nominees for an official mascot. The overwhelming suggestion was the mountain lion, which won by 86% of the student body vote in spring 1998. Since that time, it has been the officially recognized symbol of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Dakota, a 14-year-old mountain lion at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, was adopted by the student body in December 2002. Boomer, the costumed mascot, was named by the winner of the “Name the Mascot” contest in September 2003 and was officially introduced at Fall Fest (original name for Back to the Bluffs and Homecoming) that year.

In spring 2011 the UCCS student body voted to officially change the name of the school mascot to Clyde, based on the name of a live mascot UCCS supported at the time.

Details provided by Kraemer Family Library Archives.

- Accessible seating available on concourse level (Row K)

- ASL Interpreting/ closed captioning seating available at the base of Section 107**

GATE B

GATE C

Graduate Seating by Degree*

Baccalaureate and Graduate Ceremony

10:00 a.m.

Associates

BA/BI/BS LAS

BA/BI Edu

Graduate Check-In, Line-Up Entrance

Penrose Club

Entranceaccess from inside between Gate A & B

BA/BI Edu

MA/MS/MSC LAS

MA/MSC Edu

PhD

Baccalaureate and Graduate Ceremony 2:30 p.m.

BS Beth-El

ME/MS Engr

MCJ/MPA

BI/BS Engr

BA CJ

BI/BS Business

MBA/MSA

MS/MSC

DNP/PhD

STAGE

GATE A

* subject to change

** due to limited seating one guest may accompany each Deaf/hard of hearing guest in reserved seating

FOR YOUR SAFETY

UCCS has taken every possible measure to ensure the safety of our graduates, their families, and their friends during our Commencement Exercises. You can do your part by noting the following:

• Once you are seated in The BROADMOOR World Arena, locate the nearest exit to your seat.

• In the event an evacuation takes place during the ceremony, we recommend your party have a pre-determined location outside the facility to aid in reunification.

• Treat all alarms as real.

• Listen carefully and follow any instructions which may be issued by the master of ceremonies, chief of police, fire chief, or other public authority.

• Parents should keep their young children with them at all times.

• Pay particular attention to the safety of any elderly persons or persons with disabilities.

• If directed to evacuate The BROADMOOR World Arena, please move away from the arena and remain outside until you have been given an “all-clear” by a public authority.

• If necessary, seek assistance from a UCCS staff member, BROADMOOR World Arena employee, or a uniformed police officer.

Thank you, and congratulations to our graduates!

Graduate Processional Entrance