Alumni
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A Tribute to Bill Whaley ’68: Journalist, Educator, Entrepreneur
Brenda Gillen, Assistant Director Advancement Communications
On Feb. 8, 2021, Bill Whaley ’68 died of a heart attack while skiing in Taos Ski Valley with his granddaughter, Lili. His death occurred while he was doing one of the things he most loved to do, in a place he revered, with one of his favorite people on Earth. His Colorado College friends remember him fondly.
ALUM CONNECTS WITH JAPANESE IDENTITY THROUGH JET AWARD
Julia Fennell ’21
Tia Vierling ’22 spent 13 months in Japan teaching English to local students through the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program.
CC ALUM ABROAD: ALEXANDER ROCCA
Alexander Rocca ’02
It was a beautiful Friday morning and I was driving alone along a windy mountainous road in the Abruzzo region of Central Italy.
ALUM RECONNECTS WITH THAI HERITAGE
Julia Fennell ’21
During her time at Colorado College, Sierra Takushi ’21 was encouraged and inspired to reconnect with her Thai heritage.
REBIRTH AND RENEWAL
For this first release of The Peak, we asked alumni to write about rebirth and renewal. See what they wrote as well as a message from the editor.
TIGER TITLES
LIFELONG LEARNING
FEATURED BLOCK 2 COURSE
Sport Psychology
Each block, we feature one course that is being taught on campus. Included is the course description, a blurb about the course from the professor, and a reading list. Use these resources to dip your toe (or mind) back into the academic life of CC.
BOOK CLUBS
These are resources and guidance for alumni to read the books on their own or to coordinate a book club within their community. For each club, there is a book pick, short synopsis, and a list of discussion questions. Happy reading!
DID YOU KNOW…
As a CC alum, you still have access to many of Tutt Library’s resources! This includes borrowing books and database access. Find your next great read or research help at Tutt!
FACULTY TEDx TALK
Watch CC English Professor Steven Hayward’s August 2023 TEDx Talk: “How to Binge a College Semester in One Week”. Does the length of time spent studying a subject affect comprehension and retention? Can you learn something just as well in a shorter time? Listen to Hayward’s thoughts on the matter.
FACULTY PODCAST
The Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is a public archive of the life stories of long-time LGBTQ+ residents of Colorado Springs, founded by CC’s Dr. Rushaan Kumar.
DIGITAL LIBERAL ARTS: POLICING MALE HOMOSEXUALITY – 18TH CENTURY PARIS
In this collaboration between CC faculty, students, and others, readers learn about the topic through the lenses of history of sexuality and gender, policing and regulation, and French history.
upcoming events
October 13 – 15, 2023 | Colorado Springs, CO
Homecoming and Family Weekend: The combined 2023 Homecoming and Family Weekend provides opportunities for everyone — alumni, parents, families, students, faculty, and staff — to experience the amazing CC spirit that energizes this community. There are events all weekend all across campus. Learn more about HCFW!
October 17, 2023 | Colorado Springs, CO
Student/Alumni Croquet Tournament: Join us for this on campus networking opportunity. We will be playing glow-in-the-dark croquet. New and experienced croquet players are welcome. We will also have glow-in-the-dark cornhole and spike ball as well as mocktails and snacks. The event will take place at Washburn Field on the Colorado College campus from 6-8 p.m. Register early as there is limited space available for this tournament!
tiger travel
Mexico: Total Solar Eclipse
APRIL 4–10, 2024
Join Natalie Gosnell ’08, observational astrophysicist, artist, and Associate Professor of Physics at CC, to view the next total solar eclipse that will be visible in North America. You will spend two nights in Mexico City before heading to Mazatlán, Mexico, for four nights at an oceanside resort. This coastal city is where the moon’s shadow will first touch mainland Mexico. This tour is a perfect international, yet close-to-home escape while witnessing a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Uzbekistan: The Silk Road
SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 6, 2024
CC alumni and families will travel to Uzbekistan and follow the legendary Silk Road. The tour includes stops in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, visiting multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites. Led by CC alum John Shors ’91, P ’26, This all-inclusive tour will feature a variety of cultural experiences, as well as an itinerary that simultaneously showcases many of Uzbekistan’s best sights while also giving guests ample free time to explore ancient pathways.
Other upcoming travel opportunities are in the works!
Want to go to Italy with a group of fellow Tigers? Travel with Tuscan Landscapes (October 19-30, 2024) featuring Susan Ashely, CC Professor of History. Want something a little cooler? The Expedition to Antarctica departs January 29, 2025 and features Professor Eric Leonard of the CC Geology Department. To be among the first notified when these brochures become available, contact Eos Study Tours today to add your name to the list.
volunteer opportunities
The Annual James “Al” Johnson Memorial Tournament
October 27-29, 2023 – (Colorado Springs, CO) CC’s annual Speech and Debate tournament is returning LIVE to on campus, and we need judges! We will be offering IPDA Debate on Friday and Individual events on Saturday and Sunday. Events start at 8 am and will end around 8 pm. A diversified judge pool is essential for student success, and even a portion of the day is appreciated. Are you interested in volunteering?
Tiger Link
Ongoing – Tiger Link is the official Colorado College networking platform. You can set up your account in less than two minutes and start connecting with fellow students and alumni. Join this platform to make yourself available to participate in one-on-one flash mentoring opportunities, answer student questions, and help build your network.
Alumni Event Recap
September 17 | Green Mountain Falls, CO
Professor Anthony Bull (Human Biology and Kinesiology) led a group of CC alums on a hike to Green Mountain Falls, offering information and answering questions about fitness and kinesiology along the way.
Pictured: Professor Anthony Bull, Momi Dufault ’72, Rob Watt ’78, Brianna Apodaca ’18, Audriana Alvarado ’18, Adrian Brouillette (Alumni & Family Relations), Patrick Mahoney ‘19, Inger Bull, Amy Stretmater ’94, Erik Nelson ’03, and Christine Nelson ’03.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM ALUMNI RELATIONS
New Interim VP for Advancement
After two years of service to CC, Vice President for Advancement Mary Ann Graffeo has resigned from the college. President Richardson has appointed Molly Bodnar as Interim VP for Advancement.
Bodnar has worked at CC for 10 years, most recently as Associate Vice President and Campaign Director. She brings deep knowledge of all aspects of Advancement and looks forward to continuing work with our alumni, parents, and friends.
Alumni Association Council Nominations Now Open!
The AAC represents the voice of CC alumni within the college. We encourage everyone to consider joining the Council. Nominate yourself or other alumni who want to meet alums and current students, interact with faculty and administration, and learn about CC’s current programs and activities, all while supporting CC. Apply now!
Board of Trustees By-laws Change
The CC Board of Trustees recently made several changes to the bylaws that affect the Board’s nomination, election, and governance processes. You can find more details in the letter from the Alumni Association Council.
Do you need to update your information in the CC alumni database?
Have you moved? Changed your name? Or need to update the alumni office of any other information change? Keep your information up to date so that you don’t miss out on anything from Alumni Relations!