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Remembering Diane Brown Benninghoff ’68
The Colorado College community is saddened by the passing of Diane Brown Benninghoff ’68, a cherished alum, former director of alumni relations, and assistant vice president for CC Advancement. During her decades of service to CC, Diane helped shape the alumni experience for generations of Tigers, creating meaningful connections, fostering volunteer leadership, and building a community rooted in belonging.
“The best thing about Colorado College is that I got to cultivate relationships and connections that have lasted my whole life,” said Benninghoff in a 2023 interview.
Her impact on the college, and on the countless alumni whose lives she touched, will be felt for years to come. We invite you to read Diane’s full obituary and join us in honoring a life devoted to learning, service, and the Colorado College community.
A MESSAGE FROM MANYA
Dear CC Alumni,
The direction of Colorado College is not set in a single moment—it is built over time, with input from the people who know and love this institution best. For the past two years, we have been doing the intentional work of strategic planning, drawing on perspectives from students, faculty, staff, and alumni alongside an honest reckoning with a higher education landscape that is changing faster than any of us anticipated. READ THE FULL LETTER »
TIGER TRAVEL TRIP TURNS NEW ZEALAND INTO A LIVING CLASSROOM FOR ALUMNI
For the group of alums who took the recent Tiger Travel trip “Volcanoes, Glaciers, Walks, and Wine: A New Zealand Journey”—it was all that and more. The travelers stepped into a living classroom that provided opportunities to connect with fellow alumni in beautiful, diverse settings on a journey shaped by CC’s culture of lifelong learning. READ THE FULL STORY »
MOUNTAIN WEST LAUNCHES MW+ STREAMING PLATFORM
The Mountain West announced the launch of MW+, its new direct-to-consumer digital subscription platform, powered by leading streaming technology and services company, Kiswe. Every Colorado College women’s soccer match at home and vs. a Mountain West opponent (home and away) during the 2026 season will be available on MW+. READ THE FULL STORY »
TIGER TITLES
The latest books published by CC alumni, faculty, staff, and students…
SEE THE ENTIRE BOOKSHELF OF TIGER TITLES »
LIFELONG LEARNING
ANTIRACIST BOOK CLUB
The Antiracist Book Club was established in the Spring of 2021 after conversations with campus stakeholders. Two books were selected for the 2025-26 academic year – maybe they’ll make it to your book shelf.
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!
FEATURED TALKS
Abbott Lecture
April 29, 2026 : AbbottLecture presentation by broadcast journalist Radio Rahim, “Three Sided Stories”.
Anti-Racist Book Club Presentation
Anti-Racist Book Club presentation by Dr. Brenna Swift ’09, “An Introduction to the Disability Justice Movement” discussing the book Noor by Nnedi Okorafor.
upcoming eventS
July 19 | 11:30a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Summer Welcome Party | Hawaii
Suzie Moore ’78 invites you to welcome the Class of 2030 to the CC community with a potluck. For more information, contact Jacob Sanchez at jsanchez@coloradocollege.edu.
July 26 | 4:00-6:00 p.m. | Summer Welcome Party | Austin, TX
Jordan ’98 and Laila Scott ’98, P’29, P’30 invite you to connect with local alumni and families to welcome the Class of 2030 and incoming transfer students to the CC community! LEARN MORE AND REGISTER »
August 14 | 5:30 p.m. | Libation Lecture | Colorado Springs
Dr. Paul Myrow, Professor Emeritus of Geology, will present Chasing the Cambrian Explosion: How the Fossils of Newfoundland Defined the Greatest Biological Revolution in Earth History. This lecture is part of the Fine Arts Center’s Libation Lectures series. CC alums receive a 15% discount off either individual lecture tickets (LIBALAUM) or the full lecture package (LIBALUM1) LEARN MORE AND REGISTER »
September 18 | 5:30 p.m. | Libation Lecture | Colorado Springs
Associate Professor of English Sylvan Goldberg presents, “A Victorian Gentlewoman in Colorado’s Mines: Mary Hallock Foote’s Extractive Imagination”. This lecture is part of the Fine Arts Center’s Libation Lectures series. CC alums receive a 15% discount off either individual lecture tickets (LIBALAUM) or the full lecture package (LIBALUM1) LEARN MORE AND REGISTER »
Save the Date:
- August 27 | Film Screening & Alumni Gathering | Denver
- September 2 | Friends for Good: How Small Contributions – Made Together – Can Make a Big Difference | Webinar
- October 9-11 | Homecoming and Reunions | Colorado Springs
ALUMNI CAREER CORNER
3 Steps to Finding a Job You Love
July 28 | 10:00 a.m. MT
Learn how, with thoughtful planning and the right approach, you can design a career that fits you – one that provides fulfillment, financial stability, and long-term satisfaction. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER»
5 Ways to Stand Out in Your Job Search
August 25 | 10:00 a.m. MT
Learn creative ways to differentiate yourself in your job search, effectively communicate your transferable skills, and present yourself as both technically and business savvy in interviews and networking conversations. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER»
Discounted Career Coaching and Networking Group
Participate in a private online community where you share your questions, thoughts, suggestions, and struggles in a supportive forum and receive answers from a professional career coach in this monthly group call. LEARN MORE »
SEE ALL ALUMNI CAREER RESOURCES »
THE MAP OF MANYA
Curious what goes into the work of a CC president? Enter “The Map of Manya!” When she’s not on campus engaging with students, faculty, and staff, President Manya Whitaker is usually on the road — gathering with alumni at regional events, talking with prospective students and families about coming to CC, and sharing her expertise and CC’s thought leadership at national higher ed conferences and events. Visit this interactive map to learn more about where Manya has been, where she’s headed next, and how she stays connected to our nationwide Tiger community.
TIGER TRAVEL
Where Should Tiger Travel Go Next?
Tiger Travel offers opportunities to explore the world alongside fellow Colorado College alumni, parents, and friends. As we plan future programs, we’d like your input via a brief survey on destinations and travel experiences that interest you most. Thank you for helping shape future adventures! TAKE THE SURVEY»
Check out all upcoming Tiger Travel programs, including:
Natural Treasures of Costa Rica and Panama
Feb. 28 – Mar. 13, 2027
Experience an unforgettable voyage along the shores of Costa Rica and Panama and transit the legendary Panama Canal. Sail aboard an authentic three-mast, full-rigged yacht in luxury accommodations. LEARN MORE & REGISTER »
Ticket to Ride: Following the Beatles from Liverpool to London
June 16 – 25, 2027
Grab your guitar pick and drumstikcs and Come Together to the birthplace of the British Invasion. Join Professor of Music Ryan Bañagale, a Beatles fan, and walk in the footsteps of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. LEARN MORE »
Cruising from the Scottish Highlands to the Norwegian Fjords
CC alums enjoyed a Scandinavian cruise that embarked from Edinburgh, stopped in the Orkney Islands, traversed Norwegian fjords, visited picturesque villages and ended in the Lofoten Islands. One alum claimed, “I didn’t expect to laugh so much. The people made the trip.” The CC “crew” included: Professor Anthony Bull, Michael Gilbert, Deirdre Gilbert Anthony ’85, Miller Newlon, Tanya Renne, Curt Christofferson ’79, Connie Chirstofferson, Jeanie Pederson ’81, P’16, Tom Pederson P ’16, Christin Newlon ’86, Theresa Eilers, Ann Vanderburg ’81, Hill Danforth P’10, Priscilla Danforth ’79, P’10, and Inger Bull.
Lanzarote Island, Canary Islands
CC alums cruised from Dakar to Casablanca with a stop in the Canary Islands. Professor Danielle Sanchez used her expertise as a historian of Africa to facilitate the travelers’ learning as they explored landmarks and culture. Pictured: Rob White ’76, Jacob Sanchez, Rowena Reyes ’81, Esther Fortunoff ’76, Susan White ’76, Frank Landis, Penny Landis ’76, Professor of History Danielle Sanchez.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Did You Miss the Jun. 18 Virtual Update?
If you missed the Jun. 18 Virtual Update featuring President Manya Whitaker and other college leaders discussing admissions, athletics, communications and the new science initiative, you can listen to the recording here.
Writing Assistance Available to Alumni
Applying to graduate school or for a fellowship? The Ruth Barton Writing Center provides free support to alumni who are writing personal statements for their continuing academic pursuits. Contact Director Chris Schacht and he will connect you to the CC professional writing consultant best suited to help you achieve your post-grad goals.
**Free** Kaplan Test Prep for CC Alums
CC is proud to offer free registration to our alumni for Kaplan live online test prep courses. Alumni who are interested in applying to graduate school programs can select test prep courses for GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, DAT, or OAT. LEARN HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER »
Concerned about paying for college?
Many parents want to send their children to a private college, but concerns about affordability often hold them back. That’s why Private College 529 Plan was established over 20 years ago by a consortium of schools, including CC. We help families save on the cost of a private college education by locking in tuition at today’s rates.
No matter how much costs increase, your prepaid tuition is guaranteed by nearly 300 participating schools nationwide, including CC. And if you register before September 30, the plan will match up to $500 of your first deposit. LEARN MORE »
TIGERS IN the wild
Twin Cities Pop-Up Block
More than 100 alumni, parents and admitted students and families attended a Pop-Up Block at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis on Apr. 7. President Manya Whitaker and Associate Professor Elizabeth Coggins (Political Science) presented on the future of education and the power of conversation.
New York City Pop-Up Block
NYC alumni, parents and admitted students and their families gathered at Project Farmhouse to hear from President Whitaker and Associate Professor Sarah Schanz (Geology).
Do you have news to share?
Do you have big career news? Have you gotten married? Published a book? Had a baby? Have you met up with other Tiger alums and have a great picture to share? Do you want to send along the news of a fellow alum’s passing? Please share it with us so that we can publish it in The Peak.
FILL OUT A SUBMIT YOUR NEWS FORM »
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!