Alumni Profile

Forever Buff Brian Nevin reflects on 40 years with Big Head Todd and the Monsters

Anna Tolette — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:46:28 +0000

Forever Buff Brian Nevin reflects on 40 years with Big Head Todd and the Monsters Anna Tolette Wed, 07/22/2026 - 13:46

April Driver

Brian Nevin of Big Head Todd and the Monsters, photo by Jenise Jensen

Forty years ago, Brian Nevin was a CU �ֲ��ý student playing music at fraternity parties and local venues with two friends who shared a dream. Today, he is still behind the drums with Big Head Todd and the Monsters, one of Colorado’s most enduring and beloved bands.

From regular gigs at Tulagi on The Hill during college to today’s annual performances at Red Rocks Amphitheater, the band’s Colorado roots have remained central to their story. One memorable Red Rocks performance in 2014 even featured an introduction from astronaut and fellow Forever Buff Steven Swanson aboard the International Space Station.

Over four decades, Big Head Todd and the Monsters has built a loyal following through its signature blend of rock, blues, funk and jazz, along with a reputation for energetic live performances. This summer the band returns to �ֲ��ý as the headliner of the �ֲ��ý Roots music festival, Aug. 27–30.

Ahead of the festival, Nevin reflected on the early days at CU �ֲ��ý, the friendships that have sustained decades of music success and the advice he’d offer Buffs today.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters began while you and your bandmates were still in high school. How did coming to CU �ֲ��ý help shape the band’s future?

Todd Park Mohr (singer, guitarist and songwriter), Rob Squires (bass) and I started playing as Big Head Todd and the Monsters in 1986. We were high school buddies [who ended up] attending the University of Colorado. �ֲ��ý was a wonderful playground for three young guys who thought we had something special and loved playing music together. It started with us playing parties for friends and fraternities and at Quigley’s on campus.

Is there a particular memory, experience or lesson from your time at CU �ֲ��ý that has stayed with you throughout your career?

On Friday afternoons, the Program Council would put on an FAC (Friday Afternoon Club) either in the Alfred Packer Grill or, if the weather was good, on the University Memorial Center terrace. These were great events and memorable for us as a band.

When you think back to those early days playing fraternity parties, Tulagi's and other �ֲ��ý venues, did you have any sense that the band would become your life's work? At what point did it start to feel like this could be something bigger?

We started to get popular playing parties at the music bars around town, primarily Tulagi on The Hill, The Walrus and JJ McCabe’s. We didn’t think this would be our life’s work at the time. We made a couple of recordings that started to get airplay on the CU �ֲ��ý campus and other college radio stations, so we decided to take a semester off school, buy a van and drive around the country booking shows in college towns.

It was a great era for live music, especially for indie and college bands. Because it was before the internet, bands could make a good amount of money selling their cassette tapes, CDs and vinyl at shows. We sold enough copies of our independent releases “Another Mayberry” and “Midnight Radio” that we attracted the attention of a major record label called Giant Records, who signed us to a deal in 1992. That’s when we knew it was going to be our focus and career.

Photo by Jenise Jensen

The band has built a loyal following by continually touring and connecting with fans year after year. What has kept performing live exciting for you after all this time?

We’ve been a band for 40 years, and in many ways our live performance has gotten more rewarding and challenging. The bravado of youth made the early years exciting, but as I’ve gotten older, it’s more about wanting to play a perfect show. The other guys in the band keep getting better, so I’ve got to keep working on my game. That’s what keeps it exciting.

One of the most remarkable parts of your story is that the band has stayed together for nearly four decades. What's been the key to maintaining those friendships and creative partnerships over the years?

Our friendship and respect for each other have been key to our longevity, but the creative element is what is still intriguing. I love playing music with these guys and like what we produce together. It still feels like it’s growing and there’s more to learn.

This August you'll be returning to �ֲ��ý for the �ֲ��ý Roots music festival. How does it feel when you play for a hometown audience after all these years?

�ֲ��ý is our roots, and we’re happy to be a part of the �ֲ��ý Roots Music Festival!

Looking back on your journey, from rehearsing and performing as college students to building a long and successful career, what advice would you offer today's CU �ֲ��ý students who hope to pursue creative careers or follow an unconventional path?

Find a way to make what you love to do with your time profitable, then you can spend your time doing what you love to do and pay the bills.

Forty years after first playing at campus parties and �ֲ��ý venues, Nevin and Big Head Todd and the Monsters will return to the city where it all began. Fans can see the band as the headlining act at the �ֲ��ý Roots music festival.

Get Your Tickets for �ֲ��ý Roots

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Judith Glyde

Anna Tolette — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:27:31 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Judith Glyde Anna Tolette Fri, 07/17/2026 - 10:27

Keeley Haynes

For more than 20 years, Judith Glyde shared her passion for music with CU �ֲ��ý’s College of Music students as a professor of cello and chamber music and the Strings Department Chair. Now, she continues to bring joy and expertise to the CU community as a Forever Buffs New York alumni chapter board member.

From producing specialty holiday performances amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to promoting cultural events around New York City, Judith strengthens bonds among CU alumni and deepens her personal enrichment through volunteering.

“We grow from knowing the students and, hopefully, they grow from knowing us,” said Judith upon receiving the College of Music’s Distinguished Service Award in 2022. “To be able to continue a relationship with our alums, supporting their music and their dreams, is a rare privilege.”

Read on to learn how Judith transfers her wisdom from teaching to volunteering and continues to make an impact on the youth of today.

What is your favorite CU �ֲ��ý memory?

Remembering every student I had the pleasure of teaching (some of whom are in NYC with me now) and every colleague I had the pleasure of performing with at Faculty Tuesdays. My favorite memory as a volunteer, however, is when Dawn Barone and I produced a Holiday Christmas celebration in December 2020. We held live stream performances by 13 CU alumni, with an introduction by emeritus chancellor Phil DiStefano. Hearing these professional presentations during a time of disconnection was truly inspirational.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by the passion and energy CU alums bring to NYC to follow their dreams. I am so proud of any alum who comes to New York City — a city that can be quite demanding. A great deal of patience is required.

Why do you volunteer?

I love young people! I have carried into retirement the important idea that we are never too old to learn from the younger generation. It’s delighting to collaborate with CU alums and help them adjust to life in the city. All of this is surely the ‘icing’ on the proverbial ‘retirement cake.’

What is your favorite way to volunteer for CU �ֲ��ý?

I was asked to be on the Forever Buffs NY Board to promote culture for the sportier alums in the city. Specifically, I keep an eye out for productions that highlight and involve our alumni. These events can take place on large or small stages, or in the pit of a Broadway show. I also love to help Scott Snyderman at our Judy Z’s Watch Parties!

Where is your favorite spot to go to in �ֲ��ý either on or off campus?

I believe at one point �ֲ��ý was known as “America’s Foodiest Town.” Many of my favorite eateries (The Dark Horse, for one) are no longer around, but my ‘favorite spot’ had to be wherever I met up with my colleagues for a great meal and conversation. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the Rocky Mountains — ideal for a hike in the hills.

How else do you give back to your community?

I am on the board of Friends of Chigiana, a non-profit organization based in NYC. Our mission is to promote the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy. We provide scholarships that grant talented musicians the opportunity to study abroad in Siena, thus making a lasting impact on their lives and cultivating a unique cultural exchange between Italy and the United States.

What drew you to teach at CU?

CU �ֲ��ý’s College of Music has an incredible history of chamber music with the Pro Arte and Takacs Quartets. Being a chamber musician (I was with the Manhattan String Quartet for 23 years), I could not think of a better environment to teach and perform. In addition, I have always loved the mountains. I probably have every book written about Mt. Everest, K-2 and the North face of the Eiger.

Why should other Forever Buffs volunteer?

Volunteering is the perfect way to keep in touch with fellow alums and to remember the stories and joys that stay with you after leaving �ֲ��ý.

Learn more about alumni volunteering

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Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with JJ Zykan (StrComm‘21)

Anna Tolette — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:22:13 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact: Q&A with JJ Zykan (StrComm‘21) Anna Tolette Tue, 06/16/2026 - 13:22

For Forever Buff JJ Zykan, a career in sports has moved about as fast as a puck on the ice.

Wrapping up her fifth season with the Colorado Avalanche, JJ is a senior content strategist, leading the team’s social media strategy and campaigns across multiple platforms like Instagram, Facebook and X. During the 2025-26 season, the Avalanche generated the most social media value in the National Hockey League (NHL), totaling $27.2 million, according to Sports Business Journal.

Her experiences at CU �ֲ��ý, both in and out of the classroom, shaped her path. JJ graduated in 2021 with a BA in strategic communications and double minors in business analytics and sports media. As a student, she immersed herself in campus life and gained hands-on experience through opportunities that served as stepping stones to her career.

Among her favorite experiences covering football and basketball games, she credits the guidance of Jessica Baumgarten and the Business of Sports Program for helping develop her skills and preparing her for future success.

Did you ever have an “I’ve made it” moment at the beginning of your sports career?

My “I’ve made it" moment was during the Stanley Cup parade in 2022. I had just completed my first full season with the organization and felt immense pride in the work we, as a social media team, accomplished during that run. 

How does the Avalanche’s 2026 playoff run differ from the regular season? How does your day-to-day role change?

The playoffs bring a lot more eyes to the channels we run and with that comes added pressure to produce fresh content for our current fans and new ones! My day-to-day is different, especially with a seven-game series and not picking up and flying to the next city after each game, as well as keeping content surrounding the same opponent fresh and exciting. 

As senior content strategist for the Avs, what does this season’s social media engagement success as the highest in the NHL mean to you? 

It was a huge honor to be recognized by the Sports Business Journal! As a social team, we focus on the added value we can bring to the organization through our online fan engagement. To see the work we did directly relate to impressions and engagement of such high value reaffirms our strategy and makes us excited for the future. 

What do you like most about working in social media and digital marketing? And what is challenging about it?

I like that no day is the same! There is always something new and exciting happening in the world of social media and that ensures there’s never a boring day. That can also bring a challenge of coming up with new and innovative ideas that stay with the times and don’t feel redundant. 

Is there any behind-the-scenes information from your time in the sports industry that Buff fans might find surprising?

What surprised me when I first started was simply the amount of manpower that goes into putting on each game throughout the season. There is a whole team behind the team on the ice that puts in countless hours of work each season to make the gameday experience seamless for the fan experience.

If you could do your job for any other professional sport, what would it be?

CU football will always have my heart, but after spending 5 years in pro sports, I think Formula 1 does a really great job at social media and would be a great league to be in. Or the Masters. Go look at their social media, it rocks! 

What does it mean to you to be a Forever Buff?

Having pride in having attended CU and always feeling connected to the university. I can be in a different city and see someone with a CU hat on and instantly feel a connection to them! I continue to stay involved at CU, coming back to guest lecture for the Business of Sports Program each summer.

Books by Buffs: 10 alumni-written books to read this summer

Anna Tolette — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:43:39 +0000

Books by Buffs: 10 alumni-written books to read this summer Anna Tolette Tue, 06/02/2026 - 10:43

Keeley Haynes

Summer is the best time to sit back, relax and crack open a book written by a fellow Buff! Whether you need a fun poolside fiction escape, a thought-provoking memoir or an intriguing biography, these 10 books written by CU �ֲ��ý alumni are perfect additions to your summer reading list.

Finding Amal by Firyal Alshalabi (MEdu’77, PhD’82)

Set in �ֲ��ý, this poignant coming-of-age story follows Hadeel, a young Kuwaiti woman, on her journey to uncover her late aunt’s legacy and clear her name from defamation. Along the way, her grieving uncle, Jonathan, asks her to reclaim the copyright to a literary discovery about historical Western writers, such as Washington Irving and Percy Shelley. As a debut novelist, Firyal Alshalabi explores the complex relationship between Islam, women’s roles and the Western world, which simultaneously entertains and challenges traditional beliefs.

Burn: From Struggle to Strength – A Woman’s Guide to Reclaiming Herself by Michelle Kooi (Jour’88)

In her introspective memoir, Michelle Kooi recounts her personal transformation through divorce, car accident recovery, parenting, grief, menopause and professional burnout. Join her on her resilient journey to self-acceptance, newfound wisdom and spiritual renewal.

Everybody Needs Something by Melanie Pappadis Faranello (Engl’95)

With 14 character-driven short stories, Melanie Pappadis Faranello offers unique insight into love, grief, identity and human complexity. A newly widowed construction worker rekindles a high school romance. A single father navigates his first Thanksgiving alone. A son attempts to tell his estranged father about his divorce. Faranello’s lyrical prose reveals the beauty of ordinary intimacy and human connection in this Donald L. Jordan Literary Prize winner.

Notions of Grace: A Memoir of Climbing, Cancer and Family by Jason Kolaczkowski (PoliSci’99)

Jason Kolaczkowski, a healthcare analytics professional, amateur climber and leukemia survivor, questions the legacy he wants to leave behind in his powerful memoir. After his cancer diagnosis, Kolaczkowski attempted to summit an unclimbed Himalayan peak to teach his twin sons the importance of dreaming in the wake of life’s uncontrollable obstacles. However, when COVID-19 began infecting the world, he grappled with another life-risking challenge: the fear of isolating his family to protect his health. Kolaczkowski provides vulnerable insight into facing mortality, confronting familial responsibility and managing it all with grace.

Two Minutes Before by Sarah Kanter (Psych’88)

Two Minutes Before follows Theresa, a Type-A career woman who once shaped her habits around her husband’s lifestyle. Two years after her husband’s death, a stranger drops off a box of her husband’s belongings at her office, rattling her routine-revolving world. This new understanding of the world she once thought she knew opens her to new connections and helps her redefine meaning in her life. Sarah Kanter delves into the power grief holds over memory in her debut novel.

A Spy Walked Into A Bar: A Practitioner’s Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft by Rob Dannenberg (IntlAf’78)

Former senior CIA Officer Rob Dannenberg reminisces on his career milestones by re-crafting the cocktails he enjoyed on his espionage missions. Behind each drink are authentic stories and photographs, spanning from recruitment operations to mission celebrations to government secrets. Featuring 56 mixed drink recipes, A Spy Walked Into A Bar will refresh your taste buds and reel you into the life of a spy.

Cutthroats: The Tight Line Between Guilt and Innocence by David B. Harrison (IntlAf’78; Law’82)

�ֲ��ý lawyer Fred Davidson discovers a dead body while flyfishing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fred becomes the forefront of the police investigation, forcing him to confront his career-defining cases and sense of justice. Using his experience as a retired criminal defense attorney, David B. Harrison provides judiciary intel that blurs the line between fiction and reality in this mystery page-turner.

Global Goals: The International Hockey Life of U.S. Defenseman Eric Weinrich by Andy DeRoche (PhDHist’97)

Cool down this summer with hockey legend Eric “Weino” Weinrich’s captivating biography. Weinrich played in more than 1,000 NHL games over 17 seasons and represented Team USA in more international tournaments than any other American player. Historian Andy DeRoche chronicles Weinrich’s rise to success, contextualizes his career with the end of the Cold War and includes commentary from Weinrich himself, making this a score of a read.

Fanatic: Why We Love the Things We Love by Joe Ungemah (Psych’99)

Psychologist Joe Ungemah examines the motivations behind social, emotional, physical and financial fanaticism. He profiles science fiction lovers, ultramarathon runners, gamers, hoarders and thrill seekers to understand how passions become obsessions. Through his research, Ungemah unmasks the stigmas behind fanaticism and discovers the personal and social benefits it provides.

Separate Lives: Uncovering the Hidden Family of Victorian Professor Mary Rippon by Silvia Pettem (Psych’69)

Celebrate CU �ֲ��ý’s 150th anniversary with this biography following the private life of the university’s first female professor, Mary Rippon. During the Victorian era, female academics were expected to be quiet, unassuming spinsters; however, Rippon broke this status quo by secretly balancing the lives of a professional and a mother. Colorado-based researcher Silvia Pettem respectfully humanizes Rippon and cements her legacy in CU history with this groundbreaking discovery.

Your reading doesn’t have to stop here! From poetry collections to children’s books, Buffs are publishing year-round. Check out these summer titles and more in the alumni book list.

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Asaiah Gifford (MechEng’26)

Anna Tolette — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:11:45 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Asaiah Gifford (MechEng’26) Anna Tolette Tue, 05/19/2026 - 15:11

Among the record number of CU �ֲ��ý degrees conferred during the 2026 Commencement ceremony are countless stories of impact. Characterized by leadership and multidisciplinary perspectives, the next generation of Forever Buffs is carving unique paths and forging new ways to get there.

Asaiah Gifford (MechEng’26) left a legacy in engineering through her interdisciplinary path, which combined her technical interests with a global perspective. In addition to her BS in mechanical engineering, her minors in Spanish and global engineering have shaped a unique perspective on global leadership. She also left her mark on on-campus organizations, including Engineers Without Borders and serves as the outgoing president of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

What’s next for Asaiah? She’ll be pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering this fall, following an internship with the rocket manufacturing company United Launch Alliance this summer.

What led you to study mechanical engineering at CU �ֲ��ý?

I knew I wanted to study engineering, and I initially started in aerospace. When I was a freshman, study abroad opportunities in that major were limited, so I switched into mechanical.

[Mechanical engineering] allowed me to study abroad in Spain, Singapore and Rwanda, but also because of the incredible faculty and staff and the uniquely awesome coursework, like building a drill-powered bike in Component Design.

How has studying Spanish and global engineering shaped your perspectives?

One of the greatest gifts of being a student at CU is that it has allowed me to both seek out and create opportunities to serve and learn from communities, both locally and abroad. While completing my minors in Spanish and global engineering, I engaged in coursework that expanded my worldview. I learned about Spanish-speaking cultures across categories ranging from food to politics to film and media and explored global ways of thinking through the Herbst and Engineering Leadership programs.

This laid the foundation for my experiences abroad, such as my work on the Engineers Without Borders Guatemala team, traveling to rural Guatemala to monitor the water distribution aerial crossing we had previously implemented. On that trip, I learned firsthand that effective cross-cultural collaboration requires not just technical expertise but also a commitment to navigating complex organizational challenges and maintaining trust with the communities we serve.

I also completed a global seminar in Rwanda with the Engineering Leadership Program, which gave me the opportunity to collaborate directly with students at African Leadership University, to develop a platform that could cultivate cross-continental collaboration, reimagining what a ‘connected world’ really means.

How did you decide what you wanted your post-grad chapter to be and at what point of your journey?

I didn’t plan my post-grad path super early at all. I decided to start taking courses for the BAM program in my senior year, and I plan to stick with it next year. I always thought that a graduate degree required research, but the flexibility of the MS Professional through the mechanical engineering program made it enticing to me.

I connected with the internship opportunity I have this summer at one of the campus career fairs in the fall. Every opportunity I’ve taken has taught me something new about myself and my interests (or lack thereof), and now I’ve got another year to keep exploring and figure out what I’d like to do after graduating again next May.

What CU �ֲ��ý experiences have best prepared you for your next chapter?

At CU, I participated in a wide array of social and professional organizations, from serving as the student-signer for New Era Colorado and as president of my sorority chapter to serving as a student researcher and much more. Engaging with this wide variety of networks and opportunities has also allowed me to explore fields ranging from aerospace to global and biomedical engineering and has equipped me with an amazing perspective on the value of a multidisciplinary engineer and person, which will inevitably manifest as I move forward.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

I hope that future CU engineers and students see paths like mine and feel that it’s feasible for them to pursue multiple interests, especially those that seem disconnected. I am so glad that I said yes to the opportunities CU offered me, even though they didn’t all seem to lend themselves directly to my academic or professional future.

I am also excited about the future of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations on campus and the increased connections among Black students through membership, which encourages them to serve their communities.

What advice would you give to current CU �ֲ��ý students?

Build relationships with people who invest in you and be purposeful about investing in yourself. If you see a gap or feel like there’s a community you don’t see on campus, know that it probably exists but needs to be poured into.

As a student, there may be opportunities you see that feel out of reach or too far away from the path that has been suggested to you. But by choosing to pursue the things (not limited to just one) that are important to you, you can find the professors, mentors and peers who will work with you to help you find or create the path you are trying to take.

What does being a Forever Buff mean to you?

I’m so excited to be a CU alumna and to serve as a resource for future Buffs and the CU community as I advance in my career. I want to inspire and motivate younger students to pursue their passions just like the alumni who inspired me. I’m also excited to connect with other Forever Buffs in the alumni network as I move to new places around the country and the world.

Connect with more inspiring graduates from the Class of 2026 on the Forever Buffs Network:

Join FBN

Support the next generation of CU �ֲ��ý Engineers:

Give to Engineering

Characterized by leadership and multidisciplinary perspectives, the next generation of Forever Buffs is carving unique paths and forging new ways to get there. Asaiah Gifford (MechEng’26) left a legacy in engineering through her interdisciplinary path, which combined her technical interests with a global perspective.

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Colonel Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:42:39 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Colonel Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00) Anna Tolette Mon, 05/18/2026 - 14:42

CU �ֲ��ý alumni Ben Donberg, Rebecca Lange, Brock Lange and Emily Gebo.

Keeley Haynes

CU �ֲ��ý alumni Ben Donberg, Rebecca Lange, Brock Lange and Emily Gebo.

Col. Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00) embodies what it means to be a Forever Buff.

After commissioning through CU �ֲ��ý’s Air Force ROTC program, she became an intelligence officer within the US Air Force. She served four overseas deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and UN Peacekeeping missions.

But even thousands of miles from campus, the Buff Spirit never left Lange. While deployed in Iraq in 2010, the CU cheerleaders visited the base where she was deployed on a USO Tour. When she heard the CU Fight Song’s opening trumpets, her school pride shined through.

“I was at my desk, heard the Fight Song, grabbed my flag and found the team!” said Lange.

Now, wanting to give back to the institution that made her feel like she belonged, Lange acts as CU �ֲ��ý’s Air Force ROTC commander and Aerospace Studies department chair.

“When I was a captain, the only reason I wanted to be a colonel was to return to CU �ֲ��ý and command the Air Force ROTC unit,” said Lange.

Through her volunteer work with CU’s Air Force ROTC unit, Lange witnesses how CU’s spirit of service trains and professionalizes future lieutenants she feels confident in.

Read on to learn where Lange’s volunteer journey began and how it shaped her into the leader she is today.

What’s your favorite CU memory?

Every day, I appreciate the campus’s beauty. While walking to class as a student, I looked at the Flatirons and thought, I will never take this for granted. Now, as a faculty member, I say the same thing. The view never gets old.

Lange volunteering with Honor Flight, an organization that brings veterans to Washington D.C. to see the war memorials.

Who or what inspires you?

My mom is an extraordinary example. Growing up, I saw her “do good and disappear.”

She would show strangers random acts of kindness and be satisfied that she helped someone who may never know. Her goodwill and humility inspire me to give back and make the world a better place.

Why do you volunteer?

Since 2002, I have volunteered as an advisor for the Forever Buffs Air Force ROTC Detachment 105. I strive to inspire the next generation to say yes to �ֲ��ý in hopes that young Americans will further get to know themselves, believe in their capability and make forever friends.

What have you learned about yourself while volunteering through CU �ֲ��ý?

Each volunteer opportunity teaches me how much we can give regardless of how much we have. As a college student, I volunteered with CU Night Ride and the Volunteer Clearing House. I struggled financially at the time, but volunteering brought me peace among chaos. I did not need money to help others and feel fulfilled.

How has your experience serving in the military shaped your willingness to volunteer?

For me, it was the other way around: my love of volunteering led to my military career. After high school, I joined AmeriCorps to serve my country and belong to an organization bigger than myself. We built houses with Habitat for Humanity, tutored in schools, widened trails to the American Disability Act standards, worked with Special Olympics and food banks and much more. It was the change I needed to give back, earn money for college and find out who I was outside of my home. After a year of volunteering, I joined Air Force ROTC to continue a career in service.

Col. Lange with CU �ֲ��ý cheerleaders traveling with USO tour.

Learn more about volunteering through CU �ֲ��ý

Col. Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00) embodies what it means to be a Forever Buff. After commissioning through CU �ֲ��ý’s Air Force ROTC program, she became an intelligence officer within the US Air Force. She served four overseas deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and UN Peacekeeping missions. Read on to learn where Lange’s volunteer journey began and how it shaped her into the leader she is today.

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Nuanes Tabano (Ebio’08)

Anna Tolette — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:21:37 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Nuanes Tabano (Ebio’08) Anna Tolette Fri, 04/10/2026 - 09:21

Sara Muderick

Heather Nuanes Tabano, a 2008 graduate in ecology and evolutionary biology, continues to carry forward the same sense of excitement in her volunteer work with CU �ֲ��ý that defined her first day as a Buff. Whether fostering connections through the Alumni Association and Forever Buffs Latinx or simply reflecting under the trees at Norlin Quad, Heather’s CU journey continues to shape both who she is and how she shows up for others.

What’s your favorite CU memory?

I have so many great memories of my time at CU �ֲ��ý, but the first day on campus will always stick with me. I remember feeling so much hope and excitement for the future.

Who or what inspires you?

My North Star is my son, Luca. He inspires me everyday. He pushes me to find answers to questions I don’t yet know and understand complex issues so I can help explain the world to him. He motivates me to be better and to do more.

Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer my time and effort because it not only makes me feel good but also helps strengthen my community. Everyone has something to offer, whether it’s talent, knowledge or simply their time, and those contributions help make more good things possible.

What is your favorite way to volunteer for CU �ֲ��ý?

My favorite way to volunteer for CU �ֲ��ý is through the Alumni Association and Forever Buffs Latinx. It’s an awesome experience to connect with other groups to plan and promote Homecoming and Alumni Weekend events. We’ve also had the opportunity to support our future alumni — current students — through a variety of campus initiatives. Helping with the Latiné Buff Meetup this year was especially memorable; seeing such a strong sense of support and community on campus was truly heartwarming.

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Bruns (EnvSt’99, MA’05)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:28:23 +0000

Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Bruns (EnvSt’99, MA’05) Anna Tolette Mon, 03/23/2026 - 10:28

Sara Muderick

Laura Bruns (EnvSt’99, MA’05) knows that Buff pride doesn’t end at graduation. Through her volunteer work, Laura helps keep CU �ֲ��ý’s alumni community strong while giving back to a place that means so much to her. Whether welcoming new graduates or supporting alumni initiatives, she believes even small acts of service can make a long-lasting, meaningful impact.

As a member of the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, Laura works alongside a group of dedicated volunteers who represent CU �ֲ��ý’s diverse alumni community and encourage engagement among Forever Buffs. The board strives to be an inclusive and representative voice for alumni, expanding the reach and impact of the Forever Buffs community.

Laura is also a Forever Buffs Denver board member, where she helps the local group plan Game Watches and other engaging and innovative events. She also helps fundraise for the Forever Buffs Denver Scholarship Fund each year.

Read on to learn more about Laura’s contributions to CU �ֲ��ý and why giving back remains such a rewarding part of her Forever Buffs journey.

What’s your favorite CU �ֲ��ý memory?

I will never forget the first time I saw snow dusted on the Flatirons with the sun shining brightly in the sky. Growing up in the Midwest, cold and sunny simply do not go together, so the moment felt unbelievable. In my first 18 years of life, I had never felt simultaneously cold and happy. There was snow on the ground, the air was crisp and the sun was shining. It was such a wild phenomenon, and it is one that will forever keep me in the state of Colorado.

Who or what inspires you?

Every two years, I am immensely inspired by the Olympics, especially the athletes whose journeys include training through war-torn infrastructure or overcoming profound personal loss. Hearing their stories and watching them compete on the world’s biggest athletic stage always puts things into perspective for me. While they certainly possess incredible physical talent, what truly sets them apart is their mental fortitude.

Why do you volunteer?

It is important to me to try to make a positive difference in the world whenever I can, even if that difference is small. Volunteering is incredibly fulfilling, and in a world that can sometimes feel out of control, it reminds me that there are still meaningful ways to contribute and make things just a little bit better.

What is your favorite way to volunteer for CU �ֲ��ý?

For the past five years, I have served on the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, which has been rewarding in so many ways. One of the more memorable experiences recently was volunteering at Grad Bash. Despite the rainy weather, the event was filled with so much joy and hope. Seeing students celebrate such an exciting milestone made it clear that maybe the kids really are going to be all right.

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Freya Nagy (Psych, Neuro’27)

Anna Tolette — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:40:00 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Freya Nagy (Psych, Neuro’27) Anna Tolette Mon, 03/16/2026 - 14:40

Freya Nagy (Psych, Neuro’27) of Lakewood, Colorado always had her sights set on attending CU �ֲ��ý. What she found was a community that quickly felt like home.

While exploring ways to get involved at the Be Involved Fair, Freya found Senior Class Council (SCC), a student-led group dedicated to building connections and celebrating the senior experience. The opportunity to bring students together excitedly stood out.

Now serving as the senior gift manager for SCC, Freya helps lead fundraising efforts for the Senior Class Gift, including the Seniors Creating Future Buffs scholarship, which supports future CU �ֲ��ý students.

This student-contribution led effort reflects a powerful tradition of seniors giving back to support the next generation of Forever Buffs to begin their journey at CU �ֲ��ý.

Read on to learn more about Freya, SCC and how their collective action is fostering a lifelong spirit of giving at CU �ֲ��ý.

What is your favorite part about being SCC’s senior gift manager?

The people I get to work with are my favorite part of this position. The current director, Aly Young, is one of the most driven, hardworking people I’ve ever met, and it’s genuinely inspiring to get to work alongside her. It’s also incredible to be a part of the scholarship process here at CU. Getting to play even a small role in making college a little more accessible for a future Buff makes the work feel meaningful.

What does philanthropy mean to you?

Philanthropy means giving back to your community and making someone’s life just a little bit better. It can be something as small as holding the door for someone or giving them a compliment on a hard day, or something bigger such as creating and awarding a scholarship that helps ease the financial burden of college.

What advice would you give students or young alumni who want to make an impact but aren’t sure where to start?

You don’t need a big title or a lot of authority to make a meaningful difference. Impact doesn’t start with position; it starts with intention. Sometimes it’s as simple as donating a small amount to one of the many scholarships here at CU, showing up to volunteer at move-in or graduation, or reconnecting with a program that shaped your own experience as a student.

Real change rarely comes from one huge, headline-making gesture. More often, it’s built through a collection of small, consistent contributions of time, energy and resources from numerous individuals. Start with what genuinely matters to you and take one step. From there, the impact naturally grows.

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy of giving do you hope to help build at CU �ֲ��ý?

I hope to encourage a community here at CU that’s rooted in collective collaboration and fosters a genuine sense of belonging for all students. To me, being a Buff isn’t just a four-year experience; it’s a lifelong identity. If we can create a culture where students feel supported, seen, and invested in, they’ll carry that with them and want to give back, strengthening what it means to be a Forever Buff.

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Cassidy Davis (StComm’23)

Anna Tolette — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:31:45 +0000

Forever Buffs Impact Story: Cassidy Davis (StComm’23) Anna Tolette Tue, 02/03/2026 - 10:31

From Folsom Field to Lumen Field, Forever Buff Cassidy Davis (StComm’23) has built a career from historic football seasons and meaningful mentorship relationships.

Learning the power of Buff connections early, Cassidy began her journey as an intern with CU Athletics, where she took full advantage of opportunities to learn from CU staff, faculty and alumni mentors. Today, she’s a corporate partnerships coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, contributing to the organization during its landmark 50th anniversary season.

Along the way, Cassidy discovered just how small the sports world can be with the help of a few familiar faces, and just how far the Forever Buffs network reaches.

Read on to find out more about Cassidy’s road to the Super Bowl LX.

What shaped your CU �ֲ��ý journey?

To work with the incredible team at CU Athletics was the pivotal moment for me in choosing the direction I wanted to take in my career.

My time as a marketing and fan experience intern for CU Athletics was the most impactful experience I was a part of. As one of my first introductions to sports, this role kickstarted my love for the industry and taught me the ins and outs of marketing across multiple teams. Starting this role in 2022 and ending with my graduation, I was able to see the transformation of the school’s program from being a 1-11 football team to welcoming Coach Prime and becoming one of the most talked about collegiate teams in the country.

What has it been like to be a part of the Seattle Seahawks organization during their Super Bowl bound season?

Absolutely unreal. I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl just two years into my career. The team’s success this year has created one of the most exciting work environments I’ve ever been part of. To experience such a historic playoff run during our 50th season is a beautiful story that I’ve had the privilege to help tell alongside my teammates.

As a corporate partnerships coordinator, my job is to help position our partners at the forefront of one of the most anticipated moments in sports. Doing this during such an important anniversary season has shifted my day-to-day role toward building on the legacy of an incredible team — one that will be celebrated and reshared by Hawks fans for years to come.

How has mentorship influenced your career in sports?

To succeed in the sports industry, mentorship is essential to positioning yourself as a competitive applicant. Mentors give you the opportunity to build on your network and can give you advice from the perspective of someone who has once been in your shoes.

Dawn Doty taught me the power of sharing words of encouragement and advice to those who are reaching for their dreams. Her mentorship to me as both my professor and friend during my college career has inspired me to mentor students in my post-graduate career. 

Mike Davies (Jour’94) was a guest speaker in one of my college classes who took the time to personally mentor me through my post-grad application process. He taught me the importance of maintaining connections as I’ve learned that sports is an incredibly small world! From giving me a chance to work my first NFL game in college as a FOX Sports Production Assistant, to connecting me with his network while applying for jobs — we still have the pleasure of working together whenever FOX Sports comes to town for a Hawks game.

Is there a recent sports trend that you’ve found especially interesting, exciting or meaningful? 

I am incredibly excited to see the NFL’s continuous expansion into an international sport. Over the past several years, the Seahawks have been granted marketing rights in New Zealand, Australia and Germany, expanding our fanbase in a way we’ve never seen before.

To see this sport grow across countries is so fun to be a part of as it opens up entirely new opportunities for partnerships and experiences that our fans can be a part of. I’m looking forward to continuing to see this expansion grow to countries who are just now being introduced to the world of football!

Are there any behind-the-scenes insights from your time in the sports industry that Buff fans might find surprising?

Almost always when a team wins a championship, the entire staff receives the same championship ring that players get!

Who is an artist that you would like to see at a future Super Bowl Halftime performance?

I’m a country girl at heart, so I would say either Luke Combs or Morgan Wallen! 

What advice would you share with Forever Buffs in sports and beyond?

If you’re looking to get a start in the sports industry, figure out a way where you can add value! Whether you’re freshly out of college or 10 years into your career, there is always a way you can position yourself as applicable for a role in this industry. Use your experiences as ways to bring new perspectives to a team. You will never achieve your dream job if you don’t try!

From Folsom Field to Lumen Field, Forever Buff Cassidy Davis (StComm’23) has built a career from historic football seasons and meaningful mentorship relationships. Along the way, Cassidy discovered just how small the sports world can be with the help of a few familiar faces, and just how far the Forever Buffs network reaches.

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Alumni Profile

Forever Buff Brian Nevin reflects on 40 years with Big Head Todd and the Monsters

Big Head Todd and the Monsters began while you and your bandmates were still in high school. How did coming to CU �ֲ���ý help shape the band’s future?

Is there a particular memory, experience or lesson from your time at CU �ֲ���ý that has stayed with you throughout your career?

When you think back to those early days playing fraternity parties, Tulagi's and other �ֲ���ý venues, did you have any sense that the band would become your life's work? At what point did it start to feel like this could be something bigger?

The band has built a loyal following by continually touring and connecting with fans year after year. What has kept performing live exciting for you after all this time?

One of the most remarkable parts of your story is that the band has stayed together for nearly four decades. What's been the key to maintaining those friendships and creative partnerships over the years?

This August you'll be returning to �ֲ���ý for the �ֲ���ý Roots music festival. How does it feel when you play for a hometown audience after all these years?

Looking back on your journey, from rehearsing and performing as college students to building a long and successful career, what advice would you offer today's CU �ֲ���ý students who hope to pursue creative careers or follow an unconventional path?

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What is your favorite CU �ֲ���ý memory?

Who or what inspires you?

Why do you volunteer?

What is your favorite way to volunteer for CU �ֲ���ý?

Where is your favorite spot to go to in �ֲ���ý either on or off campus?

How else do you give back to your community?

What drew you to teach at CU?

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Did you ever have an “I’ve made it” moment at the beginning of your sports career?

How does the Avalanche’s 2026 playoff run differ from the regular season? How does your day-to-day role change?

As senior content strategist for the Avs, what does this season’s social media engagement success as the highest in the NHL mean to you?

What do you like most about working in social media and digital marketing? And what is challenging about it?

Is there any behind-the-scenes information from your time in the sports industry that Buff fans might find surprising?

If you could do your job for any other professional sport, what would it be?

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Finding Amal by Firyal Alshalabi (MEdu’77, PhD’82)

Burn: From Struggle to Strength – A Woman’s Guide to Reclaiming Herself by Michelle Kooi (Jour’88)

Everybody Needs Something by Melanie Pappadis Faranello (Engl’95)

Notions of Grace: A Memoir of Climbing, Cancer and Family by Jason Kolaczkowski (PoliSci’99)

Two Minutes Before by Sarah Kanter (Psych’88)

A Spy Walked Into A Bar: A Practitioner’s Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft by Rob Dannenberg (IntlAf’78)

Cutthroats: The Tight Line Between Guilt and Innocence by David B. Harrison (IntlAf’78; Law’82)

Global Goals: The International Hockey Life of U.S. Defenseman Eric Weinrich by Andy DeRoche (PhDHist’97)

Fanatic: Why We Love the Things We Love by Joe Ungemah (Psych’99)

Separate Lives: Uncovering the Hidden Family of Victorian Professor Mary Rippon by Silvia Pettem (Psych’69)

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What led you to study mechanical engineering at CU �ֲ���ý?

How has studying Spanish and global engineering shaped your perspectives?

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What CU �ֲ���ý experiences have best prepared you for your next chapter?

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

What advice would you give to current CU �ֲ���ý students?

What does being a Forever Buff mean to you?

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Colonel Rebecca Lange (PolSci’00)

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What have you learned about yourself while volunteering through CU �ֲ���ý?

How has your experience serving in the military shaped your willingness to volunteer?

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Nuanes Tabano (Ebio’08)

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Forever Buffs Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Bruns (EnvSt’99, MA’05)

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Forever Buffs Impact Story: Freya Nagy (Psych, Neuro’27)

What is your favorite part about being SCC’s senior gift manager?

What does philanthropy mean to you?

What advice would you give students or young alumni who want to make an impact but aren’t sure where to start?

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy of giving do you hope to help build at CU �ֲ���ý?

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Forever Buffs Impact Story: Cassidy Davis (StComm’23)

What shaped your CU �ֲ���ý journey?

What has it been like to be a part of the Seattle Seahawks organization during their Super Bowl bound season?

How has mentorship influenced your career in sports?

Is there a recent sports trend that you’ve found especially interesting, exciting or meaningful?

Big Head Todd and the Monsters began while you and your bandmates were still in high school. How did coming to CU �ֲ��ý help shape the band’s future?

Is there a particular memory, experience or lesson from your time at CU �ֲ��ý that has stayed with you throughout your career?

When you think back to those early days playing fraternity parties, Tulagi's and other �ֲ��ý venues, did you have any sense that the band would become your life's work? At what point did it start to feel like this could be something bigger?

This August you'll be returning to �ֲ��ý for the �ֲ��ý Roots music festival. How does it feel when you play for a hometown audience after all these years?

Looking back on your journey, from rehearsing and performing as college students to building a long and successful career, what advice would you offer today's CU �ֲ��ý students who hope to pursue creative careers or follow an unconventional path?

What is your favorite CU �ֲ��ý memory?

What is your favorite way to volunteer for CU �ֲ��ý?

Where is your favorite spot to go to in �ֲ��ý either on or off campus?

As senior content strategist for the Avs, what does this season’s social media engagement success as the highest in the NHL mean to you? 

What led you to study mechanical engineering at CU �ֲ��ý?

What CU �ֲ��ý experiences have best prepared you for your next chapter?

What advice would you give to current CU �ֲ��ý students?

What have you learned about yourself while volunteering through CU �ֲ��ý?

What is your favorite way to volunteer for CU �ֲ��ý?

What’s your favorite CU �ֲ��ý memory?

What is your favorite way to volunteer for CU �ֲ��ý?

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy of giving do you hope to help build at CU �ֲ��ý?

What shaped your CU �ֲ��ý journey?

Is there a recent sports trend that you’ve found especially interesting, exciting or meaningful? 