CU’s annual Alumni Awards shine a spotlight on high-achieving Buffs who demonstrate excellence, from professional achievements to philanthropic generosity and innovative research.
Each year, a volunteer committee and the Alumni Association review nominations submitted by alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members to select winners for the six award categories.
“Winning this award is not just a personal honor, but a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of community and education on individual success,” said Stephen Hatfield (Bus’96), winner of the 2023 Leanne Skupa-Lee Award and a leader in the Boulder Forever Buffs chapter.
The 2024 winners, announced in May, include Paul Beddie (IntlAf’89) and Penny E. Patterson (Geol’76; MS’81; PhD’90) for the Alumni Recognition Award, Benny Shendo Jr. (OrgMgmt’87) and Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IntlAf’93) for the George Norlin Award, Joseph Arora (Mgmt’12) for the Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Graduate Award, D.B. Wilson (Hist, Mktg’75) for the Leanne Skupa-Lee Award, Chancellor Phil DiStefano, Reiland Rabaka and Christopher Pacheco (Bio’88; MEdu’16) for the Robert L. Stearns Award, and Manasa Kolavennu (MDataSci’24) and Sydney Strecker (Fin, Phil’24) for the Forever Buffs Student Award.
The awards highlight that alumni can continue their Buff legacy long after graduation. Hatfield continued: “It reaffirms my commitment to uphold and advance the values that define our shared experiences and aspirations at the University of Colorado."
The recognition culminates with the Alumni Awards ceremony and dinner during Homecoming. It’s an evening of inspiring stories, shared accomplishments, community connection and CU pride.
“We recognize and honor outstanding individuals in our Forever Buffs family. I am always awestruck by the impressive accomplishments and superb character of our award winners. It is a night that makes you proud to be a Buff!” said Ryan Chreist (Kines’96; MPubAd’09), assistant vice chancellor of Alumni and Constituent Engagement and executive director of the Alumni Association.
Visit to register for the celebration.
Photos by Stephanie Yves
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