{"id":159677,"date":"2024-12-04T12:54:53","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T19:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=159677"},"modified":"2024-12-10T15:46:27","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T22:46:27","slug":"silver-graduates-celebrate-25-years-since-graduation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=159677","title":{"rendered":"Silver Graduates celebrate 25 years since graduation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Since 2012, UCCS has honored Golden Graduates \u2013 alumni who graduated 50 years ago \u2013 and Silver Graduates \u2013 alumni who graduated 25 years ago \u2013 during Commencement ceremonies in May and December, respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, UCCS recognizes 15 Silver Graduates, each of whom graduated from UCCS in 1999.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read stories from each of the Silver Grads below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stephen A. Amella – M.A., Curriculum & Instruction<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After his graduation from the College of Education, Stephen went on to teach middle school in both Colorado Springs and Los Angeles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My life and experience were enriched at UCCS. The diversity of students was interesting and provided me with understanding and appreciation of the cultures in life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Anastasia Biggs – B.S., Information Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Anastasia continued her education after attending UCCS, earning a Ph.D. in Computer Science and IT. She is now the Lead Faculty for the Computer Science and Technology department at Colorado Technical University and lives in Colorado Springs with her two children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“UCCS prepared me for my career in IT and my pursuit of my Ph.D., and I gained valuable friendships as a brother in Delta Sigma PI as both a student and alumna.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Anthony Cordova – M.A., Counseling & Human Services<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Anthony Cordova, known as Mr. C to his students, came to UCCS in 1994 as conditional admit through the CU Opportunity Program. He completed his double major as a first-generation student while also raising four kids, three of whom ultimately earned their degrees from UCCS; Anthony accomplished these goals as a single parent, which would later inform his career as a student-facing professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy experience as a 40-year-old student employee and a person of color was invaluable in my education and preparation for working with students at UCCS.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After graduating, Anthony went back to school to complete his MA in Dec. 1999 and took a full-time position as an Academic Advisor. He started as the Assistant Director of the Pre-Collegiate Development Program the following year and held that role for the next two years. In Jan. 2000, he was hired as the inaugural coordinator of Student Multicultural Affairs, which is now the Multicultural Office for Student Access, Inclusiveness and Community (MOSAIC) and LGBTQ+ Resource Center and also took over CU Opportunity and developed it into the MOSAIC Gateway program, the very program that allowed him admission to UCCS in 1994. After many years supporting UCCS and the community, Anthony retired in 2021<\/a>. He was also a Silver Grad once already<\/a>, celebrating 25 years after his bachelor’s in 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“UCCS is the place where, as a 40-year-old first-year student, I could become the first in my family to earn a college degree. UCCS is where I learned I was great at working with people. At the coaxing of a staff member, I ran for a Student-at-Large position in the Student Government Association and was ultimately elected. While serving in that role, I met my wife of 23 years, Andrea Cordova, Chief of Staff for Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, and UCCS is even where we got married.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Heather Finch – B.S., Nursing<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Heather has had a storied career in her 25 years since graduating, working in the emergency department for 16 years before exploring several other specialties with emphasis in behavioral health, trauma, leadership and the emergency department. She began at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, which later became part of UCHealth, and went on to earn a nursing masters degree in Leadership and Management. She transitioned to trauma in 2015 and currently serves as Senior Director of Trauma Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My college career helped me to develop a solid foundation for my nursing career and helped me develop leadership skills. I benefited from a strong social support network in the nursing program and from my memberships with the Emergency Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau, and learned a lot in my role as co-chair of the student nurses association.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heather is celebrating 30 years of marriage to her husband, Brandon, and is a proud mom to daughters Kaylin and Ella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kevin Hornsby – M.A., Counseling & Human Services<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Not only has Kevin worked as a State Grant Manager for school Health Education Programs and as a Licensed School Counselor in Colorado and Louisiana for the past 25 years, he is also fully licensed as an LPC in both Colorado and Louisiana and earned credentials as a Nationally Certified School Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It has been a joy to travel around the country attending and presenting at National Conferences from Washington D.C. to Honolulu, Hawaii. My love for working with children and families have inspired my efforts and have been a great sequel to my early years as the Deputy Director of Early Intervention Services in El Paso County.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kevin’s love for working with children and families is also evident in his grant work, which has brought hundreds of thousands of dollars into school districts, enhanced the counseling supports students and families and helped build strong collaborations between school districts and surrounding communities. Additionally, Kevin represented the State of Colorado in the management of grants tied to health education for southern Colorado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I am proud to be a UCCS graduate and feel the counseling program prepared me well for a satisfying and successful career. The biggest reward has been the time I have spent with, and the countless smiles I have received from, the wonderful students with whom it has been my privilege to work.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lynda Jensen – M.B.A.<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Lynda spent over two decades working in Human Resources within the government sector post-graduation, where assisting US Department of Agriculture scientists in hiring the help needed to accomplish their extensive food research was a highlight of her career. Now retired, she volunteers at her church and substitute teaches at her district’s middle and high school when she can, among learning new skills and traveling extensively with her husband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My degree helped me be a more well-rounded person in that I was exposed to many topics that I would have never been interested in learning about otherwise. It also helped further my career in both private industry at the USAA and in the federal government.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nikita S. Johnson – B.A., Sociology<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

“Attending and graduating from UCCS has had a tremendous impact on my life and the life of my family. I was the first to graduate from college in my family, so it was a big deal.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-gen graduate Nikita has worked in Child Welfare at the El Paso County Department of Human Services for the last 15 years and is active her local community, including being a proud member of the Colorado Springs Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She enjoys spending time with her spouse and two daughters, one of whom has earned her master’s degree and the other who is currently attending college as a freshman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“UCCS helped reinforce my love for higher education and understanding its importance as an African-American woman. I was able to be an example for my daughters and even my two nieces, who now attend UCCS. I remember transferring home from CU Boulder and feeling immediately welcomed on the UCCS campus. From my professors to academic advisor and friends I made in my courses, I have many fond memories of my time as a Mountain Lion!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sandhyarani Karamsetty – M.A., Aerospace Engineering<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sandhyarani earned her graduate degree at UCCS in aerospace engineering from the College of Engineering and Applied Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My time at UCCS and degree helped me to become a successful person and keeps me busy all the time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Diane Lebron – B.A., Biology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diane has worked at Penrose St. Francis hospital for 20 years, where she is a medical laboratory Scientist and Transfusion Medicine Lead. She’s enjoyed 24 years with her partner and is mom to an adult daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“UCCS provided me with the ability to learn about diverse topics, not just science.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

John Lindsey – Ph.D., Electrical Engineering<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

John spent some time working in Tokyo after his schooling, working with Keysight Technology, before returning to Colorado Springs as a research and manufacturing engineer. He came back to UCCS in 2007, this time as part-time faculty in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department and, in 2014, became a full-time teaching professor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Graduate school at UCCS helped me realize how to learn on my own, and how to apply my knowledge.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dominik Norquist – B.S., Electrical Engineering<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dominik began a career in chip design support immediately after graduation, followed by work in technical sales supporting semiconductor solutions. He traveled extensively between those roles, especially in the Rockies and the Midwest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“UCCS has provided me a life of independence and opportunity.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dominik is proud father to his two daughters. Dominik continued his education at CU Boulder, where he earned his master’s in engineering management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Zita Quentin – M.B.A.<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Zita studied IT and accounting as well as her M.B.A. education and starting working with financial software after graduation, opening her own consulting business in 2007. She also pursued nature and wildlife photography, traveling the world to capture its beauty and winning awards for her work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“UCCS provided a great community for the MBA students and I enjoyed meeting all the talented students during my studies.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kim Young Spinelli – M.S., Nursing<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Before earning her master’s of science in nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Kim was a registered nurse since 1986. After attending UCCS, she transitioned to the role of Advanced Practice Nurse and continues to work in that position at UCHealth Memorial Hospital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of Kim’s longtime nursing career, she spends as much time as she can with her three grandkids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My oldest granddaughter is a senior in high school and is interested in becoming a nurse and following in my footsteps, which brings joy to my heart.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Wendy Lee White – M.B.A.<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

“UCCS provided the perfect atmosphere for me to continue my education. I was able to work during the day and complete coursework in the evenings, and appreciated the ability to focus my various class projects on topics of interest to me, such as agriculture. Without the flexible MBA program at UCCS, I may not have been able to pursue graduate studies.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After earning an MBA from UCCS, Wendy combined her passions for marketing and agriculture, and her previous education in Animal Science, by managing the award-winning state brand program, Colorado Proud, at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. For more than 20 years, she promoted food and agricultural products grown, raised or made in Colorado. Following her time in state government, she continued her commitment to agriculture as the Senior Director of Federation Communications for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, Wendy is responsible for working with state beef councils across the country and providing communications resources to positively promote beef, while also spending much of her time putting \u201cpen to paper\u201d writing articles for NCBA publications and press releases for distribution to agriculture trade media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“When I’m not working, I love traveling the globe. Recent trips include cruising the Danube River in Europe, riding the rails in the Canadian Rockies and sailing the Sea of Galilee in Israel. Thank you, UCCS, for giving me the tools I needed to kickstart my career!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Colleen (Mafnas) Zufelt – B.S., Nursing<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

“The professors in the nursing program were phenomenal. They took the time to get to know the students, listened when we had struggles, and provided amazing insight to our future opportunities. In my last year of nursing school, I struggled with the idea that I had made a major mistake in going to nursing school. The classes were tough, and the labs\/practicums were tougher. I was reminded that there is such a broad spectrum of nursing opportunities that I would find the career that fit me best, and they were right. Within 6 months of graduating, I found out that school nursing was the right path for me. I don’t know how many people can actually say they love their job, but I can, thanks to them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colleen has worked in Colorado and Minnesota, in both school nursing and public health nursing, since graduating. For the last 15 years, she and her husband have enjoyed the rural life in Dinosaur, CO, where they run a restaurant and enjoy being around their two children and two grandchildren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

About the UCCS Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The UCCS Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies will celebrate degrees conferred to more than 500 graduates. Students, friends and family will attend the ceremony at the Broadmoor World Arena on December 20, 2024. See the full Commencement program<\/a> online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This year, UCCS recognized 15 Silver Graduates, each of whom graduated from UCCS in 1999. (More)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":153194,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1,427,49,12,14],"tags":[370,107,331,42,332],"class_list":["post-159677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-alumni-stories","category-campus-announcements","category-events","category-upcoming-events","tag-alumni","tag-alumni-relations","tag-campus-announcements","tag-commencement","tag-more-news"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Abby-Copy-of-Communique-Featured-Image-56.png","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1mBpJ-Fxr","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=159677"}],"version-history":[{"count":103,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":160599,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159677\/revisions\/160599"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/153194"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=159677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=159677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=159677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}