graduation

Class of 2026: Honors and Distinction Graduates

Jayden Fortner — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:14:27 +0000

Class of 2026: Honors and Distinction Graduates Jayden Fortner Thu, 04/30/2026 - 10:14

Graduating with Honors

Students graduating with honors have completed an honors project demonstrating independent learning and intellectual insight that makes a contribution to our understanding of media, communication or information. The work must demonstrate intellectual or creative ability as well as analytical skills worthy of the recommended honors designation.

Summa Cum Laude

Lauren Lopez
Owen Barton
Paige Jaeger
Zachary Steiner
Dennis Swanson
Mia Winstead
Julia MacLean
Alexandra Organa
Jack Ziporin
Zachary Chagnon
Daniel Doupe
Teagan Schreiber
Hannah Kijner
Allison Miller
Leah Szabo

Magna Cum Laude

Jordyn Stewart
Channing Miller
Susan Cormack
Louison Leclerq
Lorraine Healy
Morgan Evans
Madeline Flanagan
Michael Robinson

Cum Laude

Mark Goetzler

Graduating with Distinction

This designation recognizes students who earn a 3.75 GPA or higher over at least 60 hours of coursework.

Madeline Ahrens
Essa Ben
Lauren Bingham
Sophia Bolich
Eva Bruce
Noelia Caballero
Curtis Croll
Lily Delgado
Campbell Dokken
Eric Donjuan
Baylee Drevno
Ava Esposito
Sabrina Harris
Erica Isroff
Carter Johnson-Chen
Madeline Krozek
Maya Merta
Hailey Miller
Alyssa Pardo
Timothy Pivero
Macy Place
Jenna Reed
Alexandria Reilly
Ella Revivo
Melanie Scanlon
Kathryn Schaefer
Henry Shellhorn
Jordyn Stewart
Nicholas Talucci
Ella Turgeon
Zoe Turner
Grace Wymore
Arwyn Zaleski
Emilio Adams
Kenzington Alipit
Saleh Alzamil
Julia Anderson
Logan Arel
Jose Banuelos
Kai Bicbic
Olivia Brosnan
Gemma Carlson
Gabriella Carnevale
Benjamen Centeno
Nicole Chung
Amelie Couret
Sienna Fahey
Shira Feinberg
Daniel Fellows
Charlotte Fex
Rikki Gallegos
William Gese
Drew Gorman
Mackenzie Hammond
Tara Hidding
Grace Jackman
Emilie Janzen
Doris Kahler
Emily Kwon
Natalie Madeira
Channing Miller
Rosemary O'Farrell
Ava Pelster
Ian Primer
Lia Rapka
Katherine Ridgway
Caleb Siegel
Grayson Staples
Zoe Swenson
Emma Taylor
Ila Tschirhart
Valerie Warszawski
Margaret Whitfield
Jacquelyne Wynne
Theron Yoder
Laurel Yule
Jacie Zou
Abikael Daniel
Natan Habteyonas
Avery Kissinger
Jaclyn Pereira
Clio Torrance
Ricky Tuka
Christian Valentino
Fnan Yonas
MacKenzie Cole
Susan Cormack
Lacey Daniell
Lily Delgado
Wyatt Duesenberg
Mark Goetzler
Salem Goodman
Sophia Gyuk
Thomas Hinton
Owen Houtakker
Brooklyn Howard
Rowen Kennedy
Greta Kerkhoff
Angelina Kondrat
Jessica Kotmel
Louison Leclercq
Keanna Limes
Linus Loughry
Julia MacLean
Camryn Montgomery
Isabella Piccirillo
Caniya Robinson
Jessica Sachs
Sydney Schrader
Iris Serrano
Harrison Simeon
Ann Vanderveen
Shea Ackman
Emma Czohara
Maya Dank
Zachary Dial
Jason Hoffman
Brooklyn Karraker
Sydney Liebhauser
Frederick Novell
Maximilian Osterman
Andrew Purpura
Jack Remington
Peri Riegner
Olin Silverman
Rylie Stark
Jackson Williams
Kaylee Austin
Lily Becker
Brooke Bursteen
Joanna Conforti
Mackenzie Hanlon
Lorraine Healy
Carter Johnson-Chen
Madelyn Payne
Brandon de Pena
Jaclyn Pereira
Molly Reed
Holly Wininger
Anthony Allen
Audrey Altounian
Alexandra Anaya
Lilyana Anderson
Isabella Barbush
Alexandra Berlin
Miranda Bleau
Reed Bracero
Keeley Brei
Mia Buchholz
Fatima Bugaighis
Grace Cadman
Kaitlyn Carpenter
Kyndal Corkins
Marissa Crenshaw
Kayla Drumke
Riley Eisenstein
Lucy Esquivel
Madeline Flanagan
Lilli Flyer
Jacalyn Gamble
Hildur Garfield
Samson Gear
Olivia Gewanter
Marin Gloor
Lily Goldstein
Kelly Hartigan
Cassidy Hill
Mira Hougen
Emily Howard
Daniela Hunt
Eve Jones
Chase Kanger
Rhett Kaya
Grayson Kern
Alden Koskoff
Kea Margolis
Andrew Marsh
Mia Martinez
Audrey McClure
Oliver McKinney
Julia Meyer
Allison Miller
Nathaniel Mosley
Kailey Murphy
Maximilian Osterman
Rachel Pilik
Zoe Polzin
Marie Riley
Maria Sampson
London Selah
Iris Serrano
Redfield Shaw
Natalie Tapia
Sage Thompson
Annabelle Torgove
Chloe Walsh
Regan Widergren
Owen Wiggans
Halle Wist
Elsie Zerega

Graduating with High Distinction

Graduates with high distinction have achieved a GPA of 3.75 or higher over at least 60 hours of coursework.

Ellena Bassoukos
Leah Baumann
Elizabeth Brechtel
Juliana Buck
Emily Chang
Alexandra Dolsak
Sydney Dossa
Jennifer Ellis
Carly Gelfand
Callie Gendolfe
Jillian Gerlitz
Arlie Goldman
Hannah Hoffman
Liv Johnstad
Amy Kibort
Amy Labontu
Daniel Laverty
Skyler Longerbone
Lauren Lopez
Jacob Myers
Alina Ouligian
Olivia Randazzo
Lydia Sarbacker
Grace Scott
Jessie Spires
Ashtyn Waddle
Mia Archuleta
Owen Barton
Claire Cameron
Evangeline Christoff
Kara Danford
John Davis
Natalie Free
Gabrielle French
Kaija Galins
Caroline Gilchrist
Maxine Inman
Paige Jaeger
Addison Johnson
Cameron Kolinchak
Ahnnali Lindgren
Taylor Martin
Anna Peragine
Gabrielle Rodriguez
Zachary Steiner
Dennis Swanson
Emi Takaoka
Tyler Tatman
Kaira Theisen
Evelyn Warner
Mia Winstead
Parker Burt
Gilberto Corral
Katherine Davis
Averie Dow
Nicholas Haseman
William Henrickson
Can Lin
Luke Lommatzsch
Emelia Mantz
Rida Rizvi
Charles Bickham
Thomas Bittner IV
Hannah Brennan
Ashley Budy
Hayden Chedid
Emerson Clymer
Sophia Collins
Breah Conradson
Elizabeth Cutting
Nathaniel Hankins
Jordan Houten
Myra Kirk
Samuel Kurtz
Creed Miller
Ruth Murray
Alexandra Organa
Liliane Patrick
Nathan Thompson
Jack Ziporin
Lucy Alagna
Taylor Beamer
Zachary Chagnon
Connie Dolati
Gavin Faulkner
Elena Fisher
Eliana Gianola
Tyler Hibri
Donavon Houston
Bailey Karraker
John Kerklo III
Olivia Meyers
Joaquin Salinas
Lilian Wright
Connor Chase
Natalie Cook
Sydney Dossa
Daniel Doupe
Kaoutar El Ouadi
Norah Hampford
Madison Hays
Alexander Lipka
John McDermott
Teagan Schreiber
Ashlin Swasey
Stasswender
Kelli Alexander
Emily Barnes
Luis Bravo
Caroline Burns
Eryn Cryer
Hannah David
Daniel Doupe
Morgan Evans
Elizabeth Foster
Katelyn Gardner
Lauren Gillespie
Norah Hampford
Mia Chikhani
Emma Kaiser
Hannah Kijner
Marin Kirkman
Kathryn Krochalis
Jane Ludington
Margaret Miller
Morgan Miller
Emily Moore
Madison Moss
Annika Ort
Lauren Paschke
Caroline Pellerito
Katharine Polep-Sawyer
Marissa Rauzi
Ryan Robine
Brynna Roscoe
Samantha Russo
Jenna Shenbaum
Daniel Sher
Matthew Silver
Marie Slotnick
Madelyn Speights
Braden Stirrett
Mary Strasser
Elizabeth Suffian
Olivia Sullivan
Leah Szabo
Elizabeth Travia
Ella Whittall
Amanda Winslow
Lilian Wright

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Off

Traditional

2026 Graduation Celebration

White

Trust the process

Joe Arney — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:02:14 +0000

Trust the process Joe Arney Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:02

Joe Arney

Henry Ugwu was managing communications for the Nigerian government’s pandemic response when he realized he needed more experience. That led him to CMDI and its PhD in communication. Photo by Kimberly Coffin.

It was while managing the Nigerian government’s pandemic-related communication campaign that Henry Ugwu realized he needed more experience.

“I was all of 25 years old, running meetings with ministers and governors, and trying to guide them on what to do,” said Ugwu, who was the technical communications lead on the project. “That’s when I realized I had to up my game.”

To be fair, Ugwu’s game was already highly leveled when he arrived at CU ��ý��. Most notably, he was a senior communications specialist with Credo Advisory—with offices in Nigeria and Washington, D.C.—where he worked on clients such as World Bank and the US Agency for International Development; he also was a youth fellow at the International Monetary Fund.

But coming to the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information for his PhD in communication gave him a theoretical grounding that he said has dovetailed nicely with the practical skills he developed in his professional career. It was still an adjustment for Ugwu to find himself in a classroom, though.

“The industry is all about immediate results—you run a campaign, you see the data in real time, you see the impact of the work you’re doing and behaviors you’re helping to change,” he said. “Now, I apply theories to explain the phenomena of what happens in the field.

“My first semester was a bit of a learning curve, with a lot of reading to do. But I love the academic research side of things, where I explore varying topics, make a hypothesis, test it and try to publish it.”

An early advisor connection

Ugwu credited his advisor, Jolene Fisher, with helping his maturation as a student and researcher. In fact, he already knew of Fisher—an expert in strategic communication for development work and social change—from his career.

“My first introduction to Jolene was through her incredible work, and when I reached out to her to learn more, she could not have been more encouraging and personable,” he said. “I came here with all these broad ideas, and Jolene really helped me narrow things down. She has been extremely instrumental in my success as a researcher.”

Jolene Fisher

Fisher still remembers the Zoom call she took with Ugwu as he was exploring doctoral programs.

“I couldn’t believe, after doing so much research in international development and communication, that I might finally have a student who was just as into this work,” she said.

Ugwu’s work is tailor-made for the crisis development organizations are navigating. His broad interests encompass public relations, health communications and development communications; his dissertation explores issues of trust that multilateral development organizations like USAID and the United Nations are facing at a time of cutbacks and intense scrutiny of their work.

“The legitimacy of organizations like the World Bank and the UN is coming from critics who say that, since they’ve been established, they haven’t met their missions of driving development and eradicating poverty,” Ugwu said, noting the significant positive impact such organizations have had in addressing the world’s most complex issues. “But it’s important to examine the impact and relevance of these organizations from the perspective of communications professionals who are managing this emerging crisis.”

One thing he’s interested in, for instance, is localization—involving stakeholders in a solution, rather than prescribing answers from faraway places.

“It’s listening to what the needs are and having people at the grassroots lead in identifying and working toward solutions,” Ugwu said. “This kind of work is important to anyone working on communications in global health or in international development.”

There is extensive scholarly work on development communication, but Fisher said Ugwu’s work represents a novel approach in thinking about how these kinds of relationships are created and managed through the lens of public relations.

As seismic shifts test those partnerships and strain resources, “it’s more important than ever to understand how we think about who holds the power to make decisions about development projects,” she said. “And his fieldwork really helps him see these challenges and bring them to life for the students in his classes, who may not appreciate the different places their strategic communication education can take them.”

Combining work experience, research insights

The chance to bring the observations from his life and work in Nigeria to the field was a key reason Ugwu was excited about doing a PhD.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to contribute to revisiting, and maybe improving, some existing theories—or potentially developing a new one,” he said.

Henry Ugwu’s work in the field ‘really helps him see these challenges and bring them to life for the students in his classes,’ says his advisor, Jolene Fisher. Photo by Kimberly Coffin.

Ugwu hopes to research and teach in academia—he recently won a Graduate Part-Time Instructors Teaching Excellence award from the Graduate School and a research and academic achievement award from CMDI—but plans to keep active in industry so that he’s able to bring trends and insights to his students. He shared the story of fueling up his car during the worst of COVID and overhearing a conversation where a woman claimed the disease wasn’t real, in spite of all Ugwu and his team were doing to change behavior and ensure positive health outcomes for residents.

“That was hard to hear—despite being aware of such skeptics from our polling data—but it forced us to change our approach, which had been really high-level communications,” he said. “We realized we needed more grassroots engagement to complement what we were doing on radio, television and social media.

“Conducting research that helps people better understand the scale of the problem was fulfilling. And that’s something I want to be able to offer to students—because there are some lessons that you can really only learn from being out there and doing the work.”

Joe Arney covers research and general news for the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

The transition from industry to PhD work was an adjustment for Henry Ugwu when he arrived at CMDI. Learning new perspectives helped him create novel research on trust.

Off

Traditional

2026 Graduation Celebration

White

2 minutes with: Evie Warner

Joe Arney — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:49:37 +0000

2 minutes with: Evie Warner Joe Arney Tue, 04/21/2026 - 15:49

Iris Serrano

Evie Warner (EnvDes’26) had never visited Colorado before she chose to attend CU ��ý��. Now, she has built quite the second home at CU in ways both conventional—as a leader with Industrial Designers Society of America—and not, as a proud bee booster. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the environmental design department.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

Evie Warner isn’t just a skilled student—she's a bee booster whose affection for the arthropods earned her the nickname of the bee girl. Courtesy Evie Warner.

So, for the uninitiated, what can you tell me about EPOD?
So, I came here specifically for the environmental design department, and found EPOD along the way. It stands for environmental products of design, and I love how hands-on we get in making real, physical things that solve meaningful problems. And while sustainability is not a requirement, I appreciate the opportunities to connect my projects to nature and community.

What’s your favorite part about it?
I love the interdisciplinary aspect most of all, because I like to do a lot of different things—and it's really nice that in environmental design, I can bring my interests outside of class into my work. My projects have this theme of connecting people in urban environments to nature.

My other weird niche, I guess, is bees.

Whoa, bees? Like, the insects?
Everyone knows me as the bee girl. I do a lot of pollinator advocacy stuff outside of school and with the city of ��ý��, and pollinator gardening, stuff like that.

OK, but how’d you get that nickname?
I was studying abroad, in Copenhagen, last spring, and I was in a class called Sustainable by Design. We had to go on a field trip to this urban bee place. I guess I just looked really excited or something, because everyone at my table turned and looked at me. So, I became the bee girl in that class. I didn't even have to say anything.

Other than saving the bees, what else have you done at CU?
I’m the secretary and treasurer of IDSA. The board really cares about networking, of course, but the core of it is this group of students who just want to make things and have fun. That’s the part that keeps it running.

What’s a highlight from your time as a member?
Definitely the first designathon we hosted. We collaborated with Lasko, so our challenge was to design an air purifier that fits better into a home with limited space. We were split up into teams; I think we were called Pretty Princess Power, or something.

Great name. Did you end up winning?
There was no official winner, but we made something really awesome—like, a portfolio-worthy project—in 24 hours. I was really proud of us, it just felt good to be on a team that really collaborated and functioned well. We all had different skills, but we all worked together so well.

Time for the scary question: What’s next?
This summer, I'm working in environmental education in California at a nature-based summer camp, so I'll be teaching kids about nature—and I get paid to go camping, essentially. It's just going to be a nice break, I think, from coming out of intense academics.

Iris Serrano is studying strategic communication and journalism at CMDI. She covers student news and events for the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Evie Warner is graduating as the outstanding senior for the environmental design department. From her class projects to Copenhagen, Warner blends creativity and nature in her work.

Off

Traditional

2026 Graduation Celebration

White

Giving flowers: Introducing CMDI’s outstanding spring graduate

Joe Arney — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:46:49 +0000

Giving flowers: Introducing CMDI’s outstanding spring graduate Joe Arney Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:46

Hannah Stewart

Until she took a class in human resources as a high school student, Lauren Lopez was pretty sure she was going to become either a florist or a welder.

‘CMDI makes it really easy to choose your own path, which I really love,’ says Lauren Lopez, who graduates this spring with both the William W. White Outstanding Graduate Award and as the outstanding senior in the communication major. Photo by Kimberly Coffin.

By the time she completed that class—offered through a partnership between her high school and Austin Community College, in Texas—she knew she wanted to make a living in HR.

She’s now one step closer to that dream as she graduates from CU ��ý��’s College of Communication, Media, Design and Information with a degree in communication, and as the college’s top student.

“CMDI makes it really easy to choose your own path, which I really love,” she said. “I've always been able to do the classes I want to do, and I think that's really built my experience here.”

Each year, the CMDI student with the highest GPA receives the William W. White Outstanding Graduate Award. On top of that, Lopez graduates as the outstanding senior in the communication department, an honor that recognizes students based on academics, professional achievement and service to the college.

Rarely is a graduate recognized at both levels, but it’s hardly surprising, considering how engaged Lopez has been. On top of graduating early, she will walk with two minors—in sociology and leadership studies—completed an honors thesis and held four on-campus jobs, including one as a CMDI ambassador.

Christi Wade, who supervises ambassadors as the college’s student recruitment program manager, said Lopez made an incredible impression right from her initial interview.

“She brings a positive attitude and smile to every interaction with prospective students, and will be greatly missed on our team,” Wade said.

Leaving a legacy

Lopez said she loves her roles as an ambassador and as a peer mentor with the Office of Precollege Outreach and Engagement. Both programs, she said, offer the opportunity to make an impact by leaving a legacy for future students while extending her community. Thanks to her communication and leadership classes, she feels prepared to serve and guide her peers, whether by providing coaching on a resume or advising prospective students on choosing a major.

Her biggest piece of advice is to do the best you can. Lopez said it’s easy to feel burned out, especially when juggling a lot of classes and other responsibilities, but staying curious and putting in the effort pays off. It’s how her honors thesis came together.

“I’ve heard a lot of things in college about intimate partner sexual assault, and I think it’s really important to talk about,” she said. “And then I read Everybody Lies, by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz. He basically says people lie on surveys. I thought, ‘That's amazing, I want to do exactly that, but with this topic.’”

So Lopez turned to Reddit—where she assumed people would be more candid, since the platform is largely anonymous—ultimately analyzing 300 posts and identifying themes. She presented her findings to her thesis committee, which recommended she receive summa cum laude honors.

“We were all impressed with her study,” said Joëlle Cruz, an associate professor of communication and Lopez’s thesis advisor. “Between the amount of the data and type of data, Lauren’s thesis had a level of sophistication I've rarely seen for an undergraduate student. She is so hardworking and it was a pleasure to work with her on it.”

Lopez said she loved the thesis experience—and all of her time at college—and though she’s certain she’ll miss the learning environment CMDI cultivates, she’s excited for what’s next. In her case, it’s a role with the HR team at local marketing firm ��ý�� Heavy Industries.

“Graduating college is such a privilege—I’m so grateful, and I hope I’ve made my family proud,” she said. “CU has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I love the university and the city, and I’m excited to stay in ��ý�� after graduation and keep cheering on my fellow Buffs as an alum.”

Hannah Stewart graduated from CMDI in 2019 with a degree in communication. She covers student news for the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Lauren Lopez is graduating a year early after holding four on-campus jobs and completing an honors thesis, in addition to her academic accolades.

Off

Traditional

White

2 minutes with: Hayden Chedid

Allyson Maturey — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:37:24 +0000

2 minutes with: Hayden Chedid Allyson Maturey Mon, 04/20/2026 - 14:37

Allyson Maturey

For Hayden Chedid, broadcast journalism introduced new ways of storytelling and collaborating with others. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

From English major to editor-in-chief, Hayden Chedid (Jour’26) has embraced every opportunity to tell meaningful stories through curiosity, leadership and hands-on experience. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the journalism department.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

OK, so let’s hear the origin story—what inspired you to come to CMDI?
Before CU ��ý��, I was at Arapahoe Community College majoring in English. I was introduced to journalism by a few friends and fell in love with storytelling. When I transferred to CU, it was the broadcast track that really helped me find my direction.

What’s one experience or lesson you’ll carry with you?
Just go for it. Journalism rewards you for putting yourself out there. I’m an introverted person, and this has really built my confidence and brought me out of my shell.

And your “go for it” moment was…?
Oh my gosh, like every day! (Laughs) I’ve done a few investigative stories, and one was really intense. I had to go to the police station, request records and interview officers. I feel like I’m always going to crazy places and meeting interesting people.

Who’s been in your corner throughout your journey?
My professor Paul Daugherty hasn’t been able to escape me these past few years. He’s more than a professor and more like a mentor. I even asked him to oversee my summer internship. He’s taught me almost everything I know about broadcast.

A summer internship? Tell me more.
It was with The Borgen Project. It taught me a lot about advocacy and how meaningful journalism can make an impact. I was writing articles about foreign aid and technological advancements in other countries, which made me more aware of the responsibility that comes with journalism and the impact I can have with my storytelling.

I know you’re the editor-in-chief for Roam ��ý��. What’s it like leading a team of writers?
At first, I had a lot of imposter syndrome. Like, how am I editor-in-chief? Over time, I got used to it and I felt like I was able to pass down my wisdom and knowledge from the past four years. It’s really satisfying being able to see my writers improve over the last few months.

Your bylines are so diverse. How do story ideas come up?
You just have to listen and be observant. I have a notes app with a huge list of story ideas that I write down as they come up throughout the day. That’s a really important skill for a journalist.

Real talk—share some advice for students still figuring it all out?
It’s OK to feel unsure about what’s next. I think uncertainty can be a good thing because that means your options are plentiful. When you focus on your authentic self and what you’re genuinely passionate about, everything will fall into place.

Dream job?
I want to apply what I’ve learned in a newsroom as a photographer or producer.

Where it all began. Hayden Chedid, left, poses with her best friend and Chip on her first day at college. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

Hayden Chedid, second row on the right, was introduced to some of her closest friends while involved with Roam ��ý��. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

Roam ��ý�� received the 2026 Student Organization Event of the Year for its Earth Day block party. Hayden Chedid, left, poses with the award and a group of Roam students. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

Allyson Maturey is a communications project manager who covers student and faculty news.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

This year’s outstanding senior for journalism found her path as editor-in-chief of the university’s fashion magazine and on a meaningful internship.

Off

Traditional

White

2 minutes with: Zach Chagnon

Joe Arney — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:04:49 +0000

2 minutes with: Zach Chagnon Joe Arney Fri, 04/17/2026 - 09:04

Iris Serrano

CMDI helped Zach Chagnon unlock his creative potential. Photo courtesy Zach Chagnon.

Growing up, Zach Chagnon (CritMedia’26) thought he would be working in environmental conservation or as a paleontologist. His younger self would be surprised to find out he’s graduating from CMDI, with minors in business and Nordic studies. He is the William W. White outstanding senior for the critical media practices department.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

Nordic studies? That’s an interesting minor.
I have some family history that traces back to Norway and Sweden, and the classes inspired my capstone, as well. I made a narrative film called Blót, which means “ritual” in Old Norse. It explores the importance of communal connection through sensory and social experience.

Were you a one-man crew?
Almost entirely. My girlfriend's friend helped with casting and carrying equipment. It was overwhelming at first because there were so many things I didn’t know would actually work out. But I got to get some cool shots in Nederland to film the natural scenery because it looks like Scandinavia.

Was that your favorite project?
I’m most proud of a feature-length documentary I filmed about a friend who was sexually abused by her coach at another university. It’s not done, but I want this film to be a call to action—I want people to be angry, to make a difference, because stuff like this needs to change.

Wow. Your favorite film must be really impactful.
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but actually, my top-rated movie on Letterboxd is Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Wait. Seriously?
Yeah, for being a kids’ animated movie, it was so deep, and covered a lot of topics I could relate to.

Well, speaking of kids, what’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
I wish I had said yes to more opportunities. I chickened out of things because I wasn’t comfortable pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Also, take risks—calculated risks—it can really push you along.

What’s an opportunity you’ve said yes to?
I work with the city of Arvada as a multimedia content producer, which is really cool. One of the big projects I’m picking up before the internship is over is a video about their climate and sustainability action plan and how the city is going to look in the future.

Nice! What do you think you’ll miss the most about college?
I think it's been long enough since I’ve lived in my dorm that now I have a lot of nostalgia for that time. We made our room look super cozy so my roommate and I would have friends over to play video games.

What’s next for you?
I’d like to travel—my friends and I have been talking about a trip to Europe. Other than that, I’m applying to jobs and in a year or so, I’m going to start applying to grad school.

Iris Serrano is studying strategic communication and journalism at CMDI. She covers student news and events for the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

The winner of the outstanding senior award for the media production major tapped his Nordic studies minor to fuel an interesting creative project.

Off

Traditional

White

2 minutes with: Kaoutar El Ouadi

Jayden Fortner — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:08:25 +0000

2 minutes with: Kaoutar El Ouadi Jayden Fortner Thu, 04/16/2026 - 13:08

Jayden Fortner

Kaoutar El Ouadi's jam is music. The Aurora native interns at Fox Theater and has a great vinyl collection. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the media studies department, and also studied political science at CU ��ý��.

At CMDI, Kaoutar El Ouadi explored her love of music. Photo courtesy Kaoutar El Ouadi.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

So, I know you're really into music. Tell me about that.
Yes, I'm a very big concert person. And I love collecting vinyls, cassettes, that sort of thing. And I'm an intern at Fox Theater.

Wow. What's that like?
I do marketing over there. It's great, because I get to go to niche, cool concerts. There is this one band, called Winyah, I'm really into, even though I'm not as into indie music.

You must have some incredible playlists from a job like that.
Those aren't my only lists, actually. I have a bucket list in my Notes app—a full list of everything I want to do before leaving ��ý��. My biggest thing was probably going to a concert here at Red Rocks, which I did do!

Speaking of Red Rocks—if you could be anyone for a day, who would you pick?
I would love to be John Summit for a day! Like, what do you mean, you were an accountant, and now you're a DJ? I wanna test that out. I'll go DJ for the night, then do someone's taxes the next day, and then be in Red Rocks again, as the DJ.

Was there a professor who made a big difference for you?
Professor Jon Featherstone. He was phenomenal; he was one of the first professors who treated us like peers, but was still very professional. He wasn't talking at us, he was talking with us.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?
I would love to go to California or New York— two of my favorite spots. And I feel like that's where all the music and entertainment is based. I feel like I can have a real shot there.

Favorite memory with friends?
The summer of my junior year, when I was studying abroad, my friends and I rented miniature motorcycles. And we rode across the beach at night, which was phenomenal.

One more question. I heard you speak three languages?
Yes! When my parents first came to the US, they struggled to speak English, so they went straight to Spanish—and when they're talking, they mix the two. So, English, Spanish and Arabic. And then I just kind of grew up listening to it.

Jayden Fortner is pursuing degrees in journalism and strategic communication at CMDI, with a minor in sports media. She covers students and student news at the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

The outstanding graduate in the media studies department, Kaoutar El Ouadi is a music aficionado who has an enviable internship at Fox Theater.

Off

Traditional

White

2 minutes with: Leah Szabo

Ellie Chase — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:35:29 +0000

2 minutes with: Leah Szabo Ellie Chase Wed, 04/15/2026 - 17:35

Ellie Chase

Leah Szabo has been all over the world, balancing life between Hungary and California as a dual citizen and studying abroad in Bali. While her passport tells a story of adventures in faraway places, Szabo has found a true sense of home at CMDI. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the strategic communication major.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

Coming from an international background, what made you choose CU ��ý��?
It was the perfect balance between academics and things to do outside of campus. CU has so much to offer—��ý�� is such a phenomenal city, and the academics in the strategic communication program are outstanding. The alumni network and whole APRD program are really what drew me to it.

Did you know what you wanted to study when you arrived here?
Yes! I chose PR because it’s all about interpersonal relationships and making connections. I love how it’s all about elevating and uplifting others, and being the person to help others succeed and thrive.

Leah Szabo calls CMDI ‘the best school on Earth.’ Photo courtesy Leah Szabo.

Have you gotten the chance to experience PR firsthand yet?
Yes. I interned for six months at HBO—

Like, the HBO we all watch on TV?
Yeah! I worked on the media relations team, and we did publicity for the TV shows that HBO created. The main shows I worked on were The Last of Us, White Lotus, I Love LA, and It: Welcome to Derry.

So cool. Did you meet any famous actors?
I got to bring Odessa A'zion a lunch plate, and make sure that Rachel Sennott made it from one room to another. One time, Josh Hutcherson came up to me and talked about the Dodgers for maybe 30 seconds. (Laughs)

Jealous is an understatement! I know you're also the president of PRSSA at CU. How does that play into your passion for building relationships?
PRSSA is the Public Relations Student Society of America. As president, I run an executive board of 13 people. I really focused on increasing our membership this year, and we were able to do that by connecting with students one-on-one. We gained 174 new members this year.

It sounds like you created an incredible community at PRSSA. Tell me more about your herd.
Everyone in the APRD department—from faculty to students—is in my herd. I really got to know my professors, who are the biggest champions for students and some of the greatest professionals I have ever met. I really feel like I found my place here.

Best piece of advice for other students?
Don’t take it for granted. This is the best school on Earth, and CMDI has been my greatest stepping stone into learning and going into any industry I wanted. It’s so valuable—take advantage of everything this school has to offer.

What’s next?
I’m going on a trip to Portugal with my friends to get some more time to travel! Then I’ll spend the summer back here in ��ý�� looking for a job.

Ellie Chase is studying journalism at CMDI, with a minor in business. She covers students and student news at the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Leah Szabo is a dual citizen, but says she truly found her home in CMDI. She is the outstanding graduate for the strategic communication major.

Off

Traditional

White

2 minutes with: Kate Davis

Joe Arney — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:12:55 +0000

2 minutes with: Kate Davis Joe Arney Wed, 04/15/2026 - 09:12

Joe Arney

For people in technical fields, HCI is a well-known acronym for human-computer interaction—the study of how people and computers interact to design more user-friendly and efficient technology. For Kate Davis (InfoSci’25), it stands for human-clay interaction: She uses ceramics to tell stories through data. Davis is enrolled in the accelerated master’s program in information science and is the department’s William W. White outstanding senior.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

She had wanted to attend CU ��ý�� since she was in the third grade, but Kate Davis didn’t know what she wanted to major in until she discovered information science. ‘I was like, “Oh, this is what I want to do with the rest of my life,”’ she says. Photo courtesy Kate Davis.

So, I know you’re passionate about data visualizations. You have a bar graph emoji as part of your title on LinkedIn. But you’re really into data physicalization.
Yes—it’s where my art practices minor comes in. I am interested in communicating information with a more emotional, human-centered story approach. So, I use qualitative methods to understand data and human stories, then encode that into the qualities of ceramics—its texture, form, color.

A particular project you’re most proud of?
I’m working on a piece that showcases the experience of home loss in the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire. You see a lot of statistics and two-dimensional maps, but I grew up in that area, and those visualizations don’t, to me, reflect the experience of going through that. I want this piece to encapsulate the experience you can take from the data, as opposed to just stats.

So, you’re from Colorado Springs. How did you end up in ��ý��?
In third grade, I decided I wanted to go to CU ��ý�� to be an engineer. Turns out, I didn’t want to be an engineer. But I was touring ��ý�� and met Jed Brubaker, who told me about information science. And I was like, “Oh, this is what I want to do with the rest of my life.”

Third grade? Really?
We would go camping in Rocky Mountain National Park every year and drive through ��ý��, and I would just think what a pretty place it was. (Laughs.)

How important was it to you to be near the outdoors?
The river is a big part of my life—where I go when I’m stressed, or to be social. They’re another place I explore in my work. I did a ceramics project where I created bird whistles—if you fill them with water and hold them at the right spot, they sing. It forces you to be still and requires you to be near water.

I know you’re a lifeguard. And you were president of the kayaking club. Has water always been important to you?
Actually, one of my favorite memories from CU is learning to do a new sport. I know it’s cliche to tell people to try as much as they can in college, but I saw a guy holding a boat at CU’s involvement fair, and said, “That looks fun. I’ll try that.”

You mentioned stress earlier. Who supported you when you felt overwhelmed as a student?
I have received immense support from Evan Peck, my advisor, and Jed. Also Priscilla Hopper. Crissy Bowen—oh my gosh, I cannot express all she does. I got a concussion last year—

A concussion? What happened?
I fell off my bike riding home from class. I know, it’s not even a cool story! But Crissy helped me get a doctor’s appointment. That’s on top of everything else she does.

Last question. What’s next for you?
I love my research. I hear a PhD program whispering to me, but after I graduate this December, I want to work in the industry for a few years before I figure out my next move.

Joe Arney covers research and general news for the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Kate Davis pairs her loves of art and data visualization to create functional ceramics that tell stories. She was named outstanding senior in the information science department.

Off

Traditional

White

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Amanda J. McManus — Wed, 28 May 2025 19:44:19 +0000

Congratulations, Class of 2025! Amanda J. McManus Wed, 05/28/2025 - 13:44

More than 900 graduates were celebrated at CMCI’s annual recognition ceremony this past May. Our newest class of Forever Buffs arrived amid pandemic and leave as outstanding scholars and accomplished leaders.

View the 2025 Graduation Celebration

William W. White honorees
Meet the most outstanding students from each CMCI major, as chosen by our faculty.

‘A rock star who is going places’
The top student in her class, Sarah Carleo, discovered her passion for public relations as a student. She’s now off to Next PR, where she previously was a standout summer intern.

Getting the message
Andrew Johnson made the most of a New York City internship with BBH USA. The top strategic communication major is thrilled to return in an account management role as he gets another bite at the Big Apple.

Bylines are fine, but…
Most college students would be thrilled at getting an Associated Press byline. So is Celia Frazier, but she measures her work in impact, not clips. She graduated as CMCI’s top journalism major.

Meet the environmental design Class of 2025
Get to know some oustanding seniors and watch the recognition ceremony.

Celebrating ENVD

Connections through design
For Serena Langdon-Dimidjian, a graduate with a dual degree in architecture and ethnic studies, design is about building community, asking deeper questions and making space for connection.

"Everything you’ve done up to this moment has prepared you to succeed in a world where you can feel the ground moving under your feet.

Lori Bergen, PhD
Founding Dean
CMCI

Our newest class of Forever Buffs arrived amid pandemic and leave as outstanding scholars and accomplished leaders.

Off

Traditional

Summer 2025

White