Sauer's campaign work turns into a Capitol investment

Teresa Sauer

Colorado native Teresa Sauer ('98) is enjoying the view from near the top of the state's political hierarchy as director of communications for Lt. Gov. Jane Norton. Sauer says she's amazed at how short her trip was from the campus to the state Capitol.

"As a CU student, I joined the College Republicans and volunteered on the gubernatorial campaign in 1994. From there, I made some great connections that helped me get an internship at the Capitol," she says.

"On a whim, I took the Web design class in Macky and from there have had numerous opportunities to design and manage Web sites. I think the combination of strong writing skills that were fine-tuned in the J-school and the ability to manage a Web site have helped me with a number of opportunities."

Sauer says her job demands an assortment of mass communication abilities.

"I use my writing and communication skills daily and am able to get my message out clearly – something that others without the journalism background can have a hard time with.

"I work on policy issues such as health insurance reform in the state, while talking to the press about activities the lieutenant governor is participating in and the issues our office is working on. I also do ghost writing for her and will be doing op-eds this summer."

Last August to November on the campaign trail, Sauer says she visited 56 of Colorado's 64 counties with Norton.

"We talked to community leaders, involved citizens and the local press. It was a great chance to see the state and hear about what people are concerned about outside the metro area," she says.

Then it was time to relax.

"After last year's gubernatorial campaign, my husband and I took two weeks to tour New Zealand and Australia.  It was the perfect way to end a perfect year of hard work and positive outcomes.

"We scuba-dove near the Great Barrier Reef, watched part of the America's Cup boat race, played with kangaroos and koalas, and just relaxed," she says.

Sauer said she remains close to her alma mater.

"Monthly, I get together with two fellow alums – Laura (Griffith) Paulson ('97) and Amy (Mauro) Sunahara ('97). We share stories about life today and talk about memories of CU.

"In April, I participated in the J-Board Career Day. This felt like homecoming for me because from freshman year on, I was an active participant in J-Board, planning graduation ceremonies, Career Days and being involved in the School. I enjoyed every moment at CU and am glad to have made the lasting relationships."

Sauer, 28, is married to Bernie Sauer, a 1998 CU aerospace engineering graduate.

theresa.sauer@ state.co.us