As a sophomore, Jimmie Searfoss was juggling multiple jobs alongside a full course load. An aspiring journalist, he struggled to find time to attend networking events and build the connections that would prove essential for his career.

But Dave Martinez would not allow a hardworking student to miss out on potential opportunities. 

Dave Martinez, left, and Phil DiStefano pose after accepting alumni awards at the spring event. Photo by Glenn Asakawa.

One fall evening, Martinez encouraged Searfoss (Jour’24) to delay his shift at Easton Training Center, a martial arts academy, and whisked him away to an event that would change his life. 

Treating the guest list as a suggestion, Martinez guided Searfoss into a meeting of CMDI’s advisory board—home to plenty of accomplished journalists—and introduced him around. The connections Searfoss made helped him get a scholarship and an internship with 9News, where today he is a sports anchor. 

“I would not be a professional journalist if it weren’t for Dave,” Searfoss said. 

Searfoss’ story is not unusual: For more than three decades, Martinez has been devoted to ensuring students’ passions become their professions.  

As coordinator of inclusive excellence and outreach for CMDI, Martinez works tirelessly to build community—particularly through Pathways to Excellence, which supports incoming first-year CMDI students as they find their home in the college. 

“My favorite part of being at CU is the students,” Martinez said. “When students tell me about their plans after they graduate—the successful and amazing jobs they have—it means so much to me.”

In the spring, Martinez was recognized with the Robert L. Stearns Award, which honors faculty and staff for extraordinary achievement in teaching, service, work with students, research or off-campus contributions. 

“I have never seen a staff or faculty member have a positive influence on students’ university experience to the extent that Dave Martinez has had,” said Paul S. Voakes, an emeritus professor of journalism and former dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Influence beyond Boulder

That influence extends well beyond graduation. When Kelsie Kerr (MediaSt, Film’23) moved to Los Angeles to take a job as a production coordinator, Martinez connected her to other LA Buffs to ease the transition from her rural hometown. 

He was also one of the first people to call when her community was devastated by wildfires last year.

“His dedication to creating community continues far beyond the walls of the classroom,” Kerr said. “I am so grateful to have him in my life as not only a mentor, but also a friend.”

Pathways students enjoy a strong track record for first-year retention, graduating on time and finding career success. But the numbers are secondary for Martinez, whose focus and intention lie in helping CMDI students find their herd.

Leo Rivera IV still remembers the support he got from Martinez when he arrived in Boulder. That guidance has given him the confidence to go all-in on journalism, including becoming vice president of Sko Buffs Sports.

“Knowing I have someone in my corner gives me the confidence to achieve more,” Rivera, a senior, said. “That is the belief he instills.”