Erin Dewese, Engineering Connections Managing Director
Erin Dewese is the managing director for the Engineering Connections community and has been at the university for 14 years. She is passionate about student engagement and helping students find their community, their people and their voice while on campus. Erin is originally from California but has called Colorado home since 2007 and has worked in higher education for over 17 years in various functional areas, including student involvement, residence life, campus events, student activism, student organizations and civic engagement. She is a first-generation college graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Humboldt State University and a Master of Education in educational leadership & policy from the University of Utah.
What’s the best way for others to collaborate effectively with you?
Reach out and let’s get coffee/tea to talk about a project, new initiative or fun event that we can work together on. After being on campus for over 14 years, one of my favorite things is getting to work with and partner with so many different departments and programs to enhance the student experience. I’m also an extrovert and enjoy getting to know new people, so any chance I get to meet someone new, count me in.
Describe one of your favorite campus traditions.
It’s hard to just pick one, so I will share my two favorite traditions on campus! First, I love getting to see Ralphie run at home football games. She really is the best mascot around! Commencement is my other favorite tradition on campus as I really enjoy getting to see students that I have worked with over the past several years finally reach the final stage in their “college career.” Having walked alongside students in their best days and most challenging moments while at CU Boulder, it is so much fun getting to celebrate this milestone with them and cheer for each of them as their names are called.
What do you most like to do to unwind?
Being outside and more specifically in the mountains is my favorite place to be when I am trying to unwind and unplug, regardless of the season or weather. My family loves to go hiking, mountain biking, camping and snowboarding, and many of our vacations are centered around exploring and getting to do these activities in new places.
What is a motto or quote that you hold dear and why?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
I hold dear this quote as it allows for grace in learning and exploration, but also creates an expectation that you need to be better once you have a deeper understanding, new knowledge and/or new lived experiences that challenge us to be better within the communities we are a part of and the communities we are standing in solidarity with and advocating for.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I went skydiving with my 75-year-old Grandma as it was something that was on her “bucket list” and I wanted to experience that with her as my love of adventure comes from her.
One thing you’re willing to spend way too much on ...
Travel! I love getting to explore new places, learning about new cultures, and meeting new people. Our family is currently working on visiting and exploring all 63 national parks in the U.S.
Which TV show do you never miss?
Top Chef and Amazing Race are my favorite shows, and I love that I can rewatch my favorite seasons when there is nothing else on TV to watch.
