Alumni Awards

Hailing from Jemez Pueblo, a remote village in north-central New Mexico, Benny graduated from CU with a degree in Organization Management. After graduation, he devoted his career to public service in various leadership, business development and community development roles. He has served as an educator, lieutenant governor, New Mexico state secretary, entrepreneur and community activist. As the current representative of Senate District 22, Benny's commitment to “doing the right thing” and his deep respect for others have allowed him to build prosperous relationships across diverse demographics. 

Throughout his career, Benny has shown an exceptional ability to address pressing issues affecting all New Mexicans. His extensive experience at local, state, national and international levels has brought transformative changes to the communities and Tribal Nations he represents. Benny's approach has always prioritized community building, ensuring that public needs are met through collaborative and inclusive efforts. 

Benny has served on numerous boards, including the CU Advisory Committee for the Center for Native American Indigenous Studies and the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators. He was elected chairman of the board of the First Nations Development Institute in 2016 and has received numerous honors and awards, including the Mary G. Ross award by the Council of Energy Resource Tribes, the Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development's Public Advocate Award.  

Now, as associate vice chancellor for Native American affairs at CU Boulder, Benny is dedicated to strengthening CU's relationships with the 48 Tribes historically connected to Colorado and building a robust Native American community on campus. He aims to reclaim Native cultural identity, language, lands, sacred sites and traditions, emphasizing the importance of education in this reclamation process. 

“I have seen Benny work directly with people of all ages, to educate, inform and engage in meaningful events in his work and community,” said nominator Patrita Salazar (DistSt’16). “He is determined to provide a sense of community for those who walk into the doors, and I know his voice will lead crucial conversations in his role at CU.”  

Benny is the proud father of two children, Eileen Shendo (EthnSt’11) and Benjamin Shendo, as well as three grandsons: Wequai, Nuhkon and Sequan.

Her rural Colorado roots have driven her to advocate for underrepresented communities and mentor young students. Her influence is evident in the careers of many politicians, including Democratic and Republican congressional members, Colorado governors and members of the Colorado General Assembly. 

Tanya has served the University of Colorado for 26 years, achieving the distinction of being the youngest woman and first Hispanic vice president for state and federal government relations in CU’s history. During her tenure, she transformed the university’s lobbying operations, securing over $1 billion and increasing federal agency appropriations for research faculty. 

At the state level, Tanya lobbied for student support, financial aid, scholarships and hundreds of millions of dollars for capital construction and operations for all four university campuses. Her strategic leadership and powerhouse lobbying attracted vital resources to CU and protected the university from adverse budget events and harmful legislation. She served under many Board of Regent members, chancellors, faculty, staff and students, working with seven university presidents. 

Beyond her financial accomplishments, Tanya played a crucial role in building relationships between CU and communities of color, advancing diversity and inclusion. As the only Latina on the CU executive team, she passionately supported CU’s mission to foster a diverse educational environment. Her ability to engage students and faculty in legislative advocacy highlighted CU’s strengths and priorities. Tanya also co-founded Policy Matters, a private lobbying firm contributing to local, state and national policy. 

Tanya learned her confidence and leadership style from her parents, Al and Carmen Kelly. Her tenacity and commitment to the environment came from her brother Shay, who was killed in Santiago, Chile, while completing a CU immersion program. Without the support of her family, friends and the love and partnership of her husband Chris, and the resilience of her patient daughters Skylar and Jayden, Tanya would not be where she is today, profoundly grateful to accept this award. 

Tanya’s awards include the Faculty Council’s Administrator of the Year, a full-ride scholarship for her master’s degree from the Colorado Trust, being named an Outstanding Leader by HERS and a Harvard Kennedy School of Government fellowship. Her community involvement includes supporting CU scholarships and contributing to organizations like the Latin American Education Foundation and Imagine! for developmental disabilities. Tanya also serves on the boards of the University of Colorado Foundation and the El Pomar Foundation.

As a global ambassador for CU Boulder, Paul has been instrumental in strengthening international ties and alumni engagement. His efforts have expanded the university’s global network, creating opportunities for partnerships across continents, particularly in Japan. His impactful roles in hosting alumni events, participation on the International Affairs Program (IAFS) Advisory Board since 2021, IAFS student mentoring, and guest speaking at the Leeds School of Business and Environmental Studies Program have enriched students’ academic and professional pursuits.  

Paul's service as a dedicated mentor for International Affairs students is inspiring. Drawing on his extensive experience in sales, management consulting and entrepreneurship, he provides invaluable guidance and support. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders bridges the gap between academia and industry, giving students real-world perspectives and connections to help them successfully navigate their career paths. 

Paul’s professional successes reflect how he has adeptly applied the value of his CU Boulder education. During his undergraduate studies, he launched his international journey by studying abroad in Western Europe. From there, he built an extensive career across the globe, including his current role as vice president, global client partner and sustainability lead NFS at Capgemini. 

His leadership in driving sustainable business strategies and environmental stewardship further exemplifies his commitment to giving back and building a better world for the next generation. As a business owner, advisor, innovator and educator, he has strived to use his knowledge and skill to benefit students, alumni and the environment.   

“Paul Beddie’s service to CU Boulder has been truly transformative, strengthening connections, fostering mentorship and advancing the university’s mission of education, research and service. His contributions have enriched the university community and will continue to have a lasting impact for years to come,” said Alyssa Radtke (Mgmt’21), assistant director Leeds Scholars Program and Specialty Programs and STEM Initiatives.

Penny earned her BA, MS and PhD degrees in geology from CU Boulder and became a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated field. She advanced through government and research agencies to Senior Technical Advisor at ExxonMobil, a role that took her across the globe. After retiring from ExxonMobil, she formed Patterson Geoscience Group, LLC, a consulting company focused on geoscience studies of conventional and unconventional petroleum resources.   

Her commitment to the geology community extends beyond her professional achievements. Over the past 15 years, Penny has used her skills and work experience to give back to CU Boulder. She has been a member of the university’s Geology Advisory Board, which helps improve the quality of education and acquire private financial support for the department. In 2022, she was elected board chair as the first-ever female to hold the position.   

“Dr. Patterson is a pioneer and leader in mentoring early career women in the field, serving as a role model for younger generations in geoscience and engineering disciplines. As an undergraduate at CU, Dr. Patterson stood out as one of two women in a cohort of approximately 150 students. In those early days of her study and work in geology, female role models were scarce,” said Shemin Ge, distinguished professor of Geological Sciences. 

Penny now serves as a mentor for students, offering valuable career guidance and job-hunting tips. Her efforts to connect students to the professional geoscience network are commendable. Furthermore, she regularly hosts alumni gatherings at her Houston home, fostering a sense of community among CU Boulder alumni.   

As a staunch supporter of enhancing student research experiences, Penny's contributions have helped fund multiple research projects. Her impact helped fund quality equipment that saves time and increases the pace of graduate student research. Whether teaching in the classroom, connecting alumni, offering financial support or contributing valuable industry insights, the impact of Penny’s sustained volunteer service is significant and far-reaching.   

“Dr. Patterson is an inspiration to many of us, alumni, students and faculty alike, and she’s leaving an enduring mark on the trail of pursuing our academic mission,” added Shemin Ge.

As CEO at boutique consulting firm The Outpost, Joey specializes in helping companies secure government contracts, particularly in the defense sector. Under Joey’s leadership, The Outpost has assisted over 250 companies in winning $300 million in contracts, demonstrating his commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth. Previously, Joey served as chief scaling officer for the Department of Defense’s Platform One. There, he transformed the authorization process for commercial software integration into defense systems, making it more dynamic and efficient.  

But before he made waves in the business world, Joey earned key leadership skills in the military service as an airfield operations officer. Both domestically and abroad, Joey managed teams overseeing critical operations and construction projects, enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force. 

Joey co-founded the Air Force innovation program AFWERX, profoundly impacting military engagement with entrepreneurs and innovators. Under his leadership, the program grew from a small team to over 350 members, engaging more than 100,000 Airmen and funding over 2,400 companies with $710 million.  

Beyond his military and consulting roles, Joey has founded three companies and played a pivotal role in supporting startup founders. He has organized numerous events and startup weekends, significantly strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in Colorado. His grassroots efforts have helped many companies refine their investor pitches and navigate the startup landscape. 

Joey’s exceptional contributions have earned him several accolades, including the Department of Defense’s Packard Award for best acquisition program in 2020, a spot in Shreveport, Louisiana’s “40 under 40” in 2016 and the Fed 100 award in 2023, recognizing him as a game-changer in government technology and innovation. 

Joey's journey began at CU Boulder, where he was active in the Leeds Business School, the Presidents Leadership Class and the Air Force ROTC program. These experiences provided him with a blend of business acumen, leadership skills and a deep understanding of military responsibilities, which have been instrumental in his career success. 

Joey Arora exemplifies a mission-driven approach, leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship to create positive societal impact. His journey continues to inspire and drive the next generation of leaders.

D.B.’s connection to campus spans decades — his great-grandfather was the contractor for Macky Auditorium. During his own time on campus, he formed lasting friendships as a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and served as president of the house board after graduation. His passion for CU grew when he met his wife, Cindy (PE’79), also a CU alum. Recently celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary, they have passed their Buff pride down to their children and grandchildren. 

D.B. graduated from CU Boulder in 1975 and began his career as a realtor in Boulder, going on to become the managing broker of Boulder RE/MAX in 1990. Under his guidance, the office was named the top-producing RE/MAX office in the U.S. seven times. He was recognized as Manager of the Year by RE/MAX International and served twice as president of the Boulder Area Realtor Association. 

D.B.'s commitment to CU Boulder extends beyond his professional life. A dedicated football season ticket holder for 44 years, he has consistently supported the university through donations to athletics and the Business School since the early 1990s. He is a founding member of the Flatirons Society and an active member of Forever Gold, contributing annually to Forever Gold Scholarships. 

His most significant impact may be his service on the Forever Buffs Advisory Board. As chair, he helped transition the board from a tactical to a strategic advisory council, diversifying its membership to reflect CU's alumni. Under his leadership, the board became a dynamic entity, engaging with university leadership and addressing critical challenges. 

D.B.'s strategic advising has been crucial in shaping CU Boulder's future. He collaborated with the Office of IT, participated in strategic sessions for CU's 150th Anniversary and provided invaluable alumni perspectives to CU Boulder Marketing. His efforts have strengthened alumni relations and support for student scholarships. 

Ryan Chreist, executive director of the alumni association, aptly summarizes D.B.'s service: "D.B. exemplifies what it means to serve selflessly as a volunteer, making CU a better place for all."

DiStefano's affiliation with CU Boulder began in 1974 when he joined as an assistant professor in curriculum and instruction within the School of Education. Over the years, he ascended through various leadership roles, including dean, associate vice chancellor, and provost, before being appointed as the interim chancellor twice. In May 2009, he was named the university's 11th chancellor. 

Throughout his 15-year tenure as chancellor, DiStefano oversaw remarkable achievements, including raising over $2 billion in gifts and $485 million in scholarship funds. Under his leadership, CU Boulder awarded 117,963 degrees, each representing a transformative student journey. His commitment to student success, academic excellence and holistic development was unwavering. 

DiStefano holds the prestigious Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Leadership Chair and now serves as the senior executive director for the Center for Leadership. He is also a tenured faculty member in the School of Education. 

As a dedicated advocate for faculty and staff, DiStefano fostered a supportive and collaborative work environment. His strategic leadership was instrumental in elevating CU Boulder's reputation as a leading institution of higher learning. He championed initiatives that promoted innovation, diversity, and inclusion, leaving an indelible mark on the university community. 

DiStefano has also been actively involved in numerous boards and organizations, including the Association of American Universities, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Boulder Community Hospital. His commitment to philanthropy and fundraising secured vital resources for CU Boulder's growth and success, supporting scholarships, infrastructure improvements, and other campus needs. 

Under his guidance, CU Boulder harnessed record research funding to address humanity's toughest challenges, from space exploration to climate change. The university's sustained efforts cemented its status as a leading public research institution. 

Philip DiStefano's extraordinary service and dedication to CU Boulder exemplify the spirit of the Robert L. Stearns Award. His visionary leadership, commitment to student success and advocacy for faculty and staff significantly impacted the university community. It is with great admiration that we recognize his outstanding contributions to CU Boulder's mission and legacy.

As the director of the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) and a professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Rabaka has been instrumental in shaping the university’s academic and cultural landscape. In 2019, he introduced a groundbreaking course on the Black Lives Matter movement, underscoring his commitment to teaching subjects that resonate with contemporary societal issues. His meticulous 18-month preparation for this course exemplifies his dedication to providing students with an education deeply rooted in real-world relevance. 

Dr. Rabaka's leadership extends beyond the classroom. In May 2021, he founded the CAAAS, a vibrant hub for research, creative work and programming within the Black Studies community at CU Boulder. The center, established with the collaboration of students Audrea Fryar, Ruth Woldemichael, Karia White and Isaiah Chavous, serves as a sanctuary and resource for African, African American and African diasporan students. It addresses feelings of marginalization and fosters a strong sense of belonging and community through various programs and events, including cultural performances, art exhibitions and academic support services. 

Dr. Rabaka's influence reaches into the broader community as well. He was honored with the Boulder Chamber 2024 Impact Award, recognizing his significant contributions to social sustainability and his visionary efforts in establishing the CAAAS. His work has been celebrated by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who proclaimed February 1 as CAAAS Day, highlighting the center's role in promoting equality and inclusivity. 

CU President Todd Saliman and community activist Ann Cooper have lauded Dr. Rabaka's efforts, describing him as a visionary leader whose impact extends far beyond academia. Dr. Rabaka envisions a "beloved community" committed to equality, inclusivity and social justice for all marginalized groups. His work emphasizes the importance of standing in solidarity with oppressed communities and advocating for systemic change. 

Dr. Rabaka's unwavering commitment to education, community building and social justice continues to inspire and empower students, faculty and the broader community, making him a deserving recipient of the alumni award.

As a first-generation college student from a family of 10, Christopher defied the odds in his academic and professional success. He has spent his career ensuring students throughout Colorado have the support they need to attend college and excel throughout the experience. 

Christopher's leadership in establishing the Pre-Collegiate Development Program at CU Boulder has had a profound impact. The program, which brings around 900 students to campus each month, starting as early as seventh grade, has inspired and guided these students with campus visits, summer programs and assistance in completing college admissions and financial aid applications.  

The Precollege Bridge Program, a continuation of the Pre-Collegiate Development Program, plays a crucial role in supporting students who plan to attend CU Boulder. It brings around 40 students to campus four weeks before the start of the fall semester to introduce them to college-level work and the range of services available on campus. After school starts, staff continue to monitor the students and offer support as needed. The program currently serves almost 300 students. 

“I met Chris during my first semester at CU Boulder as he served as my campus contact for the Denver Scholarship Foundation. At the time, I was struggling to find a place of belonging at CU and unsure where to turn to build community. Chris ensured I was connected to a broad range of campus resources. His kind demeanor and comprehensive approach supported my retention and persistence at CU Boulder,” said Paula Armendariz, director of the McNeil Academic Program at CU Boulder. 

“The work of the Pre-Collegiate Program is completely life changing. I know without a doubt as a first-generation student that without the program, I never would have ended up at CU,” said Nicholas Martinez, executive director at Transform Education Now. 

Christopher’s impact has helped diversify the student body, raise awareness of the needs of first-generation students and advance CU Boulder's mission.

As she pursues a master’s degree in data science, she also serves as a graduate teaching assistant in statistics and an advisor for the Data Science Student Association. She also has extensive experience in the financial technology industry. 

Outside of her academic accomplishments, Manasa is passionate about building an inclusive and empowering campus culture, especially for those facing unique challenges like international students and women of color. Specifically, she worked with the Cultural Events Board as a graduate and professional student government liaison to help organize events and advocate for diversity and inclusion. For her contributions, she was a recent recipient of the “Women Who Make a Difference” honor from the Center for Inclusion and Social Change.   

Manasa's commitment to sustainability is truly impressive. Her leadership in the Zero Waste team at the Environmental Center and her role as a voting member of the Environmental Center Board demonstrate her dedication to environmental stewardship. Her efforts in minimizing waste at campus events are a clear example of her commitment to creating a more sustainable campus community. 

“Whether through organizing cultural events, advocating for diversity and inclusion or leading sustainability initiatives, my efforts have aimed to amplify the voices and experiences of underrepresented groups on campus,” Manasa shared. 

Through her involvement at CU Boulder, Manasa has enhanced student academic experiences and promoted cultural understanding and served as a role model for others. Her leadership, advocacy and dedication make her a shining example of what it means to be a Forever Buff, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.

Sydney embraced her role on the Finance Board by taking the initiative to identify and implement changes to how the board managed its role in the student fee budget request and approval process, oversight of reserve accounts and review of departmental spending. Sydney went above and beyond in her leadership role to improve how CUSG manages its $33 million budget to better serve the student body.   

Sydney saw the need to work strategically to stabilize CUSG fees, which have fluctuated greatly from year to year. She partnered with professional staff to develop a fee forecast model, reorganized the reserve account structure and created an effective financial plan to better meet the needs of students now and in the future. These changes ensure the cost centers have the resources needed to operate while minimizing fee increases to keep the cost of attendance stable for students. 

Sydney's inclusive leadership style, which respects others' opinions and encourages collaboration, is a key part of her success. She encouraged everyone on the board to offer input and advocated for students when making financial recommendations. She developed strong relationships with campus leaders and financial staff and acted as a role model and educator for the board, demonstrating patience and clarity. She ensured the board understood the process and was prepared to review requests with a discerning eye. 

According to Student Affairs leadership, Sydney's dedication and commitment are unparalleled. She advocated for the best interests of the student body with campus and CUSG leaders while maintaining a clear understanding of the financial needs of all involved. Her leadership and extraordinary commitment will be felt for years to come.