Robert L. Stearns Award

Philip P. DiStefano is an accomplished academic administrator and recently served as the 11th chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder. Born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, DiStefano's academic journey began at The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science. He later obtained a master of arts in English from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in humanities from The Ohio State University. 

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.

Dr. Reiland Rabaka, a distinguished scholar and educator, is celebrated for his profound contributions to African, African American and Caribbean Studies.  

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.

Christopher Pacheco’s dedication to providing access to higher education for first-generation students and students from underrepresented populations demonstrates his commitment to advocacy, extraordinary service to the university and service to the community, making him an outstanding choice for the Robert L. Stearns 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.

Since her earliest role as a student employee, Sara McDonald has consistently been a reliable and irreplaceable leader at CU Boulder. 

Fond of saying she grew up in the CU Boulder School of Education, she watched her mother, Patty McDonald, build an unassailable reputation as a trusted administrator in her 32 years with the school. Likewise, Sara knew from an early age that she also wanted to have a lasting influence at the university. 

In 2001, she graduated from CU with a degree in business management. She worked her way up to her current position as senior director of operations at the School of Education, a community she has lovingly served and played an essential role in leading for over 20 years. 

Described by colleagues as the “heart and soul of the School of Education,” Sara plans and runs many of the school’s events, including panel discussions, multi-day conferences, scholarship ceremonies and commencements. Using her master’s degree in information and learning technologies from CU Denver, she manages technology, IT and logistical needs for all School of Education spaces, students, faculty and staff. In 2020, she spearheaded and implemented the physical move of offices and classrooms for more than 200 faculty, staff and students — all in the midst of a global pandemic.

In addition to her logistical and managerial prowess, Sara has embraced CU Boulder’s diversity, equity and inclusion commitments, making her a source of refuge for many students of color and LGBTQ+ leaders seeking a safe space. Recently, she started a Staff of Color Alliance, and she has also served on the School of Education’s Strategic Planning Committee and Equity and Justice Committee.

“I could write pages of how Sara has supported us,” said Sara Staley and Bethy Leonardi, CU faculty and co-founders of A Queer Endeavor – a nationally recognized center for gender and sexual diversity in education – as well as past Alumni Award honorees. “She donated time and effort to basically run the tech at the institutes, plan the meals, organize and more.

“Sara McDonald is the steadiest, most humble behind-the-scenes force of so much magic that happens in our School of Education. Her leadership truly enriches our community.”

With her institutional knowledge and drive to help others, Sara also serves as both a formal and informal mentor to many. 

“Sara is quietly vital to grad student success at the School of Education,” said Wagma Mommandi (PhDEdu’23), one of the school’s doctoral students. “As you advance through the program you realize more and more how important she is and how many official and unofficial hats she wears.” 

After earning his graduate degrees from CU Boulder, Michael Gooseff excelled in his career as a polar science researcher and educator, always aspiring to return to CU Boulder as a faculty member. In 2015, the university hired him — and he impacted the campus and its students immediately.

CU Boulder recruited Gooseff to lead the McMurdo Dry Valleys Long-Term Ecological Research project — a $6 million project supported by the National Science Foundation to understand the effects of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem. He has since enthusiastically advanced his field — which often involves unexplored regions of the world — in ways that will remain relevant for years. 

“Dr. Michael Gooseff is exactly the type of colleague and professional that CU Boulder should be proud to call their own,” praised colleague Holly Barnard, associate geography professor. 

Peers acclaim his unique teaching style, enthusiasm and student engagement. In addition to teaching five courses at CU, Gooseff has advised over 40 graduate and postdoctoral students throughout his career. His “scaffold and fade” method of teaching — involving short videos about a topic augmented by supporting materials that fade as a student progresses into the topic’s problem sets — was recognized by the National Academy of Engineering at its Frontiers in Engineering Education Symposium. 

“His effective graduate mentoring is demonstrated in the fact that he has co-authored with many of them and that several of them receive competitive grants and best paper awards at conferences,” said Barnard. 

Gooseff has served as the co-director of the CU hydrologic sciences graduate program since 2015, and has chaired or taken on leadership roles in several committees within CU’s department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research.

Beyond CU, Gooseff chairs the Water Quality Control Commission for the State of Colorado and was a member of the Scientific Advisory Board on Water Body Connectivity for the Environmental Protection Agency and among other scientific boards and committees. 

As a researcher delving into how a changing climate affects ecosystems, Dr. Gooseff has published over 150 papers and been awarded over $30 million in funding. 

Said Barnard: “Mike truly puts his science into action for the greater public good.”

A leader is integral to a team’s success. Good leaders identify a strong vision and support their teams to carry it out — while inspiring, motivating and celebrating them along the way. The best leaders bring joy to their work.

Deb Coffin was one such leader for CU Boulder.

Coffin, who retired from the university in 2021, held a career in higher education for 39 years, including 19 years at CU Boulder. She served the university in many capacities, including as vice chancellor for student affairs and as the Boulder campus’s inaugural vice chancellor for advancement. 

In student affairs, Coffin’s focus was on helping students succeed. She consistently advocated for students in the margins, created a seamless move-in process and supported Buffs families.

In 2015, Chancellor Philip DiStefano tapped Coffin to lead a new Boulder Advancement team. After several tumultuous years for the university’s advancement units, he knew he needed a strong leader who could create community for CU Boulder staff and supporters alike — and Coffin fit the bill perfectly.

In addition to record-breaking fundraising years, Coffin spearheaded the creation of new teams in advancement leadership, human resources, principal gifts, marketing and communications, and industry and foundation relations. A loyal CU Boulder donor herself, she also led a strategic planning process that continues to provide a foundation for alumni engagement and fundraising today.

“She is a quiet ambassador who asks nothing more from others than she is willing to give or do herself,” said Marty Coffin Evans (A&S’64), a CU donor and past University of Colorado Foundation trustee.

In announcing Coffin’s retirement late in 2020, Chancellor DiStefano said, “I can’t adequately share my deep gratitude to Deb for her many contributions to our university. … Deb has played a central role on my leadership team [and] is a true Forever Buff.”

Coffin’s legacy is evident not only in the tangible impact she had on the CU Boulder campus, but in the communities of people whose lives she touched. As Coffin’s nominating committee put it, “The care, joy, love and dedication she brought to her role as vice chancellor for advancement elevated the work of us all.”

Since retiring, Coffin has been enjoying time with Randy, her husband of 44 years, as well as her adult children and their families.

Most people will forever remember where they were in March 2020 as the world began to shut down. For many at CU Boulder, an incredible haul of work instantly followed. Like the COVID-19 virus, their tasks were new, momentous and immediate.

“I can think of no more difficult year than the one that began on March 13, 2020, and was dominated by COVID-19, its impact on our students, faculty and staff and our institutional response,” said CU Boulder provost Russ Moore.

One group of faculty and staff — the CU Boulder Pandemic Scientific Steering Committee and Science Team, or “The Team” — was set on determining how the university could remain operational during a pandemic.

“Without being asked, and in the true spirit of public service, the members of the Scientific Steering Committee and Science Team dropped what they were doing in order to develop the science and many of the associated operations that allowed our campus to successfully open and operate,” said Moore.

The Team consisted of Kristen Bjorkman, Gloria Brisson, Jose Jimenez, Mark Kavanaugh, Daniel Larremore, Leslie Leinwand, Cresten Mansfeldt, Jennifer McDuffie, Matt McQueen, Shelly Miller, Roy Parker and Melanie Parra. Their priority was the safety of the CU Boulder community and beyond.

Their work was evident in every aspect of campus life.

They developed saliva- and wastewater-based SARS-CoV-2 screening tests to find both individual infections and larger outbreaks on campus. They created a contact tracing program that involved eager students and became one of the most responsive in the state. They helped design the HVAC systems that were installed throughout campus to reduce airborne disease transmission. They guided physical distancing and masking protocols. Most importantly, their solutions were grounded in science.

Their ideas and implementations were constant — sometimes happening from the hours of 2 to 4 a.m. or on weekends. The work is not done. Much of The Team’s scientific work will be studied, reviewed and published to help future crisis response practices.

 In the words of the provost, speaking on behalf of thousands positively impacted by their work, “The Team’s dedication serves as an inspiration to us all.”

Team includes:

Kristen Bjorkman (PhDBioChem’07) 

Gloria Brisson

Jose Jimenez

Mark Kavanaugh

Daniel Larremore (ApMath’09; PhD’12)

Leslie Leinwand

Cresten Mansfeldt

Jennifer McDuffie

Matt McQueen (Psych’96)

Shelly Miller

Roy Parker 

Melanie Parra

Some educators might shy away from challenging discussions in their classrooms. Professor Rubén Donato leans into them.

Since 1993, Rubén has served the University of Colorado Boulder and the greater educational community with a commitment to equity and justice. Honored with a “Best Should Teach” award, Marinus Smith Award, and Equity and Excellence Faculty Award, his teaching is widely hailed throughout the School of Education as both highly effective and demanding.

In particular, he regularly challenges his students — many of whom are white — to think critically about the role of race in the education system.

“Issues of race, class and gender … must be confronted if future teachers are going to be able to respond to the needs, and recognize the talents, of an increasingly diverse K-12 student population,” said Joseph L. Polman, associate dean for research at the School of Education. 

“Students in Professor Donato’s classes praise his abilities to lead respectful discussions, while challenging students who believe that racism and white privilege are located in the past.”

A fellow with the American Educational Research Association — the education field’s premier professional society — and recently elected into the National Academy of Education, Rubén studies the history of Mexican Americans in public schools. His work examines the often-overlooked fight for school desegregation in Mexican-American communities. He has also published a comprehensive study of a landmark school desegregation case led by Mexican Americans (Hispanos) in Colorado.

“Professor Donato is clearly the leading historian of Mexican-American education in the world,” said Julie Reuben, the Charles Warren Professor of the History of American Education at Harvard University. “His research is unique and essential to our knowledge of our history.”

Rubén has served CU Boulder’s School of Education as the chair of Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice, as well as faculty chair. As a faculty leader, he regularly organizes discussions around pedagogy, class assignments, university policies and student issues.

He also consistently advocates for junior scholars and offers support to many assistant professors of color in the School of Education. 

“His wisdom is invaluable and has an important impact on [these professors’] scholarly choices and lives, as well as the university’s goal to support and retain outstanding faculty of color,” said Polman. 

Amid a busy schedule of teaching, research and administrative duties, Rubén takes time to mentor graduate students in deeply meaningful ways. Especially for those studying education history, he has offered both professional and personal support.

“What really stands out in my memory is Rubén transmitting his deep interest and commitment to historical research directly to me through his critical reflection and interest in my own work,” said Brad Bartels, executive director of the Utah Education Association and one of Rubén’s former mentees.

Brad also recalled Rubén’s commitment to social justice activism and desire to influence those “on the front lines” of this work:  

“I am often on those front lines leading educators, and his teaching and scholarship have been an inspiration. No one has been more influential as a teacher and mentor in my life.”

In CU Boulder’s first-ever virtual commencement, after the usual pomp and circumstance in an unusual format, Bud Coleman began his address as commencement marshall: “Class of 2020, you certainly are unique.” Despite the lack of a stage and thousands of people in Folsom Field, he was as dynamic as ever. 

Bud has spent nearly 30 years as a professor in the CU Boulder Department of Theatre & Dance, but also has been deeply involved in the campus beyond the theater. Commencement marshall is just one of the many hats he’s worn. 

“The number of college task forces, committees and searches Bud has participated in is beyond listing,” said Todd Gleeson, professor of physiology and 2019 Robert L. Stearns award winner.

After graduating from the University of Texas with a PhD in theatre history, Bud came to CU as an assistant professor in 1993. Ten years later, he was named chair of the department, a position he held until 2017. Currently, he serves as the inaugural Roe Green Endowed chair in theatre and divisional dean of the arts and humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

As an artist, he has directed, choreographed or produced nearly 50 plays and musicals, of which over 20 have been with CU. When he’s not on campus, Bud teaches theater and directs plays all over the world, including directing Stephen Sondheim’s Company in Russia, directing the Thai premiere of Fiddler on the Roof in Bangkok and teaching American musical theatre as a Fulbright lecturer in Japan. 

“American musicals are very, very popular in Japan,” Bud told CU Connections in 2017. “One thing that was a happy surprise for me when I was teaching in both Thailand and Japan is that the students already have a great deal of knowledge of musical theater.”

Over the years, Bud also has made numerous contributions to CU’s LGBTQ community. He’s been a member of the chancellor’s standing gender and sexuality committee concerning gay, lesbian and bisexual issues since 1994. He’s been the faculty advisor to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center and was a foundational advisor for CU’s undergraduate certificate in LGBTQ studies.  

“Bud has saved the lives of many an LGBTQ student,” said Karen Raforth, former director of counseling and psychological services and dean of students at CU.

Bud is equally busy in the classroom. Students lucky enough to have him for “American Musical Theater” might notice his name on the textbook, Back Stage Pass: A Survey of American Musical Theatre. He’s the director of the BFA in musical theatre program, has served as a graduate advisor and has supervised nearly 50 dissertations and theses.

Despite his full schedule, Bud continues to act. In 2013, he played Robin Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Frosch in the CU Eklund Opera production of Die Fledermaus in 2016 and the role of in Actor in Celebration, Florida for square product theatre in 2018. 

In 2015, Bud was named the inaugural Roe Green Endowed Chair after Green donated $2 million to the Department of Theatre & Dance. It was the first endowed chairship for any arts discipline in CU Boulder’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“What makes us human are the arts,” donor Roe Green said, “and Bud continues to fuel our humanity daily.” 

The Latin phrase non sibi means “not for self.” David J. Aragon exemplifies it: His work elevates others.

As CU Boulder’s assistant vice chancellor for diversity, learning and student success, Dave helps students achieve their goal of obtaining a college education successfully. His work focuses on supporting students who come from historically underrepresented groups such as first-generation college students.

Dave’s humility and mild manner mask his determination to broaden access to the transformative experience of a CU Boulder education.

He’s been at it since his own student days, when he served as CU student body president collaborating with groups across campus to promote inclusive ideas.

After graduation, he worked in admissions, then became associate director (and later director) of the engineering college’s Multicultural Engineering Program. It evolved into the nationally esteemed BOLD Center.

Over decades, Dave has developed a variety of programs for underserved youth, attracted financial support for them and fostered appreciation for the social and practical barriers some students face.

Admirers praise his “awe-inspiring ability to build bridges and connect people and groups with integrity” and his “authentic and lasting relationships with students.”

He’s published academic papers, advised DACA students and nurtured alliances with the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program and other groups invested in the belief that diversity is a strength.

“Dave takes on the very human work of listening to students and then putting them in a position to be successful,” said a former student, “and there is no way to do what Dave does just through projects and programming."

David Aragon Award Video 

Sona Dimidjian is a real life superwoman. Channeling psychology as her superpower, she fights for global wellness and a better tomorrow — accomplishing more than seems humanly possible for one person.

In 13 years at CU Boulder, Sona has served as a professor, lab director, faculty fellow, and member and chair of numerous committees. She has received a multitude of accolades for her valuable research and work in clinical psychology, including faculty service, teaching and research awards from the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Sona’s service extends beyond CU and improves communities across Colorado and the world. From rural India to urban Colorado, she works with communities to enhance mental health support and wellness. Her internationally recognized body of rigorous scholarship and innovative approach to mental health interventions have established her as a world-renowned clinical psychologist.

To young scholars, Sona exemplifies a balance between academia and activism — proving that it’s possible to be both a researcher and an advocate.

“In Dr. Dimidjian, they see a mentor who is bridging the worlds of research and practice in transformative ways,” said a faculty peer.  

While some may puzzle over where Sona finds the time and energy for all her professional accomplishments — and wonder if she maybe is Superwoman — at least one colleague thinks he knows the source of her superpowers.

“I think the answer is that all of her activities are driven by an incredible passion for her work,” said the colleague, “and by the belief that she can make a difference in every realm of her life.”

Sona Dimidjian Award Video 

Todd Gleeson is the MVP — the teammate people hope for and the leader they look up to. And luckily for Buffs, his home team is CU Boulder.

An academic jack-of-all-trades, Todd’s vast number of positions within the College of Arts and Sciences, including professor and dean, has benefitted from his dizzying array and diversity of skills — intellectual, social and practical. From leading CU’s largest college to setting up fundraising tents at dawn, no task is ever too awesome or too modest for him.

In 38 years at CU, Todd has also served as associate vice chancellor for faculty affairs, director of the Health Professions Residential Academic Program and mentor for legions. His impressive fundraising work for the college includes the establishment of the Buffalo Bicycle Classic, which has raised over $3.9 million for student scholarships, the construction of the $63 million Visual Arts Complex and a partnership with CU Engineering on the joint $170 Biotechnology Building.  

He also helped establish new programming in Arts and Sciences — in the midst of the Great Recession — in several areas including Jewish studies, neurosciences, Asian languages and ethnic studies.

Todd has built lasting enterprises and won universal respect among colleagues because he leads by example — sharing in the workload and exuding respect for and commitment to others.

“Todd had come to embody the college,” a faculty peer said of Todd’s years as dean. “He was the college, in many ways.” 

More than one colleague praised his talents as the shepherd everyone craved and needed.

“He brought a spirit of collegiality and community to a college faculty that is far more difficult to lead,” said a peer, “than it would be to herd an equivalent number of cats.”

Todd Gleeson Award Video 

Dennis Eckart’s CU students — thousands of them — thrived on his lively classroom presentations. Lecture after lecture, the political science professor, now retired, captivated students, speaking without notes while brandishing rolled-up papers amid his oration. He paced — “practically on tiptoe,” a former student recalls — stopping periodically to rest his foot on a chair and gaze into students’ eyes. “Sometimes it felt like he could peer right into our souls,” another former student said.

Dennis, who taught a variety of courses, such as urban politics and public policy, strongly encouraged critical thinking, a nurturing environment and positive dialogue. Some of his phrases — known as “Eckartisms” — remain with former students to this day, including, “It’s not the space that makes the place, it’s the people that make the place” and “Ask the next logical question.” “The joyful way in which he engaged with his students contributed to my eventual decision to go into teaching myself,” said another fan. Many of his colleagues seek him out for advice on how to improve their own teaching methods. Over the years, beginning in 1977, Dennis won a number of campus teaching awards. He cared deeply about students’ successes long after their graduation from CU and has remained in touch with many of them over the years. He retired from CU Boulder in 2005 after 35 years of teaching. In 2016, an office in Ketchum was named in his honor. Said a former graduate student, now a UC Davis professor: “Dennis Eckart was the most dedicated teacher I have known in my 40 years of teaching."

Dennis Eckart Award Video 

As CU Boulder’s associate director of international recruitment and outreach, Natalie Koster brings the world to CU. When she started working in the CU Boulder Office of Admissions in 2010, the university was home to just over 1,200 international students. Thanks to her leadership and initiative, that number has increased to above 3,000 students from over 100 countries.

A fierce advocate for increasing the diversity and representation of international students on campus, Natalie works to promote global student mobility and access to higher education. She works alongside her team to provide equitable access and policies to international students who apply for study at CU. “On a daily basis, Natalie’s considerable vision, leadership and management contribute to CU Boulder’s international reputation as a world-class university,” said a CU colleague. “Her contributions to campus-wide diversity awareness and promoting internationalization will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on our community, and are even more important and significant today than when she first stepped into her role years ago.” Natalie serves on the Council of International School’s Higher Education Committee and within that volunteer role directs and leads highly visible university recruitment tours around Europe and the Middle East – trips that connect her with students who she supports with their desire to internationalize their academic endeavors at CU Boulder. “The relationships that Natalie has cultivated and the practices she has developed have positioned CU Boulder as an exemplar institution among public universities involved in international student engagement,” said another colleague. “Her collaborative spirit and commitment to service inspires similar qualities in others.”

Natalie Koster Award Video 

Rob Davis is an engineer, and engineers like numbers. Here are five: 14, 20, 32, 74 — and 74million. In 14 years as dean of CU Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science, Rob led it to a new, sparkling prominence.

The college now ranks among the nation’s top 20 public engineering programs, its loftiest perch yet.

He oversaw a doubling of the percentage of underrepresented minorities among CU engineering students, to 20 percent, and nearly doubled the percentage of women, to 32 percent — while growing total enrollment by 74 percent and raising admissions standards.

Meanwhile, Rob, who stepped down at the end of last year, led the once cash-strapped college to financial security and enabled both an expansion of research activity and a doubling of annual research funding, to $74 million.

As one colleague put it, Rob “changed the very nature and trajectory of our college.”

Other numbers testify to his extraordinary service. Here’s one more: 220. That’s the number of student researchers, from undergraduates through postdocs, that Rob has personally mentored — a practice he continued while running CU Boulder’s second biggest college.

But numbers tell only aspects of Rob’s 35-year CU story, still unfolding following his return to the full-time chemical engineering faculty.

“He’s the only dean I know,” said another colleague, “who’s offered to babysit while working in his office.”

View Robert Davis Award Video 

Kathy Escamilla has dedicated three decades to studying, educating and advocating for America’s bilingual students, and today ranks among the nation’s foremost scholars of bilingual education.

“Her work has led to shifts in the way teachers view the potential of their students and the value of knowing how to read and write in two languages,” said a school principal familiar with her work.

A CU professor of education since 1998, Kathy is especially interested in the development of bilingualism and biliteracy in the early elementary grades for Spanish-speaking minority populations in U.S. schools.

Eschewing traditional reading approaches for bilingual students, she focuses on the cultural and linguistic resources available to each child and evaluates them on their progress in both languages to better help them develop reading and writing skills in each.

Kathy is no ivory-tower dreamer: She takes pains to help apply her academic research findings in the real world. In 2004, she helped conceive the Literacy Squared initiative for advancing biliteracy programs for emerging bilingual students in U.S. schools, for example. She’s also advised the Colorado Department of Education and its Office of Civil Rights.

Kathy’s students at CU applaud her for fostering a sense of community in classes and addressing topics that are relevant, significant and sometimes controversial.

Said a peer:

“I will consider myself to be a successful scholar, friend, mentor and human being if I can live up to even half of what Dr. Escamilla has meant to her students, colleagues, friends and family.”

Jim White is a trailblazing research scientist who couples deep expertise with broad interests and further distinguishes himself as an amiable colleague, first-rate administrator, generous mentor and gifted teacher — a serious man of science who leavens his lectures with humor, promotes discussion and listens as well as enlightens.

As director of the Institute of Artic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) and professor of geological sciences and environmental studies, Jim is a hugely prominent figure in the study of Earth and its environment. His scholarship has (for example) deepened our understanding of the global carbon cycle, reconstructed ancient environments and illuminated the degree to which plants can absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

A solid citizen of CU Boulder, he launched the Environmental Studies Program, has guided faculty searches inside the sciences and out and earned a reputation for sound judgment and cool-headedness. He also led development of the campus’ new Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex.

“He is the faculty member we should all aspire to be,” one colleague said.

Despite Jim’s exalted stature among researchers, he routinely teaches undergraduate courses, including “Introduction to Environmental Studies,” and speaks at middle and high schools, public libraries and retirement homes.

 “In the midst of the hard work and sobering science of climate change research,” said a former student, “his positive attitude and easy laugh reminded me that it is also fun to be able to learn something new about the natural world.”

Jim believes some questions may lie beyond the grasp of science. He’s active in his church and in the Lutheran Campus Ministry — an “encouraging,” “approachable” and “humane” person who happens to be “one of the brightest researchers around.”

• 2015: Adam Bradley
• 2015: David Plati (Jour’82)
• 2015: Steven Pollock
• 2014: Leonard Baca
• 2014: Bruce Jakosky
• 2014: Paul Mintken
• 2013: Maren Additon
• 2013: Daniel Sher
• 2012: Ryan Chreist (Kines ’96, MPA ’09)
• 2012: Lorrie Shepard (MEdu’70, PhD’72)
• 2011: Bernard Amadei
• 2011: Brian Cabral (Rec’79)
• 2011: David Getches
• 2011: Daniel Liston
• 2010: John Cumalat
• 2010: Richard Noble
• 2010: Ric Porreca
• 2010: Robert Schulzinger
• 2009: Douglas A. Burger
• 2009: Patricia N. Limerick
• 2009: Owen “Brian” Toon
• 2008: Barbara Bintliff
• 2008: David Clough (ChemEngr’69, PhD’79)
• 2008: Marvin Caruthers
• 2007: Daniel N. Baker
• 2007: Polly E. McLean
• 2007: Uriel Nauenberg

• 2006: Michael D. Breed
• 2006: Jeffrey S. Lipton (MBA’75, MFin’79)
• 2006: David O. Norris
• 2006: Richard L. Wobbekind (MEcon’79, PhD’84)
   
• 2005: Cathy Comstock (MCompLit’75, PhD’81)
• 2005: Dale Mood
• 2005: Gary J. Rottman
   
• 2004: Richard J. Castro (MPE’73)
• 2004: Robert Spillman
• 2004: Ronald Stump
   
• 2003: Ceal Barry
• 2003: Robert A. Pois
• 2003: Robert E. Sievers
   
• 2002: Alphonse Keasley Jr. (PhDSpch’01)
• 2002: Laurence D. Nelson (Acct’69)
• 2002: William Wei
   
• 2001: Jean E. Delaney (Hist’70, MA’72)
• 2001: Dennis C. Jackson
• 2001: Richard Jessor
   
• 2000: John Cooper
• 2000: Robert L. Hohlfelder
• 2000: Kevin J. McCarthy

• 1999: Susan K. Avery
• 1999: Larry D. Singell
   
• 1998: Judson G. Hurd
• 1998: James W. Palmer
   
• 1997: John J. DeBell (Psych’83)
• 1997: William R. Deno (Arch’72, MS’73)
   
• 1996: Kris C. McCandless (Soc’72, MPubAf’78)
• 1996: Charles R. Middleton
• 1996: James E. Schafer (Bus’67, MBA’71)
   
• 1995: Bruce R. Ekstrand
• 1995: Marjorie Keniston McIntosh
   
• 1994: James N. Corbridge Jr.
• 1994: Evelyn M. Krohn (MedTech’45)
   
• 1993: Robert R. Fink
• 1993: Lanny Pinchuk
   
• 1992: Charles N. Fasanero
• 1992: Gladeane Goode Lefferdink (Mus’57)
• 1992: Patricia H. Magette
   
• 1991: John G. “Pete” Copeland
• 1991: Ronald A. James (A&S’59, MJour’67)
• 1990: Gordon Johnson (MBA’82)

• 1989: Emily M. Calhoun
• 1989: F. Wayne Scott
• 1989: John R. Taylor
• 1989: Shirley Youngren
   
• 1988: John R. Carnes
• 1988: Ward Churchill
• 1988: J. Beverly Hathaway
• 1988: Kaye Howe
• 1988: Richard K. Knaub
• 1988: Eugene H. Smith
   
• 1987: Peter J. Barden (MBA’70)
• 1987: Vincent W. Beach
• 1987: Julius London
• 1987: Edward W. Murrow (Acct’59)
   
• 1986: David Breternitz
• 1986: Homer Clark
• 1986: Jenny Kate Collins
• 1986: George Maler (ElecEngr’45, MS’56)
• 1986: Charles Nilon
• 1986: N. Mildred Nilon
• 1986: William Weber
   
• 1985: Wendell Burchett
• 1985: Lillian Pohorilak
• 1985: Kenneth A. Reed (MBA’49)
• 1985: Aladeen Smith
   
• 1984: C.F. Alan Cass (A&S’63)
• 1984: Jackson F. Fuller (ElecEngr’44)
• 1984: C. Dean Graves (PE’51, MPubAd’56)
• 1984: David Hawkins
• 1984: Neil Hartley Sadler
• 1984: Theo. Volsky Jr.
   
• 1983: Charles A. Byers (MMus’52)
• 1983: Helen B. Duhon (Jour’38)
• 1983: J.K. Emery (Jour’48)
• 1983: Richard L. Harpel (MPubSer’63, EdD’70)
• 1983: Wallace Leiper
• 1983: David A. Lind
• 1983: Wyn Owen
   
• 1982: Robert Athearn
• 1982: Clifford Calhoun
• 1982: Rosetta H. Clark
• 1982: John W. Marr
• 1982: David Prescott
• 1982: Robert B. Rhode
• 1982: Joe Ben Wheat
   
• 1981: Wilmar F. Bernthal
• 1981: Frank Prentup
• 1981: Jeannette Royer
• 1981: Hobart Smith
• 1981: Klaus Timmerhaus
• 1981: Harold Walton
   
• 1980: H.H. “Bud” Arnold (Econ’52, Law’55)
• 1980: Joanne Easley Arnold (A&S’52, MJour’65, PhD’71)
• 1980: Frank S. Barnes
• 1980: William E. Briggs (MMath’49, PhD’53)
• 1980: M. John Loeffler (A&S’46, MGeog’48)
• 1980: Olwen O. William (A&S’51)
• 1980: C. Marie Wood

• 1979: Peter Albersheim
• 1979: Charles A. Barth
• 1979: D. Wilson Crumpacker
• 1979: Courtland H. Peterson (A&S’51, Law’53)
• 1979: Dan Stavely
   
• 1978: C. Michael Baier (Acct’42, MBA’63)
• 1978: Cal A. Briggs
• 1978: Fred Casotti (Jour’49)
• 1978: Ivar Pearson
• 1978: Max S. Peters
• 1978: Ruth Purkaple
• 1978: E. James Quigley (MPubSer’57)
• 1978: Leo C. Reithmayer
   
• 1977: Edwin P. Banks (MPolSci’52)
• 1977: DeVon M. Carlson (ArchEngr’47)
• 1977: Berton Coffin
• 1977: Mildred Coffin
• 1977: Virginia A. Fassler
• 1977: John E. Moreland (Bus’43, MFin’55)
• 1977: Robert S. Wasley (MAcct’41)
   
• 1976: F. Kendrick Bangs (MPubSer’46)
• 1976: Eloise V. Braidwood
• 1976: Roderick L. Downing (CivEngr’14)
• 1976: Mabel M. Irwin
• 1976: Benjamin H. Spurlock (MMechEngr’50)
• 1976: Thomas E. Starzl
   
• 1975: Roland E. “Doc” Balch
• 1975: Willa E. Green
• 1975: Barbara Schindler Jones (MComm’59, PhD’68)
• 1975: Gordon Meiklejohn
• 1975: Omer C. Stewart
• 1975: Howard B. Waltz
   
• 1974: Albert A. Bartlett
• 1974: William H. Baughn
• 1974: Bertha Black
• 1974: Donald E. Carline
• 1974: A. Dwight Grotewold (MPubSer’64)
• 1974: George S. Lesser (Bus’33)
• 1974: Reuben Zubrow
   
• 1973: Willard B. Cook (Bus’33, MBA’51)
• 1973: Harold C. Heim (Phar’32)
• 1973: Howard H. Higman (Art’37, SocSci’42)
• 1973: Charlotte York Irey (MThtr’65)
• 1973: Pauline A. Parish
• 1973: Keith R. Porter
   
• 1972: Peggy Tague Earnest
• 1972: John N. Hough
• 1972: Calvin Grieder
   
• 1971: Gordon H. Barker
• 1971: Stanley J. Cristol
• 1971: Thorrel B. Fest
• 1971: Burton W. Jones
• 1971: Tim K. Kelley
• 1971: William B. Markward
   
• 1970: Sam J. Akins
• 1970: Alice Clyncke
• 1970: John J. Conger
• 1970: Lawrence D. Coolidge
• 1970: Stephen A. Romine (MEdu’40, EdD’47)
• 1970: Homer P. Rainey

• 1969: Charles L. Evans
• 1969: Dorothy L. Greenman (Edu’32)
• 1969: Otis Lipstreau
• 1969: Hugh McMillan
• 1969: Karl H. Stahl
   
• 1968: C. Henry Kempe
• 1968: Evelyn M. Mitchell (A&S’28)
• 1968: Jack D. Ogilvy (A&S ex’25)
• 1968: A. Gayle Waldrop
• 1968: Norman F. Witt (MChem’28, PhD’37)
   
• 1967: Norma Mitchell
• 1967: Margaret Robb
• 1967: Don W. Sears
• 1967: Russell “Sox” Walseth (PE’48, MEdu’53)
   
• 1966: John W. Bartram (Chem’41)
• 1966: Joseph W. Cohen
• 1966: Austin W. Scott Jr.
• 1966: Muriel Sibell Wolle (MA’30)
   
• 1965: M. Helen Carpenter (Engl ex’22)
• 1965: Roland C. Rautenstraus (CivEngr’46, MS’49)
• 1965: Martin F. Schmidt (Bus’34, MBA’34)
• 1965: Eugene Wilson
   
• 1964: James W. Broxon
• 1964: Clifford Houston (A&S’27, MEdu’28, EdD’33)
• 1964: Warner L. Imig (MMus’42)
• 1964: Aubrey J. Kempner
• 1964: S. Harrison Thomson
   
• 1963: Frank Eastom (ElecEngr’21)
• 1963: John R. Little (EdD’48)
• 1963: Louise McAllister (Bus’37)
• 1963: Lawrence A. Warner
   
• 1962: Leo V. Aspinwall (MBA’32)
• 1962: D. Mack Easton
• 1962: Dorothy R. Martin (Psych’34, MA’36, PhD’47)
   
• 1961: W. Otto Birk
• 1961: Harold A. Hoffmeister (A&S’25)
• 1961: Charles G. Vavra (A&S’25)
   
• 1960: Mary Ethel Ball (A&S’14)
• 1960: W. Stuart Cuthbertson (MA’24)
• 1960: Frederic P. Storke (Law’17)
• 1960: Warren O. Thompson (A&S’22)

• 1959: Charles A. Hutchinson (A&S’22)
• 1959: Edward C. King
• 1959: Henrietta A. Loughran
• 1959: Theordore T. Puck
   
• 1958: W.F. Dyde
• 1958: Clarence L. Eckel (CivEngr’13, MS’21)
• 1958: Jacob Van Ek
   
• 1957: Earl C. Crockett
• 1957: William B. Draper
• 1957: Claribel Kendall (A&S’12)
• 1957: Walter Orr Roberts
   
• 1956: Waldo E. Brockway (CivEngr’17)
• 1956: Elizabeth Fay Selleck (A&S’14)
• 1956: Clare Hebard Small
• 1956: Frank C. Potts
   
• 1955: Bly Ewalt Curtis (A&S’39)
• 1955: Ruth T. Colestock (Nurs’20)
• 1955: Walter B. Franklin (A&S’22, Law’25)
   
• 1954: Benjamin S. Galland (Law’19)
• 1954: Francis Wolle (MA’16)
   
• 1953: Harry G. Carlson
• 1953: Colin B. Goodykoontz