Presenting tomorrow’s leaders: The class of 2021
The 2021 livestreamed commencement ceremony is Thursday, May 6. Be part of the story by tagging #ForeverBuffs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!
This year, students had a unique opportunity to process into Folsom Field as a way to commemorate the occasion of graduation prior to the campuswide ceremony––watch the recordings. Find additional resources on the 2021 commencement site.
Below, read from a few of the many talented, motivated and innovative students who are graduating and starting on their next adventure. As they become Forever Buffs, they leave their inspirational legacies––with advice and reflection––for those who follow.
What you'll carry forth
I am leaving CU with a treasure trove of skills and experiences, an exciting job at Apple and an incredible array of friends. Earning my graduate degree was a long-held goal and one that I wish my mother could have seen. Graduation will be a proud moment and a reminder of the many sacrifices my parents made so I could pursue my passions.”
–Thaala Loper (MBA’21)
Show up. Show up for others, show up for your community, show up for yourself. It’s incredible how rewarding that is. Just show up. The rest will take care of itself.”
–Nathan Bala (Dance’21)
I will carry forward with me the realization that my impact on the world as an engineer is just as important as my contributions in the small slice of research I have focused on. My five years at CU have been some of the most tumultuous in our country's recent history, and there are many challenges to help solve moving forward. After my time at CU, I feel empowered to make positive change by translating my research skills to real world problems.”
–Katya Arquilla (PhDAeroEngr’21)
I was fascinated by the art history classes I took from Professor Albert Alhadeff, where he would meticulously describe a painting, but also the artists intent, the political intrigue of the time, and all the layers of backstory that brought the image to life. From his classes I learned about the power of art to communicate simple and complex ideas, and as my career began to unfold over the years, I always incorporate the arts in my projects because I learned to appreciate them from my time at CU.”
–David Clark (DistSt’21)
I have learned that doing good scholarship and being a good person are two sides of the same coin. It’s commonplace for people in the academy to focus on the academic project and lose the basic understanding that we are all just human beings who thrive if we center basic care for each other––what we call ‘ubuntu’ back in Southern Africa. In my experiences with faculty and staff at CU Boulder, particularly in the School of Education, people care about academic rigor as much as they care about being great human beings.”
–Tafadzwa Tivaringe (PhDEdu’21)
I think the most important thing I've learned from CU that I will carry with me is to be true and authentic to who I am, and to always stand up for what is right, especially against the people we are most scared to speak out against. My career and my ‘connections’ are never more important than the fight for equity in the arts.”
–Rita DiSibio (Thtr’21)
My experiences within the CU Boulder education program helped make me aware of how the standard American public school curriculum has maintained race, class and gender divisions within society through the use of the hidden curriculum. I have used the knowledge gained from the program to help establish a tribally controlled charter school in southwestern Oklahoma that will attempt to decolonize Native American education by promoting Comanche culture and language.”
–Justin Boos (MEdu’21)
As I make my next career move into the gaming industry, I will carry forward three things. The first is a commitment to listen to, represent, include and highlight diverse voices in the stories and games I will be creating. The second is a resolution to prioritize community and the beautiful things that can happen when people connect, share and empathize with each other. And the last is a continual sense of gratitude for everyone who supported me throughout my journey.”
–Harrison Bolin (CTD’21)
The courage to change the world is something more valuable than the knowledge itself. During my time at CU Boulder, especially at the ATLAS Institute, I have learned that through our work, we can create opportunities for more people and contribute to social equality, and I am committed to doing so.”
–Ruhan Yang (MCTD’21)
My time at CU has given me a lot to appreciate. Lessons on the importance of adaptability, innovation and collaboration have shaped my experience and will continue to influence my future. Through the supportive relationships I have developed with faculty members, professors and peers who have become my mentors and friends, I've learned the power of always asking myself how I can improve and the importance of working with others to accomplish these goals. I am so grateful to have been part of a community that encouraged me to dream big––it's this type of hope and passion that I aim to always carry with me.”
–Tayler Shaw (Jour, Span’21)
We are all better teachers when we learn from each other. My professors and peers all had different styles and strengths. From the inspirational writing community Wendy Glenn guided in Processes in Writing to the incredible support network Silvia Nogueron-Liu created in Digital Literacies when we all literally went digital for the pandemic, I had the privilege of learning new strategies and skills from the dozens of creative and experienced teachers who were my classmates.”
–Erica Bednar (MEdu’21)
Everyone’s time comes differently. Some students will be able to complete within the traditional four years, but for others, it may take longer and that within itself is also valid. Some flowers only bloom on the night of a full moon. Only those who are patient enough to wait for it will see its true potential.”
–Kyle Lee (Dance’21)
I cherish all the amazing professors I was able to learn from. I will carry their wisdom, teachings and advice with me for the rest of my life...I do not take lightly the hard work, sacrifice and risk all of these mentors took so I could step into/ create a world I love and desire.”
–Sara Swain (Edu’21)
Beyond everything I learned throughout my master's coursework, research and practicum, I also gained many valuable connections with individuals I met along the way. From professors who have become friends to peers who have become mentors, I am very grateful for all the incredible individuals who came into my life during this time. I hold especially dear the tight-knit relationship formed with my two cohort-mates and am eager to see not only where we all go from here, but also when our paths may cross again as professionals!”
–Kearney Newman (MCTD’21)
I have met mentors who have forever changed my life. They have helped me grow into the person I am today. They taught me about myself and gave me inspiration as I entered the next stages in my professional and personal life. Another thing I'll take away is a mindset––in college I learned a lot about my work ethic, strengths and weaknesses. So I'll definitely take away those nuggets of information as I pursue my professional aspirations and develop personal relationships.”
–Sarah Lurie (Bus’21)
I loved getting to work with the communities I was designing for, both within and outside of the classroom. I got to meet with industry professionals and community members in my studios, but I also got to meet with CU Boulder students I was representing as a member of CUSG's Legislative Council. I've learned a lot about how important it is to talk to the people you serve and introduce plans they support.”
–Sarah “Skitch” Kitchen (EnvDes’21)
My student-teaching semester was an experience I’ll never forget. In the face of immense adversity during online learning and throughout the pandemic, my students taught me the true meaning of resilience and determination. Despite being physically separated online, we built relationships and created a sense of classroom community that reframed my view of what is possible with online education.”
–Lauren Gaona (MEdu’21)