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As you delve into the winter edition of W Magazine, I hope you are as inspired as I was by the stories epitomizing the spirit of discovery, the transcendence of art and innovation and the enduring impact of the higher educational experience that we offer at ɫɫ��.

Greg Neff, an alumnus and a senior spacecraft mechanical engineer at Rocket Lab, dreamed of working in his field since he was a youngster. Today as one of our very own rocket men, he is a wonderful role model for students piloting the ɫɫ�� Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI), a club he helped establish almost 10 years ago under the mentorship of Dr. Kristina Lemmer and other College of Engineering and Applied Sciences faculty. After participating in out-of-this-world opportunities through the college, many WALI members have gone on to highly coveted space exploration jobs. I know you’ll enjoy reading about what Greg is up to today and how other Broncos are following his trajectory to the stars.

Barry Z. Roberts is living out the purpose ɫɫ�� helped him discover in an entirely different realm. Barry’s career in the automotive industry mixed with a passion for lifelong learning in photography exemplifies the holistic education he received. His continued commitment to supporting his alma mater while accomplishing his bucket-list goals reflects how generously giving back by investing time and talent are lifelong Bronco values.

In yet another example of the incredible contributions of alumni, Dr. Karika Parker newly illuminated the pivotal role a man named Albert White played in ɫɫ��'s early history. The story of an African American brick mason who established a contracting business just decades after the official end of slavery in the U.S. and who went on to construct ɫɫ��'s first building is truly remarkable.

As we celebrate the diverse achievements and impact of alumni like Dr. Karika Parker, Barry Roberts and Greg Neff, it’s essential to also recognize the foundation upon which our students’ academic success is built: exemplary faculty who are as exceptional in their disciplines as they are in guiding their students.

Kate Thomsen is a theatre professor whose passion and talent for acting shines bright both in the classroom with her students and at center stage for enthralled audiences. Through her story, we celebrate the power of artistic expression to bring us joy and a sense of fulfillment as spectators and practitioners alike.

From the stage to the stars, Broncos showcase the transformative power of education. We’re proud to propel our students’ dreams into meaningful careers and fulfilled lives. Our Broncos are better for it, and so is our world.

All the best,