LynxFest

LynxFest, CU Denver’s newest celebratory tradition, proved to be a smashing success last weekend, bringing over 150 alumni and their families to campus for food, fun and campus tours.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, MPA ’95, delivered the keynote speech during Saturday’s barbecue lunch, saying, “I use my degree every single day at the Mayor’s office.” The mayor bestowed praise on CU Denver’s mascot, Milo the Lynx, reflecting on his time as Huddles, the one-time Denver Broncos’ mascot.

At the Alumni Service Celebration on Saturday morning, CU Denver Alumni Relations recognized outstanding alumni achievement, scholarship support and board service. Awards went to:

• Travis Luther, MA ’10 – Alumni Appreciation Award.

  Since receiving his Master’s in Sociology in 2010, Luther has been committed to expanding the reputations of CU Denver, the College of Arts & Media (CAM), and our students. A successful entrepreneur, he serves as a liaison between CAM and an organization for entrepreneurs, and he provides students with the capital they need to pursue their own entrepreneurial endeavors.

• Stephanie Filali Moutei, BS ’14 – Recent Alumni Award

  Moutei, who received her Bachelor’s in Human Resources and Business Management in 2014, is active in her community and in social justice issues. In 2016, she organized a team of roughly 25 volunteers with “Extreme Community Makeover” to clean up two blocks in an underserved neighborhood. Along with a group of fellow CU Denver alumni, she also launched a nonprofit organization to provide help and support to victims of domestic violence and abuse.

• Judith Martinez, BA ’84 – Alumni Recognition Award

  Martinez received her Bachelor of Arts in 1984, having studied History, Ethnic Studies and Sociology, and her Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning in 2001. For more than 30 years she has served the Colorado community with positions at Family and Community Education and Support and the Colorado Department of Education. She is also committed to improving the health and well-being of all Coloradans through her work in dropout prevention and student reengagement.

Other highlights included:

• Sold-out Auraria Campus History Tour by CU Denver History Professor Tom Noel (Dr. Colorado).
• Lightning Lectures by Jamie Hodgkins, assistant professor of Anthropology; Omar Montgomery, director, Black Student Services; and Storm Gloor, associate professor, Music and Entertainment Studies.