Ceremony Information
SUMMER/FALL 2023 COMMENCEMENT DIGITAL PROGRAM
Ceremony Information
December 15, 2023 at the Broadmoor World Arena
Click here to view the full/printable version of the Commencement Program.
Order of Exercises
Larry Eames, Commencement Marshal UCCS Marshal’s Club Member*
PROCESSIONAL
Pomp and Circumstance Military March No. 1 in D, Op. 39, No. 1 — Arranged by Joseph Prostakoff — Lecturer/Pianist Kelly McSweeney Zuercher
CEREMONY
Land Acknowledgment — Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rame Hanna
Posting of the Colors — UCCS ROTC Color Guard
The National Anthem — Visual and Performing Arts Graduate Natalie Jensen, Directed by Instructor Solveig Olsen, Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
UCCS Chancellor’s Welcome — Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet
University of Colorado President's Remarks — President Todd Saliman
Class of 2023 Gift — SGA President Axel Brown
Congratulations from Distinguished Alumnus — Richard Fierro
Recognition of the Class of 1998 — Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet
Recognition of 1965 Main Hall Society Inductees — Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet
CONFERRING OF ADVANCED DEGREES — Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Academic Deans
Recognition of Honors Graduates — Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nancy Marchand-Martella
CONFERRING OF BACCALAUREATE DEGREES — Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Academic Deans
Initiation of Graduates into Alumni and Friends Association — Graduate Miranda Harmon, Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Representative, Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Norlin Charge to the Graduates — Regent Glen Gallegos
RECESSIONAL
Music — Lecturer/Pianist Kelly McSweeney Zuercher
To view Virtual Ceremony videos, visit commencement.uccs.edu/fall-2023
*The 2013-14 Faculty Assembly created the UCCS Marshal’s Club; the Club selects a Commencement Marshal for each graduation ceremony starting this year going forward.
Real-Time Captioning
All spoken information during both ceremonies will be captioned and made available to follow along in real time from a personal, mobile device. To access this service and follow along during the ceremony, open the browser on your mobile device and enter the following website: uccs.edu/cc. Please keep in mind that data rates from your personal device may apply. Wi-Fi is not available during the ceremony. Captioning Services provided by: Caption First
From the Regents of the University to the Class of 2023
Dear Graduate,
One of the greatest honors for the University of Colorado Board of Regents, the institution’s governing board, is to be part of this commencement ceremony. Your success is a success for us all. Your degree is a measure not only of an accomplishment of dedication and talent, but also notice to the world that you have the skill and discipline to contribute greatly to any endeavor you pursue.
This commencement ceremony, like every University of Colorado graduation since 1935, will close with the reading of the Norlin Charge. As originally expressed by former CU President George Norlin in 1935, graduation “marks your initiation in the fullest sense of the fellowship of the University, as bearers of her torch, as centers of her influence, and as promoters of her spirit.” Welcome to the ranks of CU’s alumni family, which is over 475,000 strong. Congratulations on achieving this milestone. Well done and well earned!
Cordially,
The Regents of the University of Colorado
Back Row: Callie Rennison, District 2 (Boulder); Mark VanDriel, District 8 (Greely); Frank McNulty, District 4 (Castle Rock); Wanda James, District 1 (Denver); Glen Gallegos, District 3 (Grand Junction)
Front Row: Nolbert Chavez, District 7 (Lakewood); Ken Montera, Vice Chair, District 5 (Colorado Springs); Lesley Smith, Chair at Large (Boulder); Illana Dubin Spiegel, District 6 (Highlands Ranch)
From the President of the University to the Class of 2023
December 15, 2023
Congratulations, graduates! Today marks a major milestone in your lives. All of us at the University of Colorado celebrate you and your achievement. You should feel great pride in earning your degree, and positioning yourselves for further success in the future.
You’re now part of an extraordinary network of CU alumni making significant contributions to their communities, the state of Colorado, the nation and the world. As a fellow CU alum, I have experienced firsthand the transformative effects of a CU education. I know yours will serve you well, and allow you to serve others.
Among the many things you’ve learned during your time with us is the value of hard work, perseverance and self-awareness in achieving your goals. Throughout your educational journey you’ve also undoubtedly benefited from others’ support. I encourage you to pay this forward as you make your way in the world. It will be among the most rewarding things you do in life, for yourself and others.
On behalf of the CU community, I wish you success and fulfillment now and in the years to come. Again, congratulations!
All the best,
Todd Saliman
President, University of Colorado
From the Chancellor of UCCS to the Class of 2023
December 15, 2023
Welcome to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs commencement.
Today, the entire university community comes together in celebration of the achievements of the class of 2023, those who earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. We gather to celebrate your academic success and to honor the extraordinary journeys you have undertaken to reach this pivotal milestone.
Commencement ceremonies are laden with history and ritual. Faculty gather in the regalia of the institutions from which they received their own degrees to remind you of the legacy of education passed from many sources and histories on to you. Donning your own cap and gown is symbolic of your UCCS certification. The degree handed to you with a handshake is a symbol of the University of Colorado’s certainty in the skills you have acquired and the remarkable people you have become. We are confident UCCS has prepared you to thrive in a complex and fast-changing world.
And we know you have not arrived at this achievement alone. Your peers stand beside you, and if circumstances allow, your support system of family and friends will cheer from the stands of The Broadmoor World Arena.
You have demonstrated your ability to adapt, persevere and excel. Your unwavering commitment to your education is a testament to your character and strength. And it will serve you for the rest of your life. We cannot wait to see what you do next!
As you step forth into the world as graduates of UCCS, you carry with you the lessons you have learned both inside and outside the classroom. The knowledge you have acquired here is not merely a set of facts and figures; it is a foundation upon which you will build your future. But remember that learning is a lifelong journey, and your capacity to adapt and grow will be your greatest asset.
You are now ambassadors of our institution, and with that honor comes the responsibility to contribute positively to our community and to the world. Devote yourselves to becoming lifelong learners and creative problem solvers who will improve our society. And remember to always keep a curious mind.
Your graduation today is not the end; it is the start of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities. After all, “commencement” means “beginning.” As you step out into the world, you are joining over 59,000 UCCS alumni who have gone on to achieve success in their respective fields. The value of your degree will only continue to grow.
This is your moment, graduates. I have every confidence that you will continue to make us proud as you embark on the exciting journey ahead. Congratulations, Class of 2023!
With pride and great respect,
Jennifer Sobanet
Chancellor
Distinguished Alumnus — Richard Fierro
Richard Fierro served as an Army Officer for 14 years on Active Duty. Rich served in 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, V Corps Artillery, and 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. During his service Rich completed 4 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2014, Rich has been a defense contractor for Northrop Grumman serving as Deputy Site Lead (Operations Manager) of a 56-person contracting team at the Ft Carson Mission Training Complex. He earned the Northrop Grumman Quality award, Presidents Leadership Award for Technology Services, Best Culture Builder, and others during his time as a contractor. In 2023 Rich began working for the Air Force Federal employee with USSPACECOM in the Academic Engagement Enterprise (AEE).
Recently Rich and his family were at the scene of the November 19th 2022 Club Q mass shooting where Rich was credited with helping subdue the gunman. For his efforts he has received the 2023 Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Citizen Honors Award for Valor, VFW Life Saving Award for Valor, LULAC Freedom and Justice Award, Red Cross Rocky Mountain Hero, Veteran of the year National Able Network, NYPD GOAL Medal of Valor.
Rich’s wife of 24 years Mrs. Jessica Fierro was a homebrewer and in 2017 the winner of the nationally televised homebrew competition “BEERLAND”. After the show Rich and Jess opened Atrevida Beer Co. in Colorado Springs on May 5th 2018. The company motto is “Diversity, it’s on tap!” and Atrevida Beer Co. is demonstrating diversity in everything it does. Atrevida has won multiple beer awards and is the winner of the 2019 Colorado Governor’s Minority Small Business of the Year, 2020 Emerging Business of the Year, 2023 Brewers Association Recognition Award, and many more.
Rich has his BA from San Diego State University and earned his MBA from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2021. He is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, is Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) v4 Certified, AGILE trained and is a graduate of the Adelante Leadership Institute Cohort. Rich and Jess have 2 children. Ricky, 29 and Kassandra, 22. Above all Rich is committed to serving his family and community.
Golden and Silver Graduates
In 2012, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs began a new Commencement tradition for two very special groups of alumni – our Golden and Silver Graduates. These alumni graduated 50 and 25 years ago, respectively, and helped build the foundation of what our university has become today. We are honored to recognize the classes of 1973 and 1998 at our 2023 Commencement ceremonies — Golden Graduates were recognized at the Spring ceremonies, and Silver Graduates are recognized today, during the Summer/Fall ceremony.
The Golden and Silver Graduate Program offers UCCS alumni the opportunity to celebrate their fiftieth and twenty-fifth reunions in a very special way – by taking part in Commencement. As they reflect on this milestone, I hope they take pride in all that they have accomplished since graduating from UCCS.
Dressed in silver regalia, alumni of the Class of 1998 will lead the 2023 graduates during the ceremony processional. Some alumni will join the ceremony virtually.
UCCS operated as an extension of the Boulder campus in 1971 until 1972. In 1997 a Colorado Springs community referendum merged the city-owned Beth-El College of Nursing, founded in 1904, with UCCS.
Class of 1998 Attendees
- “Buck” David Brown
- Dr. Dawn Davidson
- Craig Decker
- Wayne Hutchison
- Florence Jabedo
- Robynne Denise Kiplinger Dahl
- Jack W. Minson
- Michael Phan
- Barbara Reed-Polatty
- Jesse Sandoval
- Kim Shatteen
- Felina Swaba
- Kevin K. Tran
1965 Main Hall Society
Established in 2015, the 1965 Main Hall Society recognizes donors who have shown extraordinary generosity to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs through their lifetime gifts. Named in honor of one of the original buildings on the campus, Main Hall, the Society’s membership now totals 62 donors – comprised of individuals, foundations and corporations – an enormous tribute to the value of a UCCS education, its impact on individual lives, and benefits for the future of our region, state, and world. In its introductory year, UCCS recognized donors who had contributed lifetime gifts of $500,000 or more spanning the first 50 years of the institution. Since 2016, UCCS recognizes cumulative lifetime giving of $1 million or more. Some of these donors have asked to remain anonymous, and thus, we respect their choice not to be publicly recognized as a Society member. The UCCS community celebrates these extraordinary donors with recognition at various events, in select publications, and in a planned future commemoration marker on the UCCS campus.
2023 New Inductees:
- Dr. Susan Rae Jensen
- Keysight Technologies
Continuing Society Members:
- Anschutz Foundation
- Thomas (MBA ’87) and Nancy Arata
- The Balsells Foundation
- James and Winnette Berger
- Boettcher Foundation
- Caring for Colorado Foundation
- Bert R. Carollo, MD and Mary L. Carollo, PA-C
- Randle and Lena Gail Case
- Mary K. Chapman Foundation
- Clement Family Foundation
- The Colorado Health Foundation
- Colorado Springs Health Foundation
- The Daniels Fund
- Jane C. Dillon
- The Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation
- El Pomar Foundation
- Ent Credit Union
- Jeffrey Flygare
- Mike D. Fryt
- James L. and Janet M. Gallogly
- Dona R. H. Hildebrand
- Darwin and Kirsten Horan
- Inasmuch Foundation
- Greg Ireton
- Helen K. & Arthur E. Johnson Foundation
- Kane Family Foundation
- Keith D. Ketelsen
- Charles G. Koch Foundation
- Sandy and Dorothy Kraemer
- Kevin and Jamie Kratt
- John E. Lane & Margaret L. Lane Foundation
- Lester B. (Dusty) Loo and Katherine H. Loo
- Nor’wood Foundation
- Scott D. Oki
- Kevin W. O’Neil (BA ’90)
- Ed and Mary Osborne
- The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
- Jim and Karen Possehl
- The Reisher Family Foundation
- Tom and Charlotte Saponas
- Schoffstall Family
- Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation
- Symetrix Corporation
- Peter and Vivian Teets
- UCHealth Memorial Hospital
- Joe and Linda Woodford
- Charles and Pam Shockley-Zalabak
Colleges Gonfalon Bearers
- Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences – Dr. Joey Lee
- College of Business and Administration – Dr. Monique French
- College of Public Service – Principal Instructor Richard Radabaugh
- College of Education – Instructor Kim Severn
- College of Engineering and Applied Science – Dr. Peter Gorder
- College of Letters, Arts & Sciences – Dr. Sonja Tanner with Graduate Tyler Jungbauer
In Memoriam
- Michael Ciletti, Retired Faculty, Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Daniel Parker D’Agnese, Student
- Brian Erdek, Student, Exercise Science, Junior
- Stephanie Finley Fortune, Staff, University Advancement, Councilwoman
- Donald “Rick” Foster, Instructor, Political Science
- Hugh C. Fowler, Regent Emeritus, University of Colorado System
- Sandra “Sandy” Ingersoll, Retired Staff, Bursar
- Margo McMillen, Retired Instructor, Languages and Cultures
- Nicholas Siacotos, Student, Masters of Business Administration
- CU Distinguished Professor Robert von Dassanowsky, Professor and Director, Film Studies
UCCS ROTC Color Guard Participants
- Zachary Hill
- Helena
- John Aguilar
- Robert McCarron
- MSG Ruben Baltierra
- MSG Galo
Broadmoor World Arena Map and Security Information
FOR YOUR SAFETY
UCCS has taken every possible measure to ensure the safety of our graduates, their families, and their friends during our Commencement Exercises. You can do your part by noting the following:
- Once you are seated in The BROADMOOR World Arena, locate the nearest exit to your seat.
- In the event an evacuation takes place during the ceremony, we recommend your party have a pre-determined location outside the facility to aid in reunification.
- Treat all alarms as real.
- Listen carefully and follow any instructions which may be issued by the master of ceremonies, chief of police, fire chief, or other public authority.
- Parents should keep their young children with them at all times.
- Pay particular attention to the safety of any elderly persons or persons with disabilities.
- If directed to evacuate The BROADMOOR World Arena, please move away from the arena and remain outside until you have been given an “all-clear” by a public authority.
- If necessary, seek assistance from a UCCS staff member, BROADMOOR World Arena employee, or a uniformed police officer.
Thank you, and congratulations to our graduates!