CC Alumni Association Student Leader Scholarship

Benjamin Slater '26

After you Graduate how will you use the skills you've learned so far to be an advocate for CC among your classmates and other alumni?

Throughout my journey at Colorado College I’ve had the opportunity to truly embrace the liberal arts mission. This meant taking new courses, exploring different career paths, and even leading a non-profit. During these opportunities, I’ve particularly noticed how much I’ve developed my ability to incorporate diverse perspectives in dialogue, step outside of my comfort zone, and accept that not all paths are perfectly linear. As I transition to the role of alumni, I hope to take these skills into a role working with the college and other alumni. Specifically, I would like to work alongside my peers in ensuring that the strategy, mission, and culture of Colorado College remains as a reflection of the student body and
its values.

How do you plan to use your experiences at CC to give back to CC with your time, talent, and treasure?

Without Colorado College I would have neither unique experiences like courses abroad or sponsored expeditions, nor be the person I am today. As I look towards the future, I want to ensure future students are provided with these exact opportunities and better. I hope to do that by acting as a constant resource for students. Whether that may be as a guest speaker, alumni mentor, or serving on grant or advisory committees.

Alondra Valdez '26

Majors: Environmental Studies, Southwest Studies
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Favorite CC Memory: My favorite CC memory is leading my first spring break backpacking trip during my junior year. For many participants, this was their first backpacking experience, and I was honored to guide them through this adventure while sharing my passion for the outdoors. Those six days in the backcountry were transformative. I watched my peers discover their own resilience, build meaningful connections, and develop a deeper appreciation for nature. Seeing their confidence grow with each mile we covered together reinforced my belief in the power of experiential learning and remains one of my most rewarding experiences at CC.

After you Graduate how will you use the skills you've learned so far to be an advocate for CC among your classmates and other alumni?

My time at CC has taught me so much about community and perseverance, values that have fundamentally shaped my approach to leadership. From my time in student government to my involvement in outdoor education, I have learned that effective advocacy comes from creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. I plan to continue this commitment in my professional and personal endeavors after my time at CC and work to create equitable spaces in every role I step into.

How do you plan to use your experiences at CC to give back to CC with your time, talent, and treasure?

My success at CC has been made possible by the endless support of my mentors and peers, and I am committed to paying that investment forward. I would like to be part of the support system that encourages students' success as they find their way and achieve their goals at CC and beyond. I plan to dedicate my time and treasure as a mentor specifically for students of color and first-generation students, offering guidance on navigating academic challenges and accessing opportunities, just as others have done for me.

Major: Political Science
Minor: Music 
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado 

Favorite CC Memory:   Having group dinners, movie and game nights with all of my friends that I met in the Bridge Scholars Program. 

Favorite Class Thus Far: Chicanx/Latinx Literature 

After you graduate, how will you use the skills you’ve learned so far to be an advocate for CC among your classmates and other alumni?

The skills that I have learned so far during my time at CC would be the ability to fully dedicate myself to the work that I am doing while maintaining a resilient mindset. The block plan is a journey for the brave that will challenge you more than expected. However, maintaining a resilient, focused mindset has paid off more than I could have imagined. With the able to be resilient in the face of adversity, I am confident in my ability to advocate for Colorado College among students and alumni during times of success and struggle. While I want remain honest about my feelings towards Colorado College over time, I will always return to my foundational view towards CC, which is that this institution changed my life for the better. 

How do you plan to use your experiences at CC to give back to CC with your time, talent, and treasure?

During my time at CC, I have had the opportunity to lead, create, and sponsor a variety of programs in student life. I now understand the amount of work it takes to fuel large community outreach programs while balancing a busy schedule on the block plan. I would like to use my experience of struggle and hard work to support students when they too are faced with the challenge of creating new programs. As a leader within the CC community, I have learned about the importance of having a strong support system of students, faculty, and alumni. So I would love to be able to advise and support current CC students as an alumni so that they are able to achieve their greatest potential when doing innovative work on campus. 

Reign La France '25

Major: Business, Economics, and Society
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Favorite CC Memory: My favorite CC memories are those I make with friends! Whether
camping on block breaks, snowboarding during the winter, or traveling on longer breaks through
venture grants like the one I just did to New Zealand, I’ve created so many unforgettable
memories with the best people ever.

Favorite Class Thus Far: Gusto: Italian Food as Art, Culture & Tradition. 

After you graduate, how will you use the skills you’ve learned so far to be an advocate for CC among your classmates and other alumni?

My journey at Colorado College has been marked by active involvement and leadership, from
serving in CCSGA for three years to mentoring first-year students and creating impactful
marketing content. These experiences have taught me the importance of ethical leadership and community engagement. The skills I've gained, such as effective time management and collaborative teamwork, have been invaluable in both academic and professional settings such as internships. As I graduate, I'm committed to advocating for CC among my peers and alumni,
leveraging these skills to promote the institution's mission and foster a sense of pride and
connection within the community.

How do you plan to use your experiences at CC to give back to CC with your time, talent, and treasure?

My transformative journey at Colorado College has deeply inspired me to pay it forward. As someone who understands the challenges of navigating college without a support network, I'm committed to serving as a mentor for students who share similar backgrounds. I envision offering guidance, networking opportunities, and any other support necessary to help them thrive academically and professionally. Witnessing the impact of engaged CC alumni has reaffirmed my desire to contribute to the community's legacy of support and growth. Like those who have guided me, I aspire to become a steward for future students, nurturing their academic and career pursuits while fostering a vibrant environment of shared experiences and memories.

 Noor Issa '25

Aditya Yadav '25

Favorite Class Thus Far: Recent Continental Philosophy with Professor Jonathan Lee was phenomenal—I learned about the distribution of power as well as methods to instill change within the system.

After you Graduate how will you use the skills you've learned so far to be an advocate for CC among your classmates and other alumni?

After graduation, I plan to leverage the skills and experiences I've gained at Colorado College to be an advocate for CC among my classmates and other alumni. Through active participation in alumni networks and engagement with current students, I will share my post-college experiences and promote the value of a CC education. Whether through mentorship, networking events, or alumni-led initiatives, I will work to strengthen the bonds within the CC community and showcase the impact of our alma mater on shaping future leaders and changemakers.

How do you plan to use your experiences at CC to give back to CC with your time, talent, and treasure?

I plan to give back to Colorado College with my time, talent, and treasure by actively engaging with current students and alumni, supporting institutional initiatives, and advocating for positive change. Through mentorship programs, guest lectures, and career panels, I will share my insights and experiences to help current students navigate their academic and professional journeys. Additionally, I will stay actively involved in alumni networks and contribute financially to support scholarships, campus enhancements, and other initiatives that align with CC's mission and values. By investing in the future of CC and fostering a culture of giving back, I aim to ensure that future generations of students have access to the same transformative opportunities that I had during my time at Colorado College.

Tim Smith '25

Major: Sociology
Minor: History
Hometown:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

Favorite CC Memory: I was extremely lucky to attend a dinner with Scholar-Activist Ruth Wilson Gilmore when she delivered the O’Connor lecture on campus in the fall of 2023. Sharing community and discussion with such an influential abolitionist thinker and my peers was an invaluable and unforgettable experience that would not have been possible without the work of so many incredible departments and people at CC!

Favorite Class Thus Far: My FYP, Foundations of Radical Nonviolence

After you Graduate how will you use the skills you've learned so far to be an advocate for CC among your classmates and other alumni?

My time at CC has taught me how to engage with people in nuanced and caring ways, and how organizing work, when done with deliberation and care, can truly change lives, policies, and beliefs. I truly believe that I would not hold such perspectives, nor be the student or person I am without the guidance of several CC alumni - I can only hope to help foster that same knowledge, care, and perspective for future generations of CC students. 

How do you plan to use your experiences at CC to give back to CC with your time, talent, and treasure?

Out of the justice-oriented organizations I am a part of here at CC, I hope to co-create strong and long-lasting blueprints and infrastructure for future years at CC with the hope of creating the critical and engaged student leaders and community members of the future. I aim to continue to involve myself with CC and its social justice work/education, as many alumni have done the same for me.