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The inaugural School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) Alumni Leadership Awards were presented by Dean Marvin Lynn on Thursday, August 17 to five remarkable state leaders. This year’s award presentation honored SEHD alumni who are positively impacting communities throughout Colorado, the nation, and the globe through equity-minded and inclusive leadership practices: Dr. Susana Córdova, Commissioner, Colorado Department of Education; Dr. Judi Diaz Bonacquisti, Vice President and Senior Diversity Officer for CU’s System Administration; Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Early Childhood; Dr. Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor at University of Colorado Colorado Springs; and, Dave Young, Colorado State Treasurer.

Chancellor Marks welcomed attendees, including Dean Emerita Lynn Rhodes, more than 60 doctoral students, faculty, and staff, and she congratulated each awardee specifically. Dr. Marks discussed how leadership in education is invaluable for students at all levels. And she thanked everyone in the audience for devoting their lives to bettering education through various leadership roles.

Next, Dean Marvin Lynn presented the awards. “This is my third tour of duty as a Dean and I have never seen alumni with this kind of impact and working at these levels,” he said. “I'm really pleased about the opportunity that we have to really acknowledge the work of these great leaders, especially because the work that they do is focused on serving all of our citizens equitably.”

Our aim was to make this a memorable event for our outstanding alumni and doctoral students"

After heartfelt introductions and the passing of crystal awards, each honoree imparted key leadership advice to the audience. Dr. Córdova centered her leadership advice around the importance of lifelong learning, how values always matter, and the importance of place-based, experiential, and partnered learning. Dr. Diaz Bonacquisti discussed her inspiration: her grandfather’s legacy of integrity, lifelong learning, love for community, and community activism. Dr. Roy mentioned how inspired she is by her children and grandchildren and how she deeply respects the leadership goal in Native American culture -- which is to impact up to seven generations from where you stand. Dr. Sobanet mentioned the importance of curiosity, compassion, and courage in leadership. These words inspire her to listen and learn from others, show gratitude and humility, and to lift equity-minded humans who we are trying to change the world. Mr. Young discussed the importance of listening and being people-centered, building great teams who involve diverse stakeholders as they tackle tough issues, and remembering that most people just want solutions that work.

After the award celebration, Dr. Nina Buchanan and Dr. Teara Flagg Lander, dynamic faculty members in the EdD Higher Education Leadership program, facilitated a genuine and authentic conversation between awardees and the doctoral students in the audience. Honorees answered questions about maintaining resiliency and combating resistance to change and imposter syndrome, among other topics.

“Our aim was to make this a memorable event for our outstanding alumni and doctoral students,” said Dean Marvin Lynn. “Based on the smiles and thoughtful engagement in the room, we succeeded.”