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The University of Colorado Denver's School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) hosted its 2025 Alumni Leadership Awards on July 22, honoring five distinguished alumni and two posthumous awardees whose visionary leadership has shaped the field of early childhood education across the nation and the globe.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Former Colorado Governor Roy Romer, Chancellor Kenneth Christensen, Dean Marvin Lynn, Dr. Lisa Roy, Reed Martin, and 2025 SEHD Alumni Leadership Award recipients

Held at CU Denver's Jake Jabs Event Center, the event brought together Early Childhood Education program alumni, students, faculty, and leaders for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and reconnection. The ceremony underscored the school’s enduring commitment to innovation and inclusive excellence in education.

Dean Marvin Lynn opened the program with a warm welcome, emphasizing the transformative power of SEHD's alumni network. "At the School of Education & Human Development, we proudly say we have the best alumni on the planet—and today's honorees are proof of that," he said. He also acknowledged the faculty and staff whose mentorship and support have helped shape the careers of the awardees.

This year's theme, "Early Childhood Education Luminaries," spotlighted leaders who have dedicated their careers to advancing opportunities for young children and families.

Chancellor Christensen with Dean Lynn and Reed Martin

Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen spoke next and echoed this sentiment, noting the university's role as a collaborative anchor institution. "Whether through advocacy, access, technology, or policy, I am honored to be in a room with those who improve outcomes for our youngest learners," he said.

Governor Jared Polis speaking at the event

Governor Jared Polis, a longtime champion of early childhood education, delivered remarks that underscored the importance of the work being honored. "Education is the best and most important investment we can make in the future of our state, our economy, and our communities," he said.

He introduced Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and emcee for the event. A two-time CU Denver alumna and 2024 SEHD Alumni Leadership Award recipient, Dr. Roy guided the program with warmth and insight.

Legacy Awards

The ceremony continued with two posthumous Early Childhood Legacy Awards honoring Former Colorado First Lady Bea Romer and Dean Emeritus Rebecca Kantor as prominent visionaries and innovators in the field. Their work laid the groundwork for so much of what we value in early childhood education today: access; quality; a bridge between practice and policy; and a deep respect for children, families, and educators.

Former Colorado Governor Roy Romer accepting the award for Beatrice “Bea” Romer

Former Colorado First Lady Beatrice "Bea" Romer was honored for her pioneering work in early childhood policy and program development, including the founding of Colorado's First Impressions initiative. Accepting the award on her behalf, former Governor Roy Romer shared both humor and heartfelt reflection. "Bea was short on awards in her life—and I was part of that problem," he said, recounting a story of mistakenly crowning the wrong homecoming queen in college, only to later discover Bea had actually won. "It's appropriate that I receive this award for her today." He went on to describe Bea's extraordinary gift for human connection: "She had a gift of relating—particularly to young people—in a unique way. When she engaged with children, they knew they were dealing with someone who cared deeply about them," he said. "I'm happy to receive this award on her behalf."

Reed Martin accepting the award for Dr. Rebecca Kantor

Dr. Rebecca Kantor, former SEHD Dean, was recognized for her visionary leadership and national influence in early childhood education. Her legacy lives on through the programs and partnerships she helped establish at CU Denver and beyond. Accepting the award on her behalf was her husband, Reed Martin, who offered a deeply personal tribute. "She was a loving wife, a wonderful parent, a lovely grandparent, and a devoted friend. We all lost Rebecca too quickly. We all need a little bit more of what she had to offer." Martin shared stories that revealed Kantor's love for learning, strong desire for connection, and ability to push boundaries—qualities that defined both her professional and personal life.

SEHD's 2025 Alumni Leadership Awards

The 2025 Alumni Leadership Awards were then presented to five outstanding alumni for their dedicated service and impactful leadership in the field of early childhood education.

Alison Maher accepting her award

Alison Maher (MA in Educational Psychology with a concentration in early childhood education ‘01), Visionary Director at Boulder Journey School, was recognized for her global leadership in early childhood education and her role in cultivating a vibrant learning partnership with CU Denver. In her heartfelt remarks, Maher reflected on her roots: "I come from a family filled with teachers, and so I've always understood that life as an educator was a life worth living."

She also emphasized the collective nature of her work, citing the importance of CU Denver's partnership with Boulder Journey School in launching a global online master's program that has reached early childhood educators in 15 time zones.

Dr. Westervelt accepting his award

Dr. Gerrit Westervelt (PhD '01), (PhD in Educational Leadership and Innovation ‘01) a national leader in early childhood education with a strong focus on whole-child policies, early childhood workforce development and improving the quality of early care and education programs at scale in states, was honored for his decades of work advancing quality, equity, and innovation in early learning policy and practice. In his speech, Westervelt reflected on his journey: "I want to make government work better for kids. That's it—and that's what I'm doing." He also emphasized the importance of living one's values: "If you care about children with disabilities, or children whose native language is not English, or just your own kid—live like you mean it. Get out there and do something about it."

Dr. Cooper accepting her award

Dr. Barbara J. Cooper (PhD in Education Leadership and Innovation ‘09, MA in Administration, Supervision & Curriculum Development ‘95), founder and CEO of CooperVeal Education Consulting, LLC, was celebrated for her trailblazing leadership across state and national education systems. Cooper reflected on her journey with deep gratitude: "My foundation was laid right here at CU Denver, where I was taught how to be a teacher, a leader, and how to be courageous in leadership," she said. She ended her remarks with: "When we work with children in the earliest stages possible, we impact eternity. That absolutely is an economic plan for any state, and for any country, in order to move forward."

Heather Tritten accepting her award

Heather Tritten (MA in Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies with a concentration in early childhood leadership ‘15), President and CEO of the Colorado Children's Campaign, was recognized for her advocacy and policy leadership aimed at improving outcomes for children and families across Colorado. Tritten was named one of the "25 Most Powerful Women in Business" by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce in 2024. In her remarks, Tritten reflected on the weight of leadership: "The stakes are high. The kids need us. We cannot fail. We are the voice for children and families that may not have been born here but are clearly a part of the fabric of our community. And, I’m incredibly thankful every day that I get to lead an amazing organization and play an important role in our state."

Dr. Allen accepting her award

Dr. Rosemarie Allen (EdD '16), professor and equity advocate, was honored for her national influence on culturally responsive practices and her leadership in shaping inclusive early childhood systems. Allen also spoke about the purpose behind degrees in education and how they positively influence society: "The skills and knowledge we gained while earning our degrees belong to the children and families we serve,” she said. “They are not ours solely."

The event concluded with a video describing the tremendous impact of CU Denver's Early Childhood Education Program and a heartfelt thank you from Dean Lynn to the many individuals who made the celebration possible, including members of CU’s Office of Government Affairs, Office of Advancement, and members of the planning committee: Dean Lynn, Dr. Lori Ryan, Dr. Kristie Kauerz, Dr. Lisa Roy, Miguel Morris, JáNet Hurt, Jhas Cooper-Moore, and Julia Cummings. "This evening is testament to the power of positive collaboration," he said.

As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated clearly: these early childhood education alumni of CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development have transformed thousands of lives. Through decades of leadership, advocacy, and innovation, the honorees have built systems, influenced policy, mentored educators, and uplifted entire communities. Their impact continues to ripple outward, creating a more hopeful future for young children and families across Colorado and beyond.