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On a summer evening filled with celebration, reflection, and gratitude, alumni, faculty, staff, students, families, and community partners gathered for the 2026 Alumni Leadership Awards to honor University of Colorado Denver School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) graduates whose leadership is transforming education and strengthening communities across Colorado and beyond. The annual celebration highlighted five outstanding alumni whose work spans public school systems, educational leadership, community partnerships, and student advocacy. Through their service and leadership, each honoree demonstrates the transformative impact educators can have on students, schools, and communities.

Marvin Lynn, PhD, dean of the SEHD, opened the evening by celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of the school's alumni and the far-reaching impact they continue to have throughout Colorado and beyond.

“We have the best alumni on the planet. Tonight’s honorees are really a powerful reflection of that.”

Lynn reminded attendees that the awards represent more than an annual celebration. They provide an opportunity to recognize alumni making meaningful contributions in their communities, reconnect graduates with faculty and fellow alumni, and strengthen the network that supports future generations of educators.

Education Leaders on the Front Lines of Change

Next, Karen Marrongelle, PhD, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, reflected on her first year at CU Denver and the impact she has witnessed across the university community. She praised the evening's honorees and connected their achievements to the broader challenges and opportunities facing education today.

Marrongelle noted that each recipient earned a CU Denver degree within the past decade and now serves in a position of significant influence in Colorado education. She described their accomplishments as evidence of the substantial impact SEHD alumni have across Colorado, the nation, and beyond.

“School of Education alumni have profound impact on the state of Colorado, on our nation, on our world. This is just a small token of what we can do to recognize all of our alumni’s impact.”

She also highlighted the rapidly changing educational landscape and emphasized the important role educators play in helping communities adapt and thrive.

“Education is changing. There are so many dynamics influencing education right now. School of Education & Human Development alumni really are on the front lines of adapting to these changes and these dynamics.”

An Alumna Returns as Emcee

Susana Córdova, MA ’00, commissioner of the Colorado Department of Education, served as emcee for the evening, guiding attendees through the awards presentation and celebrating the accomplishments of fellow alumni. Earlier in the program, Lynn recognized Córdova as both a distinguished alumna and a previous Alumni Leadership Award honoree whose career reflects the impact SEHD graduates continue to have on Colorado education.

“When I look out at this room full of incredible educators and the people who are being recognized tonight, I know that your hard work comes with significant sacrifice,” she said. “It's the sacrifice that you probably made, not individually either, but with the support of the people around you who love you. I just am so proud of my experience with the School of Education & Human Development here at CU Denver, both as a student, but also as a partner in the work in our schools across Colorado.”

Bianca Gallegos, EdD ’17, administrator license ’16

Executive director for strategic partnerships, Boulder Valley School District

The evening’s first honor recognized Bianca Gallegos, EdD ’17, administrator license ’16, executive director for strategic partnerships at Boulder Valley School District. A bilingual Mexican Indigenous educator and leader, Gallegos has spent more than two decades creating opportunities for students and families while building partnerships that expand access to education.

Accepting the award, Gallegos centered her remarks on students and the power of educational opportunity.

“Tonight, I accept this award on behalf of the students I serve in the Boulder Valley School District, as an alum and as an executive leader in that same district. It’s an incredible privilege to help ensure every student, not just some students, has access to opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.”

She also recognized the educators, mentors, and family members who shaped her journey and encouraged students to see their identities, languages, and experiences as strengths.

Jackie Kapushion, EdD ’19

Superintendent, St. Vrain Valley Schools

Next, attendees celebrated Jackie Kapushion, EdD ’19, superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools. Over a 38-year career in public education, Kapushion has served as a teacher, principal, district leader, and superintendent, helping shape opportunities for students throughout Colorado.

During her remarks, she reflected on the importance of championing public education and the teaching profession.

“Honor and encourage our educators and give them the support needed to persevere in this profession. Encourage the most brilliant people you know, who want to live a life of extraordinary purpose, to become a teacher and work in education. Working in public schools is the highest honor and responsibility that no other profession can begin to replicate.”

Her comments underscored a theme that emerged throughout the evening: meaningful leadership is essential to ensuring that our public education system will continue to advance the future of our communities.

Kathryn “Kate” Mullins, EdD ’24

Founding partner, SoWell Education Partners and SoWell Impact

The third award honored Kathryn “Kate” Mullins, EdD ’24, founding partner of SoWell Education Partners and SoWell Impact and recipient of the 2025 Colorado Charter School Leader of the Year award. Throughout her career, Mullins has focused on helping organizations build healthy systems, strengthen leadership, and create environments where students, educators, and families can thrive.

Mullins used her remarks to celebrate the professors and colleagues who challenged her throughout her doctoral journey and continue to influence her work.

“Thank you to professors and colleagues who pushed and challenged us to be better leaders, better people, and most importantly, better for our kids. My mission is helping every family feel welcome. Regardless of where they’re from or what language they speak, they’re worthy and valued.”

Her remarks highlighted the importance of belonging and the role strong relationships play in supporting students and families.

Stacey M. Park, EdD ’24; administrator license ‘22

Chief of Academics, Denver Public Schools

Former Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer, Roaring Fork Schools

SEHD next recognized Stacey M. Park, EdD ’24, chief of academics for Denver Public Schools. A first-generation college graduate and leader for educational equity, Park has served in public education for over 25 years as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Throughout her career, she has championed academic excellence while working to ensure all students, especially those in underserved communities, have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

Reflecting on her doctoral experience and the mentors who supported her, Park emphasized the collaborative nature of educational leadership.

“When you work in public education, you realize that leader is never a solo title. Every breakthrough, every successful classroom strategy is the result of many people working together.”

Her remarks served as a reminder that lasting change happens when educators, families, and communities work together around a common purpose.

Hazael Román-Lagunas, MA ’21, principal license ’18

Principal, Force Elementary School, Denver Public Schools

The evening concluded with recognition of Hazael Román-Lagunas, MA ’21, principal license ’18, principal of Force Elementary School in Denver Public Schools. Román-Lagunas was also recognized as the 2025 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal for Elementary Schools and is currently pursuing an EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity at CU Denver.

Drawing on his experiences as an immigrant, educator, and advocate, Román-Lagunas spoke about creating school environments where students feel seen, valued, and empowered.

“Today, as a Latino principal and educator, my mission is to build schools where multilingualism is celebrated and every child’s identity is recognized as a strength. This award belongs to all of you as much as it does to me.”

His remarks connected personal experience with a broader vision for educational opportunity, belonging, and leadership.

Celebrating Leadership That Shapes the Future

One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came when Lynn invited faculty mentors to stand and be recognized. Their presence reinforced a message echoed by every recipient: leadership is never built alone. Behind every honoree stood professors who challenged them, colleagues who supported them, family members who encouraged them, and communities that inspired them to lead.

As the evening drew to a close, Lynn returned to the theme that framed the entire celebration: the extraordinary impact of SEHD alumni.

As guests stayed to reconnect, take photos, and celebrate with friends, family members, faculty, and colleagues, the event served as a fitting reminder that the SEHD’s curriculum and culture foster impact, belonging, and service to the lives of the students in communities far and wide.