News University of Northern Colorado

PTEP Coordinator Breaks New Ground as Director of National Conference

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 06:00:00 GMT

Kim Creasy, coordinator of UNC's Elementary Professional Teacher Education Program, served as the director of the National Field Experience Conference, held April 5-6 at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. For the first time in the four-year history of the conference, registration had be closed due to the overwhelming response from teacher preparation institutions.

Faculty from 43 different institutions of higher education made presentations during the conference, sharing information, practices, policies and research pertaining to teacher candidates' experiences in school settings.

Presentations addressed the preparation, supervision and evaluation of teacher candidates for their knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for success in clinical settings and included settings (public, private, charter, urban, rural and international placements); supervision practices and challenges; teacher candidates' impact on learning in classrooms; co-teaching models; locating and maintaining placements/partnerships in schools; best practices in teaching; and unique programs to enhance teacher preparation.

Creasy currently plans to have UNC host the conference in April 2018.

UNC Grad Students Receive Military Counseling Scholarship

Fri, 19 May 2017 06:00:00 GMT

University of Northern Colorado graduate students Samuel Findley and Elizabeth Nelson each received one of six $8,000 scholarships awarded by the NBCC Foundation in recognition of their commitment as to providing counseling services to military personnel, veterans and families. Both are currently pursuing their master's degrees in clinical counseling at UNC.

The NBCC Foundation is an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors Inc.

Findley, a deployed veteran, has witnessed the difficulties a deployment can have not only on the deployed member, but on those within the family unit as well. He plans on working with service members to transition back to post-deployment and civilian life.

Nelson is a graduate of the United States Military Academy. Veterans in her rural community have limited access to mental health care. Recognizing that deficit, Nelson plans to build a program to serve those veterans and expand their access to care.

For more information about the NBCC Foundation, visit www.nbccf.org.

Judges, Host Announced for Finals of Eighth Annual Monfort College of Business Entrepreneurial Challenge

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 06:00:00 GMT

The judges and host have been announced for the final competition event of the eighth annual Monfort College of Business Entrepreneurial Challenge at the University of Northern Colorado. The Entrepreneurial Challenge is an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to obtain exposure and compete for $50,000 in prize money to help bring their innovative business ideas to fruition. The judges will review the final five business concepts and then award prize money according to their placing.

"This year's judges will share their advice and experiences in helping our finalists advance their business plans. Their advice can benefit all our visitors and aspiring entrepreneurs." said David Thomas, assistant professor of management and director of the Entrepreneurial Challenge.

Judges for the final round are: George Lobisser, co-founder and CEO of RipeLocker LLC and a partner in Maliky Capital LLC; Tyler Richardson, co-owner of Richmark Holdings Inc.; and Ross Shell, founder and CEO of Red Idea Partners. The host for this year's event is Jeff Nuttall, principal of BizWest Media.

The five finalists were selected during the preliminary round and will present in a "Shark Tank" format at the final round of competition, which will be at noon on April 28 at the UNC University Center. The public is welcome to attend.

For more information about the competition, visit www.mcb-echallenge.com.

About the Monfort College of Business

The Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado is recognized for delivering excellence in business education. The college has been accredited by AACSB International for 20 years—the "gold standard" for accreditation. The College is one of

an elite few worldwide that are accredited in both business administration and accounting. Over 10 successive years MCB's graduating seniors have scored in the top 15 percent on nationwide standardized exit exams. It is the first and only business program to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award from the Office of the President of the United States (2004). For more information, visit MCB's website at mcb.unco.edu.

About UNC

UNC is a doctoral research university with premier programs in education, health sciences, business and the performing arts. Founded in 1889 as the state teachers' college, UNC has always worked to promote human understanding and enrich lives. With approximately 12,000 students enrolled, UNC focuses on five areas of engaged learning: research and creative work, civic engagement, global experiences, leadership and professional experience.

Mathis Named Associate Director of Sponsored Programs

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 06:00:00 GMT

Cira Mathis has joined UNC's Office of Research as associate director in the Office of Sponsored Programs. She brings eight years of wide-ranging research administration experience and has been an active CRA (Certified Research Administrator) since 2011.

Mathis has managed research in every stage of the funding lifecycle, in both hospital and university settings in the U.S. and abroad.

She earned a master's degree in Strategic Human Resource Management and a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences.

She can be reached at cira.mathis@unco.edu and 970-351-1932.

UNC Magazine Rack Locations

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Candelaria Hall (southwest foyer)
Carter Hall (east entrance)
Frasier Hall (outside Langworthy Theatre)
Gunter Hall (west entrance)
Holmes Dining Hall (north entryway)
Kepner Hall (lower level)
McKee (northeast foyer)
Michener Library (north entrance)
Ross Hall (west entrance)
Tobey-Kendel Hall (main entryway)
University Center (outside Bear Logic)

UNC Ticket Office at Nottingham Holiday Hours

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 06:00:00 GMT

From Dec. 12-Jan. 6, the UNC Ticket Office at Nottingham Field will be on its holiday schedule, open from noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Regular hours of 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday will resume on Monday, Jan. 9.

Tickets for men's and women's basketball games during UNC's holiday/winter break can be purchased at the Bank of Colorado Arena at Butler-Hancock Athletic Center starting 90 minutes before game time.

Kasper Joins Office of Student Engagement Team

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Jake Kasper has joined the Office of Student Engagement as the new Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Kasper has spent the past eight years in residential education, conflict resolution, threat assessment/behavior intervention and student conduct at a variety of institutions along the Front Range, including CU Boulder, Metro State University and the Community College of Denver.

He received his master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arizona. His professional interests involve academic integrity, free speech rights and responsibilities, restorative justice and culturally based conflict resolution.

He served as state Coordinator for the Association of Student Conduct Administrators and President of the College Personnel Association of Colorado, a state subsidiary of the American College Personnel Association.

Annual UNC Community Fest Offers Interactive Learning, Fun, Food for All Ages

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Speech Language Pathology Grad Student Awarded Scholarship

Wed, 06 Jul 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Sai Rajopadhye, a student in the UNC Speech Language Pathology master's degree program, is the sole recipient of the Colorado Speech-Hearing Foundation's Elizabeth G. Jancosek Graduate Student Scholarship for fall semester.

The $1,000 scholarship recognized Rajopadhye's academic achievement, extensive volunteer experience.

The scholarship is available only to full-time students enrolled in a graduate level degree program in speech/language pathology, audiology or speech and hearing science at the University of Colorado or UNC.

Rajopadhye beat out 15 CU Boulder students who also applied for the scholarship.

The Colorado Speech-Hearing Foundation, part of the Colorado Speech-Language Hearing Association, promotes an improved quality of life for children and adults with communication disorders.

UNC Magazine: Professor Uses Experience as Paralympian to Train Next Generation of PE Teachers

Thu, 19 May 2016 06:00:00 GMT

April 21 Memo from President Kay Norton about UNC's Men's Basketball Program

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Dear Campus Community,

We have received serious and concerning allegations of NCAA violations involving our men's basketball program. I want you to know we are committed to a thorough and complete investigation of the allegations that have been made.

To assist us in the preliminary review, we retained an outside legal firm that specializes in NCAA compliance and infractions matters. After its initial work, the firm advised us to notify the NCAA of the issue, which we have done. The NCAA, which commended us for our preliminary inquiries and correctly following protocol, has joined us in the investigation into the matter. We have and will continue to cooperate fully with the NCAA.

This is about more than potential NCAA rule violations. It is about the integrity of our program and therefore the integrity of our university. It is about the example we set for all of our students, the lessons that they learn by being part of our university community, and the values we demonstrate through our actions.

Athletic Director Darren Dunn and I are committed to ensuring the integrity of the men's basketball program. In light of that commitment, and in the best interests of the program moving forward, we have made the difficult decision to terminate the contract of head coach B.J. Hill. We have placed the assistant coaches on administrative leave while we continue collaborating with the NCAA on the investigation.

Consistent with NCAA expectations, we won't be able to comment further until the investigation concludes. I will follow up with a campus memo at that time.

We will examine ourselves honestly and unsparingly, take whatever actions are necessary, and we will emerge a better and stronger UNC because of it.

Sincerely,

Kay Norton

Audiology Student Earns National Award for Poster

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Senior Audiology major Shannon Wise was awarded one of the five "James and Susan Jerger Award for Excellence in Student Research" for her research poster at the American Academy of Audiology's national convention earlier this month in Phoenix.

Wise's "Dangerous Decibels: Program Effectiveness for Youth Recreational Shooters" was selected out of hundreds presented at the conference. Her poster was based on her capstone research project.

Wise will receive a $500 prize for her efforts.

Theatre Arts and Dance Alumni, Students, Faculty Garner Roles, Positions, Awards

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Graduates, current students and faculty of the University of Northern Colorado's School of Theatre Arts and Dance have advanced their careers during the last half of 2015 and first part of 2016.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on Feb. 26, 2016

Drew Smart appeared in an episode of the Hatfield & McCoys on the American Heroes Channel.

STAD faculty member Andrea Moon has been nominated for a Helen Hayes Theatre Award for Outstanding Choreography of a play for When She Had Wings. The Helen Hayes Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in professional theatre throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area

Clint Rudolf is appearing in the original cast of the new musical Reunion 1985 premiering at the Lone Tree Arts Center in February.

Billy Marshall Jr. appeared in an episode of the series Broad City on Comedy Central.

Megan Van De Hey is currently appearing in the production of Tell Me on a Sunday at the Avenue Theatre in Denver.

Paul Vella has been hired as the resident assistant stage manager at the Public Theatre in New York City.

Kevin Kantor appeared in an episode of American Crime on ABC Television.

Heather Washburn was hired as a casting assistant at Binder Casting in New York City.

Jenna Moll Reyes is appearing in the Miner's Alley (Denver) production of 4000 Miles.

DeShawn Mitchell appeared on an episode of Blindspot on NBC Television.

Ryan Jesse, who is currently out in the national tour of Dirty Dancing, just appeared at the Buell Theatre in Denver.

Andi Davis and Keir Kirkegaard just booked Rock of Ages for Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Katherine Foote and Andrew Alber are both appearing in The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Bug Theatre in Denver.

Matt LaFontaine has been cast as the Baker in the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse (Loveland) production of Into the Woods starring Debbie Boone.

Lincoln Hayes has been cast in Lone Tree Films' next feature Northland.

Shauni Ruetz was selected to compete in "New York's Got Talent: Season 2/"

Nikki Tomlinson has received her first SAG Award nomination for her stunt work on The Walking Dead television series.

Alumni who appeared in Super Bowl 50 commercials were Hannah Marie Hines, who was seen as the sleeping girlfriend in the McDonald's spot and Scott Foster, who was the man in the shower for the Dollar Shave Club.

This month Aaron Young and the current Broadway cast of Fiddler on the Roof went into the studio to produce a new revival cast recording for the production..

Anna Landy has been cast in the Utah Shakespeare festival's productions of the musicals The Coconuts and Mary Poppins.

School Director David Grapes and Professor of Acting Shelly Gaza performed alongside three current students (Grace Hutchings, Hannah Carmichael and Spencer Althoff) at the Greeley Philharmonic concert performance of Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Union Colony Civic Center on Feb. 13.

Rex Corr has been promoted to principal at Castle View High School.

Sienna Burnette has published a book of poetry on Amazon Press titled Ocean Poems and Other Living Things.

Chelsea Marie Logan has been cast in the Heights Players production of All the King's Men in New York City.

Eric Vera left his post as artistic director at Camille Playhouse to enter the doctoral program in Public Practice and Theatre in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas at Austin.

Hannah Marie Hines can currently be see in eight episodes of the new A&E and Lifetime series Fall Into Me.

Michael Despars has been recognized as Fullerton Union High School's (Calif.) Teacher of the Year.

Emily Johnson has been cast as Nancy in the TYA production of Fancy Nancy - The Musical at Second Story Repertory in Seattle, Wash.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on Jan. 22, 2016

Aisha Jackson has been cast in Paper Mill Playhouse's world premiere of A Bronx Tale: The Musical, which opened at the New Jersey venue Feb. 14. Co-directed by two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro and four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, with choreography by four-time Drama Desk Award nominee Sergio Trujillo, the production will continue through March 6. Her next project will be the Broadway production of the new Sarah Barielles musical Waitress. The show begins previews on March 25.

Hannah Marie Hines filmed a national television commercial for McDonalds.

Tony-nominated Actress Beth Malone (Fun Home) was featured in an article in Broadway Style Magazine.

Mackenzie Lowe has taken a position as stagehand (admin lead) at the Auraria Higher Education Center in Denver.

Audrey Sullivan appeared in the Hale Theatre Center (Gilbert, Ariz.) production of A Christmas Carol.

Dan Dawson appears in the video game "Fallout 4", an open world action role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.

Brandon Garegnani plays music mogul David Geffen in the new film The Lennon Report.

Greg Farinelli is playing the role of Bert in Mary Poppins at Forestgate Community Theatre in Colorado Springs.

Gail Luna is working as the company manager at the Glimmerglass Festival in New York.

Junior Acting major Spencer Althoff has been cast in the 2016 summer season at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.

Shauna Johnson received a 2015 True West Award for her work as technical manager at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Loveland.

Margaret A. Heffernan is working as a production assistant for New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, Mass.

Kurt Larson filmed a national commercial for Verizon.

Arielle Yoder has been cast as Masha in The Playmakers Repertory Theatre (Chapel Hill, N.C.) production of The Three Sisters.

Virginia Jimenez presented her cabaret show Learnin' the Blues in January at the Metropolitan Room in New York City.

Carter Dunham has been promoted to senior project manager at PRG (Production Resources Group) in Denver.

Heidi (Ganzer) Zamora is working as the costume show manager for The Marriage of Figaro at Seattle (Washington)Opera.

Malorie Felt has been cast in the production of Happily Whenever After at the Next Stage Theatre in Los Angeles.

Emily Johnson and McKayla Marso have been cast in the production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the 5^th Avenue Theatre in Seattle.

Benjamin Scott Abernathy is now the assistant electrician/frontlight for The Bridges of Madison County's first national tour.

Duncan Northern has been promoted to production supervisor of the Theatrical Division at Tinc Productions in New York City.

Nathaniel Shaw will be directing West Side Story and A Chorus Line back to back in summer 2016 at Cortland (New York) Repertory Theatre.

Continue reading at http://www.unco.edu/news/?7729.

Theatre Arts and Dance Alumni, Students, Faculty Garner Roles, Positions, Awards

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 06:00:00 GMT

Graduates, current students and faculty of the University of Northern Colorado's School of Theatre Arts and Dance have advanced their careers during the last half of 2015.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on Dec. 7, 2015

Greg Germann appeared in a co-starring role on the CBS TV series Limitless.

Anthony McMurray accepted a new position with the American Conservatory of Dramatic Arts in NYC.

Megan Koumis appeared in a Dec. 14 fundraising performance for the Charity Angels' production of I Hate New York: A Love Story at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC.

STAD professor Andrea Moon received a mention in the DCTheatreScene.com review for her work as movement coach for the recent production of When She Had Wings at the Imagination Stage in Columbia, MD.

Jean Luc Cavnar is currently performing for Holland America Cruise Lines.

Brenna Larson was hired to appear in the national tour of Peppa Pig for Nickelodeon TV.

Zach Shotwell has been cast in a production of One Man Two Guvnors at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota, F

Arielle Yoder and Jessica Henderson are appearing in a new web series called "Growing Down." The pilot episode was written by UNC alumna Dorian Mapp. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QL-tLthLpHU&feature=youtu.be

Robert Mills is currently working in Australia and New Zealand as the stage manager at Spiegelworld AUS & NZ.

David Bryant Johnson will be featured in the new Off-Broadway cast recording of the musical Rothschild & Sons.

Andi Davis and Rhianna Pfannenstiel have both been cast in Ragtime at San Diego Musical Theatre. The production plays Jan. 10-Feb. 20..

Lincoln Hayes and Neil Fennell's short film "Pillow Talk" won the Best Screenplay Award and the prestigious Goldstone Award for Emerging Filmmakers in Vermont at the VTIFF Vermont Filmmakers Showcase.

David Lefkowitz performed his one-man show The Miracle Of Long Johns Oct. 23 at the Studio Theater in Theater Row in NYC as part of the United Solo Fest.

Jabin Chartrand went on to be the master electrician at the Looking Glass Theater in Chicago for 10 years.

Brandon Bill will be playing Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins at the PACE Center in Parker, Colo.

Brittney Shaffer has been cast in the National tour of Daniel Tigers Neighborhood.

Chas Lederer is appearing in the Town Hall Arts (Denver) production of Shrek.

Rachel Graham received a 2015 True West Award for her work as a performer, photographer and educator in the Denver theatre community.

Laurence Curry received a 2015 True West Award for his work as a performer, choreographer and educator in the Denver theatre community.

Marco Robinson, a current UNC theatre major is appearing in a television commercial for Dominos Pizza. https://youtu.be/kPtTQ_Tp2W0

Jason Krueger served as the technical producer of the Dec. 8 Victoria's Secret Fashion show on CBS.

Rachelle Dimaria has been cast in an upcoming episode of the web series "Bored of Education."

Nastasia Green and Madeline Chilese have created their own new web series "Hat Trick Bitches." They have released three episodes at http://www.hattrickbitches.com/.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on Sept. 29, 2015

Aisha Jackson, who left the Broadway cast of Beautiful at the end of September, has been cast in the new Off-Broadway musical Invisible Threads.

Ryan Grassmeyer booked a guest star role on Will Arnett's Netflix series Flaked.

Erin Schaut has been cast in the Murder Mystery Chicago Company.

Jason Veasey is appearing in Peter and the Starcatcher at the Virginia Stage Company in Norfolk.

Billy Wilson is appearing in Hysteria at the Southwest Shakespeare Company in Mesa, Arizona.

Lincoln Hayes' short film "Pillow Talk" was accepted into the Vermont International Film Festival. It was directed by UNC alumnus Neil Fennell and also features UNC alumni Ashley Betton and Brian Crawford Scott.

Paula Alarcon has been cast as Carrie in Carrie - The Musical! at the Damon Runyon Theatre in Pueblo.

Rachelle Dimaria appears in a Chasing Life episode titled "As Long As We Both Shall Live" (season 2, episode 7), currently running on Hulu.

Dontalle Sylvester appeared in the new musical Uncle Jed's Barbershop at the Cleo Robinson Dance Theatre in Denver.

Anthony Reimer filmed a guest star role on NBC's TV series The Blacklist.

Chrissy Basham filmed a national commercial for ZICAM cold remedy.

Eliza Howard accepted a position as a member of the stage staff for Royal Caribbean International.

Spencer Townshend Hughes will be traveling to Egypt for three weeks to suit puppeteer the front half of a camel in a MONSTER stadium show called Clusters of Light.

Kim Caldwell has joined the technical staff for the national tour of Bullets Over Broadway. Fellow alumnus Jake Corcoran is performing in the production.

Ben Abernathy has been hired as a technician for the national tour of Bridges of Madison County.

Jeffrey Zicker has been cast as Tony in the Fiddlehead Theatre (Boston) production of West Side Story.

Jason Krueger served as the technical producer for the Special Olympics in Los Angeles.

Madison (White) St.Clair can be seen staring in a national television commercial for Conoco-Phillips.

Mike Martinkus has been cast in the Ignite Theatre (Denver) production of American Idiot.

Matt LaFontaine is appearing in West Side Story at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre (Loveland).

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on Sept. 2, 2015.

Aaron Young will make his Broadway debut in November in the revival of A Fiddler on the Roof. He'll be the 25th UNC alum to appear in a Broadway production.

Alexander Stein filmed an episode of the hit HBO series Orange is the New Black in NYC.

McKayla Marso, Andrew Russell, Jenna Moll Reyes and Heather Doris have been cast in the production of Saturday Night Fever at the Arvada Center:

David Johnson has been cast in the Off-Broadway revival of the musical The Rothchilds at the York Theatre in NYC.

Matt Hagmeier Curtis accepted a new position with Disney Theatricals in NYC.

Hannah Marie Hines booked a leading role in the Lifetime/A&E new media series Fall Into Me and appeared in a national television commercial for Best Buy.

Steve Williams accepted the position as arts integration coordinator for UCP of Central Florida Charter Schools.

Bergin Michaels appeared as the Reverend Charles Keyes on an episode of Deadly Devotions for the ID Channel.

Sienna Meadow Burnett was cast in the productions of Equus and Beautiful Thing at the Avenue Theatre in Denver. Her director will be UNC alumnus Gavin Mayer.

Kody Maynard has accepted a teaching position at Challenger Middle School in Colorado Springs for fall.

Drew Smart was cast in the TV series Mysteries @ the Museum.

Ben Burch has been cast in the national tour of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer.

Alicia Bott has accepted a position at Milliken Middle School.

Lauren Kittelman is now working as a technical stage staff member for Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines.

Jake Dutmer worked this summer as an entertainer at Elitch Gardens in Denver.

Emily Van Fleet and Mehry Iris Eslaminia appeared this summer in the Creede Repertory production of August Osage County.

Courtney Walrod accepted a position as the new theatre teacher in the APEX Program for the St. Vrain school district.

Brooke Berry-Wolfe accepted a new position as the musical theatre teacher at an audition-based performing arts public high school in Harlem, New York.

Pearl Thomas-Flanagan and Andy Kelso will both appear in an independent film project called Carry On.

Jon Tyler Heath and Anne Terze-Schwarz are in the cast of the fall production of Rock of Ages at Midtown Arts Center in Fort Collins.

Rachel (Richards) Farr was cast in the new immersive version of Carrie the Musical at the historic Los Angeles Theatre.

Alena Watters joined the international tour of the musical Pippin.

Jamie Anne Romaro is in the cast of the fall season at Utah Shakespeare Festival, playing Lucy in the Steven Dietz version of Dracula and Silvia in Two Gentleman of Verona.

Kate Mott accepted the position of costume designer at Fort Lewis College in Durango.

Erin Nicole Huffman is in the cast of West Side Story at the Spinning Tree Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.

Skylar Ely accepted a professional internship within the Entertainment Technology Department at Disney World in Florida.

Theatre Professor Shelly Gaza and UNC Theatre alumni Anna Landy, Erika Vetter, Megan Cournoyer, Desiree Garneau and Emily Quayle all attended the Statera Conference in Cedar City, Utah, this summer.

Mary Schuttler, director of Theatre Education, is writing a chapter (theatre) titled "Arts Assessment in an Age of Accountability: Challenges and Opportunities in Implementation, Design, and Measurement," including all references, figures and illustrations, for The Challenges to Measurement in an Era of Accountability. She also served as co-editor to create the EdTA Individual Event Rubrics and the editor for the CDE, HS Theatre Curriculum Units.

In May, Theatre Professor Gillian McNally attended the One Theatre World Conference in Chicago as part of the bi-annual Theatre for Young Audiences/USA conference series where she co- presented a session titled "Reaching New Audiences in Your Community." In August she attended the American Alliance for Theatre and Education where she presented a workshop titled "In the Company of Creative Minds: Learning with Emerging Teachers." She also wrote an article titled "Breaking the Borders of Geography and Low Expectations," which will be published this fall in the Youth Theatre Journal.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on Aug. 1, 2015.

Katherine Foote directed a production of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress at the Avenue Theatre in Denver. The production also included alumni Alex Hanna, Jenn Wise, Harley Glenn, Anneliese Farmer, Olivia McGowen, Chelsey Caitlin McCleskey and Jesse Montoya.

Lynnsey Garegnani directed an all-female production of The Taming of the Shrew for A Tale Told Productions in NYC. Other UNC alumni involved in the production included Brandon Garegnani (assistant director), Becca Freud (costume designer/technical director), Kalen Boyd (stage manager) and Malloree Hill, who played Petruchio.

Christina Roberts accepted a position to teach theater at Thompson Valley High School in Loveland.

Jackie Honold directed Polaroid Stories for The Avenue Theatre in Denver.

Harrison Butler III appeared in a NYC backers project titled Mother Eve's Secret Garden of Sensual Sisterhood.

John T. Stephan was recognized as the 2015 Teacher of the Year at Cumberland (New Jersey) Regional High School.

Rachel Richards appeared in the 3D Theatricals (Califorinia) production of the musical Tarzan.

Chas Lederer was cast in the Avenue Theatre's fall production of Bright Ideas. The show is being directed by UNC alumnus Pat Payne.

Kurt Larson is appearing in the Couerage Theatre Company's production of Failure: A Love Story in Los Angeles.

Megan Lloyd Jones has formed her own theater company in London called Spectra. Her group has performed Harry's Girls at the Rome Fringe Festival and at the Camden Fringe Festival in England.

Barry Brown is appearing in the Miner's Alley Playhouse (Golden) production of Pump Boys and Dinettes July 17 -Aug. 23.

In August Josh (Taliaferro) Archer will appear in a new musical called Far From Canterbury at the NYC Fringe Festival. After that he will work on productions for Disney Cruise Lines on the Disney Wonder.

Madison Fuller has been hired by Disney Cruise Lines to appear as Ariel, the Blue Fairy and Bo Peep on the Disney Magic.

Ryan Grassmeyer filmed another guest starring role on the Nickelodeon TV series Henry Danger.

Amanda Meltzer was hired as the new theater teacher by Central High School in Grand Junction.

Jesse William Collett accepted a position as theater teacher at Pomona High School.

UNC School of Theatre Arts and Dance faculty member Shelly Gaza co-founded the Statera Foundation to support the role of women in regional theatre. The organization just held their first National Conference in July in Cedar City, Utah.

UNC School of Theatre Arts and Dance faculty member Brian Hapcic participated in the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space in Czechoslovakia.

Arial Yoder is in Minneapolis at the Guthrie Theatre participating in A Guthrie Experience for Actors in Training, an eight-week program of classes, workshops and rehearsals designed to build a bridge between the conservatory experience and the profession. She will appear in Concrete Orange: An American Fable, an original theater piece devised by the Guthrie Experience actors and directed by program alum Randy Reyes.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on July 9, 2015.

Cashelle Butler has been cast in the national touring production of Mama Mia.

Jake Corcoran has been cast in the national touring production of Bullets Over Broadway. The show is set to tour to the Lincoln center in Fort Collins this season.

Beau Augustin has accepted a new position as the dance and drama curriculum specialist for the Denver Public Schools.

Karli Kaiser's voice can be heard in a number of national commercials, including those for Johnson's baby products.

STAD Theatre Education Professor Gillian McNally had a chapter published in the new book The Reflexive Teaching Artist, which received the Distinguished Book Award from the American Association of Theatre Educators.

Maria LeeAnne Salazar will perform on the Red Rocks Stage in July at the Global Dance Festival.

Michelle Payler has accepted a position as the drama teacher at Democracy Prep Charter High School in Harlem (NYC)

Rachel (Nelson) Gallagher performed in The Romancers July 13-15 at the Bakery in Denver.

Scott Foster shot a national television commercial for Dollar Shave.

Lincoln Hayes shot a regional television commercial for Toyota.

Mark Maxwell has been named the new artistic director of Cold Basement Dramatics in Chicago.

Judd Farmer has accepted a position as the drama teacher at Brighton High School.

Deborah Voss has accepted a position as technical director for East High School in Denver.

Victoria Matlock will be joining the Las Vegas cast of Million Dollar Quartet, playing the same role that she created on Broadway a few years ago.

Jeremiah Light is working as an actor at Timbers Playhouse Dinner Theatre in Gretna, Pennsylvania, this summer.

Bria (Pallandini) Law is in a new film called Phase Me Up, which is screening at the San Diego Comic Con on July 9.

Maya Landau and Alex Lanning are appearing in a new Off -Broadway musical called Single Wide at the Pearl Theatre in NYC. The production runs July 17-25 and is being directed by frequent UNC guest artist Jeff Whiting.

Mehry Iris Eslaminia is appearing in Guys and Dolls and Good on Paper this summer at the Creede Repertory Theatre.

Jim Miller, Andre Rodriguez and Kristin Winchester were recognized for their outstanding work last year at the Bobby G. High School Awards, which took place in May in Denver.

Goeff Kent is appearing as Iago this summer in Othello at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Nic Olson is appearing in Cabrillo Music Theatre's (Los Angeles) summer production of Oklahoma.

Austin Bell has accepted a position as an entertainment stage technician with Disney World's Hollywood Studios Park in Florida.

Abigail Palmer has accepted an offer to teach kindergarten in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.

In June, School Director David Grapes delivered his presentation "A Look at Stephen Sondheim's Musical Masterpiece Sweeney Todd Through Rose Colored Goggles" at the International Musical Educator's Conference in Perth, Australia.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on June 1, 2015.

Beth Malone was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her work in the Broadway production of Fun Home. She also performed on the Tony's telecast on June 7.

Nikki Tomlinson has been cast as Annie in the new fall NBC television series Game of Silence.

Hannah (Middleton) Hines has been cast as Sarah in the feature film Headgame, which begins filming in Illinois in July.

Brian Crawford Scott will be joining the International Tour of Disney's Beauty and the Beast in the role of Gaston.

Jodi Lynn Thomas filmed a co-starring role in the June 5 episode of the CW Network's television show Messengers.

David Bryant Johnson has been cast as Warner in a Norwegian Cruise line production of Legally Blonde.

Michael Covert has been hired on a seven-month contract as a lead singer in Mickey's Big Band Beat at Tokyo Disney.

Melissa Kidd is currently the set costumer for a new TV series Major Crimes.

Kurt Quinn is currently appearing in a national television commercial for Yelp! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ3tIaoplSM. He's also been cast in the upcoming Los Angeles production of a new play by Phillip Dawkins titled Failure, A Love Story.

Emily Johnson will play Grace in Annie this summer at the Ridge Theatre in Seattle, Washington.

Justin Lujan has accepted a position for fall 2015 as an assistant professor in the Ira Brind School of Theatre at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Deborah Curtis will be playing the Widow Paroo in the Colorado Symphony's concert production of The Music Man in September.

Javiera Pizarro has been hired as the new theatre teacher at Central High School in Grand Junction.

Mike Martinkus has been cast in the summer production of Twelfth Night at the Foothills Theatre.

Ray Seems is returning to Utah's Pickleville Playhouse to appear in The Drowsy Chaperone and a new musical titled Juanito Bandito.

Katie Campbell acted in a student film with the New York Film Academy titled "The Ex Factor."

James Rogers has accepted a position at project manager with Atomic Design in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Tom Littman is appearing this summer in Avenue Q at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre in North Carolina.

Current Musical Theatre major Rodney Holmes will appear this summer with the Thingamajig Theatre Company in Pegosa Springs, playing Terk in Tarzan, Rueben in Joseph and Rocky in Damn Yankees, and he'll be an ensemble member in Secret Garden!

The following alumni are currently appearing in the Boulder Dinner theatre production of Mary Poppins: Scott Severtson, Parker Redford, Matt LaFontaine, McKayla Marso, Brian Cronan and Amanda Earls.

Andrew Alber has been accepted into the Art Institute of Denver's Video Game Art and Design Program.

Dani Rose will be serving as dramaturge for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? for the Edge Theatre in Denver.

Jordan Manchego, currently a UNC Musical Theatre major, will be joining the cast of The Drowsy Chaperone as Aldolpho this summer with the Northglenn Players/

Annika Merkel, Sarah Dutcher and Greg Ferinelli have all been cast in the Bug Theatre's summer production of Bonnie & Clyde in Denver.

Kelly Cole has been hired as the new theatre director at Pomona High School for fall 2015.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on April 22, 2015.

Jason Watson joined the Broadway cast of the long-running hit musical Mama Mia on April 6.

Beth Malone opened Fun Home on Broadway in April to a rave review in the New York Times.

Joey Thomas is appearing in a national television commercial for Rent-a-Center.

Andrea Dora Smith will appear in Rob Zombies new movie, 31, which will be shot in Los Angeles.

Zack Twardowski has been accepted into the MFA acting program at the University of Iowa.

Keir Kirkegaard has been cast in the August production of Hair at the Sacramento Music Circus in California.

Aaron Young and Jeff Zicker have both been hired by Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre in Missouri to appear in Les Miserables and South Pacific.

Alena Watters has been cast in the new musical Ever After, directed by Broadway veteran Kathleen Marshall, and playing at The Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey May 21-June 21.

Sarah Kowalski is in the Fort Collins Town Hall Arts Center production of Memphis.

Matthew Fischer has been accepted into the Sound Designer/Audio Engineer Technical Internship Certificate Program at the Yale School of Drama for fall 2015.

Laura Norman appeared in the one-woman show Grounded at the Boulder Ensemble Theatre.

Josh Dasher has accepted the position of atmosphere entertainment facility crew chief at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida.

Blake Joseph will be playing Dickie Carter in George and Ira Gershwin's Pardon My English in Musical Tonight Off-Broadway revival in NYC.

Begin Michaels finished filming a scene on ID TV's Deadly Devotion.

James Rogers in March received the 2015 Bernhard R. Works, Frederick A. Buerki Scenic Technology Award, known as "The Golden Hammer Award," from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology.

School director David Grapes has been selected to present his paper "A Look at Sondheim's Musical Masterpiece Sweeney Todd Through Rose Colored Goggles" at the June International Music Theatre Educator's Conference in Perth, Australia.

Chris Trimboli has been hired to perform in London Rocks! this summer at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Kristi Jones has accepted a new position as the administrative coordinator for Think 360 Arts in Denver.

UNC faculty members Mary Schuttler and Gillian McNally had an article published in the digital edition of AATE's professional journal "Incite/Insight." The publication also contained production photographs by School Director David Grapes.

Keir Kirkegaard joined the Las Vegas cast of the musical Rock of Ages the role of Joey Primo in April.

Katherine Foote has been hired as an assistant director and teacher at the Aurora Fox Theatre in Denver.

Leah Nikula has been accepted into the MA Certification Program in Childhood General Education/Special Education at Hunter College in NYC.

Chelsea Ringer has been cast as Roxie Hart in Chicago and a Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls in the summer season at the Aurora Fox Theatre in Denver.

Royce Wood booked a TGI Friday's TV commercial.

Josh (Talliafero) Archer and Jenna Moll Reyes are appearing in the Aurora Fox Theatre production of She Kills Monsters. The show was directed by alumnus Jeff Kent.

Kyle Anderson signed with PS Literary to get his Doctor Who book published.

Kristen Eliza Lazzarini closed a production of The Tempest and is now in rehearsals for a production of Bash at the Hudson Theatre Works in NYC.

Michael Covert performed as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Madison White appeared in a regional TV commercial for Arbella Insurance in California.

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on March 16, 2015.

Andi Davis has been hired by Warner Brothers and DC Comics to be the next official licensed Wonder Woman. Davis also will join the cast of Singing in the Rain at San Diego Musical Theatre in May/June.

Nikki Tomlinson has been cast in a recurring guest star role on the new NBC pilot Game of Silence.

Teya Patt and Rachel Farr have joined the cast of Carrie: The Musical at La Mirada Theatre in L.A.

Jessie Datino is appearing in a production of Angels in America at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

Desiree Mee Jung Gagnon is appearing in a production of Henry IV at Antaeus Theatre in LA.

Doug Fries has been hired by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival to perform in their upcoming yearlong school tour of Southern Ohio.

Megan Van De Hey, Emily Van Fleet and Mark Lively have been cast in the Arvada Center's upcoming production of the musical A Man of No Importance.

Joey Revier has been cast in a Money Lab Project in NYC. http://www.untitledtheater.com/previous-productions/money-lab.html

Brandon Bill has been cast as the Pooh-Ba in the Empire Lyric Players' production of The Mikado.

Michael Grebe wrote and starred in a YouTube video musical parody of the Oscar nominees for Best Picture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkkzQqG97wo

Chelsea Ringer is appearing in the musical Reefer Madness at the Colorado Fine Arts Center.

Jake Offen has been accepted to the MFA Acting Program at the University of Houston.

Alex Hannah has been offered a full scholarship to the MFA Lighting Design Program at the University of Texas at Austin.

Alec Parsons has been offered a full scholarship to the MFA Theatre Technology Program at the University of Indiana.

Sam Provenzano has been accepted to the MFA Program in Theatre for Young Audiences at the University of Texas at Austin.

Greg Farinelli has been cast in the May production of Urinetown at the Bug Theatre Company in Denver.

Lauren Stearns has accepted a new position as the costumer for the Disneyland Resort in California.

Aurelia Jordon will be appearing in two short films -- "Hooker" and "Collide in 1986" -- directed by Kent Boyd (So You Think You Can Dance).

Brian Severtson and Brian Cronan are currently appearing in Forever Plaid at the Boulder Dinner Theatre.

Jess Robblee worked to facilitate the "If Not Us" Video Project as part of her educational position at Buntport Theater. View it at: http://video.cpt12.org/video/2365430805/

The following information is courtesy of STAD Director David Grapes on Feb. 7, 2015.

Erica Sweany opened the Broadway production on Honeymoon in Vegas - The Musical on Jan. 15.

Aisha Jackson is scheduled to make her Broadway debut in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on. Jan. 24.

Ryan Jesse has joined the national tour of the new musical Dirty Dancing. He joins Design Tech alumnus Kevin Riggall, who is also working on the tour.

Blake Joseph has been cast as Henry in Musicals Tonight's Off-Broadway production of the musical Whoopee at Theatre Row. The production opens March 3.

Francis Corby appeared in this year's Super Bowl commercial for Turbo Tax. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XTwbgmWRrA This is his second Super Bowl commercial in two years.

Kurt (Larson) Quinn has joined the national touring company of the Reduced Shakespeare's production of The Complete History of Comedy Abridged.

Spencer Townsend Hughes has been cast in the Australian/New Zealand tour of Walking With Dinosaurs.

William Martizez continues to perform his cabaret act aboard the Silver Whisper for the Silversea Cruise Line.

Tommy Phillips has accepted a position as a graphic designer with Reading Rainbow in L.A.

Tom Littman, Malloree Hill, Maddy Chilese, Kevin Sims, and Zach Shotwell all appeared in the Tale Told Production of Romeo and Juliet in NYC. The production was co-directed by Lynnsey (Ooten) Garegnani, with costume design by Rebecca Freund.

Amber Cook just completed filming on Disney's "Anybody Can Dance 2" in 3D. Amber was a backup dancer for the lead in the movie, Lauren Gottlieb.

Hannah Marie Hines just filmed a southern California Honda commercial. Also, Hines and alumna Andi Davis are featured in the movie Heaven Sent, which will be in theaters in early 2016.

Molly Evensen is currently appearing in a regional television commercial for Stevenson Toyota

Brandon Garegnani just completed a film titled The Lennon Report, in which he played legendary music producer David Geffen

Greg Farinelli has been cast in the March production of A Little Princess for the First Company of Colorado Springs.

Josh Rothstein just accepted a full-time teaching position at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in Pennsylvania.

Dillon Pierce accepted a teaching position at Noel Community Arts School in Denver.

Current Theatre Education major Olivia Newman has been selected to be an intern at the May One Theatre World Conference at DePaul University in Chicago.

Rachel (Richards) Farr has been cast as Norma in Carrie: The Musical at La Mirada Theatre in L.A.

Kate (Campbell) Astin just filmed a television commercial for Fugate Ford of Enumclaw, Washington. http://vimeo.com/112339537

John Brennecke has been hired as a production assistant on the television series NCIS: New Orleans.

Continue reading at http://www.unco.edu/news/releases.aspx?id=6307

UNC Junior Awarded Inaugural Meteorology Scholarship

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 06:00:00 GMT

Angel Enriquez, a junior meteorology major at the University of Northern Colorado, was named the first recipient of the Johnathan Skinner Meteorology/Media Studies-Journalism Scholarship.

The award honors UNC meteorology alumnus Johnathan Skinner, whose passion for learning about and sharing weather science through various media inspired a generation of students, faculty, and professionals. Skinner also filmed the UNC football team during his undergraduate years and was beloved by the athletic community as well.

So far the scholarship has been funded mostly by UNC meteorology and football alumni, family members, and other professionals whose lives Jonathan touched before he passed away just a few years ago. UNC Meterology Alumnus Jonathan Meyer spearheaded the establishment of the Skinner Scholarship.

UNC Freshman Receives Prestigious Meteorology Scholarship

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 06:00:00 GMT

University of Northern Colorado freshman Tristan Irish received a national scholarship from the American Meteorological Society.

The two-year AMS Undergraduate Scholarship, sponsored by Vasaila Inc., provides a total of $5,000 for freshman and sophomore years for students studying atmospheric, oceanic or hydrologic sciences. Travel support is also provided to attend the AMS conference during the junior year.

Irish, of Salina, Kansas, majors in Earth Science with an emphasis in Meteorology. He joins fellow students attending the likes of Harvard and Stanford who also received the AMS scholarship this year.

UNC Alumni Among Professionals Recognized by BizWest Media

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 06:00:00 GMT

Seven outstanding University of Northern Colorado alumni have been named among Northern Colorado's top 40 young professionals under 40 by BizWest Media. The emerging leaders will be recognized for making a difference in their companies, industries and communities at a special ceremony from 5:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Fort Collins Country Club. UNC alumni honorees include:

Brad Inhulsen ('12), Broker Associate/Owner, Sears Real Estate
Kelli Johnson ('01), Public Information Manager, High Plains Library District
Kelly McBartlett ('05), Partner/Broker Associate, The Group Inc.
Melissa McDonald ('09), Agent/Owner, State Farm
Elias Quinonez ('09, '12), College Counselor, Colorado Department of Higher Education
Sara Seely ('04), Business Development, First National Bank
Ashley Valenzuela-Ruesgen ('11), Business Outreach and Internship Coordinator, Aims Community College

For more information visit http://fortyunderforty.com.

Students Earn Monfort College of Business Dean's Citation for Excellence

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 06:00:00 GMT

The following students earned the Dean's Citation for Academic Excellence in the Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado for the 2015 summer semester.

To qualify for the citation, business majors must attain a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the semester.

Cline, Jennifer
Dubberly, Nicholas
Dubberly, Mark
Galyardt, Emily
Garland, Zachary
Green, Cadi
Holesinger, Jessica
Horst, Lauren
Kinney, Alexander
Lederman, Kelsie
Lemmon, Amber
Liming, Hayley
Miller, Sarah
Munn, David
O'Neil, Caitlyn
Ruesgen, David
Schreiner, Jeffrey
Skoglund, Renee
Vrattos, Alec

Colorado Rockies Draft Bears Outfielder

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 06:00:00 GMT

Vote for UNC as Region’s Top Outdoor School

Wed, 27 May 2015 06:00:00 GMT

Many University of Northern Colorado students, alumni, faculty and staff are outdoor enthusiasts and now they can vote for UNC as the region's top outdoor school in a college basketball-type tournament bracket.

Elevation Outdoors Magazine, based in Boulder, is sponsoring a 32-school "Top Adventure College Tournament" in an NCAA basketball-type tournament bracket competition.

The initial 32 colleges and universities were selected for their outdoor clubs and curricula, their commitment to outdoor and environmental initiatives, the quality of their outdoor athletes and programs and their opportunities for adventure.

Colleges and universities meet in head-to-head match-ups in a 32-school bracket. In each contest, the school receiving the most votes advances to the next round. Larger schools with over 11,000 students go head-to-head on one side of the bracket, while smaller schools with fewer than 11,000 students square off on the other side. The finalists from each side face off in a David-meets-Goliath championship to determine the best outdoor school.

The online competition started May 11, and each week's winners advance to the tournament's next round. To vote for UNC, visit www.elevationoutdoors.com/top-adventure-college.

UNC is on the large-school side of the bracket and is paired with San Juan College (Farmington, New Mexico), in the opening round.

Other colleges in the competition are: Adams State University; Boise State University; Colorado College; Colorado Mesa University; Colorado Mountain College; Colorado State University; Fort Lewis College; Grand Canyon University; Metropolitan State University; Montana State University; Naropa University; Northern Arizona University; and Red Rocks Community College.

Also, Regis University; Rocky Mountain College; San Juan College; Sierra Nevada College; Southern Utah University; University of Arizona; University of Colorado-Boulder; University of Colorado-Colorado Springs; University of Colorado-Denver; University of Denver; University of Idaho; University of Nevada; University of Utah; University of Wyoming; Western State Colorado University; and Westminster College.

Elevation Outdoors Magazine is a free outdoor adventure lifestyle publication.