Have you recently celebrated a wedding, baby, new job, promotion, or honor? Been published, moved into a new home, or welcomed a grandchild? Share your news with the CSU alumni family by submitting a class note. Approved class notes will be published here and in CSU Magazine.
1960s
Sandy (B.A., ‘68) and Phil Davis (B.S., ‘68) retired to Summit County a few years ago to Nordic ski and bike. Phil was professor and head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The couple also lived in Saskatchewan, Canada; Southampton, England; New York, and Illinois. The Davis’ also enjoyed biking the passes of the Rockies and competing in national and international competitions. They are parents of six and grandparents of 10.
1970s
Will Gordon (M.Ed., ‘77) and his wife, Kris, (B.S., ‘93) moved back to Colorado after many years away and now reside in Parker. A major part of their return was their children, Nevin and Shane. They’re also here to help out Kris’ mother, who lives in Centennial. They feel great to be back in Colorado and are astounded to see how it’s changed over 22 years.
Dr. Marcia Bankirer (B.S., ’74; B.A., ‘74) and Bob Bankirer (B.A., ‘74) will celebrate their 50th anniversary in September.
1980s
Nikki Dempsey (B.S., ‘88) recently accepted a position with Mesa Labs as the Global Sales Manager of the Renal Care division. Mesa Labs is headquartered in Lakewood and is the market leading provider of calibration medical devices for the dialysis industry. Dempsey’s daughter, Ava Kerzic, graduated from CSU in May 2023 with a degree in Graphic Design and Media Studies.
1990s
Jill Haymaker (B.A., ‘92) is a full-time author of western contemporary romances set in the mountains of Colorado and Montana. Last month, she published her latest novel, Montana Pines Spring Forward. Haymaker’s books all contain themes of hope and second chances. Many of her characters are in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. She is currently working on her 30th book.
Kelly Kennedy (B.A., ‘97) serves as the managing editor of The War Horse, a nonprofit newsroom providing long-form and investigative military and veteran news. She co-authored two upcoming books: The Unit: My Life Fighting Terrorists as One of America’s Most Secret Military Operatives, with co-author Adam Gamal, out January 2024; and Queen of Cuba: An FBI Agent’s Insider Account of the Spy Who Evaded Detection for 17 Years, with co-author Peter Lapp, out November 2023. Kennedy also married neurologist Jonathan Ross in October at The Lincoln Cottage in Washington, D.C.
2000s
Paul Smith (B.S., ‘01) was selected by the U.S. Army to do a one-year fellowship at Princeton University.
Jeffrey Stein (M.F.A., ‘01) was elected as Mary Baldwin University’s 10th president. Stein was introduced at a special community gathering on April 14 in the James D. Francis Auditorium on MBU’s main campus. Stein brings more than 30 years of higher education experience to Mary Baldwin across academic, student engagement, and administrative areas of university life.
Amir Yazdani (B.A., ‘04) is a stand-up comedy producer, comedian, and, now, first-time author. Belly Laughs: Jokes for Kids is an inclusive and warm-hearted illustrated joke book for kids. With clever riddles, jokes, and one-liners, the joke book keeps friends and family laughing cover-to-cover and back again. It’s perfect for kids learning to read and budding stand-up comedians. The humor is memorable, creating those family experiences kids and parents will cherish as they grow. A portion of the proceeds from each book sold is donated to the Hydrocephalus Association.
2010s
Beau Brittenham (B.S., ‘12) met Cory Jennings (B.S., ‘13) while they were both completing their degrees in Construction Management. After working for others, the friends decided to form Poudre Construction, a full-service commercial general contractor. The company is true to their values and utilizes their skill sets. Based in Loveland, they pride themselves on building positive relationships with clients, architects, and engineers to ensure mutual project success.
Gayle Curtin (M.Ed., ‘16) retired in 2021. Since then, she has published a book on general liability underwriting called My Thoughts Exactly!, developed a website, and started writing a weekly blog. She is currently working on her second book, a novella based on a two-year period in her life.
Ryan Smith (B.A., ‘19) will attend Iowa State in August to participate in the kinesiology Ph.D. program.
In Memoriam
Faculty and Staff
Cindy Luna-Lefebre
Friends
Peter Brockwell, Ph.D.
Frederick Collins
Sandy Fletcher
Toni Fletcher
Tommy Orr
Toby Turner
1950s
Donald Bright, Jr. (B.S., ’57)
George Nelson (B.S., ’57; M.Ed., ’67)
Eleanor Phillips (B.S., ‘57)
1960s
James Lenters (B.A., ‘69)
Judith Thomas (B.S., ‘69)
1970s
Robert Stevens (Ph.D.; ’71)
Peter Gross (B.S., ’72)
Dorothy Brujok (B.A., ‘77)
Richard Djokic (B.A., ‘77)
1980s
Lisa Bush (B.F.A., ’85)
1990s
Thomas McGrath (B.A., ’90)
Shane Lloyd (B.S., ’96; M.S., ’01)
2000s
Paige Tomberlin (B.S., ’19)
