Alumni Fellows Program honors distinguished alumni during Undergraduate Symposium week

In its inaugural year, the Alumni Fellows Program is honoring 21 Fort Lewis College graduates for their notable careers and professional accomplishments. Each Department and their dean selected an outstanding graduate for the Fellows program. These Fellows will be joining the pantheon of the most distinguished among FLC's 27,000-plus alumni who have been honored throughout the years. 

“The Alumni Fellows awards program is really a celebration of alumni achievements,” says Krista Loken Knott, director of alumni engagement. “Fort Lewis College is proud of our graduates, and they deserved to be recognized.”   

This year’s fellows include:

• Alexander C. Oliszewski (Theatre, ‘02) of Columbus, Ohio
• Andrina Starika (Marketing, 04) of Parker, Colorado
• Chelsea Flaming (Art & Design, ‘11) of San Diego, California
• Cody Johnston     (Economics, ‘09) of Durango, Colorado
• David Markham (Business Administration, ‘85) of Castle Rock, Colorado
• David Trautner (Geosciences, ‘83) of Hesperus, Colorado
• Edward Holman (Physics & Engineering, ‘14) of Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Elveta Bishop (Accounting, ‘76) of Tijeras, New Mexico
• Jennifer Stark    (Sociology, ‘97) of Durango, Colorado
• Jennifer Trujillo (Teacher Education, ‘93) of Durango, Colorado
• Joanna Gordon Casey (Physics & Engineering, ‘07) of Durango, Colorado
• Julie Levy Duvall (Political Science, ‘05) of Denver, Colorado
• Kelsey Lansing    (Native American & Indigenous Studies, ‘16) of Cortez, Colorado
• Kenneth D. Heil (Biology, ‘66) of Farmington, New Mexico
• Kevin Gingras (Philosophy, ‘00) of Alexandria, Virginia
• Marshall Masayesva (Adventure Education, ‘14) of Hotevilla, Arizona
• Max Fields (Environmental Studies, ‘15) of Durango, Colorado
• McCarren Caputa (Psychology, ‘02) of Norfolk, Virginia
• Michael Testa (Health Sciences, ‘97) of Durango, Colorado
• Russell Thompson (History, ‘93) of Albuquerque, New Mexico
• William B. Tsosie (Anthropology, ‘07) of Chinle, Arizona

Each of these Fellows have distinguished themselves in their professional field, have made significant contributions to their communities, and are well-respected by colleagues and their communities. Knott said this celebration provides the opportunity for alumni and students to interact and connect with each other, as well as their departments. 

Fellows will be hosted in classes in their respective departments on April 17 and then celebrated at a gala event on April 18. Fellows will also attend the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Symposium on April 18 to share their expertise and connect with students and faculty.

“This is a holistic celebration and engagement opportunity for alumni and students on campus,” says Knott.

The Symposium, FLC’s premiere showcase of student research and scholarship, will be all day April 18 and free and open to the public. Presentations will cover a wide range of topics, from biology, chemistry and engineering to music, art and theatre. Students will be presenting their work in both the Student Union Ballroom and Vallecito Room. The presentations will run from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m, including a poster presentation from 12:45 to 2 p.m. in the Student Life Center. Students will be able to speak one-on-one about their work with visitors. The symposium wraps up with a closing gala at 4:15 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

“Students are already showing their best during the undergraduate research symposium and interacting with the Fellows will expand their expectations for themselves,” says Knott. “I love this interaction and alumni getting to show students all the different positive outcomes that can happen once they graduate.”

For the Symposium schedule and to learn more about undergraduate research, visit www.fortlewis.edu/undergraduate-research.