Class Notes
Alumni

Alumnus Joy Barrett was crowned as the 88th annual Pioneer Day queen in Norwood CO. Joy has strong roots in the area, starting with her grandfather's journey from Lithuania to Hesperus CO. Although she was born in Idaho during the Great Depression, her family returned to Hesperus where she attended Fort Lewis College and met her husband Bill. Joy now shares her life and family history with others in hopes of helping others understand what life was like. Continue reading more here. 

Local Fort Lewis College alumnus Nicholas Sandner '10 has been named as 2024's Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year by Colorado State Thespians. Continue reading more here...

Learn more about Sandner by watching local news story here 

Fort Lewis College alumna Camille Keith (Engineering '22) has played a pivotal role in bringing solar power to remote parts of the Navajo Nation and was recently honored as the inaugural Marathon Solar Fellow. Learn more about how her work and the VAP Solar Initiative are transforming communities and advancing renewable energy efforts Continue reading here. 

Inspiring Fort Lewis College alumnus and passionate social justice advocate Kate Suazo (Psychology '17), has been appointed as the inaugural Director of Belonging at FLC. Learn how she is shaping the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and beyond, creating a place where everyone feels valued and empowered here. 

Alumni-owned business 5280 Custom Framing was given a proclamation from the Mayor's Office naming Aug. 3 as 5280 Custom Framing Day! Jarrod Perrott (English, Communication '03) opened the shop at 1538 15th Street on this day 15 years ago, and, as the Proclamation notes, has been a vital member of LoDo ever since, committed to and caring for his community.

Well-known local artist Drew Litton drew a cartoon commemorating the anniversary of the shop, which is the official framer for our sports teams Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Mammoth, and Colorado Rapids. Remember too that 5280 Custom Framing consistently wins 5280 Magazine's Top of the Town and People's Choice awards for framing and for all-around customer service.

Learn more about 5280 Custom Framing Here

Elisa Phelps (Southwest Studies, '81),  has been named Head of Curatorial Affairs at The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe, NM. "Phelps brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in Native American art and culture, and her leadership is set to enhance the museum's mission of preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Native American Communities." 

Read more about Phelps and her new position here.

Paul Bernatis (Chemistry, '86), has been awarded the prestigious Dupont Pedersen Award. This award is given to individuals who have showcased outstanding achievements in their respective fields. Receiving this award shows the passion, dedication, and significant impact Paul has made in the world of Chemistry. 

Learn more here

FLC alumnus Thomas Donley '07 had a press release for his organization, the Walls Project. This project is distinguished nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down societal walls that discourage or prevent people from living safe, healthy, and prosperous lives. Originally a Baton-Rouge based organization this project has expanded its presence to the Durango and Colorado area.

The press release announced that the organization was awarded $6 million dollars as part of the U.S. Forests Services' investment made possible by this administration's Inflation Reduction Act. This grant will help plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in cities, town, and suburbs where more than 84% of Americans live, work, and play.

Learn more at about the Walls Project at https://www.thewallsproject.org 

Learn more about the grant at https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-and/urban-forests/ucf/2023-grant-funding