The Alumni Engagement team and Office of Advancement are proud to announce the Fort Lewis College Alumni Award winners. This program honors graduates and staff who have distinguished themselves in their careers and impacted FLC and society through outstanding professional, philanthropic, and volunteer service.
Alumni who inspire the world through philanthropy and service to their community.
Alumni who have distinguished themselves through professional accomplishments.
Outstanding faculty or staff member for dedication to lasting relationships with students and alumni.
Alumni (graduated >10 years) significantly giving to society through professional or philanthropic work.
Outstanding alumni who have significantly impacted the FLC community.
Jennifer (Jenn) Yazzie won the Rising Star Award for her exceptional research, leadership, and service achievements. Jenn is a doctoral student at Utah State University and aspires to improve mental health within Indigenous communities. Her research on historical trauma among Native populations earned her recognition, including the Nancy Karlin Graduate Research Award. Actively involved with the Society of Indian Psychologists and the National Multicultural Summit, Jenn also mentors Indigenous students, guiding various programs. She was named a predoctoral fellow by the American Psychological Association. She received SIP’s Distinguished Student Award—Jenn’s accomplishments and dedication to service embody the qualities of a future leader in psychology.
–Nominated by Megan Wrona, Ph.D. associate professor of Psychology
Dave Markham received the Alumni Achievement Award for his distinguished career and dedication to Fort Lewis College. During his tenure at Lockheed Martin Space, he held key leadership roles, including Vice President of Advanced Programs and Strategy, exemplifying the innovation and leadership cultivated at FLC. He has been an active member and Chair of the Business Advisory Council, where he led the creation of the Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation, supporting local businesses. Dave’s professional contributions and commitment to the college community make him deserving of this honor.
–Nominated by Elveta Bishop, former co-chair of the Business Advisory Council, Katz School of Business.
Dr. Michael Valdez won the Faculty & Staff Service Award for his exceptional efforts in fostering connections between Fort Lewis College and its alumni. As Co-Director of the Hawk Tank Business Plan Competition, he expanded the program to include a track for recent alumni, providing crucial support for young entrepreneurs. Collaborating with the Office of Alumni Engagement and Advancement, Michael secured funding and participants, with the Erteszek Family Foundation sponsoring the top prize. His efforts have empowered FLC entrepreneurs and strengthened ties within the community, leading to significant donations and partnerships. Michael’s dedication extends beyond Hawk Tank as he continues to mentor students and alumni, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to their success.
–Nominated by Lorraine L. Taylor, Ph.D.. associate professor of Management
Matthew Campbell, a 2004 Fort Lewis College alumni and enrolled member of the Native Village of Gambell, won the Community Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions as Deputy Director at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). Over the past decade, Matt has championed Native American rights through legal advocacy. Notable achievements include his support for Senate Bill S.B. 23-202, enabling Native American students to wear traditional regalia at graduations, and his involvement in significant cases like the successful opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline and the protection of Bears Ears National Monument. His work has had a profound impact on Native communities at state and federal levels and has inspired Fort Lewis College students, embodying the spirit of leadership and service.
–Nominated by Joslynn Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of Chemistry, and Kendra Gallegos Reichle, director of Student Well-Being
Thad Trujillo won the Service to FLC Award for his outstanding contributions as an alumnus. A former star quarterback and FLC Hall of Fame inductee, Thad has carried his leadership from the field into his professional and volunteer roles. Thad’s expertise has been invaluable as a realtor, particularly in securing significant real estate donations for FLC through his service on the Foundation Board and Gift Planning Advisory Council. His hands-on approach and dedication have been crucial, and he remains a vital supporter of Skyhawk Athletics. Alongside his wife, Dr. Jenni Trujillo, Dean of the School of Education, he continues to deepen their ties to FLC, exemplifying the impact dedicated alumni can have on their alma mater.
–Nominated by Melissa Mount, vice president of Advancement and CEO of Fort Lewis College Foundation, and Dave Kerns, principal gifts officer of the Fort Lewis College Foundation
Read more about last year's winners