The annual picnic was particularly meaningful to Alumni Association staff and volunteers who were eager to welcome students and their families into the Ram Family. The excitement a new school year brings and the pride that comes from passing Ram traditions on to the next generation of alumni makes it a “would not miss” annual event for many former graduates.

“It’s a great way to give back to the University,” alumnus Bill Woods (B.S. ‘58) explains, “and at the same time it’s rewarding to see what’s going on here on campus and see the quality of the incoming class of young men and women.” Woods, a retired United States Army colonel, is a life member of the Alumni Association. He and his wife Jan met at Colorado State University as students and are dedicated to their alma mater and the new generation of Rams.

Woods, along with other Alumni Association volunteers, enjoy meeting each new group of students and understand that Ram Welcome can be an emotional time as families watch one of their own step into the next stage of their lives. It’s especially emotional for the students. “CSU felt like home when I visited,” said Kylie Morse Norfolk, a freshman from Nebraska. “At convocation, with everyone around you and everyone participating together, it feels like we’re a family.” Grace Feist said she felt the same way. “CSU is a really supportive community that makes me feel like I’ve found my home away from home.”

The CSU Alumni Association takes pride in helping create that welcoming atmosphere. “It is so important for our students, especially each new class of Rams, to know that their Alumni Association is here for them,” said Kristi Bohlender (B.S. ’93, M.B.A. ’95), executive director of CSU’s Alumni Association. “For us, these moments are about celebrating pride, tradition, diversity, and relationships. Our commitment to them starts when they become students and continues long after they graduate and continue their journey.”