During the 2022-23 academic year, we are highlighting one Colorado State University student or alum from each of Colorado’s 64 counties. The Centennial State’s land grant university has a connection to the diverse lands and people from the counties of Moffat to Baca, Montezuma to Sedgwick and everywhere in between.

Amber (Pennell) Ring

Major: Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies (2015); Master’s in Early Childhood Education (2016)

Why I chose CSU: Fort Collins has a small-town feel, even though it is way bigger than the town I grew up in! The people on campus were friendlier compared to other campuses I toured.

My favorite thing about CSU: I loved that there were always opportunities to socialize and build community. Any day of the week there were events going on, whether they were celebrations, fundraisers, clubs, gym classes, sporting events, etc.

Clubs/organizations in college: Ram Welcome; Res Life; Alpha Delta Chi sorority; Panhellenic

Favorite achievement in high school or college: Being a first-generation graduate and making lifelong friendships.

Career goals: I’m currently living out my career goals! I’m in my eighth year of teaching kindergarten. I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be.

Favorite course(s): I really loved HDFS 101. The professor was friendly and made me realize I’d like to pursue education as a career. A few years later, I had a child psych course that was absolutely fascinating to me as well.

I’d like to thank: My parents for making it possible for me to be a first generation college student.

Favorite NOCO food and hangouts: Cafe Mexicali; Jax sushi; New Belgium; Lucky Joe’s

What’s your favorite CSU tradition: I don’t think it’s allowed anymore, but I loved the tradition of throwing girls in the air at football games! Some of the best times of my life.

Quirky fact about you: I have 6 chickens!

What do you tell people from Clear Creek County about CSU: I have nothing but good things to say about CSU. I tell them there’s a great community that will help them get out there and learn to grow as their own person.

Something people should know about Clear Creek County: Beau Jo’s Pizza originated in Idaho Springs.

Biggest adversity you’ve overcome at CSU: CSU introduced me to the idea of mental health care. I was able to become more knowledgeable about mental well-being and how to achieve that.