Highlander Hosts
Meet our group of Student Ambassadors, also known as "Highlander Hosts!" These students are from across the country and represent a variety of majors and interests. Scroll down to find out their involvement on campus and in the community. Join Western's very own social networking site, Western Summit, to read blogs, check out events, discussion postings, and just to see what a day in the life of a Western student is really like!
2009-2010 Highlander Hosts
Mariam Azimi
Junior
Hometown: Fort Morgan, CO
Major: Exercise & Sports Science
Emphasis: Clinical Track
Favorite spot on campus: Behind the Aspinall-Wilson Center because it's quiet and a great place to study.
Western is the right fit for me because... it has the classes to prepare me for my goal of getting into Physical Therapy school.
One thing that surprised me most about Western after arriving here was... how friendly everyone is!
"I love the small classes and the connection you can make with the professors."
Lacey Chavira
Senior
Hometown: Fort Morgan, CO
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies - Elementary Education
Areas of campus involvement: Lacey is a member of the symphony and chamber orchestras. In the past she worked for Western’s education department and has been on the teacher education seach committee.
Random fact: She starred as Belle in the Beauty and the Beast musical.
Favorite thing to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Go to the lake (Blue Mesa), hike and go to the movie theatre.
Favorite spot on campus: The courtyard out in front of Taylor Hall because it shows the true beauty of our campus.
Why she chose Western State College: The ability to play in the orchestra and to get an amazing education.
Jordan Cooper
Senior
Hometown: Dillon, CO
Majors: English & History
Areas of campus involvement: Jordan used to run for the Cross Country Team and she is a history tutor. She also works at the Writing Center and is involved with the Honors Program. Jordan's high academic standards have allowed her to be a member of the English Honor Society, the History Honor Society, and the Academic Leadership Program.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison or Crested Butte: The Bakery (in Crested Butte), after skiing you can’t beat $1.00 slices of pizza!
I chose Western because...I could run for WSC, be in the band, be in the Honors Program, and ski!
What is your favorite thing to do in the Gunnison/Crested Butte area: Ski and mountain bike.
"Where else can you go where your teachers could be sitting next to you on the ski lift?!?"
Hannah Cottier
Sophomore
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Major: Business Administration (Marketing)
Minors: Art & Outdoor Leadership & Resort Management
Areas of campus involvement: Member of Western State Mountain Rescue Team, on the Freeskiing Team and the Hockey Team
Western is the right fit for me because... I love being outside and I learn so much better in small, personal classroom environments.
One thing that surprised me most about Western after arriving here was...how much there actually is to do. If you are creative and active, you will NEVER be bored!
The one Western experience I will always remember will be... The friends and family bonds that have come from the amazing group of people on the WSC Mountain Rescue Team.
"There are so too many opportunities here at the school as well as in the Valley to do anything you can imagine!"
Trish DeLong
Senior
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Major: Sociology (Criminal Justice)
Minor: Philosophy
Areas of campus involvement: Trish is a Residential Advisor, an Academic Leadership Scholarship recipient and is involved with Student Government Association.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Go camping, tubing, play frisbee, ice block, snowboard, hang out with friends, walk around town, and star gaze with friends at Pioneer Point.
Favorite WSC tradition: The lighting of the “W” and the homecoming football game. Oh, and the Christmas tree, even though that’s more of a Gunnison thing than a Western thing.
One thing that surprised me most about Western after arriving here was.... that I could survive the cold!
"Western is great because everyone here is so laid back, nice and accepting.
I also love the fact that you get to know just about everyone the more time you spend here. It’s like one big family. "
Reid Edwards
Senior
Hometown: Lafayette, CA
Major: Business Administration
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/Crested Butte: The Lobar in Crested Butte. Great sushi and we aren't even in a coastal state!
Favorite spot on campus: The Borick Business Building because the chairs are amazingly comfortable.
One thing that sets Western apart from other colleges is... the altitude! Moving from 24 ft. above sea level to Gunnison was a BIG change.
The one Western experience I will always remember will be...running into a professor at City Market and then trading cooking tips.
"There is really no other college like Western. From the diverse student body to the enthusiastic faculty, not to mention the location, there is nothing more you could want."
Grace Eggleston
Sophomore
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Major: Communications
Minor: Business Administration
Areas of campus involvement: Grace runs Cross Country for WSC and is in the Honors Program. She is also a member of the Student Advisory Board, the Snowboard Club, and the Academic Leadership Program.Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Snowboard!! That is by far my favorite, but I also like mountain biking, skiing, and going to the river to cliff jump.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Ginger Cafe in CB because it offers a lot of unique, but healthy choices.
Favorite spot on campus: Taylor Lawn - it is a fun spot to hang out with friends or do homework in the sun.
"The one Western experience I will always remember will be the personalized attention I received from my professors. They encouraged me to push myself and that will forever help me."
Heidi Foytik
Junior
Hometown: Phillips, WI
Majors: Business Administration & Outdoor Leadership & Resort Management
Favorite spot on campus: Heidi loves sitting in the upstairs portion of the Borick Business Building to study. According to Heidi, sitting drinking coffee and looking out the windows overlooking the mountains is amazing!
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: I love being able to bike on the quiet back roads of Gunnison where the only loud sound is the breeze.
One thing that surprised me most about Western after arriving here was... how the need for shipping and material things fades away. I ended up caring more about what really matters in life.
The one Western experience I will always remember will be... When my car was stuck in the snow in the parking lot and two random strangers grabbed my shovel and dug me out.
Ciera Glenn
Junior
Hometown: Wenatchee, WA
Major: Business Administration (Marketing)
Minor: Economics
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: When there isn’t snow on the ground you can usually find Ciera mountain biking and camping. When there is snow of course she is out skiing.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/Crested Butte: The Secret Stash in C.B. is my favorite restaurant by far. The Figalicious pizza is epic!
Why she chose Western State College: I first came to Western to compete on the NCAA ski team but when it was discontinued, I choose to come back because I enjoyed so much more than just the ski team.
Favorite WSC tradition: Homecoming overall is an awesome week but I especially like when the “W” on the mountain is lit on fire.
One thing I learned about myself since coming to Western is... I really do have a group I fit into!.
"The relaxed atmosphere yet active town is just perfect for me. "
Austin Gollobith
Senior
Hometown: Walden, CO
Major: Exercise & Sport Science
Minors: Coaching & Psychology
Areas of campus involvement: Austin is a member of the Western State College Track Team. He also works two jobs for the school, volunteers with the youngsters, and participates in intramural sports.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Get out and do what we do; recognize we're in the best part of Colorado and live it up!
Favorite WSC tradition: The chest and belly painting for athletic events. Gotta love what you started.
One thing I learned about myself since coming to Western is... you do change, you grow, mature, and experience some amazing things.
Fred Gross 
Sophomore
Hometown: Santa Fe, NM
Major: Outdoor Leadership & Resort Management
Favorite thing to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: I love to fish, hike, climb, hunt, and find lost people (he's a member of WSC's Mountain Search and Rescue Team).
I chose Western because... it felt very friendly and welcoming along with what the area has to offer.
One thing that surprised me about Western after arriving here was... how active everyone is.
"Western is the only place a person can go from a mountain summit to class in an hour's time."
James Haag 
Sophomore
Hometown: Grand Junction, CO
Major: Petroleum Geology
Minor: Math
Involvement on campus: James is really involved with WSC's music program as he is in five different music groups. He is also an Academic Leadership Program Scholar, and is involved with KWSB, Western's radio station. He is considering becoming involved with Program Council and is looking forward to tutoring you in the Math Tutoring Center.
Western is the right fit for me because... Western gave me the chance to study what I want and have room for involvement in my other interests.
The one Western experience I will always remember will be... There was a basketball game and I was in Varsity Band. The Director calls out "Iron Man" and I was playing the guitar part, once I started the famous well known guitar part, the whole crowd turned around and cheered me on.
"Western is like a foyer, once you get in, there are endless doors leading to great opportunities and experiences."
Jess Hadford
Junior
Hometown: Nederland, CO
Major: Exercise & Sport Science & Psychology
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison/CB: The Gunnisack, they have the best burgers in town and the best dessert EVER!
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Ride my bike to the river or go out to the lake with friends.
Favorite spot on campus: The track, it’s where I can do what I love and clear my mind. (Jess is a Track runner for WSC).
The one Western experience I will always remember will be….living in the dorms my freshman year.
Jill Hall 
Senior
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Major: Art (Graphic Design)
Areas of campus involvement: Jill loves to go to the Free Movie Nights in the Student Center and is on the Residence Life and Pathfinder Magazine staffs.
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Playing in the river, cliff jumping, enjoying the sun and snow, skiing, and making snow angels.
Favorite WSC tradition: Lighting of the “W” during Homecoming.
Western is the right fit for me because… I am a laid back person that enjoys the outdoors. Also, the Art Program here is a great fit too!
"I have found Western to be a home away from home. Students, professors and community members are all really friendly."
Tiffani Jones 
Junior
Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Major: Business- Management
Minor: Art & Music
Involvement on campus: Tiffani is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Program Council, and hopefully CMENC this year.
Favorite WSC tradition: The Pond-Skiing, it's so funny to watch!
The one Western experience I will always remember will be… My first time mountain biking. I was terrible.
Western is the right fit for me because... I love the outdoors and the relaxed atmosphere.
"Western is completely unique!"
Josh King
Junior
Hometown: Grand Junction, CO
Major: Math
Minor: Education Licensure
Involvement on campus: Josh is the VP for the Baseball club, he is a math grader and tutor, and is an intramural participant.
Random Fact: Josh took a semester and studied abroad in Ireland.
The one Western experience I will always remember will be… My first home baseball game when like 200 people showed up to watch.
Favorite spot on campus: The Escalante Fitness Center. It’s a place to get away from it all, without going anywhere.
"This is the best place to spend your 4 years of college."
Danielle Lauridsen
Sophomore
Hometown: Ft. Collins, CO
Major: Chemistry
Involvement on campus: Women’s snowboarding club, overnight hosting, and intramural sports.
Random Fact: I RODEO! I team rope and breakaway rope and won the breakaway this year for the whole State of Colorado!
Western is the right fit for me because… I am happy and satisfied with every part of my life here. It just feels right!
One thing that surprised me most about Western after arriving here was… the winter wasn’t that bad. Once it’s cold, it’s all the same.
"Western is so great. You can walk anywhere on campus in less than 10 minutes."
Shea Lewis
Sophomore
Hometown: Montrose, CO
Major: Art – Graphic Design Emphasis
Favorite spot on campus: Taylor lawn because there is always something going on and people to see.
Random Fact: I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 19.
Western is the right fit for me because…The classes are small and the professors know my name.
I chose Western because… It was within my budget and the Art Program is amazing.
"Western has a great campus with a lot to offer students. Classes are great and there are no teacher’s assistants here."
Gabby Michna
Junior/Senior
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Art (Graphic Design)
Minor: Business Administration
Favorite spot on campus: Anywhere that a tree creates shade on Taylor Hill. It’s wonderful for reading.
Favorite thing to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Ride my townie, long board around town, climb, and of course ski.
Why she chose Western: I have always loved Colorado. I have been coming here every year since I was 7. Skiing was just a plus, but how beautiful it’s turned out is truly a dream come true.
"Whether I am waking up to a winter wonderland every morning or laying on the beautiful grass outside Taylor Hall embracing the sun and fantastic scenery, I thoroughly look forward to waking up every morning to a new adventure that this amazing town and school has to offer me."
Rodney Moyer
Sophomore
Hometown: Grand Junction, CO
Majors: Politics and Government
Western is the right fit for me because… of all of the outdoor activities.
One thing I learned about myself since coming to Western is…I love Ultimate Frisbee.
I chose Western because… of the location!
After graduation, I plan to… go to law school.
The one Western experience I will always remember will be…the ghost of Taylor Hall.
"No one takes care of their students like Western."
Maria Perko
Junior
Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Major: Biology (Pre-Allied Health)
Minor: Chemistry
Areas of campus involvement: Maria is in her third year as a Academic Leadership Program recipient. She is also involved with Tri-Beta (Biological Honor Society), The Lower Room, Campus Ministry, is a Student Caller for the Admissions Office, and participates in intramural sports.
Random fact: I played guitar and sang for a bluegrass band last semester.
One thing that sets Western apart from other colleges is… its small class size gives it a “private school” feel because you get so much personal attention from your professors.
I chose Western because… of the outstanding natural science departments.
"Together, Western State and Gunnison share a strong sense of community. Students here love the friendly atmosphere that you can only get while living in a small mountain town."
Abby Plegge
Junior
Hometown: Parker, CO
Major: Exercise and Sport Science (K-12 Physical Education)
Favorite things to do in Gunnison/Crested Butte: Cliff jumping out at Blue Mesa Lake, fishing and waterskiing.
Areas of involvement: Abby volunteers with Partners (a local youth support organization), and participates in intramural sports.
Why she chose Western: Small town and school, beautiful atmosphere, which provides lots of opportunities to get involved.
Favorite spot on campus: Mountaineer Bowl and Paul Wright Gymnasium because it’s where the students come together and create positive energy to represent Western.
"I hold no regrets for choosing Western because of the amazing experiences and opportunities I have had so far."
Dixie Riddle
Sophomore
Hometown: Missoula, MT
Major: Communication and Theatre (Theatre)
Areas of campus involvement: Dixie is a member of Council for Creative Expression and a Student Director of Theatre. She was also a Design Editor and writer for Top O'the World (WSC's student newspaper). As you can see, she is a devoted actress at Western and in the Gunnison community.
Western is the right fit for me because….I have the potential here to change, develop and get people excited about the theatre program.
Why she chose Western: Because of the SNOW!
One thing that surprised me most about Western after arriving here was... the fun lifestyles outside of the classroom.
Favorite spot on campus: The library. The building is beautiful and it’s always full of students. It makes studying easier and way more fun!
"The best part about Western is….Everything about Western! Opportunities are endless, the people are incredible and best of all, the snow doesn’t get any better!"
Jillian Tansley
Junior
Hometown: Parker, CO
Major: History
Major: Philosophy
Areas of campus involvement: Jillian is involved with Western’s theatre productions and works at the Admissions Office.
Favorite restaurant in Gunnison or Crested Butte: Mario’s because the pizza is amazing and the Tiramisu is to die for!
Why she chose Western: Because the History Program was recommended to me by an alumnus, a high school teacher, Mr. Randall.
Random fact: I adore my four ferrets: Ares, Athena, Achilles, Apollo.
Favorite spot on campus: The West Wing of the Library because it reminds me of a classroom in a Harry Potter book.
"I needed a laid back place but a place where education is important too!"
