Western Colorado University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards for Excellence. Each year, this prestigious honor is given to a select group of graduating students and faculty members who exemplify what it means to be a Mountaineer – dedicated, curious, and committed to their community.
“This award is one of the most meaningful ways we celebrate the connection between students and the broader Western community,” Megan West, Director of Alumni Relations, said. “It’s not just about achievement – it’s about recognizing those who have made a lasting impact and lived out the spirit of what it means to be a Mountaineer.”
For the last 28 years, members of Western’s Alumni Advisory Council have met each spring to consider the nominations of students from nearly every department. Of those nominated, only eight received the Alumni Award for Excellence this year.
But the recognition doesn’t stop there. Each student then selects one faculty member who had an outsized impact on their academic and personal journey to receive the honor alongside them.
That connection between students and their faculty mentors is one of the things that makes the Western experience exceptional. And these are some of the people who make that experience possible:
Lexi Davenport | Psychology, Business Administration
Lexi will graduate summa cum laude with honors in May with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Art in Business Administration, and a Geographic Information Systems certificate. Following graduation, Lexi will transition from her current internship into part-time work in the Environmental, Health, and Safety Department of Jabil Lewis Engineering in Grand Junction, where she will work to build a training matrix and a career.
“When I first came to Western, I was scared and shy. Soon, I grew into a leader, an avid learner, a friend, and a critical thinker,” Lexi said. “It is because of the endless opportunities from my professors, who challenge me academically, and my friends and family, who encouraged me to be the best possible version of myself in the darkest of times, that I am able to receive this award.”
During her time at Western, Lexi participated in ALPS, the Academic Leadership Program Scholarship, and welcomed new students to campus as an orientation leader during her junior and senior years. In addition to a work-study job and playing club softball, Lexi participated in the Daniels Fund Business Ethics Competition, which strengthened her ability to collaborate and make difficult decisions in high-stakes environments.
However, the biggest impact on her time at Western came from the opportunity to serve as a research assistant on several projects, five of which led to presentations at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Conference.
Megan Fortier | Environment and Sustainability
Megan graduated summa cum laude with honors in December with a Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Sustainability and an emphasis in Climate Action Planning. Following graduation, she will enjoy the rest of the summer in Gunnison before moving to San Francisco to start her career in environmental consulting.
“Receiving the Alumni Award of Excellence means that the hard work I put into my education and my greater community has not gone unrecognized,” Fortier said. “Coming from a prestigious high school with a graduating class of over 1,000 students to a small college in rural Colorado, I found it so much easier for students to find their niche in whatever industry or educational realm they find themselves in, rather than simply trying to compete with classmates. That meant I was not only academically successful, but had an impact on my program, school, and the greater Gunnison Valley community.”
In addition to being part of the University’s Honors Program, Fortier participated in LEAD Sustainability, which operates FreeCycle, a free, on-campus thrift store, as well as other environmental initiatives. She served as a Student Steward for Western with the Resilience Studies Consortium, working with a network of eight other universities around the world. And she was the climate action planning intern for the towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, as well as Western’s first climate justice intern.
Jack Reeves | Spanish
Jack will graduate summa cum laude in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Following graduation, he plans to spend some time travelling before finishing a master’s degree in education with an endorsement in culturally and linguistically diverse education.
“Receiving this award means a great deal to me,” he said. “This award allows me to recognize a faculty member at Western Colorado University. Dr. Lorena Gómez was instrumental in my success at WCU, but I would also like to recognize Marketa Zubkova. Marketa has had an equally influential role in my success as both a student and a community member.”
During his time at Western, Jack helped teach English as a second language at the public library and was a mentor at Gunnison Valley Mentors, where he served on the board of directors. He also worked as a language support aide at Gunnison High School.
Shelli Rottschafer | Creative Writing
Shelli will graduate summa cum laude from the Graduate Program of Creative Writing with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with an emphasis in Poetry. After graduation, she plans to become more involved with creative writing workshops and writing retreats, ultimately hoping to inspire others to write, advocate for their communities, and champion our natural world.
“I am truly honored to receive this award. I feel blessed that my mentors supported me in their nomination,” Rottschafer said. “That CMarie Fuhrman, Erica Reid, and Maya Jewell Zeller, each of these women creatives, contributed to my nomination is what means the most to me.”
Kai Vong | Computer Science, Politics & Government
Kai will graduate summa cum laude in May with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Politics & Government, and a minor in Business Analytics. Following graduation, he’s looking forward to finding a career that aligns with his passions and values, whether that’s through software development, advocacy work, or opportunities in marketing and entrepreneurship.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Alumni Award for Excellence,” he said. “While I’m proud of the work I’ve accomplished, this recognition is a testament to the incredible mentors, friends, and teammates who have supported and inspired me along the way.”
During his time at Western, Kai was involved in a wide range of campus activities. He served as President of the Asian Pacific Islander Club for the past two years, after joining as a freshman and serving as Vice President his sophomore year. He’s also been part of KWSB 91.1 FM his entire time at Western, starting as Sports Director and eventually becoming Station Manager in his senior year.
In addition, he participated in demanding campus programs and elective classes that required significant time and dedication, like Mock Trial, Model U.N., the very selective Geiman Fellows, Algorithms, and Neural Networks.
Nikki Waddle | Biology
Nikki will graduate magna cum laude in May with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in chemistry with an emphasis in pre-medical/cellular/molecular biology. Following graduation, she will begin the process of applying to medical school in pursuit of a career in women’s health.
“Winning the Alumni Award for Excellence is the greatest honor I’ve received. It represents so much more than academic achievement – it’s a reflection of the time, energy, and heart I’ve poured into my experience here,” she said. “To be recognized by the faculty and community I deeply respect means the world to me. I have loved every second of my time at Western, and this award just shows me how impactful my time has truly been here at Western.”
During her time at Western, Nikki was an active member of many clubs on campus, including club volleyball and club softball. She was also the social media manager for the pre-health club and a member of Tri Beta, a biological honors society. As a member of the coed business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, she won both the Regional and National speaking competitions.
Hannah Zimmer | Political Science, Business Administration
Hannah will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Business Administration. Following graduation, she will be the Development and Events intern at Adaptive Sport Center, a national leader in therapeutic outdoor recreation, before volunteering abroad.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award. It serves as a powerful reminder of why I chose Western: a place rooted in self-improvement, fueled by intellectual curiosity, and enriched by a supportive community that has played a vital role in shaping who I am today,” she said. “The people and professors have profoundly influenced both my personal and academic journey, guiding me toward the person I aspire to become. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, the education I’ve received, and the dreams this community has inspired within me.”
During her time at Western, Hannah served as a delegate to the Model United Nations and the Pi Sigma Epsilon sales competition, was a teacher’s assistant for World Politics, participated in a service trip to Peru with the Energy Management program, and worked as a Resident Assistant for two years. She also completed internships with the Crested Butte Public Policy Forum and Adaptive Sports Center.
Author Credit: Seth Mensing
