In the College of Liberal Arts, we take the opportunity to celebrate each of our Outstanding Graduate nominees. Throughout the semester leading up to commencement, staff, faculty and mentors have the opportunity to nominate students who have accomplished remarkable things throughout their academic career.
This year’s nominees have triumphed in the face of obstacles like grief, rigorous coursework, and competing responsibilities, setting a standard of greatness for our community. Each of them represents unique kinds of intelligence and resilience and we are honored to celebrate them with our community.
Read more about each of their experiences below.
Boaz Kashmir Eisenberg
Degree: History
“What I felt was my biggest accomplishment, not in terms of formal academic recognition, but personally more rewarding, was the feedback that I got from my students.”
Cairn Carr
Degree: English
“With the help of my friend and fellow graduate, Jules, we founded the Korean Club at CSU to share Korean language and culture with the greater CSU campus. I hope the Korean club continues after I graduate!”
Enzo Barrett
Degree: Music Performance
“My advice to students is if you have a new idea for something at CSU, find a professor or mentor who can help, and do not be afraid to send a cold email about your crazy idea. You never know how it might work out.”
Lentheus Chaney
Degree: Journalism and Media Communication
“My advice to students would be to prepare to work hard and not take the easy way out of assignments. If possible, always stretch yourself.”
Maddie James
Degree: Theater Technology
“I felt welcome in the theater community and on campus, which gave me the confidence to try something new. And I am so glad that I did! CSU has really helped build my confidence and shape my undergrad experience.”
Saul Guardado
Degree: English
“I ended up meeting great individuals that I truly consider great friends. I learned that you do not need a massive community, you just need to find the right people.”
Sean Nelson
Degree: History
“I would advise all current and prospective students to always apply themselves to the utmost of their abilities. There is nothing impossible for those who try.”
Susan Trumble
Degrees: Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts, Communication Studies
“[My most proud accomplishment was] being the only student to receive an exemption for the composition requirement. I was invited to join the National Honor Society last fall.”
Boaz Kashmir Eisenberg
Degree: History (Social Studies Teaching Concentration)
Minors: English and Political Science
Boaz Kashmir has been nominated as an Outstanding Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts by CLA Academic Success Coordinator Kim Daggett who describes Eisenberg as a “once in a lifetime” student. “He’s been an incredible student to get to work with over the past few years,” said Daggett. “I’ve always been astounded, impressed, and inspired by what he has accomplished and will accomplish.”
Both of my parents studied at CSU, and after my parents’ divorce, my mum moved back to Fort Collins. I grew up in Dublin City, Ireland, and had a desire for the American university experience. I liked the idea of land grant universities, as part of a wider public education system and the long historical legacy of Colorado State University. My dad spent a lot of time during his studies in the Clark basement while researching psychological experiments, and I spent a lot of time in the Clark wings myself. I am glad I got to experience Clark in its ancient grandeur and decay before the recent rejuvenation construction projects on the building.
CSU has a big international focus and has a community of fellow foreign and international students. As a student from a mixed and diverse background, I have gotten to feel at home and experience new foods and cultures as part of my CSU experience at multiple clubs and events. The Peace Corps organization has its roots at CSU, and the international programs are well and flourishing. If all goes well, I will be leaving this August following graduation to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the 16th cohort to Cambodia.
I started out with an English Literature degree but found that my academic passions were inseparable from my public service interest, which shifted my concentration to education. The student organization SLiCE has been a big help to me this last year as they engage with off-campus opportunities for public service, volunteering, and all-expense paid working retreats to explore inter and intrapersonal community skills. The Colorado Education Program I am in works closely with Poudre School District, which has made my time here a little bit more professional-focused, with less partying. This is good, as it allowed me to focus on learning as an interdisciplinary art.
I have gotten some wobblies in my senior year that I did not do enough or get enough out of my time at CSU. Looking back though, I did a lot here, and even learned a little bit along the way. Academically, I am most happy with my straight-A semester and honors awards I had during my student teaching semester. This came as a bit of a surprise, as I was juggling a new set of professional obligations and administrative communication expectations and was – for all intents and purposes – teaching full-time. This was my most challenging semester, even more so than the disturbances and improvised teaching experiences during the COVID pandemic. What I felt was my biggest accomplishment, not in terms of formal academic recognition, but personally more rewarding, was the feedback that I got from my students.
Some of the students that I taught last semester left me notes and teacher’s reviews, which provided immensely valuable and heart-warming feedback. Some of the most valuable feedback was in how I approached content matters, discussed with them in earnest the ramifications of real-life political decisions, and brought my personal experiences into the teaching experience. While my teaching style and subjective history are my own, I credit the CEP and AUCC programs at CSU for giving me the content to teach with confidence.
Cairn Carr
Degree: English (Linguistics Concentration)
Cairn Carr has been nominated as an Outstanding Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts by CLA Academic Success Coordinator Kim Daggett who says Carr is “one of the most driven students I’ve ever had.” In Carr’s completion of studies for two different languages, Daggett notes that Carr “dedicated herself to the study of these languages as well as to what skills and opportunities they would give her in the long run.”
CSU has an amazing English program that features both linguistics and teaching English which are two of the things I’m very interested in. CSU also has a Korean program, so I was excited to continue what I started studying in high school.
Growing up homeschooled prepared me to self-pace my learning, which meant I figured out my learning style quickly. It’s also special that I get to attend the college my dad did, and we get to share our different experiences.
For students, I would recommend finding what makes them feel sane and always saving time for that. For me, I need to work out how to balance the mental workload of class and homework.
With the help of my friend and fellow graduate, Jules, we founded the Korean Club at CSU to share Korean language and culture with the greater CSU campus. We’ve had a ton of fun planning meetings and participating in events. I hope the Korean club continues after I graduate!
I really enjoy the mental challenges that my classes afford me; I love learning. Learning balance was probably my biggest hurdle. The appeal of constant friends and events can be hard to turn down, especially in the first few weeks. Finding the right people for me was also important for me to feel successful and happy.
I will be moving to South Korea to teach English as a Second Language for a year! I love working with kids and I also love languages so I’m very excited to be combining those two aspects!
Enzo Barrett
Degree: Music Performance (Trumpet Concentration)
Minor: Computer Science
Enzo Barrett has been nominated as an Outstanding Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts by CLA Academic Success Coordinator Caitlin Kotnik. “Enzo is an incredible student with an incredible mind,” said Kotnik. “He is double majoring in music performance and computer science, tutors our first- and second-year music students in theory, is applying for competitive graduate schools…and never seems phased by the 100 plates he’s spinning. He’s respectful, honest, talented.”
I chose to study at CSU because I wanted to work with my trumpet professor Dr. Curtis. I was also accepted into both the music and computer science programs which fit with what I wanted to do when I started at CSU.
One thing I have learned at CSU that I did not know in high school is how to work with people in leadership positions to make your ideas work.
My advice to students is if you have a new idea for something at CSU, find a professor or mentor who can help, and do not be afraid to send a cold email about your crazy idea. You never know how it might work out.
I am most proud of forming the CSU Trumpet Guild and helping start the CSU Baroque Trumpet Ensemble. Through our student-run trumpet guild, we have funded two trips to the International Trumpet Guild conference, got a library grant for trumpet music, and helped sponsor the recent baroque trumpet competition! We accomplished these things through collaboration with people in the music department, and lots of time spent in meetings coming up with ideas and making plans.
The most challenging thing for me so far in my educational career has been balancing my personal goals with my daily academic demands in school. I have tried to overcome these difficulties by always leaving time for myself in my schedule as well as knowing when to say no to things.
I will start my master’s in trumpet at the Cleveland Institute of Music in the fall! I am particularly excited about this because my professor also did his master’s in Cleveland, and they have strong early music offerings through CASE Western Reserve University.
Lentheus Chaney
Degree: Journalism and Media Communication
Lentheus Chaney has been nominated as an Outstanding Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts by CSU Online Academic Advisor Jessie Stewart. Noting Chaney’s status as a 2nd bachelor’s student in CSU Online’s Journalism program, Stewart adds “He lives in Atlanta and has already carved out a presence there in the field…writing for The Atlanta Voice, a paper for Black and African American perspectives on current events and news.”
Chaney’s reporting focuses primarily on people of color navigating the healthcare system. “He is driven to make change and elevate conversations and knowledge in whatever setting or classroom he is in,” said Stewart. “[I’m] Proud to soon call Lentheus, with his poise, thoughtfulness, and inquisitive nature, a CSU Ram Alum.”
I chose to study at CSU because of its dynamic second bachelor program and the fact that it ranks in the top 15% of the best schools for communication and journalism majors.
Having a strong work ethic shaped my experience at CSU. I was determined to produce the best work I could. My advice to students would be to prepare to work hard and not take the easy way out of assignments. If possible, always stretch yourself.
My advice to students is if you have a new idea for something at CSU, find a professor or mentor who can help and do not be afraid to send a cold email about your crazy idea. You never know how it might work out.
I am most proud of having the courage to return to college after many years. Additionally, I am accustomed to in-person instruction, and this was my first time taking college courses online. I had to figure out how to manage my time effectively and produce high-quality work. Thankfully, I empowered myself to embrace discomfort without self-criticism and this helped me to eventually establish a solid schedule for balancing school, work, and home life.
The most challenging aspect of my educational career thus far has been recovering from two cardiac events. One occurred at the end of the 2023 summer semester, and the other occurred at the beginning of the 2024 spring semester. My spouse’s support helped me greatly during this time, and I also had the support of my instructors. My journalism skills helped me ask more questions and dig deeper into what was causing my ailments. Through research and testing, I discovered that I carry the genetic trait of high levels of LP(a). With this diagnosis, I can help spread the word about LP(a) via journalism.
Post-graduation, I want to become a multi-skilled journalist for a news organization and tell enterprise stories that inspire and inform.
Maddie James
Degree: Theater Technology (Costume Design Concentration)
Minor: History
Maddie James has been nominated as an Outstanding Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts by CLA Academic Success Coordinator Caitlin Kotnik. “Maddie is an all-star costume designer and will be the first student to graduate in this new theatre concentration,” said Kotnik. “[She] has been nominated for technical theatre awards through the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival…is minoring in history and is in the Honors program.”
I chose to come to CSU after talking personally with Erin Carignan, head of design for Theater Technology here at CSU. During COVID everything seemed unstable, but Erin provided such a reassuring perspective on studying theater and the community offered here. I knew that I felt welcome in the theater community and on campus, which gave me the confidence to try something new. And I am so glad that I did! CSU has really helped build my confidence and shape my undergrad experience.
Be open to trying new experiences! I always wanted a hand and foot in a different area. While studying theater technology I also pursued being in a sorority – which was an awesome experience – added a history minor, completed the honors track, and found time to join after-school clubs! I was able to find friends in all of it and felt very well-rounded with my experiences.
My advice to students is if you have a new idea for something at CSU, find a professor or mentor who can help and do not be afraid to send a cold email about your crazy idea. You never know how it might work out.
I am definitely most proud of applying for professional theater jobs while studying here at CSU, something that was heavily encouraged by my mentors. During the school year I was able to learn and grow with my classmates, and during the summer I left to work professional gigs in New York and Santa Fe, NM.
This was only possible by working with my teachers and pushing myself during the school year to try everything and learn something new. Just remember, you don’t have to be really good at something right away, you just have to put yourself out there to try it in the first place!
Being a full-time student, in a sorority, working part-time, and costume designing for a show all at once was pretty challenging! You have to time-manage and make space for friends, but I overcame my stress by finding something that I absolutely loved about each aspect of my life and focusing on those elements.
Being able to manage lots of different tasks at once allows you to see you can really accomplish anything you set your sights on. Your teachers are also excited for you to learn from your accomplishments, and most importantly from your mistakes (it’s okay to make them!).
After graduation, I will be joining the American Players Theater in Wisconsin for the summer as a Costume Craft Artisan and have currently applied to the Juilliard Technical Apprenticeship in New York City. I hope to work on professional theater shows, films, and TV.
Saul Guardado
Degree: English (Creative Writing Concentration)
Minor: Spanish
Saul Guardado has been nominated as an Outstanding Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts by CLA Academic Success Coordinator Joanna Doxey. “Saul is a special soul,” said Doxey. “He asks careful questions, questions himself, and finds opportunities [like] help[ing]…revive the English club, Inklings, to help build community among a common passion for words, poetry, writing, and reading”
“He’s also currently in my class and speaks eloquently and deliberately about literature analysis,” said Doxey. “We all have that somebody in our class or life who doesn’t always speak or take up space in class, but when they do, you know it’s going to be important. Saul is that person.”
There were a couple of reasons why CSU was my school of choice.
The first reason was that CSU had the best location for me. I wanted a school that was just at the right distance from my family: not so far away from my family that it would stop me from visiting but also far enough for me to feel some independence, like I was beginning a new chapter in my life. CSU felt just like the right place to do that.
Fort Collins is what I would define as a big city with a small-town vibe; it had just enough to keep my brain constantly engaged, but without the overall atmosphere that a big city has. Which made it the perfect place for me to spend the last years.
The last thing that made me choose CSU is the support. I come from a family that does not have the best economic resources, which made me question if I’d even have the chance to continue my education. However, things changed for me when I saw just how much support CSU offered me. This not only applies to the economic support that CSU provided but also the support they offered based on my identity and passions. The support network I have constructed during these years just confirmed that.
My background is that of a Hispanic student. I moved to the US seven years ago when I was 14 years old, just in time to start high school. As to how my identity shaped my experience at CSU, I’d say that it implores me to constantly prove myself.
In all my years as an English major, I realized that most of the time I was the only Hispanic in the class. This was not only limited to my English classes but in some of my Spanish classes, too. In the beginning, I never thought much of it, but when I understood what this truly meant, things changed for me. In my culture, it is not only particularly hard to achieve a higher education but also to finish one. I have heard about how many other Hispanic people have been unable to seek higher education or how many of them drop their education because of the challenges they face.
Because of that, I decided that I needed to prove myself: that Hispanics like me are more than capable of finishing this journey and reaching the same heights as other people. I wanted to prove that even with some of the disadvantages that Hispanics face, we can still achieve great things. I want to be an example for others.
The first thing I am quite proud of is being part of The Greyrock Review journal. One of my goals for the future is to become a part of the publishing world at some point, both by becoming an editor who helps other writers become the best they can be, and by publishing my own pieces so others can read and enjoy my stories. This internship allowed me to take my first steps into the world of publishing and it allowed me to really get a grasp of what my future might look like.
Another achievement – one that is much more personal for me – is being able to find community in different places. I usually have a very hard time establishing contact with other people due to my shyness and social anxiety. In fact, for my first two semesters, a big source of my depressive episodes was my lack of friends and how lonely I felt. But throughout different events like joining the Writer’s Society or becoming the president of the Inklings Club, I ended up meeting great individuals that I truly consider great friends. I learned that you do not need a massive community, you just need to find the right people.
The last thing I would like to mention is my improvement as a writer. My big dream is to one day become a published author and be able to share all my tales and stories with other people. When I first joined college, I had the intention of becoming published before leaving. While I could not achieve that goal, I have seen myself improving and becoming a better writer as the years passed. I am currently working on a couple of short stories and a novel, which I wish to publish one day.
After graduation, I plan to take a little bit of time for myself. I would like to have some time to experience the workforce, visit my family, and work on some of my personal projects. After that, I would like to do some investigation to find the best place to attend grad school and obtain my MFA in fiction writing so I can have some more experience and technique in my writing.
Sean Nelson
Degree: History
Minors: Philosophy and Legal Studies
Sean Nelson has been nominated as an Outstanding Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts by CLA Academic Success Coordinator Stephanie Nielsen. “Sean comes from a small farming community in Strasburg, CO,” said Neilsen. “He was a transfer student from a community college in that region [and] adapted incredibly well to CSU.” She elaborates that he performed strongly in academics, working as a research assistant in the history department, and preparing for law school. “He is a humble yet confident young man and would represent CLA well.”
My decision to study at CSU was influenced by several factors: I had heard high praise for the institution and for the city of Fort Collins; I am a Colorado native and had a strong desire to stay in-state; and I enjoyed the campus’ proximity to the mountains. More than anything though, I was made to feel as though I could truly excel as a student, and that made all the difference.
My background is split between two worlds, the suburban setting of my youth, and the rural environment of my young adult life.
In many ways, CSU is a reflection of that same background, just in reverse. Although the campus is large and there are tens of thousands of students that are enrolled, the roots of the university as an institution concerned with its community and the natural world still shine through. I would advise all current and prospective students to always apply themselves to the utmost of their abilities. There is nothing impossible for those who try.
I was honored to receive the Harry Rosenberg scholarship through the Department of History, and I cannot express how grateful I am for that.
Additionally, my time serving as an officer of the CSU Pre-Law club has been immensely rewarding and has helped to prepare me for the road ahead.
Yet my greatest achievement, and the one I am most proud of since arriving at CSU, has been the connections made within the history department, and my successful admission into a graduate program there. The faculty within the department have been nothing but kind and supportive since I arrived. I have loved working with them on projects, learning from them in class, and just stopping into their office hours to talk about exceedingly random topics – from Star Trek to downhill cowboy skiing, to the historical impact of fraternal architecture. Their curiosity and patience with my ramblings and inane inquiries have made this adventure what it is.
As is the case with many college students, finding the proper balance between a healthy social life and higher academic performance was a bit of a struggle. Leaning too far to one side creates an imbalanced life, and I discovered that over the past several years.
I was fortunate enough to have a group of friends who understood when I said, “I’m sorry, I can’t hang out tonight.” We took classes together, anguished over upcoming assignments late at night, and kicked back to relax and blow off some steam at the gym or the pool. I don’t claim to have mastered the art of balancing this dynamic but getting it relatively under control helped my academic career significantly.
After graduation, I get to return to CSU to pursue a master’s degree in history. I’m very excited for this next chapter, and to have continuing opportunities to see the friends and connections I’ve made during my time in undergrad.
After that two-year degree, I plan to enroll in a law school and graduate with my Juris Doctorate. Beyond that, the road diverges into several possible routes, and I can’t (with confidence) select one in particular. However, I would ultimately like to run my own legal practice and be involved in my local community.
Susan Trumble
Degrees: Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts, Communication Studies
Minor: English
Susan Trumble has been nominated as an Outstanding Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts by CSU Online Academic Advisor Jessie Stewart. In the words of Stewart, Trumble is a nontraditional learner who has dedicated her life to serving her local community, as apparent in the example of Tremble regularly organizing and hosting charity poker games for families that have been struck by tragedy.
“She has relished in learning that she was already an interdisciplinarian with interests in psychology and sociology and writing,” said Stewart adding that, “Her positive outlook and recognition of the power of education is a delight to hear.”
I transferred to CSU in 2000 to pursue a secondary education degree in English Literature from UNC.
CSU gave me a place to find my voice again after 20 years. Don’t be afraid to use what you already know. It does have value. Use your voice.
Being the only student to receive an exemption for the composition requirement. I was invited to join the National Honor Society last fall. I was able to accomplish these things with the support of my family and a great CLA advisor, Jessie Stewart.
My biggest challenge has been learning technology. I jumped in feet-first without any computer experience or knowledge of how to use any online programs. I’m still treading water…
Post-graduation plans are to try to find a public relations position close by so I can continue to take care of my family.
