Video Scripts

A brief message from Vice Chancellor Katy Herbert Kotlarczyk

Brock Kowalchuk (AeroEngr '11) Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Graduate Award The fields of aerospace engineering and finance aren’t commonly combined when building a career path — but Brock Kowalchuk is hardly common. After graduating from CU Boulder in 2011, Brock spent seven years working for Goldman Sachs. During this time, he also earned a master’s degree in information and data science from UC Berkeley, before transitioning to Kaspien, an innovative e-commerce company. Known by colleagues for his professionalism, Brock quickly climbed the ranks from senior vice president of finance to his current role as chief executive officer in four years, serving as chief financial officer and chief operations officer along the way. In these four years, Brock led the company through several rounds of funding and guided its restructuring efforts through the departure of two CEOs, before stepping into the role himself. The e-commerce company now has 80 employees, works with hundreds of brands and generates more than $100 million in revenue per year. “Brock had a unique way of entering our organization and quickly earning the respect of the company through his strong financial leadership and acumen,” said Mitchell Bailey, a former executive of the company. “He connects with people, listens to their ideas, and creates an inclusive and welcoming environment that is contagious. He has influenced significant and unprecedented change to benefit our organization, and I attribute a large portion of his abilities to his background in engineering.” In 2018, Brock brought his storied career experience and unflappable work ethic to CU Boulder’s inaugural College of Engineering and Applied Science Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Board. As co-chair, he helped establish the initial board structure and future expectations for the role, implementing clear performance indicators. Under his leadership, the board grew to 17 members with three subcommittees and had 100% philanthropic participation from all members. During this time the board also established the now semesterly tradition of pairing engaged alumni with current students to practice their professional interviewing skills in a low-stress environment. Outside of the board, Brock has volunteered to speak on student-facing panels, sharing his life experiences. He uses his speaking opportunities with students to show that their degree can open professional doors outside of engineering. Additionally, he donates generously to the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and he believes in the power of philanthropy to support the next generation of engineers and leaders. Brock is only just getting started with his outstanding career accomplishments and is building the foundation to make meaningful contributions for years to come. Through his early successes he has remained connected and committed to CU Boulder — and to ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to make an impact wherever they go.

Sara McDonald (Mgmt '01) Robert L. Stearns Award Since her earliest role as a student employee, Sara McDonald has consistently been a reliable and irreplaceable leader at CU Boulder. Fond of saying she grew up in the CU Boulder School of Education, she watched her mother, Patty McDonald, build an unassailable reputation as a trusted administrator in her 32 years with the school. Likewise, Sara knew from an early age that she also wanted to have a lasting influence at the university. In 2001, she graduated from CU with a degree in business management. She worked her way up to her current position as senior director of operations at the School of Education, a community she has lovingly served and played an essential role in leading for over 20 years. Described by colleagues as the “heart and soul of the School of Education,” Sara plans and runs many of the school’s events, including panel discussions, multi-day conferences, scholarship ceremonies and commencements. Using her master’s degree in information and learning technologies from CU Denver, she manages technology, IT and logistical needs for all School of Education spaces, students, faculty and staff. In 2020, she spearheaded and implemented the physical move of offices and classrooms for more than 200 faculty, staff and students — all in the midst of a global pandemic. In addition to her logistical and managerial prowess, Sara has embraced CU Boulder’s diversity, equity and inclusion commitments, making her a source of refuge for many students of color and LGBTQ+ leaders seeking a safe space. Recently, she started a Staff of Color Alliance, and she has also served on the School of Education’s Strategic Planning Committee and Equity and Justice Committee. “I could write pages of how Sara has supported us,” said Sara Staley and Bethy Leonardi, CU faculty and co-founders of A Queer Endeavor – a nationally recognized center for gender and sexual diversity in education – as well as past Alumni Award honorees. “She donated time and effort to basically run the tech at the institutes, plan the meals, organize and more. “Sara McDonald is the steadiest, most humble behind-the-scenes force of so much magic that happens in our School of Education. Her leadership truly enriches our community.” With her institutional knowledge and drive to help others, Sara also serves as both a formal and informal mentor to many. “Sara is quietly vital to grad student success at the School of Education,” said Wagma Mommandi (PhDEdu’23), one of the school’s doctoral students. “As you advance through the program you realize more and more how important she is and how many official and unofficial hats she wears.”

Forever Buffs: Meet Dr. Reiland Rabaka. Dr. Rabaka, a distinguished scholar and educator, has left an indelible mark on the University of Colorado Boulder. As director of the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) and a professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies, he has been pivotal in shaping the university’s academic and cultural landscape. In May 2021, Dr. Rabaka founded the CAAAS, a dynamic center for research, creative endeavors and community engagement within CU Boulder’s Black Studies community. Working closely with students, he established a sanctuary that supports African, African American and diasporan students, fostering belonging through cultural events, academic support and advocacy. His influence extends to the broader community, earning him the Boulder Chamber 2024 Impact Award and recognition from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who proclaimed Feb. 1 as CAAAS Day. Dr. Rabaka is celebrated as a visionary leader committed to equality, inclusivity and social justice. His dedication to education, community building and social justice continues to inspire CU Boulder and beyond, making him a deserving recipient of the alumni award.

Forever Buffs: Meet Philip P. DiStefano. DiStefano recently wrapped up his time as the 11th chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder. He’s been part of CU Boulder since 1974, starting as an assistant professor in the School of Education. Over his 15 years as chancellor, DiStefano made some big impacts. He helped raise more than $2 billion in gifts and $485 million for scholarships. During his time, CU Boulder awarded 117,963 degrees, each representing a student’s unique journey. Now, DiStefano holds the Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Leadership Chair, serves as the senior executive director for the Center for Leadership, and continues to teach in the School of Education. He has also served on boards like the Association of American Universities and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, showing his dedication to higher education and the community. Thanks to his efforts, CU Boulder has the resources to take on global challenges like space exploration and climate change.

Forever Buffs: Meet D.B. Wilson (Hist, Mktg’75) D.B. Wilson, a fourth-generation Coloradan and lifelong Buff, exemplifies dedication, leadership, and support for CU Boulder, earning him the Leanne Skupa-Lee Award. D.B.’s CU connection runs deep: his great-grandfather built Macky Auditorium, and his wife, Cindy (PE’79), is also an alum. Today they pass their CU passion down to their own children and grandchildren. Some of D.B’s accomplishments include his instrumental help in establishing the Flatirons Society and his support for the Forever Gold Scholarships. As chair, he played a key role in transforming the Forever Buffs Advisory Board into a strategic advisory council, making it more diverse and active. Under his leadership, the board engaged more effectively with university leaders and tackled important issues.

Vice Chancellor Katy Kotlarczyk shares highlights of CU Boulder Advancement's recent accomplishments and provides a look at goals for FY25.