The first cohort to graduate from the CU Boulder-Western Colorado University Partnership Program in mechanical engineering and computer science got double the celebration this spring, participating in Western’s commencement ceremony on May 6 and CU Boulder recognition ceremonies on May 13.
“We are incredibly proud of this graduating class and look forward to witnessing all their successes in years to come," said partnership program Director Jenifer Blacklock. "Their hard work and passion have set an exceptional standard of excellence that will continue for years to come. Congratulations to our first graduates!”
Blacklock also acknowledged the students' perseverance through the occasional bumps in the road that came with being the first cohort — a sentiment echoed by graduate Cameron Colangelo.
“As the inaugural class for the Rady program, we have endured all the trials and tribulations of an emerging engineering program," he said. "This has made us more accomplished and battle-tested engineers.”
For the May 6 ceremony, visitors to Western’s campus in Gunnison, Colorado, included CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano, CU President Todd Saliman and CU Engineering Dean Keith Molenaar, as well as philanthropist and CEO of Antero Resources Paul M. Rady, who delivered the commencement speech and individually congratulated each graduate as they received their diplomas.
Western’s President Brad Baca also attended the CU Boulder ceremonies, where he and Lauren Cooper, the associate director of the mechanical engineering partnership program, shared their pride for the program and welcomed students across the stage.