Welcome to the CU Denver Change Makers Alumni website

This newly designed space helps you connect across cohorts with other like-minded individuals who have also completed the fellowship program. We hope you’ll visit regularly to stay informed about future events, learn more about your fellow alumni and stay connected with the Change Makers community.

Explore the site
This site offers a range of features aimed at building connection and community. These include:

  • Events: Stay informed about upcoming events
  • Forum: Engage with other Change Makers alumni through general dialogue or topic-driven exchanges
  • Directory: Access information and profiles about your fellow Change Makers alumni
  • Volunteer: Volunteer with fellow alumni to strengthen connections and help others continue their Change Makers journey

These features will appear as Tabs at the top of the screen after you’ve registered as a site user. To do this, scroll down to the “How to Get Started” section below.

Stay up to date
You’ll also notice posts on the home page to the right of this welcome section. These will be updated regularly to include alumni profiles, inspirational quotes, links to timely resources and updates on the Change Makers program. We encourage you to check back often to stay in the loop.

Note: This is a private site for CU Denver Change Makers alumni. Access to the directory, forum, and other features is available only to registered alumni users

How to get started
To access and use all the site’s features, you’ll need to first register and log in.

  • Register by clicking on the “Login” button in the top right. On the Login page, click “Register” and create a username and password for logging into the site.
  • Build your profile: After logging in, you’ll be taken to a user page where you can add a photo and provide a little information about yourself by clicking on the gear button.
  • Access your account: Once complete, you’ll see your name and photo appear at the top right
  • Return home: To get back to the home page, click on “CU Denver Change Makers Alumni” at the top.

And if you’re looking for information about the Change Makers program itself, visit https://www.ucdenver.edu/change-makers

ALUMNI UPDATES

Stories, resources and news from the Change Makers community

  • Getting to know Tony Bernard, Cohort 3

    Brief bio: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I went to college at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and worked in technology my whole career. I started out in technology consulting, spent about 12 years in software product development, and then finished my career back in technology consulting. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for almost 36 years now. When I was around 40, I had an opportunity to work for Microsoft, and so my wife and I and our two young kids moved across the country to Seattle. We spent the next 18 years there. However, both of our kids went to school in Colorado and ended up staying. So when it was time to downsize, the Denver area was the logical choice. We landed in Castle Rock a little over three years ago, shortly before I retired, and have loved it, especially all the sunny days compared to the Seattle area. 

    Q. What are your hobbies and interests?

    I have always been into fitness, a passion of mine and my wife’s. I have been into CrossFit for the past 13-plus years and am a Level 1 CrossFit coach. My wife and I also enjoy playing pickleball and hiking, and I like to golf whenever I have some free time. I also go bird hunting with my son a couple of times a year and enjoy watching just about any sport, though NFL football is my favorite.

    Q. What’s something meaningful you’re currently working on or are involved in (professionally or personally)?

    One of my passion projects is helping seniors develop/maintain strength and mobility as they age. Injury due to falls is one of the leading causes of health decline in seniors due to the typical lack of activity that results. To that end, I have been running a twice weekly class in my neighborhood that focuses on strength and agility. I also do some personal training every now and then.

    Q. What is something about you that would surprise people?

    I grew up in a large Italian family (all four grandparents were Italian immigrants). I was the youngest of four, and I have over two dozen first cousins. Most of us lived on the same street for part of my childhood and, though we are spread all around the country now, I am still pretty close to many of them. 

    Q. What about Change Makers had a lasting effect on you?

    I think the instant network that ends up lasting well beyond the class itself. It’s been two and a half years since our cohort finished, and many of us still keep in touch outside of the planned meetups.

  • Keep connecting with fellow alumni

    Photo by Headway on Unsplash

    The Change Makers alumni group continues its online series with “You’re Retired, But Your Spouse Is Not,” from 6 to 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 28 via Zoom. Join fellow alumni to talk about changing routines, expectations and connection when partners retire at different times.

    You should have received an E-vite to participate in the event, and if you RSVPed “yes”, you will receive a Zoom link and materials to read before the session to help stimulate a great discussion. Sessions are facilitated by members of the Alumni Steering Committee, and participants can expect practical ideas, candid conversation and meaningful connection with fellow alumni navigating the opportunities and transitions of what comes next.

    And here is the link to participate. If you need more information, email Regina Kilkenny at reginakilkenny@yahoo.com.

    And mark your calendars for the third installment of the discussion series, “What’s FUN in Retirement?”, which will take place on Thursday, Nov. 19. Look for a separate E-vite later.

  • Summer alumni social attracted lively crowd

    Nearly 50 Change Makers alumni gathered Aug. 1 at Moodswing for an afternoon of conversation, connection and fun. Guests enjoyed food and drinks, joined small-group discussions on a range of topics and took to the pickleball courts, with experienced players and complete beginners alike getting into the game. The lively turnout offered another reminder of how strong the Change Makers community remains beyond the semester. And here’s a link to pictures from the event.

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