Alumni
With more than 2,800 Alumni, the Boettcher Foundation is committed to connecting and supporting our Alums in all stages of their lives.
Whether it is dedicating their Time, Talent, Treasure, or Ties, Boettcher Alumni engage with the Foundation in variety of ways – helping us create a vibrant community connected across generation and committee to Boettcher’s mission.
Check out the ways you can engage with Boettcher, and connect with our Alumni Engagement Manager, Floyd Pierce (floyd@boettcherfoundation.org) with any questions.
Save the Date: 2027 Alum & Scholar Summit
Mark your calendars for August 5-8, 2027! We’re planning an extra-special weekend that will bring together Scholars and Alums from across generations for connection, celebration, and plenty of Boettcher Foundation spirit.
More details are coming, but for now, save the date and plan to join us for the entire weekend!
Stay Connected
Ways to Engage
Time
Discover ways to serve Boettcher through our internal programs, or serve the state of Colorado through local boards and commissions.
Talent
Give back by sharing your talents – mentor, present, or support your fellow Alumni in professional development initiatives.
Treasure
Help Boettcher to expand our impact and pay it forward to future Boettcher Scholars.
Ties
From hands-on local events to virtual opportunities, explore how you can stay involved and connect with other Alums in ways that fit your schedule.
Boettcher Alumni Awards
The Elevate & Impact Awards are designed to recognize Alums who have demonstrated significant leadership contributions, whether formal or informal, and who have a heart for service. The Elevate award is given to a recent graduate of a Boettcher Foundation program, whether that’s the Boettcher Scholarship or the Doers & Difference Makers Fellowship. The Impact Award is awarded to an Alum who is farther along in their post-grad journey. Winners of each award are given a $4,000 award by the Boettcher Foundation to participate in a leadership program or donate to a Colorado nonprofit of their choice.
Nominations for the 2026 award cycle have closed. Read about our 2026 Alumni Award winners below.
The Elevate Award
The winner of this year’s Elevate Award, is 2022 Fellow Lupita Garcia.
The Impact Award
The winner of our Impact Award, 2000 Boettcher Scholar Dr. Ashesh Thaker.
Elevate: Kevin Loeffler
Impact: Melanie Potyondy
Impact: Norman Weaver
A senior software engineer at Infleqtion, Kevin helps build the infrastructure behind quantum computers, drawing on his expertise in engineering physics, cybersecurity, and the space industry. Outside of work, he creates free, open-source technologies for underserved communities, including Refurboard, which transforms old smartphones into affordable interactive whiteboards, and ButterFi, an initiative aimed at providing basic internet access to students without Wi-Fi at home.
A school psychologist for nearly two decades, Melanie supports students’ academic, behavioral, and mental health needs. As a Fort Collins City Council member, she brings her perspective as a working mother, educator, and mental health professional to local government. She also championed the city’s first Civic Assembly, bringing residents together to shape the future of the former CSU Hughes Stadium site.
For more than 40 years, Norm has advanced energy efficiency, renewable energy, and better building practices across Colorado. At Fort Collins Utilities, he developed programs that helped install more than 6,000 kilowatts of solar capacity. Now retired, he continues addressing climate challenges through the Routt Climate Action Collaborative, earning recognition as the Western Resiliency Center’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
Past Alumni Award Winners
- 2025 Elevate Award: Lupita Garcia, 2022 Boettcher Fellow
- 2025 Impact Award: Dr. Ashesh Thaker, 2000 Boettcher Scholar
Alumni Spotlight
Learn what some of our Boettcher Alums are up to!
Colorado Leadership Stories Podcast: Lisa Reid - Amplifying Western Voices
Matt Nuñez - Growing Opportunity Where Colorado’s Outdoors Thrive
Colorado Leadership Stories Podcast: Greg Sobetski - A Colorado “Statriot”
Connect via 360Alumni Portal
The Boettcher Foundation’s online community is a place for our Alums to build connections, share expertise, and explore new opportunities. Find a mentor, discover jobs and events, and get to know others across the Foundation community.