Jill Bishop:

I have been at Colorado State for two years now and my experience continues to get better each year.  The campus-wide options for majors, professors, and students are all part of what caught my attention as a prospective student.  And, in addition to all of the wonderful things the campus has to offer, I fell in love with the city of Fort Collins.  One thing that I have loved about living here is the oppertunity to get involoved with the community.  I have gained valuable knowledge through the many experiential learning oppertunities on campus and in the community.

In joining the Orientation Team, I hope to show new students all of the wonderful things CSU and Fort Collins have to offer.  I also want to contribute to the program that, as a first year student, I thought was fun and educational.  I am going to take this opportunity for everything that is worth by continuing to learn, and giving back to CSU.  I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful team!  GO RAMS!

Sam Blumer:

I'm a third year student at Colorado State University studying psycology, with a concentration in Mind, Brain, and Behavior, and I hope to become a trauma physician.  I'm involved with many parts of campus; I'm an Admissions Ambassador, a peer-mentor for the College of Natural Sciences, an undergraduate research assistant, and a member of Pre-Medica (the pre-med club on campus).  Outside school, I love being outdoors, camping, hiking, river rafting, and kayaking.  Also, originally being from Kansas City, you can usually find me chowing down on some delicious barbeque.

I joined the Orientation Team because I love working with new students and helping them to connect with the University.  I love to show off all the best places on campus as well as show you some keys for success while you are here.

I'm really excited about getting to know all the new students and helping them in their transitions here at Colorado State University.

Megan Brogdon:

Hello! I'm Megan and I'm a 19 year young third year student here at Colorado State University in beautiful Fort Collins!  I've worked rather hard to become an active member of the CSU community and am currently an empolyee of Campus Activities' iBox while also working with Residence Life as a desk attendant in Academic Village.  I am very involved with Intramural Sports and I am always up for a good game of basketball!  I'm currently looking to become a Residence Assistant and I was a member of CSU's lovely Residence Learning Communities my first year here at CSU.

I've pursued a position with the Orientation Team because I'm looking to make an impact on students and to have a great summer!  Although making the experience for students is my first priority, I also hope a position with Orientation will lay the groundwork for me to pursure a career in Student Affairs!  I'm looking to obtain my Master's Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education and I know that Orientation is the first step to achieving that goal!  I'm passionate about students, higher education, and of course FUN!  That's why Orientation is the perfect place for me!

Morgan Caron:

Hey y’all!  My name is Morgan Caron and I am going to be a Senior here at CSU and I’m currently majoring in Criminal Justice (don’t let that fool you though… I’m a total softy).  I am from Littleton, Colorado and am proud to call this beautiful state home!  I love being around campus and enjoying this amazing city.  I live my life to the fullest and enjoy taking on every day with a smile.  Some of my hobbies include being outside and with friends as much as possible!  I am obsessed in every way, shape, and form with music! You can guarantee that in my free time I am normally rocking out to my music; feel free to join in!  

I remember being a first year student here and going through the Orientation process and experiencing so many emotions.  It’s an amazing time and I am hopeful that I can help make it a memory that you keep with you forever!  There is nowhere like CSU and we are so excited that you have chosen to be a part of this outstanding community!  

I am soooo excited to be part of this Orientation Team and bring a little “spunk” and “sass” to it. I like to think I bleed green and gold and I am so excited to show my Ram pride!  I am looking forward to meeting all of you and I hope to share my love of CSU with you so that you can truly get the feeling of what it’s like to be a Ram and how lucky you are to be able to say that!  Let’s have a fantabulous summer!  Cheers!

Dawn Christensen:

Hello!  I’m Dawn and I am so excited to be an Orientation Leader!  I have a passion for inspiring others and myself.  I am involved in the Wellness Club, the Outdoor Club, and the President’s Leadership Program on campus.  Off campus, I am very involved in Bikram yoga.  I have a passion for yoga and I want to own my own studio in the future.

I am part of the Orientation Team because I love leading, I love helping people through a huge step in their life, and I love being a part of a diverse and wonderful group of people.  I love learning more about myself and being an Orientation Leader will help me grow as a person.  I’m excited for orientation and I hope you are too!  

Matt Cleland:

Hey!  I'm Matt and I'm a third year student here at Colorado State University.  I'm very happy to be a part of this year's Orientation Team; I'm returning as an Office Assistant so that I can continue to serve my community here at CSU.  On campus, I'm a part of the Key Communities and I enjoy going to class, attending some of the great events put on by CSU organizations, and squirrel-watching.  Off campus, I'm very active with my church, LifePointe.

Orientation is a great oppertunity to make connections, get familiar with the campus, and find out more about all the great resources we have here at CSU.  I feel blessed to be part of the team that is so passionate and enthusiastic about supporting new students to CSU.  I hope all of you feel welcome here.  And if you have any questions, just ask!

Luke Contreras:

I said…I am Proud to be a CSU Ram!  

Hey everybody, my name is Luke Contreras and I am a fourth year student here at CSU.  I am so excited to be a member of the 2012 Orientation Team.  You are about to enter the greatest university with so many great opportunities: opportunities are what will make your CSU experience.  

Some of the activities that I am involved with are; I am the Drum Major for the Colorado State University Marching Band, a Resident Assistant, and - of course - an Orientation Leader.  The opportunities and involvement here at CSU are enormous and so exciting.  

Every day I get to wake up and be a part of a great community and I am excited to welcome you here.  As an Orientation Leader my hopes are to introduce you and your families into a community that is full of pride and passion.  I hope to show you that being a Ram is about succeeding in the classroom and contributing to a great university.  Be excited for a great Orientation.  Be ready with your energy.  Be ready to be a CSU Ram!

Mayryanna Craver:

I’ve called Colorado State home for two years now, originally transferring in Spring of 2010. I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in Fort Collins, both on and off campus – working in this position as well as serving as a Transfer Mentor, taking advantage of the local foodie scene, getting involved at Campus Rec, and sightseeing with my family (my mom and two of my sisters have moved to FoCo this past year).  

I joined the Orientation Team for the first time last year. I had a desire to get more involved at CSU and really share my pride in the university with incoming students. I loved all that orientation provided me, and it truly surpassed my expectations. After completing my first summer, I knew I wanted to stay involved and continue serving my fellow students. Consequently, my love and pride for CSU are growing and I my experience here have taught me so much more than I ever thought I would learn in the process of getting my degree. I’m very excited to have this opportunity and I’m looking forward to creating purposeful transitions for the 2012-13 incoming student cohort!

Taylorae DeWitt:

While it is just my first year here at Colorado State University, I am so fortunate to call this place my home because I believe it is the happiest place on earth!  Whether I’m buried deep in the books studying English Education or finding myself discussing very deep topics in my Leadership classes, I have come to find that involvement is truly key to creating community here at CSU.  I lived in the Leadership Development Community in Durward, I am an avid member of the President’s Leadership Program, and I am very excited about the Alternative Spring Break trip I will be going on.  In my free time, I love going to the Rec Center and hanging out in Old Town Fort Collins with some pretty amazing people I’ve met up here.  

I joined the Orientation Team because I am a firm believer that first impressions can make it or break it, and through my own personal experience I found that Orientation truly gave me a sense of belonging that allowed me to fall in love with CSU; a feeling that I wish for all of you.  This summer I will be an Orientation Leader, meaning you get the privilege of spending some time walking all over campus learning of the pretty legit resources we have at CSU with yours truly.  

Orientation gave me this amazing feeling of excitement to begin college and embark on one of the most meaningful journeys of my life and I am confident that you will all have this same excitement after your preview experience.  And seriously, it’s gonna be awesome!  

I can’t express enough how stoked I am for this summer, for Orientation, for your transition to CSU; I’m really looking forward to welcoming you all to this incredible Ram family!

Karen Eichel:

Hey all, my name is Karen and I am a Senior double major in Psychology and Fine Arts with a concentration in Photography.  I choose both of these majors because I couldn’t decide between the two; I have absolutely loved both majors but have found something else I love.  With that being said, I am hoping to go to graduate school for Student Affairs and someday work with a program much like this one.  

On campus, I live and breathe OTP.  When I am not involved with Orientation and Transition programs, I am either in class, in the photography lab, learning more sign language, or spending time with my peer mentoring group.  Off campus I try to relax; I like to read books of my choosing, make art or craft things, spend time with my friends and family, or just go outdoors and do something!  

I am a part of the Orientation Team because I had such a positive experience when I went through as an Orientation Leader myself and I want to be able to give that back and make sure the Orientation Leaders for this semester and summer have the best possible experience that they can, and gain the most they can.  My hopes are that this is a smooth, fun semester and summer – which I know it will be!  I am excited for everything to be quite honest, but if I had to pick one thing, I am excited to watch the Orientation Leaders grown through this experience, from their very first day to the end of the summer.   It is amazing to see what can happen in that time.

Addison Ellis:

Hey Hey! I am a Senior here at CSU studying Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism concentrating in Environmental Communications with a minor in Business.  I have changed my major multiple times so I not exactly sure what I want to do after college, but I am sure enjoying this ride!  I have been involved in many different organizations in the last few years.  I was in the marching band for two years and loved every moment of it!  I am currently involved in the Presidents Leadership Program, a three year academic course offered through the SLICE office, and I am also the president of my fraternity Alpha Tau Omega.  I love staying busy and I have sure been successful at that this last semester!  

Since attending Orientation, I have always dreamed of becoming an Orientation Leader.  CSU has become more than just a school for me; it has become my new home.  I want to allow others the same experience I have had here.  I am so excited about this summer!  Seeing the looks on future students when they first walk onto campus in magical and I cannot wait until our first session!!

Annika Firn:

Hi everyone!  My name is Annika and I am very excited to spend my summer with you all!  

I am a senior here at Colorado State University studying History and Anthropology.  Over the last three years I've done a lot of things on campus, which includes working in the Asian/Pacific American Cultural Center and being a Peer Mentor with the First Year Mentoring Program.  In my free time I enjoy watching movies and spending time with friends, hiking the foothills of Fort Collins, and ‘adventuring’ around Colorado!  Not being from Colorado, there's so much to see and do!  

I joined the Orientation Team because I have had such great experiences with these programs and I want to give back to the university and its future students.  Working with Orientation and Transition Programs has been one of the most fulfilling things I have done on campus and I want to help students have a great start to their time here at CSU!  I will be an Orientation Leader this year so I will be around all summer working to welcome you and your families to campus.  We’re going to have a lot of fun learning about campus and all of the resources we have, as well as all of the fun things you can do when school starts in the fall!  

I love working with people and learning their stories and I am so excited for this summer.  I am really looking forward to welcoming you all to campus and starting off my last year here with a lot of fun!  Go Rams!

Rachelle Gard:

I absolutely love meeting people; I like building and maintaining relationships especially by getting frozen yogurt with folks!  I work at a local cupcake store in Fort Collins and they literally are the best things ever!  I have also been a Resident Assistant in Academic Village for the past two years and have met so many people that have changed my life!  I can kick it on the volleyball courts and love playing/listening to music!  Also, if you haven’t noticed, I love using exclamation points because I am very enthusiastic about life!  

I get the awesome opportunity to be on this year’s Orientation Team and I am thrilled!  One of the reasons why I was so excited to join this group is the fact that I get to make an impact in so many students’ lives.  I am excited to bring my bubbly attitude and excitement about CSU to students and families and really let them feel like they have a place at CSU!

Rachael Gigar:

My name is Rachael Gigar and I am the Student Coordinator for Training and Development for the 2012 Orientation Team.  I am a graduating English Education major; I am currently student-teaching at a middle school in Loveland with 6th graders and I love it.  I am hoping to attend law school after graduation, and eventually work in education on the legal side.  I have a cocker spaniel-mix puppy named Dolce, whom I love, and my boyfriend and best friend’s name is Alex, and I love him even more.  I enjoy reading and you will often find me with a book, but I also love dancing and anything that has to do with theatre.  I am so excited to be working with Orientation and Transition Programs for a third year; we have an amazing program and team and I cannot wait until this summer.

Timothy Gold:

Hello world!  My name is Timothy Gold and I am involved in many facets of campus at CSU.  I am a Returning Orientation Leader for the Orientation and Transitions Programs (OTP) office and I absolutely love being a part of the team.  This is because I simply love to make meaningful connections with the incoming students, as well as helping to make their experience at CSU start off in the best way possible.  Working for the OTP office has completely changed my life for the better and has given me the opportunity to become a student leader on campus.  

In addition to being a part of the Orientation Team, I am a part of the Puksta Scholars program, which fosters the development and implementation of a community service project which I have been working on and which I will work on for the next couple of years – if not forever.  In addition to those things I am apart of United Men of Color and Shades of CSU, which are culturally based organizations. I am a member of a science organization as well as being an active member of Greek life at CSU.  Last but not least I am an Admissions Ambassador for the office of Admissions.  

As far as long term goals go, I am so excited to go in to a science field after I graduate, and as far as a short term goals go I am excited to help mentor the new Orientation Leaders and to help them unleash the authentic amazing selves (even though they are already great) that they all have inside of them.  I love Colorado State University and it was the best decision of my life to come here!

Bernie Gutierrez:

I’m a first generation student here at Colorado State University and I’m very active on campus. I’m involved in Dream Project, Intramural Sports, Bible Study, and Braiden Activity Crew. Dream Team is an organization that's passionate about low-income students and higher education, so I mentor a few scholars and help them with any help they may need. If they need help with essays, applications, advise, or a buddy to hang out with.  

When I'm not going to meetings, doing homework, or class I enjoy sleeping, watching movies, laughing, and working out. Orientation Team is something I’m grateful for being a part of. I’m here to make incoming students feel welcome, safe, and give them a sense of belonging. I was an out-of-state student, so Orientation helped me feel like I was in the right place. Now it’s my turn to do the same for other students, and hopefully impact some lives. I’m super excited for this summer and I can’t wait to meet all the upcoming students.

Jessie Hansen:

Hello! My name is Jessie… not Jessica. 

I am going into my second year here at CSU and love it!  I am involved in ASCSU (our student government) and love doing yoga and zumba classes at the Rec Center.  My favorite thing to do in Fort Collins is hang out in Old Town or in the many wonderful coffee shops!  I enjoy hiking, listening to rain, and watching fireworks.  

I joined the Orientation Team because I wanted to meet tons of new people every day and help them get excited for college!  I will be an Orientation Leader, so I will be hanging out with you all and hopefully getting to know you a little bit before you’re on your way.  At Colorado State you will be meeting tons of new people and Orientation will be just like it sounds... a preview of the real thing!  

So get excited!  I know I am.  The future awaits you!

Mackenzie Hill:

“The milk of a hippopotamus is pink.”  

Relevancy? Absolutely none.  

The probability of you clicking on my name out of all the other Orientation Staff is less than 5%.  I know, join me in excitement.  Since you were so intrigued by the color of a hippo’s milk, I understand that you can’t help but finish reading.  Go ahead and start the next paragraph.  

In case you didn’t take the time to read my personal information, I’m from the best state in the nation – IDAHO!  I’m sure the image of “potatoes” just popped into your head.  Us Idahoans however, don’t get the luxury of eating these world-class potatoes because they ship them out to the rest of the world in order to uphold our reputation; bummer right?  

However this quick biography is not all about Idaho and our potato issue or about the milk of a hippopotamus.  It’s about getting to know the complete stranger wearing that obnoxiously colored Orientation polo.  

Especially being an out-of-state student, I know first-hand how it feels to try and find a niche in an entirely new environment.  It may seem daunting to establish yourself on Colorado State’s campus when you are still trying to learn the difference between College Avenue and college in general.  It is because of this opportunity to empower others that I wanted to become an Orientation Leader; to transmit the knowledge and comfort that I received when I first stepped onto CSU’s campus.  There is nothing more gratifying to me than sharing my passion and personal experiences with others in hopes of creating a foundation on which new students can base their collegiate years.  

One of the greatest opportunities I found at CSU was becoming involved in Greek Life.  The fraternal experience of Phi Delta Theta has truly helped me establish a strong sense of community in a place that I once knew nothing about.  It has been my bedrock in developing myself as a leader, community member, and man of upstanding integrity.  

Now that you know a little bit about my life and I know absolutely nothing about who you even are, I feel it’s an appropriate time to say: “Get excited!”  You’re embarking on a journey that many can’t even begin to fathom.  Luckily though, you might be in that 5% of students privileged to have me as their Orientation Leader.  But if luck isn’t on your side, don’t worry.  We’ll still have great opportunities to connect with one another throughout our time at CSU.   Just remember that there is no relevancy whatsoever to knowing that the milk of a hippo is pink.  It was a clever way to start my bio and will serve as a clever way to end it as well.  

Be sure to come find me during Orientation because I would love to meet you all in person instead of through a computer screen.  Welcome to Ram Country!

Melanie Hoobler:

Hello!  I’m Melanie, a third year Zoology major with a business minor attending CSU!  Zoo management is my ultimate career goal.  I absolutely love CSU and therefore have involved myself quite a bit on campus!  I am a member of the Zoology club, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Honors Undergraduate Research Scholars program, and Sigma Alpha Lambda fraternity.  When I am not in class or with these many organizations I love to work out and dance.  Belly dancing is the primary form of dancing I enjoy in my free time!  I also love to explore Colorado and Fort Collins!  

I joined the Orientation Team after serving as a Ram Welcome Leader last fall and spring.  I loved the staff and the whole experience they were working to create for incoming students so I applied to work for them again!  This year I will be serving as an Office Assistant for Orientation and Transition Programs, working to create the best possible experience for all incoming students and families who will be visiting CSU.  We have some wonderful experiences planned to welcome you to CSU and are so excited to meet you.  I personally cannot wait to share my CSU pride with all of you! GO RAMS!

Morgan Jueschke:

I am a fourth year student studying Social Work.  It took me a few attempts to decide on my course of study, but now that I have, I absolutely love it.  I enjoy working with different programs on campus to create great experiences for First Year students; specifically through Orientation and the First Year Peer Mentoring Program.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside or at the Rec Center.  

I joined the Orientation Team because I wanted to help create a smooth transition for incoming students.  I am so excited to welcome you to the Fort Collins and the Colorado State community. GO Rams!

Christian Kalenga:

I am a part of a Residential Learning Community; specifically, the Key Academic Community which believes in advancing new students to achieve excellence academically through a collected sense of community.  I was invited to be a part of the Presidential Leadership Program, but I declined because of my class schedule.  Apart from this, I am an active participant of the Academic Advancement Center which helps students overcome fundamental issues needed to achieve to their best in their career at Colorado State University.  If ever you cannot find me, I am usually at the Rec Center.  

I am part of the Orientation Team because I don’t want to go home during the summer!  I love to get involved on campus and that first day I came to the University, seeing all those hopeful faces on the team that welcomed me made me anxious.  I want to explore why these people were all so full of joy, so nice and authentic.  I wanted to be that person, one that would inspire fire in the minds of those new students and their families.  I am so excited to work with the awesome team we have this year and hope to make lifelong relationships, not only with the team but with the new students as well that will in the long run make me a better person.

Nathan Koch:

Hey, I’m Nathan and I’ll be a second year student in the fall here at CSU and I am involved with the Leadership Development Community in Durward Hall.  We put on weekly facilitations and community activities as well as plan and execute volunteer and service opportunities.  As well as volunteer and service opportunities, the Leadership Development Community has been a place for me to thrive and make great new friends which has been fundamental to my happiness here at CSU.  

I have been playing the saxophone for 8 years and I absolutely love music.  I am a firm believer in musical healing.  For almost any emotion that I am feeling, there is a song that correlates and that is a fantastic thing.  I am always looking for new music and will gladly have a conversation about bands and artists any time.  

I am a part of the Orientation Team because I want to make a difference in first year students.  I love meeting new people and I thrive on helping people become something that they think they can’t be.  I am excited to be in beautiful Ft. Collins and to meet new students this summer.

Alex Kobler:

Hi!! My name is Alex Kolber and I am a Second Year Student here at CSU.  Though many students come into the university knowing exactly what they want to major in and what to do with their lives; I am not one of them. I am currently undeclared and I am greatly enjoying the chance to try bits and pieces of all the great programs that CSU has to offer, all the while also deciding which interests me the most.  

Along with being an Orientation Leader I am enrolled in the Resident Assistant Training Course in hopes of becoming an RA next year. I currently live on the Leadership Development Community (housed on the 12th floor of Durward Hall) and am also involved with Towers Hall council (iLead), as well as REAL (Rams Engaging in Active Leadership).  In my spare time I really enjoy listening to music, going on crazy/random adventures, and watching trashy reality TV shows with my friends.  

I joined the Orientation Team because I really wanted to get more involved on campus and do something that I knew could directly impact other students.  After a rough transition myself this past fall, it means a lot to me that I will have the opportunity to help future incoming students to have the most smooth and enjoyable transition possible. Having me as an Orientation Leader this summer means that you all will have the privilege of basking in my awesomeness as I show you around campus and share a ton of super-cool resources we have here at CSU. If that doesn’t get you excited then I just don’t know what will!  

I am SUPER excited to have a great summer up here in “The Fort” getting to meet so many new and amazing people. I hope that you are as pumped for Preview as I am, and I can’t wait to see what kind of shenanigans we can get into! It’s gonna be Fierce!!

Madelein Lopez:

Being part of the Orientation Team seems like a great way for me to share my diversity, knowledge, and pride in CSU with incoming students; even more so, it’s an opportunity to gain a greater sense of what it means to be a Ram and a part of the CSU community.  

My name is Madelein, a second year History and Political Science double major, with hopes to teach middle school social studies one day.  I am so excited to get the orientation programs going this year as an Orientation Office Assistant!  

I enjoy being involved in History Club on campus but want to increase my community service in Fort Collins.  I’m a studious academic person, who also likes reading, being creative, and unicorns.

Tyler Leuenberger:

What up?! My name is Tyler Leuenberger and I am so very proud to be a CSU Ram! I am currently a Biomedical Science major about to switch to Civil Engineering next semester. I am also involved with the Pre-Optometry Club and the Biomedical Student Association. Aside from academics I enjoy playing basketball and soccer at the rec center in my free time, as well as playing guitar!

I am a part of the Orientation Team to find a new version of who I am, establish better communication and leadership skills, and to make a positive impact on new students coming into this great university. I see that the best way to get the most out of this great university is to get involved and I am excited to share what I know about the fantastic and countless clubs and activities to new students that I have learned thus far!

I am honored to represent CSU to new students for what it truly means. You all will find your own definition of home here and Colorado State University. I know I did. GO RAMS!

Abigail McDonald-Crook:

Hello; Hola y Mucho gusto.  My name is Abigail McDonald and I am a Senior here at Colorado State University studying English and Spanish with concentrations in Poetry and Latin American Studies.  You can almost always find me on campus talking to something or someone (people, shrubs, shoes, myself, etc) whether it be on-air through the campus radio station or during a prospective student tour of CSU as an Admissions Ambassador.  In my free time I enjoy cooking, film photography, and dog-watching (as in looking at other people’s dogs and wishing they were my own).  

I joined the Orientation Team because I want to contribute to something bigger than myself. Working as part of the Orientation Team has made me realize that people are my passion and that as individuals we have the power to affect one another and to form a close community.  This sense of community is why I have loved, and continue to love, my experience here at Colorado State.   I am returning for a second year as an Orientation Leader and cannot believe how much I have been able to affect others, and affect myself positively through the program.  This year I will serve as a mentor for new Orientation Team staff members, work closely with faculty, and spend time getting to know the incoming students and their families.  

I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THIS SUMMER!  ¡NO PUEDO ESPERAR!  I am excited to help make a life changing experience possible for incoming students, and for the new 2012 Orientation Team.

Alissa Meeks:

Hi my name is Alissa and besides being a part of the wonderful Orientation and Transition Programs Office I am also involved in the Harry Potter Alliance on campus (we help create balance between the magical world and the muggle world…  just joking!) and a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.  When I’m not spending time on campus or in Fort Collins, I like to spend time with my family; lounging around, watching movies, playing ping pong, and going on bike rides!  

I am a part of the Orientation Team because when I went through Orientation, it was my first glimpse at a life without mommy – and I was scared.  Orientation plays a huge role in making new and incoming students feel welcomed here on campus, and I’m looking forward to helping new students make connections on campus through student centered experiences.  

I’m excited to see how I grow as a person throughout the summer.  I’m hoping to meet and have an impact on a lot of new people and I’m ready to have the best summer of my life!

Courtney Miller:

I am just finishing up my first year here at Colorado State University, where I am studying both Math and Spanish with the intentions of attending law school down the road.  I have gotten pretty involved on campus this last year; I am currently one of the math tutors in the PACE center, I am involved in undergraduate research in the criminology department, and I am a member of the Honor’s Student Association.  In my free time I love being active in the Rec Center and playing volleyball.  I also love cooking and have a slight addiction to the Food Network.  

I joined the Orientation Team to meet all kinds of new people and to really become an active member on campus.  The team this year is a really diverse group, and all of us have been lucky enough to come together to make this the best summer of Orientation and Ram Welcome yet.  I can’t wait to get a whole new group of freshman ready and excited to be CSU Rams!

Erin Mross:

Erin Mross spends her time on campus split between the Student Leadership in Community Engagement (SLiCE) office and the Rocky Mountain Student media office.  Erin is Chief Photographer with the Collegian, CSU's student run newspaper.  When she isn't hiding behind a camera, Erin is actively involved in leadership and social justice primarily through the President's Leadership Program, the El Pomar Student Leadership Experience, and many other leadership development activities such as Leadershape and campus step up.  She is currently the intern for the United Way of Larimer County's professional programs.  

Erin hopes to either become a photographer or to work for a non-profit organization in the future however, she is currently focused on bringing the Red-Headed Heat to the Orientation Team. Erin joined orientation because she is excited to share her summer with hundreds of new potential coffee drinking friends and hopes to be a resource for everyone.

Aaron Reistad:

Hey!  My name is Aaron and I am a fourth year student here at CSU.  I am currently enrolled in the School of Education for Licensure to teach Social Studies, along with my History Major.  I am choosing this major because I enjoy working with people and kids in particular, and hope to be that cool history teacher!  I came from Colorado Springs before beginning this awesome college experience which I hope to show you as an Orientation Leader this summer!  

I have been a part of the Orientation Team as an Orientation Leader for two years and have loved every minute of it.  During my first year I was involved with the Leadership Development Community on campus.  Last year I was a Resident Assistant in Corbett Hall.  Off campus, I practice MMA (mixed martial arts) and I also enjoy going to our great Rec Center on campus and volunteer coaching at a local middle school.  Besides school, I enjoy hanging with my friends, watching movies, listening to music and anything which involves laughter.  

I wanted to be an Orientation Leader because I hope to be able to relate to everyone how awesome this school really is and the opportunities which come with it.  I had an amazing time when I came for my First Year Student Orientation and again last summer as an Orientation Leader.  I will be sure to give the same great experience to you.  Orientation is a great time to become acquainted with your university and meet some other people like yourself, and I am here to make sure this happens.  I will help you with any questions you may have and also use my knowledge to help make your college experience the best it can be!  Looking forward to seeing everyone this summer!

Raquel Robertson:

My name is Raquel, I am seeking a major in the Business School.  Even though I am from Dallas, I have lived in Colorado for 17 years of my life.  When I came to Fort Collins I struggled with finding employment on the Colorado State University campus, but that did not stop me form being involved in volunteer activites.  I am a mentor for the Black / African American Cultural Center and I am a part of the Black Student Alliance.  Also a member of the Student Fee Review Board, which gives me an oppertunity to sin on the Campus Rec Advisory Board as a liaison.

This year I was blessed to have a job as an Orientation Technology Assistant.  I enjoy having this job because I interact with people daily and I am able to help people.  the individuals who are a part of the Orientation Team were very welcoming when I first started working helping me feel as comfortable as possible.  I have enjoyed being a part of the team and I know I will continue to learn from them.

Kalie Rosenbaugh:

I am a senior International Studies major.  I got involved with OTP to give back to the CSU community in a new and challenging way while utilizing skills I already possessed, which made me a good fit for the Office Assistant position.  I’m hoping being involved with OTP will help me find other ways to get involved on campus as well.  Off campus I love to cook, go hiking, and travel to new places.  I’m excited to be a part of the Orientation Team because everyone is so passionate about what they do, and it is incredibly inspirational. 

Julia Simons:

Hey everyone! My name is Julia Simons and I’m going to be a fourth year student this fall from Boulder, Colorado. I am majoring in apparel merchandising, minoring in business, and I have just declared a concentration in apparel design and production. This is my second year as an Orientation Leader and I am super excited for this summer!  

Through my years at CSU, I have shaped my path through various opportunities and passions. A big part of my life is creating, and being a student from the fashion department, I am given many opportunities to express myself and explore new things. In my spare time I love to sew, design, and scrapbook. This semester I am trying to make a point of going to the rec center at least twice a week! Friends are very special to me and I love spending time with them watching movies, playing games, and just relaxing.  

Going through Orientation can be a bit intimidating, I know, I went through it too! This step can be stressful and scary, but I am here to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask me questions and more importantly don’t be afraid to have fun! Get pumped and stay excited. I got your back!

Connor Sims:

Hey everyone, my name is Connor and I will be joining you for Orientation this summer!  I currently find myself in my second year at Colorado State and I could not be happier with my decision to attend.  In addition to being your friendly neighborhood Orientation Leader, I am an active member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity (where I serve on the self-judiciary board), I play saxophone in the CSU Jazz Ensemble, and I am active in student life at Blessed John XXIII Parish.  

My main motivation in becoming an Orientation Leader is to give new students at CSU a sense of ownership and pride in their education.  There is a plethora of resources that we have at our disposal on and off campus, so success is always within reach.  

I hope that your experiences with Orientation and Transition Programs are useful and sustaining in all your future endeavors at CSU.  This university is full of opportunities if you make them.  Please feel free to contact me prior to your visit or say hello once you’re on campus!

Jolie Vu:

I am a transfer student to Colorado State University from Vietnam, majoring in economics.  I have joined the economics club, the transfer interest group, and the ballroom dancing club.  I often read novels, watch movies, and listen to music in my free time.  I also enjoy hiking, camping, and hanging out with other Rams.  

I had a great Orientation since I first came to Colorado State University, which inspired me to be one of the Orientation Team.  I would love to meet and assist new incoming Rams to get to know our Colorado State University and to be a part of our Ram Family.  

I am looking forward to the new Orientation Season!!!!

Vanessa Ybarra:

This five foot tall power-house of awesome is the one they call Vanessa Ybarra.  I am a third year student at Colorado State University studying Equine Sciences with a focus in Pre Law.  I am a member of CSU’s Women’s Polo Team, a member of the Homeless Awareness Team, and I was a Ram Welcome Leader this past fall and spring.  When I’m not on campus or doing homework, I am more than likely running, baking, hiking, or singing in the shower.  

When at home in California, I spend 50% of the time riding and showing my Morgan horse named Ultra’s Private Eye, and for the other 50% of the time you can find me sleeping on my favorite beach.  

I decided to become a member of the Orientation Team to give back to CSU as well as previous Orientation Leaders who created such an awesome experience for me during my first year here. As an Orientation Leader I will do my best to provide you – yes YOU – with information about the Colorado State campus and all that is has to offer you.  

I am so excited for what is in store for this summer and can't wait to get the opportunity to meet each and every one of you!