VISIT THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Experience a student-led tour of the learning spaces in the College of Liberal Arts and explore what it's like to be a student in CLA. Our student ambassador team is also available for questions at all CSU Visit Days, including Explore CSU and Choose CSU.
In order to adjust to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we also have several Virtual Experiences available to prospective students and families.
Are you a current College of Liberal Arts student interested in joining the CLA Student Ambassador Team? Learn more about the application process.
MEET THE 2020-21 AMBASSADORS
Megan Valliere
Leadership Development & Communication Coordinator
Major: Political Science
Minor: English and Legal Studies
Year: Senior
Megan is a Colorado local who chose CSU because of its amazing academic opportunities and supportive campus community. She loves studying Political Science and is also involved in the University Honors Program. Being an ambassador is truly the most rewarding experience, as she loves being able to create and share positive experiences with prospective students and families. In her free time, Megan is an intern for a local nonprofit and an avid lover of yarn crafts and her dog, Mr. Simon.
Jenna Moore
Campus Events & Marketing Coordinator
Major: Music Performance
Minor: LEAP (Art Leadership and Administration)
Year: Junior
Jenna was able to experience CSU through high school basketball camps and through her older brother who attended the University. She also was able to work with the CSU flute professor in middle school and her band performances were hosted by CSU. This strong connection with the University as well as its welcoming atmosphere led to her decision to become a CSU Ram. Jenna is in the CSU Honors Program, the international music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota, a member of the Presidential Pep Band, and a section leader for the CSU Marching Band. The ability to customize her education has played an important role in her student experience, and Jenna is excited for the endless possibilities to come.
Merry Gebretsadik
Campus Visits & Tours Coordinator
Major: Political Science
Minors: Ethnic Studies
Year: Junior
Merry attended a summer program at CSU her junior year of high school. Her familiarity with the University as well as the scholarships she was offered helped her decide to further her education at Colorado State. Her desire to be a human rights influencer around the world and her interest in current events paved the path to her major. Merry is a member of NRHH, ASCSU, Hall Council, UWOC, and the Elections Committee. Even though her involvement on campus speaks for itself, Merry strives to find more ways to be involved, make more connections, and continue her academic excellence.
Andrea Day
Major: English (Creative Writing)
Minor: Media Studies
Year: Junior
Andrea has a passion for writing because she firmly believes in the power of the written word. She is a member of the CSU Figure Skating club team, as well as its fundraising chair, and is involved in the Global Village living community. Andrea chose CSU because the liberal arts program stood out to her and she felt a strong connection with the campus through her family. Through her position as a CLA student ambassador, she strives to be more involved on campus. After CSU, Andrea plans to use her aptitude for writing to influence the writing and publishing industry.
Ben Randall
Major: Journalism & Media Communications
Minor: Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies
Year: Senior
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Ben was brought to CSU by the extensive options within CSU's Journalism & Media Communications Department. His interactions with JMC faculty helped Ben realize his potential within the industry and instilled confidence in his decision for a major. Ben was also impressed with CSU's efforts in diversity and inclusion. He felt a sense of inclusion for everyone in academics, athletics, and professional environments. Ben's other involvements include the CSU Triathlon Club, Society of Professional Journalists, PRSSA, and the Science Communication Club.
Brooke Cordell
Major: Art History
Minor: Anthropology
Year: Senior
Brooke chose CSU for the friendly environment, inclusive campus community, and great town. When searching for a college, she especially admired opportunities available to students through the Art Department at CSU. In addition to her involvement as a CLA Student Ambassador, Brooke holds a chairwoman position for the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and will be working with the Gregory Allicar museum on campus on a new exhibition on African ceramics this upcoming academic year. Brooke plans to pursue a masters and a PhD in Art History to ultimately become an art dealer or director in the future.
Catrina Vininski
Majors: English & Communication Studies
Minor: Film Studies
Year: Sophomore
Catrina Vininski chose to come to CSU primarily because of the beautiful campus and close proximity to the mountains. As a Colorado native and someone who loves the outdoors, the location was a major factor in her decision. Catrina has always known that she wanted to be a writer, so she became and English major at CSU. After attending classes, however, she realized that she wanted to expand her career goals and added a Communications major. Outside of the ambassadors, Catrina is also involved with the student involvement office (SLiCE), Key Communities, and a ski organization on campus.
Corinne Neustadter
Majors: History & Political Science
Minor: Science & Technical Communications
Year: Sophomore
After a long college search process of applying to 20 different schools, Corinne ultimately decided to choose CSU. She was intrigued by the campus's outdoor-oriented environment as well as the option to go somewhere new while still being close to home. One of Corinne's campus visits to sit in on a university history class also helped guide her in choosing her major. She hopes to combine her interests in history, political science, and the environment by working for the National Parks Service one day. Corinne is a Blake Leadership Scholar and Honors student, and her other involvements include working for the CSU Library, Journal of Undergraduate Research, Defenders of Wildlife CSU, CSU Collegian, Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership, and CSU Public Lands History Center.
Daniel Trump
Major: English
Minor: Legal Studies
Year: Senior
Daniel is originally from Fairfax, Virginia. He visited CSU at a young age and its lasting impression led him to return for a tour in high school, reaffirming his love for the University and causing him to choose to be a CSU Ram. Through his studies, Daniel has improved his written communication skills, preparing him for his goal of attending law school. His well-rounded character is undeniable as he plays rugby for CSU alongside his involvement as a student ambassador.
Doug Ringer
Majors: Political Science & History
Minors: Legal Studies & French
Year: Junior
As a Fort Colllins native, Doug had the opportunity to grow up around the CSU community. Seeing the college evolve overtime as well as his love for Colorado solidified his decision to attend CSU. Doug new that he wanted to study history since his early high school days. He participated in the History Bowl, and he got to learn with two history teachers who were CSU alumni. Doug decided to add the political science major because of his interest in law and applying his history knowledge to the field. His other involvements include the Pre-Law Club, Rams for Progress, and giving tours at a historic home in Fort Collins.
Ethan Lee
Major: Economics & Political Science
Minor: Legal Studies & Sports Management
Year: Junior
Ethan, originally from Amarillo, Texas, chose CSU because of its great location and fantastic academic opportunities. He was especially drawn to the College’s unique Sports Management minor. In addition to his involvement as a CLA Student Ambassador, Ethan is an active member of CSU’s Pre-Law club and serves as a Sports Journalist for the Rocky Mountain Collegian on campus. He also enjoys volunteering with the City of Fort Collins as a basketball coach. Ethan hopes to attend law school to obtain his Juris Doctor and ultimately specialize in sports and entertainment law.
Fiona McAliney
Major: Art History
Minor: German
Year: Senior
Growing up in Durango, Colorado, allowed Fiona to develop a deep-rooted love for her beautiful state. Her dual desires of wanting to remain in Colorado as well as experience living in a larger city were formative in her decision to attend CSU, a place that embodies both of these. Fiona's fascination for art history grew from her appreciation for how the intermingling of art and humans have resulted in their vast influence on one another. Beyond her studies, Fiona is involved in the CSU German Club, CSU Honors Program as well as a member of the Denver Art Museum.
Gillian Stieren
Major: International Studies
Year: Junior
Three things stood out to Gillian about CSU: its larger university size, its remarkable liberal arts program, and its exemplary international studies major. These three factors alongside her admiration for the University's campus and Fort Collins marked her decision to choose CSU. Gillian has learned critical thinking skills which she uses in her analysis of contemporary global issues. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors with her friends and leads outdoor excursions as an officer in the CSU Outdoor Club. This semester, she is embarking on a new adventure by taking part in the CSU Semester at Sea study abroad program.
Hannah Taylor
Major: History and German
Minors: Political Science
Year: Senior
Hannah grew up in Pueblo West and knew that she wanted a university that offered a German majorr (not just minor!). CSU met her language studies needs and has given her plentiful opportunities to get involved in student organizations. Previously she served in ASCSU and the Student Fee Board, but is now a member of Pi Beta Phi and the CLA ambassador team. After graduation, she plans on taking the LSAT and GRE to apply for law school and Ph.D. history programs.
Moraima Castaneda
Major: Political Science
Minors: Sociology
Year: Senior
The stark beauty of the campus as well as the proximity to Horsetooth Reservoir initially attracted Moraima to CSU, but the resources, support, and comradely were ultimately the reasons she fell in love with the University. Moraima finds value in the rewarding courses she takes and CSU that have further cultivated her interest in politics and law. Her ultimate goal is to become an immigration lawyer.
Rylyn Todd
Major: Journalism and Media Communications
Minor: Information Science & Technology
Year: Sophomore
Originally from Alaska, Rylyn chose CSU both because of the beauty of Colorado and the feeling of community on campus. She loved how people were receptive to making new friends, and she truly felt at home. Rylyn has always loved to write about people, events, and stories. During high school, she even wrote articles for the local newspaper about student life. The Journalism and Media Communications department was a clear path for her, and she has since expanded her knowledge of what she would like to pursue as a career. In addition to the ambassador team, Rylyn is also involved with Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), CSU's radio station (KCSU-FM), Collar Scholars, and Outpost.
Will Wilson
Major: History
Minor: Music
Year: Sophomore
The financial aid offered through the College of Liberal Arts alongside the amazing percussion studio were major factors in Will's decision to choose CSU. Will started as a music education major, but was able to switch his focus to history education. He is also a Colorado native and was glad to still have the opportunity to hike, camp, fish, and ski in his free time! Will's involvements include the CSU Orchestra, percussion ensembles, intramural sports, Cru Campus Ministries, and serving as a Resident Assistant.
Grace Bolesta
Major: Political Science
Minors: Global Environmental Sustainability & Ethnic Studies
Year: Sophomore
Grace began her college journey at another university as student athlete, but realized she wanted a different path for her education. She decided to transfer to CSU because of the university's leadership in environmental issues and related curriculum. Grace has been passionate about environmental issues for as long as she can remember, and CSU was a perfect fit for her to pursue her interests. CSU's location and connection to the outdoors was also a major factor the contributed to Grace's decision to transfer here. Her involvements include the Women for Wildlands Club, Outdoor Club, and the Pride Resource Center.
Jade Felthoven
Major: History (Social Studies Teaching)
Year: Senior
Jade is from Aurora, Colorado, and has been enamored with Fort Collins since her youth, resulting in her decision to be a CSU Ram. At the start of her journey at CSU, Jade was a statistics major before she decided to change course and incorporate her enthusiasm for history from high school into her collegiate studies. Outside the classroom Jade is a work-study employee in the Office of Financial Aid and an assistant speech and debate coach at a Denver high school. Jade enjoys applying her studies in her student teaching experiences and hopes to study abroad in Rome.
Pete Wilson
Majors: English & Philosophy
Year: Sophomore
Pete decided to attend CSU alongside his twin brother. In addition to staying close to family, Pete appreciated CSU's sustainability and the nature on campus. During high school, Pete was inspired to become an English and Philosophy double major by his excellent AP Literature teacher. He is also a recipient of the Blake Leadership Scholarship, and a student in the University Honors Program. Pete's other involvements include the Honors Student Association and Cru Campus Ministries.
Sarahy Quintana
Majors: English & Spanish
Year: Senior
Having grown up in a small town just east of Fort Collins, Sarahy had always been attracted to CSU's green campus and marching band. She decided to attend CSU for her college education because it was the perfect fit financially, socially, and academically. CSU also gave Sarahy the perfect opportunity to get out of her comfort zone in a new city without being too far away from home. Sarahy was excited to pursue CSU's English linguistics concentration, and her fascinating Spanish elective courses motivated her to add the Spanish major. Sarahy's other involvements include the English Undergraduate Committee, Las Comadres, Latinx Women's Club, Greyrock Review, and Nunn Community Sharehouse.
Hannah Prinzi
Majors: English & Political Science
Year: Freshman
CSU was on Hannah's radar after a high school percussion ensemble performance held on campus. As the time came to make a college decision, CSU's Honors and Liberal Arts programs, campus community, and financial aid opportunities all convinced Hannah to become a Ram. Upon arriving to CSU, Hannah's professors helped her choose to study both political science and English. She plans to combine these interests into a career as a published author that will help make a difference in the world through political discourse. Hannah is a Blake Leadership Scholar and Honors student, and her other involvements include Spiritus Mundi (the Honors literary magazine), Honors Undergraduate Research, and Navigator's Ministry.
Laura Garcia
Majors: Political Science & Sociology
Year: Senior
Although the affordability of CSU is initially what attracted Laura to CSU, she soon fell in love with the campus, faculty, and the endless opportunities the University provides its students. Through her high school speech and debate team, Laura found her passion for social and political issues. Her studies have cultivated her analytical thought processes and apt writing abilities. Laura is also a member of Campus Connections and plans to apply to CSU’s Colorado Legislative Internship.
Peyton Dailey
Majors: Political Science & French
Minors: Spanish & Russian
Year: Junior
The excellent Languages, Literatures, and Cultures program as well as the affordable in-state tuition is what brought Peyton to CSU. Peyton became interested in political science because of AP U.S. Government and Politics and her involvement in the high school We the People Program. Her interest in languages comes from her desire to break international barriers and enhance her cultural understanding. Peyton is also involved with CSU's student government (ASCSU), Russian Club, Le Circie Francais, the Community Literacy Center, Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and serves as a girl scout mentor.
Sean Costello
Major: Political Science
Year: Sophomore
Sean originally began his college journey at the University of Oregon. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he ultimately decided it was best for him to return home to Colorado. Sean was reminded of how much he enjoyed CSU from a previous campus visit and transferred to this university. Upon transferring, Sean also changed his major from psychology to political science after hearing great things about CSU's political science department. Sean has not regretted his decision ever since! In addition to the CLA Ambassador Team, Sean is a Transfer Transition Leader.