Meet the Blake Scholars
The Blake Leadership Scholars Program is a cohort-based academic experience for high achieving students in the College of Liberal Arts. Scholars take seminar courses with their cohort and engage across cohorts during special events and peer mentoring.
Learn more about why students chose to CSU and how they're involved across campus.
Fall 2020 Cohort | Fall 2021 Cohort | Fall 2022 Cohort
Fall 2023 Cohort | Fall 2024 Cohort
About the Program
The Blake Leadership Scholars Program is a scholarship opportunity for first-time, incoming students.
Fall 2024 Cohort

Lucy Bufton
Music Education Major
Why CSU
"Colorado State University has been my dream school since moving to Colorado in the 4th grade. I have always loved the energy around Fort Collins and the CSU campus. CSU has the most welcoming students and faculty that you don’t find anywhere else! I’m lucky to be apart of Colorado State’s thriving community."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Marching Band

Ella Dorpinghaus
Economics and English majors
Why CSU
"I chose CSU because it allowed me to pursue my passions. CSU and the wider FOCO area offers access to the outdoors, networking opportunities, and a vibrant community. From the second I stepped on campus, CSU felt like home. I am proud to be a CSU Ram!!!"
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- The Collegian
- Intramural Sports
- Inklings

Sierra Fesler
Journalism and Media Communication major
Why CSU
"I wanted a school with interesting and exciting program options for me, was affordable for my family, was in a location with a lot going on, had a lot of school spirit, had a large, friendly, and fun student body, and supported neurodivergent students well, and could accommodate my need for adventure. As I narrowed my list, Colorado State survived each cut until it was the only one left. The Blake Program played a significant role in my decision."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars

Ruby Hueber
Anthropology major
Why CSU
"I have lived in Fort Collins practically my whole live but just recently was I able to experience how amazing it is here at CSU. There are so many opportunities and ways to get involved, professors are helpful and kind, you can tell they want you to succeed. The community here at CSU is profoundly and positively different from any other college."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Anthropology Club
- Entomology Club

Cora Larson
Music Education major
Why CSU
"When I say that Colorado State University is my dream school, I mean it in every aspect of the phrase. I feel that Fort Collins itself is completely distinct. It was a perfect fall day when I took my first tour of the campus, and it’s hard now to get the golden light at the Oval out of my head. Beyond just the beauty of the environment, I love the culture of kindness, passion, and spirit that I’ve experienced so far at CSU. Every interaction I’ve had with an alumni, student, or staff member has left me more excited to be here than before!"
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- University Symphony Orchestra
- Marching Band

Ethan McGuinness
Political Science major
Business Administration minor
Why CSU
"I chose CSU not only because of its commitment to academic excellence, but because of its principles of community, which I believe strongly contribute to the culture of not just the University, but the City of Fort Collins as a whole. From the minute that I stepped on campus I knew that I belonged here. That feeling has remained with me, giving me confidence that I really am in the right place. My mom, dad, aunt and uncle are all proud alumni of CSU, and I couldn’t be more excited to be able to call myself a Ram."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Honors Student Association
- Photography Club

Acadia Neel
Art major
Why CSU
"I chose CSU because of its community, programs, and location. When I first visited CSU in the fall, I was greeted with kindness, respect, and enthusiasm I hadn’t found at other colleges. As a student, I am happy to say that I continue to see the CSU community as a welcoming and engaging space."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars

Gabrielle Olive
English (Creative Writing) major
History minor
Why CSU
"I choose Colorado State University because of the opportunities it presented for its students and the access to nature the campus offers. As soon as I stepped onto campus I knew this is where I wanted to be. I know can be the best student I can be here and be set up to be everything I want to be."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Figure Skating Club
- Horse Polo Team
Fall 2023 Cohort

Elena Crooks
Political Science and Trombone Performance majors
Why CSU
"I grew up in Fort Collins and have always been a Ram! Both of my parents are professors at CSU, so I grew up on campus. I've been attending the Rams football and volleyball games since I was a baby and have dreamed of playing in the marching band for as long as I can remember. I love the wonderful liberal arts program at CSU and am thrilled to be a part of the political science and music departments."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Presidential Ambassadors
- Jazz Band
- Marching Band

Ben Gregg
Economics major
Why CSU
"CSU is a very inclusive environment, and I appreciate the way I am able to be myself without any fear of judgment. CSU holds students to high academic standards, and they make it incredibly easy to get involved on campus in whatever way you choose!"
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- ESports
- Economics Student Leadership Council
- Community for Excellence

Belle Hybertson
Trombone Performance (BM) and Political Science majors
Why CSU
"From the second I stepped foot onto this campus, everything from the massive trees at the Oval to the blossoming beauties of the flower gardens in front of the University Center of the Arts drew me in. I felt so welcomed by the staff, especially those in the Blake Leadership Scholars, and every interaction I had with those people made me want to attend CSU more. I just knew, from the very beginning, that I was going to be able to do any and everything I wanted here."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars

Medhaa Lakshman
English (Creative Writing) major
Why CSU
"I chose CSU because I loved how supportive the campus was. As a brown, bisexual, and (undiagnosed) neurodiverse woman, it was important for me to have a diverse, welcoming, and accommodating college experience. During orientation and Ram Welcome, I loved how there were a large range academic and diversity centers. There are multiple places I could go to if I have questions, need extra resources, or simply want a place to hang out and study."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Asian Pacific American Cultural Center (APAAC) Peer-Mentor Program

Hannah Rowton
English Education major
Why CSU
"Colorado has everything a girl like me could ever want and CSU has so many opportunities that I couldn't dream up if I tried (which is saying a lot because Im quite the dreamer). The Blake program was a huge part of my decision because of my passion for the liberal arts and their desire to seek education beyond the normal bounds."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars

Laura Sanchez Unda
Fine Arts major (Graphic Design)
Why CSU
"While exploring college options, I decided to visit CSU's Lory Student Center: I wandered across the halls, and for once, I had the feeling that I wasn't out of place; I felt in my gut, as I saw the diversity of students and cultural centers, that here my last name wouldn't be labeled 'exotic,' here my heritage wouldn't be a 'hindrance,' and here my identity would be embraced without judgment and seen as a strength. Finally, as a student and a person, I felt at home."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Community for Excellence

Koyuki Yagai
Fine Arts major (Graphic Design)
Why CSU
"CSU stands out to me because of its strong sense of community. CSU sees each student as an individual, emphasizing that we are more than our grades. Because college is a time of self exploration, I feel that CSU supports me and provides me with opportunities that will help me grow not only as a student but also as a person."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
Fall 2022 Cohort

Fabiola Escobar
Art (Graphic Design) major
Media Studies minor
Art History certificate
Why CSU
"I chose CSU because of its incredible leadership opportunities, outstanding art program, and most importantly, CSU has provided me with a welcoming and diverse environment. Since the day I toured the campus, I knew CSU was my place. It provided me with the freedom and acceptance that I was just looking for."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- El Centro
- Year 2 at CSU
- AAC Community

Mae Ferry
English (Creative Writing) major
History minor
Why CSU
"At CSU, I have room to grow and be myself at an institution that values me for who I am and what I do. Attending this university provides me with the amazing opportunity to grow myself in an incredibly diverse, active campus that really does value the Principles of Community. "
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Symphonic Orchestra
- Overwatch eSports
- Gaming Association
- CSU Rec Center Sport Club Office Manager

Charva Jamison
Dance and International Studies majors
Why CSU
"CSU is an exciting, inclusive university with ample opportunities to become involved. I chose CSU because I aim to be a more thoughtful and well-rounded performer and student who has the support and tools necessary to propel me towards a professional career."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) committee student representative
- SMTD committee student representative

Arjen Wynja
Music Education major
Why CSU
"CSU felt like home from early on - especially the music community. Through programs such as the Trying-On-Teaching program, CSU Honor Band, All-State Orchestra at CSU, and more, I felt welcomed into the school immediately by the vibrant community of students and faculty."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Collegiate National Association for Music Education
- CSU Marching Band
- CSU Trumpet Studio
Fall 2021 Cohort

Reham Abdunabi
Political Science major
Legal Studies and International Development minors
Why CSU
"My parents were international students at CSU in 2007 so I grew up here in Fort Collins and on campus. I have many memories of attending events as a kid like international night. Once I grew up, I knew I wanted to study political science and CSU seemed like the perfect place to do so."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Senator for APACC, ASCSU
- Pre-Law Club
- Student Ambassador, CSU Career Center

Catie Harris
Theatre Design and Technology (Stage Management) and Business Administration (Marketing) majors
Why CSU
"Although I am from Texas, Colorado has always been my second home. I visited the campus my junior year, and although it sounds cheesy, everything just clicked. I had a wonderful tour and experience with a theatre faculty member and fell in love with the campus. I always strive to be a well-rounded student, and CSU provided me with high academic standards and new ways to expand my skillset for my passions."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Event Coordinator, Student Advisory Council
- Theatre Mentor Program
- College of Liberal Arts Ambassadors

Kate McGill
Political Science (Environmental Policy) and Ecosytem Science and Sustainability majors
Why CSU
"During my decision process, it was important to me that my future university not only had opportunities for me to learn about environmental protection but also to practice these skills. Most of my professors are connected to many community, regional, and international efforts to create climate policy and research, making CSU a great place to become engaged in climate action."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- College of Liberal Arts Ambassadors

Sidney Newbold
Communication Studies major
Music, Stage, & Sports Production minor
Why CSU
"I chose CSU because I felt drawn to the stellar faculty I met on my visits to campus and the opportunities within my area of study. I stayed at CSU because of the strong community I built through the Honors College and the Blake Leadership Scholars program."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Presidential Leadership Program
- Editorial Team Member, Spiritus Mundi - Literary Magazine for CSU Honors
- Gamma Phi Beta Sorority
Braden Bomgaars
English (Literature) and Political Science (U.S. Government, Law, and Policy) majors
Why CSU
"I initially enrolled at CSU because of the unique opportunities offered by the Blake Leadership Scholars program and prospective Honors community. In addition to those opportunities, what has kept me at CSU is the exemplary faculty who are eager to invest in their students and understand each one as humans first, scholars second."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Community Literacy Center volunteer
- Writing Center consultant
Fall 2020 Cohort

Erin Behls
History (Social Studies Education) major
Why CSU
"I felt valued and respected by the people here at CSU. I attended a Choose CSU day and got to meet people from a variety of different departments. I found that each and every person was welcoming and kind, which made me feel comfortable making such a far trip for college."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars

Thomas Hasler
Philosophy major
Music and Political Science minors
Why CSU
"When I was in high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in the liberal arts, but I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to study. The ability to freely take classes in various majors at CSU allowed me to better understand my academic interests."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Bassist in Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, and Chamber Groups

Hannah Hurst
Art (Graphic Design) major
Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor
Why CSU
"I chose CSU because it was the first school I toured that gave me a real sense of community... I was also interested in going out of state (as I am originally from California) and CSU offered the easiest transition, especially during the pandemic. I always knew where to go if I needed help and everyone was always ready to lend a hand. Ram’s take care of ram’s, after all!"
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- Student Employee, University Dining Services
- Freelance Designer

Hannah Prinzi
English and Political Science majors
Global Studies minor
Why CSU
"I knew I wanted to focus on writing, and CSU’s English department offers a unique area of study with the Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy concentration. Additionally, I fell head over heels in love with Fort Collins. The town itself is so fun and offers lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and other places to explore!"
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- College of Liberal Arts Ambassadors
- Writing Consultant for CSU Writing Center
- Resident Assistant
Claire Douglas
English major (Creative Writing and English Education double concentration)
Why CSU
"I chose CSU because of the academic, social, leadership, involvement, and service opportunities the university offers. There’s a lot! I love that CSU boasts its diversity and fosters so many different students with different goals and strengths. The community created here seeks to make us feel at home while simultaneously pushing us out of our comfort zones and helping mold us into the future leaders we hope to be."
Campus Involvement
- Blake Leadership Scholars
- CSU’s Panhellenic Council
- Kappa Kappa Gamma
Community in the Blake Leadership Scholars Program
Hear more about the community in the Blake Leadership Scholars Program in this video written, filmed, and produced by the Blake students.