From the moment she joined Fort Lewis College in 2023 as an administrative assistant for the Department of Art & Design and the Theatre Program, Selena Trujillo became an integral part of the creative engine behind campus performances.
Trujillo brought deep theatre knowledge, technical expertise, and an unshakable calm to her role, supporting faculty, students, and guest artists across disciplines, said Felicia Meyer, associate professor in the Department of Theatre.
Her warmth extended to guest artists as well. Selena Trujillo was known for going out of her way to help visitors feel comfortable — whether that meant answering last-minute questions, helping them navigate campus, or offering a ride. Personable and thoughtful, she had a gift for building connections quickly and authentically.
Known for her collaborative nature, she seamlessly bridged the Theatre Program and Art & Design, helping productions and projects run smoothly while fostering a welcoming, connected environment.
“She had a way of bringing people together,” Meyer said. “Selena helped create the kind of environment where collaboration felt natural and everyone felt welcome.”
Colleagues recall that Trujillo had a rare ability to steady a room. Even during busy production cycles, she approached her work with patience, clarity, and generosity, making space for others to succeed.
“She brought tons of technical skills and Theatre stage management knowledge to our Performing Arts department. Her love of theatre and arts was apparent in the quality of her work and dedication to FLC. I miss her warm and welcoming laugh, genuine nature, and positive attitude she brought each and every day. She will be deeply missed on our campus and in the Durango community. I am at peace knowing she is comfortable and finally at rest,” said Travis Johnson, executive assistant to the provost, who supervised Selena in his previous role as office manager and dean assistant to the School of Arts and Sciences.
Trujillo was especially dedicated to students. She took time to build relationships with student technicians and crew members, recognizing that behind-the-scenes work is foundational to live performance. At the end of last year, she made a point to individually acknowledge student techs during a company meeting, speaking to each of them about their contributions and presenting an award to honor their work.
President Heather Shotton noted that Trujillo’s influence reached across campus and into the broader community.
“Her kindness, creativity, and dedication to live performance touched many across Fort Lewis College and beyond,” she wrote in a message to campus. “She brought care and generosity to her work and was known for the warmth and light she shared with colleagues, students, and community partners alike.”
Before joining Fort Lewis College, Trujillo was already a well-known and respected figure in Durango’s theatre community. A Durango native with a lifelong passion for the arts, she worked as a stage manager, technician, and crew member for numerous organizations, including Durango PlayFest, Merely Players, Salt Fire Circus, Bare Bones Burlesque, Durango Arts Center, the Henry Strater Theatre, Snowdown Follies, 20 Moons Dance Company, Imaginario Circus, and Tami Graham Presents.
It was through that work with Durango PlayFest that Meyer first got to know Selena and later recruited her to Fort Lewis College.
Meyer said Selena loved quoting family members, sharing puns, and bringing levity to long days. She was calm under pressure, generous with her time, and deeply committed to the people around her.
The Theatre Department will honor Trujillo’s impact by dedicating opening night of the spring musical The Old Man and the Old Moon to her, celebrating the contributions she made to the program and the many lives she touched through her work.
A celebration of Trujillo’s life will be held April 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Durango. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations in her name to Merely Players, 49 Wedgewood Circle, Durango, CO 81301, to continue her lifelong love of creativity, collaboration, and community. Read the her obituary here.