FLC Alumni News

Fort Lewis College alumnus Peter Yu (Business, ‘95) is making an ambitious bid for the U.S. Senate in the 2022 midterm elections. Yu is one of eight Republican candidates running in a primary for the Colorado seat held by U.S. Senator Micheal Bennett (D-CO).

Stephan Davoust (Engineering, ‘17) won first place at the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships and turned heads with a ghost-ride over the finish line. Fellow alumnus Payson McElveen (Exercise Science, ’16) joined him on the podium.

Last Friday, Fort Lewis College inducted five individuals and one team to its sports Hall of Fame, including Bob Hofman, the 1984 FLC football team, Susan Sagle, Joe Moore, DeAndre Lansdowne, and Chris Aaland. Inductees were recognized for their contributions to FLC both on and off the field. 

Indian Country Today journalist Jourdan Bennett-Begaye (Athletic Training, ‘13) worked with Johns Hopkins University to build a COVID-19 tracking map and data for tribal nations. Built in just 18 months, this map empowers Indigenous communities to make scientifically informed decisions in their fight against COVID-19.  

Co-owners of Bison Star Naturals, Jaqueline McHorse (Agricultural Sciences, ‘11) and Angelo McHorse (Agricultural Sciences, ‘12), have opened an organic soaps factory in Taos. Beginning with a desire to incorporate natural products in their everyday lives, the husband and wife team has rapidly expanded the business since launching in 2018.

In a stunning display of sea-like light and color, Chad Colby, Professor of Art & Design, works with former Fort Lewis College students Lexis Loeb and Hayley Kirkman to produce a piece for Meow Wolf’s new galaxy space in Denver.

Fort Lewis College alumnus and Indigenous ultrarunner Christian Gering (Environmental Studies, ‘15) is collaborating with running outfitter Janji on the design of their new “American Southwest Collection.”

Since 2004, Andra Cirbo (Business Administration-Marketing, ‘92), has built an extensive career working at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. Now a Correctional Support Trades Supervisor III Captain, Cirbo manages massive kitchens in two correctional facilities that provide meals for offenders and vocational training for their re-entry.

James Plate (Business Administration, '14) and Max Fields (Environmental Studies, '15) didn't expect to pursue careers as farmers and ranchers, but thanks in part to their education at Fort Lewis College—and their awesomely apt names—they're finding wild success in the local agriculture industry.

Cyclists know how to endure some good suffering and one of the toughest races may be a new quasi-informal competition in Colorado. The LeadBoat Challenge, a linkage of two well-known bike races, celebrated Sarah Sturm (Art, '12) and Payson McElveen (Exercise Science, ’16) with podium finishes last weekend.