�鶹��Ƶ announces inaugural Community Belonging Award recipients

�鶹��Ƶ is proud to announce the first recipients of the��Community Belonging Awards, a new campuswide honor recognizing exceptional contributions by students, staff and faculty to fostering belonging within and across �鶹��Ƶ communities.

The Community Belonging Awards were established this spring at the recommendation of CU Student Government, with the endorsement of the Boulder Faculty Assembly, Staff Council and the Graduate and Professional Student Government. The awards celebrate individuals whose actions help others on campus feel seen, valued and supported—whether through teaching, leadership, service, collaboration or quiet, behind-the-scenes care. Together, they reflect a shared commitment to recognizing the meaningful ways belonging is built across campus.��

“These awards reflect both who we are and who we are striving to become as a campus,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “The recipients of our first Community Belonging Awards remind us that meaningful change happens when people lead with care and a deep commitment to shared community.”

The four recipients—one undergraduate student, one graduate or professional student, one staff member and one faculty member—were selected for their demonstrated, meaningful impact on fostering belonging within a specific �鶹��Ƶ community or across campus more broadly. This work has included efforts that strengthen connection and inclusion, advance social justice, or support one or more of �鶹��Ƶ’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Each recipient receives a one-time monetary award of $5,000.

Recipients were selected by four separate committees, one for each award category, representing shared governance groups and campus partners. “We received nominations from students, staff and faculty in departments and offices across the university,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Ann Schmiesing, who oversaw this year’s process.��

“I am deeply inspired by the creativity, generosity and commitment shown by all four inaugural recipients,” Schwartz said. “They are models for all of us—showing how powerful individual actions can be in shaping a campus where everyone feels they belong.”

The Community Belonging Awards will be presented annually to recognize and elevate the people whose actions strengthen connection, care and community across �鶹��Ƶ.

��2026 Community Belonging Award recipients��

Undergraduate student

Daniel Pagatpatan
College of Engineering and Applied Science, Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering

��Daniel creates a culture where every student, whether in a rural high school or a large lecture, feels a genuine sense of acceptance and value.”

Graduate student

Olivia Felton
College of Engineering and Applied Science, Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering

��Liv stands out among our graduate student population for her steadfast willingness to serve her community, volunteering her time and creative energies to improve the CU experience for her fellow grad students.”

Staff

Carla Eugene
Assistant Director, Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)

��Through her work with FSAP and the CU Cultural Collective, Carla has created inclusive spaces where faculty and staff feel seen, supported and connected through shared exploration of mental health, identity and community.”

Faculty

Carmen Pacheco
Scholar in Residence, Director of Food Engineering Graduate Certificate, Design and Food Engineering
College of Engineering and Applied Science, Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering

��Through her teaching and leadership, Carmen fosters a sense of belonging by creating inclusive, relatable learning and community spaces where students and colleagues feel welcomed, valued and engaged.”

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