Alumni and Giving

Moving Forward, Giving Back

A Sense of Community

Personal Pursuits

Our alumni find themselves in exciting professional and personal pursuits. They publish and win awards; they become Fulbright Scholars and travel; they research and study in prestigious Ph.D. programs; they find successful work as professors, editors, authors, literary agents, copywriters, and teachers.

In addition to finding success in traditionally “English” paths, our alumni serve as CEOs, create tech start-ups, lead non-profit organizations, become lawyers, devise communication and training for government programs, coordinate medical programing, and rise through the ranks of Fortune 500 companies.

CSU English Department Alumni prove that a BA, MA, or MFA in English opens doors to professions that not only provide material and professional success, but also intellectual satisfaction and cultural engagement.

English Alumni: Beyond CSU

The stories below provide a glimpse of the broad array of exciting and impactful endeavors undertaken by CSU English alumni across the globe. The interdisciplinary scholarship and creative artistry developed by English educations are instrumental in bolstering these important initiatives.

In Conversation: MFA Alumna Katherine Indermaur publishes first book “I|I”

By Emily Harnden | November 9, 2022

MFA alumna Katherine Indermaur’s first book, I|I, will be published by Seneca Review Books in November 2022. 

Black and white author photo of Kelly Weber.

In Conversation with MFA Alum Kelly Weber

By Emily Harnden | September 28, 2022

Kelly Weber (she/they) is the author of We Are Changed to Deer at the Broken Place (forthcoming Tupelo Press, December 2022) and You Bury the Birds in My Pelvis, winner of the 2022 Omnidawn First/Second Book Prize (forthcoming October 2023).

Nancy McKinley black and white head shot

English alumna’s book finds favor on NPR’s Fresh Air

By | July 7, 2020

When CSU English alumna Nancy McKinley wrote St. Christopher on Pluto, she didn’t expect the book to receive national attention. But it came nonetheless as a glowing review on National Public Radio’s Fresh Air in late May.

Kristen Mullen and Luis Moya

Weathering outbreak abroad: CSU English alum teaches in China during COVID-19 pandemic

By | March 23, 2020

As the novel coronavirus sweeps across the globe CSU English alumna Kristen Mullen teaches in China — the site of her 2015 summer teaching program.

John Barhardt directing on set

Film project brings Emmy-winning English alum back to Fort Collins

By | March 18, 2020

CSU English major John Barnhardt (B.A., ’96) used to spend hours talking about movies, shooting film and film careers. Several decades and Emmys later, he returns to use his skills in the Fort Collins community.

Frank, former CSU English student

Former student Frank says ‘hi’ from New York

By | February 27, 2020

Hi guys! My name is Frank. I am from China and studied English with a language concentration at CSU. I graduated in 2019 and I am a graduate student in Applied Linguistics at Columbia University right now. Greetings from NYC! Go Rams!

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Connie Johnson Shoemaker (BA English 1956, MA in English 1961) – Willard O. Eddy was my mentor

By | February 18, 2020

I graduated with a B.A. in English in 1956 and an M.A. in English in 1961. My philosophy mentor and life coach was Dr. Willard O. Eddy…

Robert King (MA 1961)

Robert King (MA 1961) – Remembering a mentor

By | February 18, 2020

I can still name many of the professors at that time but the one I would like to mention was Dr. Aurelia Harlan, a figure both friendly and imposing.

Dianne Harper (Class of 1964)

Dianne Harper (Class of 1964) – Diagramming and poetry drills

By | February 18, 2020

When I was an undergrad in English education, one of the required courses was a quarter class of diagramming.  Does that date me or what?…

English Alum? Share Your Story

When stories about our alumni hit the news or our inbox, we love to share them. Teachers, staff, and fellow alumni are excited to learn about how our friends are doing. Current students appreciate examples of English alumni making a life and making a difference. At the same time, information about English offerings and degree opportunities encourages prospective students to engage, and stories of your impact and success illustrate the true value of English education.

Career Exploration

Qualified English undergraduate and graduate students are offered for-credit opportunities to explore possible career paths before graduation. The English Department boasts an excellent array of rigorous, professional, and intriguing internships. Internship areas include – but are by no means limited to – supervised college teaching; community literacy; teaching English as second/foreign language; editing and publishing; grant-writing and research; online course development and editing; and public education.