FEBRUARY 4, 2025

As we reflect on the close of 2024, we’re excited to share some transformative updates from Colorado Mountain College.

First, we welcomed a new chapter in leadership with the induction of Dr. Matt Gianneschi as CMC President in July. Dr. Gianneschi has brought fresh vision and innovative ideas, setting the stage for a new era of opportunities and continued success for our college community. For more information on Dr. Gianneschi’s history and new role click here.

Additionally, the Vail Valley Campus introduced a Dental Hygiene facility and program, addressing a critical need in rural healthcare. “This space and program will help fill a critical gap in the healthcare arena within our rural communities,” shared Marc Brennan, vice president and campus dean of CMC Vail Valley. “The investment in this clinic and program underscores CMC’s dedication to workforce needs and designing degrees that provide graduates with a livable wage.” Students will complete an associate of applied science degree in just six semesters, equipping them to fill essential dental hygiene roles in our mountain communities.

Finally, as part of CMC’s vibrant Study Abroad Program, 10 students ventured to Mexico’s Baja peninsula, where they honed sea kayaking leadership skills while exploring the marine life and natural history of the region. Eight students ventured to Nepal to study geography and environmental science, and they trekked into the Kathmandu Valley and the Khumbu Valley. These life-changing experiences are also available to alumni and community members! Upcoming 2025 trips include destinations such as Cuba, Bhutan, and Argentina. For more information, visit the CMC Study Abroad Program webpage.

Here’s to a year of growth, opportunity, and shared success!

And the survey says...

In September, we conducted the CMC Alumni Engagement Survey, reaching out to all alumni in our database. To the 141 individuals who responded—THANK YOU! The survey covered topics ranging from the types of alumni events that interest you to the areas of the Alumni Association that provide the most value.

To encourage participation, we offered respondents the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $50 VISA gift card. Congratulations to the four lucky winners:

• Sohail Mahmood, Breckenridge 2020, BS Sustainability
• Teal Bowden, Spring Valley 2020, AAS Professional Photography
• Paula Taylor, Glenwood Springs, 2000 AA General Studies
• Brooke Wilson, Breckenridge, 2021, BS Nursing, 2019 AAS Nursing and 2016 AA

We appreciate the feedback provided by all respondents and are actively exploring new ideas to enhance the value we bring to our alumni community.

If you didn’t get a chance to participate in the survey, we still want to hear from you! Feel free to share your questions, comments, or suggestions by emailing us at alumni@coloradomtn.edu.

Still wondering about joining the CMC Alumni Association?



Now is the time to jump in! It’s free to join and upon receiving your registration, we’ll send you an Alumni Welcome Packet. Sign up to be kept in the know about CMC, your classmates, your professors and other exciting news about your alma mater. And, if you register by March 15, your name will be entered into a drawing to win an alumni prize package, including alumni branded merchandise.

UPCOMING EVENTS - YOU'RE INVITED!

CMC is pleased to host these upcoming events, and we invite you to attend.

Exodusters: Colorado’s Black History

CMC Edwards Campus

150 Miller Ranch Road, Edwards, CO

Wednesday, February 5

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating Black History Month, historian and adjunct faculty Kelle Roberts welcomes you to discover Colorado’s black pioneers. Taking their name from Moses and the Exodus, Exodusters were former slaves fleeing the racial confines of the post-Civil War South. Exodusters and black pioneers made their mark on the American West: be it the cowboys since one in four men on the range were black, or America’s first female millionaire who began as a laundress in Denver, to a gifted female obstetrician who was barred due to her race and gender from practicing medicine, who delivered 7,000 children in her Denver home. Come and meet these courageous individuals who shaped Colorado’s past. The lecture is free and open to the public. In the auditorium.

For more info on these monthly history lessons, visit CMC Vail Valley's Facebook page for upcoming events.

CMC Aspen Open House

CMC Aspen Campus

255 Sage Way, Aspen, CO

Wednesday, February 19

5:30-7:30 p.m.



Attendees will have a chance to visit the teaching kitchen, soft goods lab, and art studio.

CMC Alumni Day at A-Basin

28194 Highway 6 (Loveland Pass), Dillon, CO

Friday, April 4

All Day

Let’s ski, let’s ride! We’re planning on another fun day in the sun as we return to A-Basin for our 3rd annual spring outing. Bring your friends, bring your family, and engage with other CMC Alumni as we hit the slopes. We’ll have the CMC hospitality tent set up at “The Beach” with coffee and doughnuts in the morning, sandwiches at noon, and beverages and snacks for après ski. Discounted lift tickets will be available for anyone without an A-Basin season pass or an Ikon Pass (use one of the three comp days), and the CMC hospitality is free! More information to come including an RSVP form. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss this spring skiing event!

Sustainability Studies and Ecosystem Science Conference (virtual event)

Friday, April 18

9 a.m. – noon

Join us for dynamic research presentations from our talented graduating students in Sustainability Studies and Ecosystem Science & Stewardship, along with opening remarks by CMC President, Dr. Matt Gianneschi. The event will feature a compelling keynote presentation by Gemara Gifford, M.S., on “Rematriating the Rockies.” 

Student Capstone Poster Exhibition and Community Social

CMC Leadville Campus

901 US-24, Leadville, CO

Friday, April 18

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.



Please join us as graduating seniors present the scholarly work of their capstone projects. We will celebrate their academic achievements in a casual fun environment, refreshments will be served.