Scholarship Recipients 2025

Cassidy Arnett

I am a first-generation, nontraditional senior, ecology and evolutional biology and Japanese double major, and photography minor. Despite economic barriers, I registered at Austin Community College in 2014, but paused my education after my mom’s breast cancer diagnosis. Committed to ecological conservation since childhood, I’ve worked several conservation-focused positions. At CU, I’ve repeatedly made the Dean’s list, led Tau Sigma Honor Society as secretary, studied evolution abroad in Ecuador, mentored students learning to code in biostatistics software, and currently assist with a PhD candidate’s grasslands research. As I near graduation, I’m planning my route to a PhD in Japan for a career researching amphibian conservation.

Melissa Chavez

My story is one of resilience and determination. Despite a challenging childhood—including life as the child of an immigrant, abuse, juvenile detention, foster care, and teen motherhood—I once believed I was destined for prison. Instead, with the encouragement of teachers who urged me to dream bigger, I chose to rewrite my story and build a better future. Now pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, I am redefining what is possible. Though my days are demanding and my nights are short, I find strength in setting an inspiring example for my two young sons.

Mowgli Gunn

I am a maverick, always pushing my physical and mental limits. I was recently introduced to the intersection of arts and engineering through my fabrication involvement for Burning Man. This experience inspired me to develop a Design Consultancy, Mowgli’s Concepts. When Brendan Picker-Mahoney, Boulder Arts Program Manager, advised me to finish my engineering degree as a first step in building Mowgli’s Concepts, I developed a degree path at CU to integrate structural engineering into public arts and sculpture and founded the Art in Public Spaces Club that supports upcoming artists in uncovering the path into public arts.

Breeana Pritchard

At the age of 18, I became the breadwinner of the family and ended up dropping out of college a couple years later so I could work two jobs. Not being able to finish college held a weight on me, and I knew I had been privileged with a great education, and wanted to use it to improve the lives of others. After several years of being out of school, I was able to attend Front Range Community College where I was guided by many excellent professors. Soon after, I was accepted to CU Boulder to complete my biomedical engineering degree, where I now plan to graduate in Fall of 2026.

Aspen Rawson

I am a nontraditional student who has overcome significant life challenges, including homelessness, addiction, and placing my daughter for adoption at 17. After surviving an abusive relationship, I decided to change my path. In 2017, I earned my GED with college credit, worked my way up in the financial industry, and eventually decided to pursue higher education. I graduated from Front Range Community College in May 2024 with a focus in women’s studies and philosophy and transferred to CU Boulder. I’m currently interning with One Colorado and plan to attend law school to pursue a career in policy and legislation.

Isaiah Smith

I’m a 31-year-old nontraditional computer science student, graduating in December 2026. After earning an associate’s degree in 2016, I worked as a hospital janitor while doing hobbyist game development, eventually landing a job in the industry. Despite achieving my dream job, I wanted my work to have a greater impact, so I returned to school. Now, I’m a software developer and heliophysics researcher at LASP and NSO, using my skills to support open science collaboration. Through CU, I’ve found a path to contribute to technology that benefits humanity, and I’m proud to be a Buffalo.