Dear Warner College Community, 

As we approach fall break and Thanksgiving, I’m sure many of us are reflecting on gratitude. Both the simple moments of appreciation and the deeper connections that come from being part of our wonderful community at Warner College. 

Although the semester’s pace and our shared challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, there is so much to celebrate and be grateful for. Every day, I’m inspired by the dedication, creativity, and care that our faculty, staff, and students bring to the Warner College community. Together, you make this college a place of purpose, belonging, and global impact. Our community is a source of strength – a reservoir of optimism and collaboration that carries us through demanding times and makes our achievements truly meaningful. As we continue this journey together, I’m deeply thankful for the shared vision and commitment that unites us and propels Warner College forward. 

I hope you’ll join us for the upcoming All College Meeting, where we’ll share updates and look ahead to our shared vision for the future. We’re excited to align Warner College Road Map 2030 to CSU Strategic Roadmap 2035: National Model for the Land-Grant University, ensuring that Warner continues to be the leader in sustainability, research excellence, and student success. Your voices and perspectives are vital as we work together to chart this path forward. 

During the upcoming Fall Break, I encourage you to take the time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Step outside, breathe deeply, and embrace a sense of genuine gratitude, for the people who support you, for the meaningful work we have the privilege to do, and for the vibrant community we continue to build together. 

Thank you for all that you bring to Warner College. I hope this season offers you moments of joy, connection, and renewal with family, friends, and the natural world that inspires our shared mission. 

Warmly, 
A. Alonso Aguirre, DVM, Ph.D. 
Dean, Warner College of Natural Resources 

Mark Samolej, a third-year restoration ecology student, is one of just 100 students nationwide to receive the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service – known as the Voyager Scholarship – which honors his commitment to public service and ecological restoration. 

Tian Guo, assistant professor in the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, received the Institute for Learning and Teaching’s Writing-Enriched Curriculum Faculty Fellowship for the 2025-2026 academic year. She will use writing exercises to build student literacy in Artificial Intelligence, while fostering deep care for land conservation and outdoor recreation management.

Colorado State University's Alpha Student Chapter won second place in the Outstanding Student Chapter at the 2025 Society of American Foresters National Convention. Twenty-five students from CSU attended the conference and several students gave presentations. 

Melissa May is an ecosystem science and sustainability student whose passion for Colorado's landscapes drives her work as a student researcher and science communicator in CSU's Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory. Melissa gained research experience in the Skills for Undergraduate Participation in Ecological Research, and through CitSci – CSU's participatory science platform. 

Ali Eccleston, managing director of development for the Office of Engagement and Extension, and CSU Libraries, will serve as Warner College's interim Managing Director of Development until the position is filled in 2026. Ali graduated with a B.S. in Natural Resources Management and has been with CSU Advancement since 2020. Please drop by the Dean's Office Suite to meet her and the development team for Donuts and Dialogue from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Kayla Kersey, master of conservation leadership student in the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and Peace Corps volunteer, will be a featured speaker at today's opening event for The Symposium at 3 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Ballroom. Kayla will join Carol Spahn, former Peace Corps director and CSU presidential executive in residence, and Elizabeth Ryan, professor and Peace Corps volunteer, in a dialogue with CSU President Amy Parsons. The Symposium is free and open to all. Please register through the link above. 

To meet CSU’s required deadlines, all position descriptions must be submitted to Warner College HR by Wednesday, Nov. 6. After this date, HR won’t be able to accept new requests until Workday goes live in January. Thank you for your attention to this important timeline and for supporting an efficient, consistent hiring process.

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 1 p.m. | MSNR 345 or Virtually on Teams

The Warner Fall All College Meeting will be in-person and virtually on Teams. Please use Chrome or Edge if you are attending virtually as Firefox tends to have compatibility issues. The agenda will be included in a future Warner Wire edition. Light refreshments will be served.