Graduation season is finally here! Congratulations to those who are graduating, the work you’ve done these past years has laid the groundwork for exciting futures and promising careers. College presents a multitude of challenges outside of academics. From tuition costs to foreign languages and cultures, some students have extra hurdles to vault before they can walk across the stage. Every semester, the Business School is proud to honor six students who have gone above and beyond to triumph over hardship, break down barriers to success, and empower their communities while earning their degrees.
Outstanding Undergraduates
Daniela Aldridge ’25
BSBA, Marketing, Minor, Business Analytics
“Being a first-generation college student has always meant I would experience many ‘firsts’ in my life. When I’m asked what earning my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration means, my answer is simple: it means everything.”
Daniela Aldridge is the daughter of a single mother who emphasized the importance of education and encouraged Aldridge to dream big. After high school, she enrolled in community college; however, navigating the college experience alone was overwhelming, and she stepped away from academia for a time.
Her mother encouraged her to return to school, but Aldridge knew she wasn’t ready and enlisted in the Marine Corps. “My time in the Corps was transformative. I grew as a person, learned from the people around me, and gained confidence in my abilities. Most importantly, I earned benefits like the GI Bill, which provided me with a second chance at higher education.”
Aldridge approached her time at the Business School with a new level of confidence and commitment. However, imposter syndrome crept in, and she wrestled with feeling equipped for the challenge. Those fears were quickly assuaged after she finished her first semester with a 4.0 GPA. “That moment changed everything; I had proved to myself that I was capable.”
“Now, as I prepare to graduate, I reflect on all I have accomplished. I have remained on the Dean’s List for seven consecutive semesters, competed in case competitions representing CU Denver, and taken on leadership roles such as Vice President of the Ethics Club. I have also balanced school with working as a substitute teacher while navigating the complex transition from military to civilian life, a journey that was far more challenging than I anticipated. But through it all, I persevered.”
When she looks to the future, Aldridge knows her journey is just starting. She first plans to pursue her MBA, and then, law school. After facing systems that weren’t designed with students like her in mind, she wants to use her education to help veterans and first-generation students navigate higher education.
“Growing up, I never saw someone like me, someone from a background like mine, succeeding in business, law, or academia. I want to change that. I want little Latina girls to see me in these spaces and know that it’s possible. I want to take up space in the rooms that once felt inaccessible to people like me and make sure others feel welcome in them, too.”
Jiahong Wu ’25
BSBA, International Business & Risk Management & Insurance
As an international student from China, Jiahong Wu worked diligently to overcome all the challenges of adapting to life in the United States. “Navigating an unfamiliar education system, overcoming language barriers, and balancing academics with work responsibilities have shaped me into a resilient and driven individual.”
Despite the demanding course load of two majors, Wu actively contributed to the campus and his community. In his position as Global Ambassador for the Office of International Affairs, Wu organized 20+ events for international students. As the DEI Officer for Gamma Iota Sigma, he promoted initiatives that promote inclusivity within the business school. Wu also donated to blood drives in Wenzhou, China, and gifted RMB 20,000 and 1,000 masks to the Wenzhou Charity Center during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wu plans to use his BSBA degree to build a career in risk management and insurance. In addition to his academics and extracurriculars, he completed an Employee Benefits Account Management internship, which solidified his interest in the industry.
“Earning this degree has been an incredible achievement, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me. Through perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, I have transformed challenges into opportunities and am now ready to embark on my next journey with confidence.”
Outstanding Graduates
Munirah Alrashed ’25
MS, Information Systems
Munirah Alrashred was first drawn to information systems because of the unique way it blended technology and business. As a Representative of the major, they volunteered under the Undergraduate Department, where they shaped the experience of incoming students. “One of my most memorable experiences was during the 2022 new student gathering at the Business School, where I had the chance to connect with students unsure about their academic direction. Through one-on-one conversations, I was able to offer reassurance and help them make informed decisions about their studies.”
Alrashed also supported students in their position as a TA for several courses. “Witnessing students develop confidence in their abilities and master technical concepts has reaffirmed my passion for education and mentorship.”
In addition to their work as a TA, Alrashed also possesses a passion for research. Their work, The Role of Gamification in Enhancing Cybersecurity Awareness was published in Summer 2024, at the Americas Conference on Information Systems.
Moving forward, Alrashed plans to apply their expertise to drive strategic innovation, in order to bridge the gap between business and technology. In addition to this, they aim to take on leadership roles and aspire to continue mentoring future professionals. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences at CU Denver. I look forward to carrying the knowledge, skills, and values I have gained into the next chapter of my career.”
Patrick Ritsko ’25
MBA, MS, Global Energy Management
Patrick Ritsko is a dual graduate who earned an MBA and an MS in Global Energy Management (GEM). When he first dipped his toes into graduate school, Ritsko had no idea of the profound impact the experience would have on his life and career. “At the time, I questioned whether an advanced degree would truly enhance my career or reshape my perspective. I soon discovered that enrolling in CU Denver’s GEM program – and later pursuing an MBA – would ignite a professional and personal transformation that broadened my worldview, redefined my approach to problem-solving and team collaboration, and fundamentally reshaped my career trajectory.”
Ritsko began this journey in 2019 when he began his GEM degree. The coursework gave him a new perspective on global energy solutions and developed an appreciation for renewable energy resources and their importance in shaping the future of power. This newfound knowledge led Ritsko to pivot from a career in oil and gas to one at Xcel Energy. While the GEM program gave him an understanding of the technical aspects of the industry, Ritsko knew he wanted more insight into leadership and strategy. “This realization led me to pursue an MBA, further complementing my energy knowledge and allowing me to approach challenges with a more well-rounded perspective while interacting with fellow students outside of my industry.”
Outside of academics, Ritsko is dedicated to his community. For three years, he has volunteered weekly for Food for Thought Denver, which provides take-home food bags for students experiencing food insecurity. He also volunteers for We Don’t Waste, a food market pantry in Denver.
While some might loathe running, it has become a defining point in Ritsko’s life. After taking the sport more seriously and enrolling at CU Denver, Ritsko has completed over 40 marathons, many of which are for charity. Ritsko has raised over $1,000 for St. Jude and will represent We Don’t Waste as a charity runner in the 2025 Denver Colfax Marathon.
Ritsko is determined to apply what he has learned to drive positive change in every area of his life. After graduation, Ritsko plans to stay involved with the Business School in a mentorship role.” I will continue to champion sustainability, foster community engagement, and hold myself to a high degree of excellence, whether in the workplace, the classroom, or on the marathon course.”
FaM Award Winners
FaM Outstanding Community Impact Award
Randy Jurado ’25
BSBA, Finance
Randy Jurado is a first-generation student. Born and raised in Colorado to immigrant parents, Jurado said he was shaped by the quiet message: ‘‘’Keep your head down, work hard, don’t make waves,’ due to the fear of us not being able to blend in. This mentality made me start to hold back and stop trying because the hard work never felt deserved.”
However, his experiences changed after high school. After graduating, Jurado enrolled at the Community College of Denver. At first, he didn’t even tell anyone, but soon his grades soared, he met new people, and he grew to love the college experience. He later transferred to CU Denver, balancing 18 to 21 credit course loads, part-time jobs, and leadership and mentoring opportunities.
Jurado was active in many organizations during his time at the Business School, one being the First Generation and Multicultural (FaM) program. “Through the FaM program, I was not only able to get financial support but also support with personal growth. I was able to meet multiple mentors who helped with my professional skills, visited and met many at site visits for companies I can possibly work for, did case competitions where I earned certificates, and was also a crew mentor for 10 new students coming into the program.”
As a result of Jurado’s tenacity, he completed college in 3.5 years, received his real estate license, and continues to constantly challenge himself to grow. “These past years, I have met many people and had so many different experiences that I now live by a new mindset. ‘Keep your head up, work hard, make waves.’ Not only as a first-generation college student but also as the first generation to be born in the U.S., I’ve learned to take pride in every challenge I’ve overcome and in every space I’ve worked hard to belong.”
FaM Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
Amelie Koestler ’25
BSBA, International Business
Six years ago, Amelie Koestler stepped off a plane at DIA as an Au Pair. Even then, she knew what she wanted for her future and could achieve these dreams with hard work and dedication.
Originally from Germany, Koestler was initially nervous to tackle the American higher education system. “The idea of taking my next step, as a first-generation student and immigrant in a country that still felt foreign in many ways, was terrifying. I did not know how to navigate the higher education system, what a ‘syllabus’ or ‘sophomore’ was, or how ‘subsidized loans’ worked.” Determined to succeed despite this, Koestler enrolled at Arapahoe Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree.
After graduating from community college, Koestler knew she wanted to continue her education, but didn’t know how she would cover the costs. “Though I had finally figured out student loans, the cost of attendance was still overwhelming. While searching for scholarships and learning more about my new university, I came across the FaM program. I applied, not realizing how much it would shape my life and future.”
The First Generation and Multicultural (FaM) program became a second home for Koestler. She found a group that boosted her and her dreams through friendship and support. However, she found more than just a community in FaM. “Through site visits, networking events, workshops, and leadership opportunities like serving as a Peer Crew Mentor, I’ve developed confidence, professionalism, and purpose. I’ve learned to speak with executives, take initiative, lead compassionately, and most importantly, give back. I’ve transformed from someone who feared the unknown into someone who embraces it. It was an honor to support other students as a Peer Crew Mentor and help them find their place in FaM and succeed, just like others helped me.”
Looking back, Koestler credits the program for helping her achieve a near-perfect GPA and grow into a more empowered version of herself. “I am so excited to give back in the future and uplift others who, like me, are learning to embrace the unexpected because it can take us places we have never imagined.”
Congratulations to the Spring 2025 award winners. We look forward to celebrating their triumphs and the successes of all of our CU Denver Business School Spring 2025 graduates at CU Denver’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16. More information about the May 2025 Commencement Ceremony can be found here.
