Boettcher Foundation: Katie Kramer and Andrea Donlucas

Building the Leaders of Tomorrow: Boettcher Foundation CEO Katie Kramer and Scholar Andrea Donlucas on How the Foundation and CSU are Shaping Colorado’s Future

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Publish Date: 7/9/2025

Description

What does it mean to lead with purpose? How does access to education change lives? In this episode of The Next 150, CSU President Amy Parsons sits down with Katie Kramer, President and CEO of the Boettcher Foundation and a former Boettcher Scholar, along with Andrea Donlucas, a current CSU student and scholar. Together, they explore the life-changing impact of the Boettcher Scholarship, the role of community and mentorship in leadership development, and why investing in access to higher education is essential for Colorado’s future. Andrea shares her path as a first-generation student to a future educator and aspiring politician, while Katie reflects on her time as a student in the program to her work building inclusive leadership ecosystems across the state.

Transcript

Amy Parsons: Hi, I am Amy Parsons, president of Colorado State University and host of The Next 150 Podcast. We have so many remarkable people in our community, and this is where we’re going to hear their stories. We’re going to get their perspectives on CSU’s next 150 years, and gather their very best advice for today’s CSU students. Let’s get started, Rams. Well, hello again, everyone. Welcome back to another episode of The Next 150. And today, we’re so excited because we have not one, but two very special guests in the studio with us today, both are phenomenal leaders, both for us at the Colorado State University community, and in the greater state of Colorado. Thank you both for being here so much.

First up, of course, we have Katie Kramer, who’s the president and CEO of the Boettcher Foundation. And a 1993, Boettcher Scholar herself, and one of my very best friends in the whole world. So I’m just really happy to spend some time with you. We were thinking about how long we have been friends and we can’t quite pin it down. So it’s been a long time, yes. So thanks for being here and also joining us as one of our current Boettcher Scholars here at CSU. Andrea Donlucas, who’s an early childhood education major, presidential ambassador, and all around CSU rock star. Thank you for joining us this morning. We’re so happy to have you both. How’s the end of your semester going, Andrea?

Andrea Donlucas: It’s great. Picking up, I thought I was going to have everything going smoothly and get things done before the deadline. Well, of course, before the deadline, but more in advance. And yeah, just having my licensure exams.

Amy Parsons: Congratulations on that.

Andrea Donlucas: Lots of things going on.

Amy Parsons: Yeah, yeah. I was just outside on campus. What a beautiful, spectacular day out there at CSU. What do you have going on this afternoon?

Andrea Donlucas: Yes. Right after this, I’m actually going to Spanish class. And we have a 20-minute play memorized, just my group and I. So hopefully it goes well. But that’ll be my last thing for today, so it’ll be great.

Amy Parsons: Yeah. Well, let’s warm up a little bit. Andrea, can you draw one of our little chips in here, and that’ll tell us our first question?

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah, of course.

Amy Parsons: Yeah, go ahead.

Andrea Donlucas: Three.

Amy Parsons: Three? Okay. Where were you when you found out that you were a Boettcher Scholar? Tell us that story.

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah, so I actually was in student government in my class preparing supplies for a prom, and I got an email from DU that was like, “Congratulations, we’re so happy that you are a scholar.” And I was like, “This is weird.” I thought I was going to hear from the actual foundation. And so later that afternoon, I got an email, it was like, “Oh, this is an accident. There’s no results.” And so I was like, “Yippee.” But then I was like, “Never mind, but maybe?” And so then a couple of days later, I got home, I got a package. And I was like, “Okay, I think people say packages are a good thing, so let’s just hope, but I’ll be okay if I don’t get it.” And so then I did and I cried, and I hugged my sister because we got home from school at the same time. And it was just a happy, life-changing moment.

Amy Parsons: That’s amazing. I love those stories. Katie, let’s talk about you because you were also a Boettcher Scholar. Tell us about when you found out that you were a Boettcher Scholar and what that meant to you at the time.

Katie Kramer: Sure. Well, I was at home. And I saw that the postman deliver a package. And my dad was with me and he said, “Kate, doesn’t matter. Whatever the results are, we love you,” which was very nice to hear. But of course, I wanted it to be good news. And it was. And it was, it was life-changing. I think at that moment with some out-of-state options, like many of us have, I was like, “It’s all Colorado, baby.” And so it definitely, I think met the mission of the Boettcher Foundation to keep students in state, and it was life-changing, it is. I think even for me now, and for my children too, not having any student debt or anything, it’s generational, life-changing.

Amy Parsons: Well, Katie, then you went on to become the vice president at Boettcher at just 26 years old. And you now lead this organization, which is one of the most impactful philanthropic organizations in Colorado. Share more about the Boettcher Foundation’s long legacy in Colorado and what it is doing today.

Katie Kramer: Sure. Well, it was started by some really service-minded Colorado people, they were serial entrepreneurs in the state. And in 1937, decided they wanted to endow this foundation to give back to the people of Colorado. So we’re a state-based philanthropy that invests just in the promise of Colorado and the potential of Coloradans. And so there are things, even on this campus, with Boettcher names on them all over the state here in Fort Collins. And I think we’re probably most well known for our Boettcher Scholarship program that has 50 of the most amazing humans, high school students every year that win the scholarship. And then they have the choice of any university in the state.

Amy Parsons: Yeah, which we love at Colorado. Our missions are very much aligned. Yesterday, we had this great event on campus where we got to honor all of our Boettcher Scholars, and especially recognize our graduating seniors. And at CSU, we’re the land-grant institution, student success is our number one priority, always. And seeing those scholars yesterday and everybody in the room, that’s what student success looks like. And it starts with access. Right? And that’s what Boettcher Foundation provides, access, access to excellence that then invests in our state. And Andrea, you epitomize that as a Boettcher scholar and that excellence. Let’s talk about your journey a little bit. You’re a really impressive Ram. Early childhood education major, first-generation student, very involved on campus, presidential ambassador. You work as an assistant manager of programming and outreach at Ram Kidz Village, which is awesome. You recently wrapped up a 4-H youth development and Latinx outreach internship with CSU’s Office of Engagement last summer. That’s really impressive.

Andrea Donlucas: Thank you.

Amy Parsons: Yeah. Tell us about what are some of the most impactful things that you’ve been able to do at CSU because you are a Boettcher scholar?

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah, touching on what you both said about access, I think especially as a first-generation student, it’s really hard to know where I’m going and what I can do. And yeah, I think Boettcher has really allowed me to get my foot out there. I think the first thing that came to mind was textbooks, because I love having physical textbooks and reading them, and the digital version is always cheaper, but I’ve been able to get physical versions. But I think more specific, or more broadly I should say, is I started out as a social work major. And I was like, “I’m going to be a substance abuse counselor. This is my path.” And as life happens, I was like, “No, this isn’t right.” So I think having that flexibility of taking extra courses and not having to worry about paying for more classes has been really beneficial. So yeah, now I have two minors, and I’m doing a certificate in neurodivergency, as well. So just having that extra flexibility with courses, because I was expecting to pay everything for myself, not putting that burden on my family because my sister is also here at CSU.

Amy Parsons: Oh, that’s great.

Andrea Donlucas: So now my mom can worry more about her than me. So it’s been great.

Amy Parsons: Talk about that cohort of Boettcher Scholars, how you get to know each other and how you work together across campus. And Katie, feel free to weigh in on that too, I heard a couple stories about that yesterday at the lunch.

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah, we have two amazing advisors here on campus who facilitate retreats. So we went to the mountain campus and we made a cutting board and axe throwing, painting, lots of cool activities that just bring us together. And I think everything gives everyone an opportunity to get out of their comfort zone a little bit, find, “Oh, I didn’t know that I would really like this acrylic painting,” or whatever the activity might be. So yeah, just getting out of our comfort zones and getting to know each other, especially across cohorts, because I wouldn’t really interact with first or second years without that connection.

Amy Parsons: Katie, how important is it for Boettcher to see these cohorts of students working together and building these relationships outside the classroom?

Katie Kramer: Well, it’s so much fun because every campus has their own group. And to see them build community with each other as well as then take advantage of all the opportunities that are available at the respective campuses, it’s fun to see them going through that experience together, learning from each other, connecting with each other. I think that part of the magic of what we believe the scholarship to be is the community that comes with it on your campus.

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah. It’s really special.

Amy Parsons: Yeah, I love hearing that you went up to the Mountain campus. I think that’s so unique to CSU of having that asset, and to see groups of students go up there and get out of their comfort zones, and to be in the mountains and see that beauty and bond with each other. I’m really glad to hear that you all are doing that.

Andrea Donlucas: I should have mentioned too, I’m definitely afraid of heights, and I did the rock climbing one.

Amy Parsons: You did?

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah. And so our whole group did it.

Amy Parsons: That’s a serious one, too.

Andrea Donlucas: It’s terrifying.

Amy Parsons: That’s no joke.

Andrea Donlucas: But yeah, it’s great.

Amy Parsons: That’s awesome. That’s such a great example listening to you both talk. Katie, starting out as a Boettcher Scholar and now leading this. One of our newer members on our board of Governors, Dominic DeSanti, is a Boettcher Scholar. Some of the best leaders in the state of Colorado started out at our universities as Boettcher Scholars. So Katie, talk a little bit about that and just how the Boettcher Foundation stays in touch with its alumni. You produce these amazing students out of our universities investing back in the state of Colorado. How do you keep up with everybody? What does that look like?

Katie Kramer: Well, I think the main thing that I would just want to emphasize is the Boettcher Scholarship is nothing without the Colorado universities. We work with the universities because we have these joint alumni. And we talked about that yesterday about the value of the ramily, the network, as well as your Boettcher cohort. And I think we make sure that we stay in touch with folks, we ask them that that’s one way they can pay it forward, having received this huge gift of the financial support and all that goes with it, but just to keep their contact information up to date with us because it’s a great opportunity for them to continue to be served by the Boettcher Foundation. And in the same way that you’re always a Boettcher Scholar, you’re always a CSU Ram. And we have wonderful networks of alums that come alongside to mentor, support, connect graduates. And that goes throughout your life. And so I think we definitely prioritize keeping in touch with folks, and ask that that’s one thing that they can do to pay it forward, is to stay in touch with us.

Amy Parsons: Yeah, yeah. Well, Katie, let’s talk a little bit more about your own personal leadership philosophy. There’s this one that I’ve always admired, I admire you so much as a leader in Colorado, and you have such a unique view on Colorado. Because you work with all of the universities, you are in every corner of the state, investing in communities, investing in philanthropy, and growing the leaders of the state of Colorado. You’re a co-author of a book, “All the Wisdom and None of the Junk,” which I love. I know you’re working on a second edition of the book right now to be released later in the year. And you’ve been honored with major leadership awards, and I know that you’re a hunter and an outdoorswoman and all of the things. And one of your interests is really on effective leadership and leading in that space and setting that example. So talk a little bit about your personal philosophy on leadership, and what you want to instill in both our students and in leaders around the state.

Katie Kramer: Sure. Well, I think the thing that’s important to remember is leadership is not about a role or a title. It’s about a choice. It’s about your behavior. It’s about how you show up moment to moment in a specific situation. And so I think our work at the Boettcher Foundation is really about how do we support and making sure our ecosystem in this state of Colorado, our leadership ecosystem is inclusive, it’s accessible, it’s diverse, and that people have opportunities to step up and step in to take ownership of what their reality is. And so we spend a lot of time thinking about leaders. We spend time doing curriculum development for our current scholars to help them with some of the tools and skills that they’re going to need. And we have a leadership fellowship around the state for mostly folks from rural Colorado.

And that’s about equipping people that are already in circumstances. But how do you have the emotional intelligence? How do you have the self-awareness to be conscious of what’s happening in this situation? The communication skills, the conflict resolution skills, talking across differences. Those are the types of things that I think that we really try to help people skill up in those areas so they can continue to be effective in whatever context that they have. But I think the main, when you talk about philosophy, Amy, it’s really that anyone can be a leader. Everyone is a leader, it’s whether or not you choose to take that responsibility and step up. And we just try to prepare people to be as effective as they can be in whatever circumstance they’re in.

Amy Parsons: That’s why I have my little, “What would Katie say or do?” voice inside my head when I’m facing a tough issue. I think, “How would Katie coach me through this?” And sometimes, I just call you. And you do coach me through it, which I greatly appreciate.

Katie Kramer: It goes both ways, friend, absolutely.

Amy Parsons: So Andrea, listening to Katie talk, what have you learned about your own leadership style? What have you learned about yourself as a leader already? Like we talked about yesterday, it’s not as though you’re going to be a great leader someday, you already are. You’re a leader on campus today. What have you learned about yourself as a leader through this experience?

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah, definitely. I think through high school and middle school, I always considered myself a pretty shy person. And I still am, and definitely much an introvert. Would love to just stay inside and watch movies or whatever that may be. But I think I’ve really shown myself that I can keep pushing my limits, and put myself in situations that might be uncomfortable. I think this might be an example. It’s a little out of my comfort zone. But that’s how you grow as a person. And so just if everyone listening out there, just put yourself in uncomfortable situations and it always pays off.

Amy Parsons: Yeah.

Katie Kramer: That’s great advice. Absolutely.

Amy Parsons: It is great advice.

Katie Kramer: And so true. I think in my experience too, that some of the most difficult situations I’ve ever been in, I learned the most from.

Andrea Donlucas: Exactly.

Katie Kramer: That’s right.

Amy Parsons: Well, we’re happy that you’re here. Thank you for coming out of your comfort zone and hanging out with us today. Katie, I’ll be remiss if I didn’t say that you have your own podcast in which you interview leaders from all around the state. Tell us a little bit about that podcast, and what you try to get out of the leaders who you interview in Colorado.

Katie Kramer: Oh, thanks for asking. So it’s called Colorado Leadership Stories. And basically, it’s what I was talking about relative to the philosophy of leadership. We have some amazing people in this state. And I think the goal is really to show that leadership is an activity, and hear all those stories about how people have taken on hard issues, maybe what was hard about that, maybe stories of resiliency or how they failed, or what they’ve overcome. So I think helping to convey that it normalizes this fact that everybody is a leader is what we’re trying to do. And had a chance to feature several prominent Rams on mine. I’m trying to get Amy on it, but we had a chance. One of our first episodes was with Chancellor Tony Frank. And then we actually interviewed another one of our Boettcher Scholars here on campus, JJ McKinney was on earlier this year.

Amy Parsons: Oh, that’s great.

Andrea Donlucas: That’s awesome.

Katie Kramer: So anyway, so we like to just tell Colorado Leadership stories, and that’s the name of the podcast.

Amy Parsons: Well keep them coming. We’ve got a lot of Rams, Katie.

Katie Kramer: That’s right. That’s right.

Amy Parsons: We’ve got a lot of awesome rams around the state who came from Boettcher, and we’re obviously producing the next generation now.

Katie Kramer: That’s right.

Amy Parsons: So no, I’m a big fan of your podcast and what you do, and just the way that you continue to expand your reach, Katie, as a leader, and shine a light on all that’s great in Colorado. So Andrea, tell us a little bit more about what your plan is going forward, and what you envision doing after graduation and on out there in Colorado.

Andrea Donlucas: Totally. I love school, and that’s why I want to be a teacher, so I can never leave school. So I plan on doing my master’s in teaching English as a second language here at CSU. Thankfully, because of the Boettcher, CSU offers me tuition coverage for my master’s program, which is something I’m of course grateful for. And so then after that, I plan on going back to the Denver metro area because I really want to focus on children who have similar identities as me, so first generation person of color. And so just paying it forward because I knew that when I was in school, I didn’t have that teacher of color until I was in high school. And so just having that representation, I think is really impactful. And so I also know that after I retire, I want to be a local politician. So that’s my plan.

Amy Parsons: You have plans for after retirement?

Katie Kramer: That’s right.

Amy Parsons: Katie, you and I could take a page from her book.

Katie Kramer: We could. Yeah, we’re just in it right now, yeah.

Andrea Donlucas: Join me in local politics.

Amy Parsons: “Join me. Let’s all do this together.” Well, I really appreciate that that is a path that you foresee for yourself because we obviously need great people going into politics at every level, local level, state, federal level. So a lot of people are shying away from politics right now because it can be pretty divisive. So why are you feeling like that’s something that you want to actually move towards later in life?

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah. I think civic engagement’s really important because whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, everything is impacted by politics. And right now, actually, I’m involved in the Colorado Education Association, which does a lot of work with unionizing and teacher rights. And so just knowing how I’m impacted by politics and how other teachers are impacted by politics, it’s just a step in the right direction of, I know I can do this. I know I can work with others to do this. And just taking a positive note on it that people, once they get enough information about it, they can move in a positive direction.

Amy Parsons: Well, thank you in advance for doing that. I think that’s exactly the type of leader, Katie, that we want to produce out of CSU and out of the Boettcher Foundation. Democracy is one of our highest priorities at CSU, and that means producing the future leaders who are able to work across difficult issues and make progress. So hearing you speak, it goes straight to the heart.

Andrea Donlucas: Yes.

Amy Parsons: Yeah, exactly. It’s absolutely wonderful. Now, Andrea, I think that you had a question for us, or maybe a question just for Katie.

Katie Kramer: Oh. I don’t know, if it’s hard, then give it to Amy.

Andrea Donlucas: Well, it has to do with the partnership because I know that Boettcher, like you’ve been saying throughout this podcast, is the statewide efforts to give back to the community, and like CSU, is a land-grant institution, and so just always giving back to the community. And I think that that has the similar missions. And so I was just wondering what the future may look like with CSU and Boettcher, what plans you might have for that collaboration?

Katie Kramer: Sure. I can take it.

Amy Parsons: You take it, Katie. Yeah.

Katie Kramer: Well, I would just say, again, to remember that the Boettcher Foundation is nothing without CSU. We provide funding for awesome students and opportunities here on campus. But this is where it’s at. And so I think the partnership is really about supporting an institution that we have the utmost respect for, trust and gratitude for the role that they play in this Colorado education ecosystem. And so our investment is not just limited to Boettcher Scholars. And in fact, dating back to 1937, we’ve supported the campus in over $17 million of support, not just with scholarships, but we fund biomedical research on this campus. We’ve funded a number of physical spaces on this campus. And so the partnership really is about supporting the vision, Amy’s vision of how CSU is going to serve the community. And so we’re along for the ride to champion what they want to achieve. So I’d answer it that way.

Amy Parsons: Yeah. Thanks, Kate, that’s a great answer, right back at you. Andrea, to your point, as the state’s land-grant institution, we have a presence in every corner of Colorado.

Katie Kramer: Yes.

Amy Parsons: And we exist to serve the entire state. urban corridor are all of the rural areas, and we’re committed to access. And we need partners to succeed in that. And so part of my role is to grow and strengthen those partnerships all over the state. And Boettcher is obviously one of our most important partnerships because you invest where it’s our highest priority, investing in access. And not just access to anything, access to excellence, world-class education at a research one institution. And Boettcher believes in that. I’m also a little competitive, I want more Boettcher Scholars at CSU than anywhere else.

So it’s not just a matter of students choosing CSU, which is great, we need to invest in our students so that you have a wonderful experience here so that you succeed so that when you graduate, it sounds like you are, you are ready to go. You are ready to lead on day one and succeed in your chosen career path, but also think ahead just like you are into civic life and how you’re going to be a leader in democracy, because we need students like you.

So we can’t do it without great partners like Boettcher and great leaders like Katie who are always shining a light specifically on Colorado, which I appreciate growing our own, investing in our own, keeping and growing leaders across the state of Colorado. So yeah, I think we want to support Katie and her vision as well for Boettcher and how we can continue to make an impact. And the more Boettcher Scholars we have, you continue to grow, your foundation and your impact continue to grow right along with CSU. So I’m just excited to continue working with you, Katie, and what we can do, and to continue to produce amazing students like Andrea.

Katie Kramer: Yeah. Bottom line, we can’t do it without each other.

Amy Parsons: Yeah.

Katie Kramer: And it is selfishly awesome that you get to work with one of your best pals to think about how do you make the state a better place for all of us. So it’s a secret evil plan for good. And I love it, it’s just a delight.

Amy Parsons: So many secret evil plans for good, Katie, that we have. Thank you for asking the question.

Andrea Donlucas: Of course, thank you for the work that you do and the partnerships that you have. It’s very inspirational to see two women leaders in Colorado just pushing forward. And it’s like you two against the world.

Amy Parsons: That’s right, Katie. We got work to do, but we’re going to do it together and have a good time doing it.

Katie Kramer: That’s right.

Amy Parsons: But we exist for you, for our future women leaders like you. And we’re going to be really excited to follow your career path.

Katie Kramer: Absolutely.

Amy Parsons: And be here to support you. And as Katie said, and I said yesterday, when you graduate, that really is just the start of your journey, especially as a CSU alum and as a bachelor alum as well. We have the largest alumni network in the state of Colorado, and that’s people who are here for you, so use it. Like I said, wear your logo, call people out where you see them wearing their logos to say, “Go Rams,” and make those friends and use that network because it’s really powerful. So you both have so much wisdom in different ways and different journeys as Boettcher Scholars yourselves. Think about what advice you might have to today’s students, who may not be Boettcher Scholars, but just today’s Incoming students at Colorado State University, maybe what you wish you would’ve known when you first started at CSU. So I’ll start with you. What’s your best advice for incoming students today?

Andrea Donlucas: I think about this a lot because I always have so much advice. But if I had to narrow it down to one thing, it’d be to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.

Amy Parsons: That’s good advice, Katie.

Katie Kramer: It is.

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah. Yeah. My goal is always eight, but it always gets cut back by something. So at least seven hours, I think is so important because especially for Boettcher Scholars, but probably students in general, you want to get that last assignment in before you go to sleep, or you want to get ahead on this thing, or you’re like, “Oh, I just want to watch one more episode of the show.” It’s really hard to discipline yourself. But I don’t think I’ve ever once regretted having full night of sleep. And it’s great for your memory. You just wake up feeling so energized and ready for the next day. And even if you think you’re going to be behind, just having that energy will put you ahead.

Amy Parsons: That’s great advice because it’s always important to put yourself first. There’s always more to do for other people. But you can’t be your best unless you’ve invested in yourself and you feel good when you get up and go.

Katie Kramer: Truth.

Amy Parsons: Right, Katie?

Katie Kramer: Yes, that’s right.

Amy Parsons: Yes, it’s so true.

Katie Kramer: So true.

Amy Parsons: That’s great advice. Katie, how about from you?

Katie Kramer: I think I would quote Andrea here about trying to get out of your comfort zone. And when I think about what’s available here on this campus, the advice is say yes, get involved, and take advantage of all the opportunities. And so get your work done, but then say yes, try the things. It’s such a incredible window of time in your life where you have a chance to experiment and try things that you can see what works for you. So I’d say take advantage of all the opportunities, even if they’re uncomfortable, because that’s somewhere the greatest growth is. So I quote you.

Andrea Donlucas: Thank you.

Amy Parsons: Katie, I’m going to have one bonus question for you though, which is, I know that when some students see this episode, they’re going to think, how do I become a Boettcher Scholar?

Katie Kramer: Oh, sure.

Amy Parsons: What do I need to do in order to be in the running to be Andrea someday? What does that look like?

Katie Kramer: Sure. Okay, so the first thing, from a tactical, practical standpoint, I would say check the website, all the information’s there about the deadline and everything. You apply in your senior year. But I think I’d emphasize about what we’re looking for relative to the selection criteria. We’re looking for students that are intellectually curious. They’re learners. We’re looking for students who are leaders in their school and community, that they have a heart for service, that they’re not doing service because it’s required for national honor society or it’s expected, it’s because they actually care about their fellow humans, and outstanding character. So the students that win the scholarship who are most competitive, are very involved in their schools and communities, and really demonstrate that they want to make Colorado a better place.

Amy Parsons: I don’t know how you make the selection, honestly. But every Boettcher Scholar I meet, I’m so impressed with.

Katie Kramer: They’re amazing.

Andrea Donlucas: It sounds like a difficult process. It would hurt my brain. Thanks for what you do, seriously.

Amy Parsons: And I know that you’re also excelling academically. What’s your GPA right now?

Andrea Donlucas: 4.0.

Amy Parsons: 4.0, there we go. Yeah. Congratulations on that. We’re so proud of you.

Andrea Donlucas: Thank you so much.

Amy Parsons: Any last words, Andrea, for your fellow students or your fellow Boettcher Scholars?

Andrea Donlucas: Yeah, I think if I could just add to what you were saying about your comfort zone, I think a real student experience, it’s like, “I don’t want to go by myself. All my friends don’t want to go. And I think I look lame if I go by myself,” but that’s an opportunity to make new friends.

Katie Kramer: Totally.

Andrea Donlucas: I feel like people don’t really look at you as much as you think they do. And so just stepping out there and making new friends is definitely worth it. And who knows where that might lead you, because the network ends up building slowly as well.

Katie Kramer: That’s great.

Amy Parsons: So get good sleep so you’ve got enough energy to get out of your comfort zone…

Andrea Donlucas: Exactly.

Katie Kramer: And say yes.

Amy Parsons: … During the day, and have enough energy to say yes to all of the things. Well, thank you both so much for your time today, Andrea and Katie.

Katie Kramer: So much fun.

Amy Parsons: It’s just such a pleasure to spend time with you. And I feel just so grateful to know you, so thank you very much.

Andrea Donlucas: Thank you.

Katie Kramer: It’s great.

Amy Parsons: Yeah. Go Rams. Thank you for listening. I’m Amy Parsons, president of Colorado State University, and you’re listening to CSU’s “The Next 150,” where we explore what comes next for CSU by chatting with change makers who are already leading the charge and shaping our next 150 years. I’m gathering their very best advice for today’s CSU students. Stay tuned to wherever you get podcasts for our next outstanding conversation. Go Rams.