DARE Alumni and Friends
Our alumni, partners, and community members are integral to achieving this vision. Whether you’re mentoring students or collaborating on research initiatives, we invite you to be part of our mission to drive impactful change through cutting-edge education and strategic economic solutions. Together, we can advance sustainable practices and enhance the efficient use of resources for a better future.
Visit A Classroom
Alumni can enrich students’ learning experiences by visiting classrooms to share real-world insights and practical knowledge. These visits bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering students valuable perspectives on economic challenges in agriculture and resource management and fostering connections between academia and industry.
Engage With Student Workshops
Engaging with departmental and student events allows alumni to contribute to the academic community through workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. Their participation helps students stay updated on industry developments and gain practical insights, while also enhancing their professional growth and expanding their career networks.
Be A Guest Speaker
By serving as guest speakers, alumni provide students with firsthand accounts of industry trends and emerging issues in agricultural and resource economics. Their expert knowledge and professional experiences inspire and inform students, helping them understand current economic dynamics and prepare for future careers in the field.
Engage In Student Clubs
Alumni involvement with student organizations and clubs offers mentorship and guidance, fostering leadership skills and professional development among students. By advising or participating in these groups, alumni help students explore career paths, tackle real-world challenges, and build a strong, supportive network within agricultural and resource economics.
Alumni Donations
Alumni donations to the department help fund crucial programs, research, and infrastructure. Your financial support strengthens our academic offerings and allows us to invest in cutting-edge technologies and resources, ensuring a high-quality education for current and future students.
Scholarship Donations
Contributing to scholarships enables us to support deserving students who may need financial assistance. Your donation helps reduce the burden of tuition and expenses, making education more accessible and allowing talented individuals to pursue their academic and career goals without financial constraints.
Employment Opportunities
Alumni can aid in student career development by offering employment opportunities. By providing job placements, you help students gain practical experience and navigate their career paths. Your involvement creates valuable industry connections and enhances students’ readiness for the professional world.
Internship Opportunities
Offering internships provides students with hands-on experience and industry insights. Alumni who provide internship opportunities help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, preparing students for their careers and giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
Connect with our Department and Students at Our Upcoming Events
DARE FALL MIXER
We are working on planning this event. If interested please Contact Aubriel.jones@colostate.edu.
Department of Agriculture & Resource Economics Hall of Fame
DARE Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Lifetime Achievement
- Julie Mueller, (Ph.D. ’07 Agricultural & Resource Economics), Chief Economic Advisor to the President, Northern Arizona University
- Karl Skold, (B.S. ’83 Economics),
Impacts through Partnership
- Tom Lipetzky, Director of Marketing Programs & Strategic Initiatives, Colorado Department of Agriculture
Early Career
- Shannon Baylie, (B.S. ’14, Agricultural Education), Colorado FFA State Advisor, Assistant Program Director of Agriculture, Natural Resource, & Energy Education
- Billy Gascoigne, (M.S. ’10, Agricultural & Resource Economics), Senior Director, Agriculture & Strategic Partnerships Ducks Unlimited
- Michael Klamm, (B.S. ’10, Agricultural Business), Deputy Regional Director, USDA – National Agricultural Statistics Service

DARE Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Lifetime Achievement
- Tony Miller, (B.S. ’81 Agricultural Business)
- Colleen & Kent Peppler, (B.S. ’81 Vocational Agriculture)
- Leann Saunders, (B.S. ’91 Agricultural Business)
Early Career
- Clay Miller, (B.S. ’14, Agricultural Education & Agricultural Business),
- Jacob Walter, (B.S. ’19, Agricultural Education)
DARE Hall of Fame Class of 2023
Impacts through Partnership
- Tom Brown
- Jim Ehrlich
- Julie Moore
Early Career
- Brittany Ogg, (B.S. ’18, Agricultural Business)
DARE Hall of Fame Class of 2022
Lifetime Achievement
- Jennie Hughues Popp, (M.S. ’94 Agricultural Economics, Ph.D. Agricultural & Resource Economics ’97)
- Tomas Miller, (Ph.D. Agricultural & Resource Economics ’96)
- Susanne Scheierling, (Ph.D. Agricultural & Resource Economics ’95)
- Frank Ward, (B.S. Economics ’70, M.S. Economics ’75, Ph.D. Economics ’77)
Impacts through Partnership
- Patty Champ
- Jordan Levi
Early Career
- Betty Kibaara, (M.S. ’05, Agricultural & Resource Economics)
Story of Impact
Lauren Chenarides
Lauren Chenarides grew up about an hour north of New York City with no direct connection to agriculture. But like many others with culinarily talented grandparents, she discovered a love for food while cooking with her grandmother. Today, she’s just finished her first year as an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics in Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
