ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï

Long after their days as students, ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï alumni carry the spirit of their alma mater into the world, shaping lives and communities in ways that extend far beyond themselves.

Each year, ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï recognizes alumni whose lives and achievements exemplify the university’s core values of leadership, service and community impact. These three remarkable alumni embody the spirit of giving back, using their talents and resources to uplift others and create meaningful change in the world. Their community ties are not just connections, but also lifelines that inspire them to make a difference.

Believing in Bear Country

Across diverse fields — from academia and corporate leadership to entrepreneurship and community development — the contributions of these three alumni have made a profound impact.

“All of our Honored Alumni share a deep commitment to their communities and a drive to make a difference. They reflect the best parts of ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï, inspiring the next generation of Bears to dream big, care deeply and give back.”

— Allie Steg Haskett, ’03
Vice President of University Advancement

Kristi Helzer, ’77, is a community builder and entrepreneur whose work is rooted in connection, positivity and service. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Mass Media from ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï, her career included supporting organizations such as United Way of Weld County, Greeley-Evans School District 6, Aims Community College and Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as founding her own marketing company, Kristi’s Kreations.

In 2009, Helzer launched Northern Colorado Women in Business (NorCoWIB), a dynamic and ever-evolving network that supports women entrepreneurs through meaningful relationships, collaboration and opportunities for professional growth. Then in 2018, she introduced NorCoWIB’s Sister-to-Sister, a monthly “Pay It Forward” philanthropic initiative that has generated more than $34,000 to date in support of nonprofits across Weld County. Through small, collective gifts, Sister-to-Sister creates sustained, grassroots impact — including ongoing support for scholarships and community-based organizations.

Helzer has supported ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï through scholarship fundraising, including opening her home for the Greeley Garden Tour to benefit the ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï School of Nursing and through creative collaborations with the ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï School of Music that gave students rare, real-world performance opportunities with professional artists. A steadfast advocate for women’s athletics, she has passionately led one of the largest teams at ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï’s annual Women’s Walk since its inception in 2009 and chaired the event in 2022. Her commitment to uplifting women and strengthening northern Colorado’s business community continues to inspire leadership and meaningful impact across the region.

Dave King, ’81, M.A. ’82, has been creating unforgettable experiences since the age of 6, when he organized a mini decathlon and basketball game — and even halftime snacks — for 10 kids in his neighborhood. That early spark for designing competitions and building community grew into Triple Crown Sports, a nationally recognized organization hosting thousands of amateur and collegiate tournaments across North America — from baseball and fast-pitch softball to NCAA Division I women’s basketball and volleyball.

A pioneer in sports science, King also launched the College Sports Evaluation Performance Lab, giving athletes professional-level, data-driven tools to improve performance and reduce injury risk while offering ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï students hands-on experience in sports administration and analytics. King has also generously hosted ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï student-athletes in his lab to run tests and analysis.

A dedicated Bear, he has served as an adjunct faculty member, interim head softball coach and generous supporter of ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï Athletics, investing in student-athlete opportunities and facility enhancements that strengthen the university community. He is quick to credit his wife, Annette Adams King, ’81, for being key to their shared success.

Through entrepreneurship, mentorship and innovation, King has empowered athletes, students and coaches to reach their potential, showing the power of purposeful action. His career embodies the ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï spirit of building, connecting and giving back, inspiring others and leaving a lasting impact.

Cathy Lucas, ’90, APR, has built a career telling the stories that drive real-world impact. After earning her Journalism degree from ÿÈÕ´ó¹Ï, she spent more than two decades at Metropolitan State University of Denver as chief of staff and vice president of strategy and external affairs. In that capacity, she led marketing, communications and advocacy initiatives that advanced major institutional milestones, including the university’s name change, the launch of its first master’s programs and expanded state funding. Her strategic leadership helped shape the university’s voice, connect with diverse communities and position the institution for long-term growth.

In 2021, Lucas founded Lucas Narratives, continuing her work with universities, nonprofits and public-serving organizations across Colorado. Through brand strategy, messaging and thought leadership, she helps organizations articulate their vision and connect authentically with stakeholders. Her efforts have been recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Denver Business Journal and Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lucas serves on multiple boards, mentors emerging leaders and invests deeply in her community. She exemplifies how purposeful communication and strategic storytelling can uplift organizations, inspire change and leave a lasting mark — showing the power of vision, collaboration and leadership to create meaningful impact.

Hear from the honorees and their nominators .