Alumni and Giving

Moving Forward, Giving Back

A Sense of Community

Personal Pursuits

Our alumni find themselves in exciting professional and personal pursuits. They publish and win awards; they become Fulbright Scholars and travel; they research and study in prestigious Ph.D. programs; they find successful work as professors, editors, authors, literary agents, copywriters, and teachers.

CSU English Department Alumni prove that a BA, MA, or MFA in English opens doors to professions that not only provide material and professional success, but also intellectual satisfaction and cultural engagement.

In addition to finding success in traditionally “English” paths, our alumni serve as CEOs, create tech start-ups, lead non-profit organizations, become lawyers, devise communication and training for government programs, coordinate medical programing, and rise through the ranks of Fortune 500 companies.

English Alumni: Beyond CSU

The stories below provide a glimpse of the broad array of exciting and impactful endeavors undertaken by CSU English alumni across the globe. The interdisciplinary scholarship and creative artistry developed by English educations are instrumental in bolstering these important initiatives.

Caleb González poses at the entrance of Harris’ home

Advocating for a human-centered approach to teaching

By Nicolle McMurray | January 29, 2024

MFA alum Caleb Gonzalez is a PhD candidate whose research about first-year writing programs at Hispanic-Serving Institutions got him an invitation to VP Harris’s home.

Alum-run literary magazine Twenty Bellows delivers community, publishing opportunities for emerging creatives from the West

By Emily Harnden | January 18, 2024

Founding editor James Stuart (B.A., ’11) discusses the origin story of the literary journal, Twenty Bellows, and why the Denver-based magazine seeks to showcase voices of the modern West.

CLA Alumni Spotlight: Meg Prekeryte (’23)

By Emily Harnden | December 5, 2023

Making an impact in her community: Meg Prekeryte (’23) shares how a degree in English led to her current role as a grant writer for a nonprofit in the healthcare industry.

Fall Reads: Discover recent and upcoming books by CSU English faculty, alumni

By Emily Harnden | November 17, 2023

As the Colorado State University community settles into fall break, consider completing your autumn reading list with books by our accomplished English faculty and alumni.

Andrea Day with author Sim Kern at a book conference in San Antonio, Texas.

CLA Alumni Spotlight: Andrea Day (’21)

By Emily Harnden | November 10, 2023

Learn how Andrea Day (’21) has used their undergraduate degree in English to grow in their communications role at Old Firehouse Books and craft an emerging literary career.

Jenna Schuster ('18)

CLA Alumni Spotlight: Jenna Schuster (’18)

By Louann Reid | October 23, 2023

Jenna Schuster (’18) has used her undergraduate degree to propel her into a successful career both professionally and academically.

     English Alum? Share Your Story

When stories about our alumni hit the news or our inbox, we love to share them. Teachers, staff, and fellow alumni are excited to learn about how our friends are doing. Current students appreciate examples of English alumni making a life and making a difference. At the same time, information about English offerings and degree opportunities encourages prospective students to engage, and stories of your impact and success illustrate the true value of English education.

Career Exploration

Qualified English undergraduate and graduate students are offered for-credit opportunities to explore possible career paths before graduation. The English Department boasts an excellent array of rigorous, professional, and intriguing internships. Internship areas include – but are by no means limited to – supervised college teaching; community literacy; teaching English as second/foreign language; editing and publishing; grant-writing and research; online course development and editing; and public education.