Alumni Association

The University of Northern Colorado Alumni Association is a growing, global network of UNC Bears. Founded in 1965, the UNC Alumni Association welcomes all graduates, continuing students, parents and friends. Our goal is to ensure that alumni and students - Bears of all generations - are actively engaged in their university.

Once a Bear, Always a Bear

Once A Bear, Always A Bear!

The UNC Alumni Association is a non-dues-based program open to all alumni and students. Administered by the Office of Alumni Relations, the association connects Bears everywhere through programs, events, and opportunities that strengthen pride and engagement in UNC. Managed through the Office of Alumni Relations in University Advancement, the association aims to:

  • Establish UNC as a valuable resource for alumni and students
  • Elevate the profile and impact of alumni to inspire relationships and involvement in UNC
  • Strengthen communication between UNC and its alumni, and alumni with one another
  • Deliver diverse engagement opportunities designed to increase awareness of and broaden involvement in UNC priorities

And we want you to join us. Get involved in your university because we believe that Once a Bear, Always a Bear!

The UNC Alumni Association is staffed by the Alumni and Community Relations team within the Division of University Advancement. Administrative offices are located on the first floor of Carter Hall, and staff also manage the UNC Foundation’s Judy Farr Alumni Center for alumni and advancement events.

To see how alumni engagement has grown through the decades, explore the history of the UNC Alumni Association below.

Alumni Association History

UNC's alumni relationships have developed through the generations. From early homecoming celebrations to the founding of the association, take a look at the history of UNC's Alumni Association through the years.

1923: First Homecoming

UNC’s Homecoming tradition goes back to 1923 when the football team squared off against Montana State.

Homecoming programming quickly expanded beyond the gridiron to keep pace with our growing campus and the diverse interests of our students and graduates. Today’s Homecoming celebration includes activities with decades of history as well as some that engage our university community in fresh and exciting ways.

1947: UNC Names First Honored Alumni

More than 150,000 individuals have earned a degree from the university since its founding in 1889. In 1947, the then named Colorado State College of Education began to honor a select group of alumni for their accomplishments and service to their alma mater.

1965-66: UNC Alumni Association and UNC Foundation Founded

In 1965, under the leadership of then named Colorado State College President Darrel Holmes, the alumni association was founded. The association’s original board was comprised of nine members including its first president, Greeley businessman Charles Lott and first executive secretary Mearl Grabill. A year later and under the leadership from alumna Judy Farr, the now named UNC Foundation was established to provide support for and steward the donations made to the university.

1989: UNC Celebrates 100 Years

UNC’s centennial celebration was marked in 1989. That year the university honored 100 distinguished alumni for their contributions to their respective fields and the university.

2014-15: Anniversaries and Celebrations

2014 marked the university’s 125th anniversary and with it the celebration of a shared history and many notable alumni contributions. The UNC Alumni Association then celebrated its golden anniversary – 50 years since its founding – in 2015. Monthly highlights and celebratory events marked the occasion on campus and throughout the alumni association’s programs that year.

2015-18: Campaign for UNC

Officially announced in March 2017, the Campaign for UNC became the university’s first comprehensive, public fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $45 million, the campaign also set a goal of engaging 10% of the university’s alumni through philanthropy, participation or volunteerism. The Campaign for UNC officially concluded on December 31, 2018.

2018: Alumni Welcome a New President

UNC welcomed President Andy Feinstein to campus at the start of the 2018-2019 year. The year was full of alumni events and activities, including the Colorado Road Show, Presidential Investiture and Campaign for UNC Celebration.

With so much activity, President Feinstein helped the university and alumni association close the academic year, having exceeded both the fundraising and engagement goals of the campaign. More than $54 million was committed, and more than 12,000 alumni connected and engaged with UNC.

Moving forward, President Feinstein has brought back the Class of 1910 motto, Rowing, Not Drifting, as he calls on faculty, staff, students and alumni to work together in the interests of UNC’s future.

2023: 100th Homecoming

UNC celebrated its 100th Homecoming along with Family & Friends weekend, October 9-15, 2023. Visit the Homecoming photo album to celebrate memories, new and old.

University Advancement

Building on the reputation of more than 130 years of academic excellence and community impact, University Advancement elevates the brand of UNC, engages external constituents, and develops the philanthropic strategies that support UNC priorities.