Each year, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) celebrates the extraordinary achievements of its alumni through the Honored Alumni Awards, recognizing individuals whose lives and work embody the university’s values. The 2025 honorees reflect a commitment to personal growth, inclusive leadership, innovation, and strengthening connections—principles at the heart of UNC’s vision for the future.

This year’s six recipients have lived lives of service and impact, whether through professional experience or community engagement and volunteerism. They have transformed challenges into opportunities and advanced the state of their fields and communities. Their stories illuminate the transformative power of education, the strength of community, and the enduring impact of UNC graduates in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.

As we honor their journeys, we celebrate their role in shaping a future defined by creativity, equity, and collaboration—values that continue to inspire the Bear community to aim higher.

David Diggs, MA ’84

David Diggs, MA ’84, built his career and legacy around service. After earning his master’s degree from UNC in Geography, and earning tenure at the University of Central Missouri, David returned to UNC in 2001 as an assistant professor and “a fierce advocate for practical and applied student experiences”. During his UNC career (from which he retired in 2018 as professor emeritus), David pioneered career readiness development, helping generations of students understand what it takes to become a professional working in the field.

David’s commitment to UNC is not limited to his impact on students in (and out of) the classroom. He and his wife, Mari, established the David M. Diggs Excellence in Geography, GIS, and Sustainability Scholarship in 2016, which has already supported more than a dozen deserving students.

Maria Nomie Ketterling, MA ’85

Maria Nomie Ketterling, MA ’85, embodies UNC’s commitment to community. Earning her master’s degree in Psychology in 1985, Nomie has made Weld County her lifelong home, dedicating her career to uplifting youth and families through compassionate service and informed intervention. Through professional experience, volunteer service, and philanthropic generosity, Nomie is continuously reinvesting in her community.

United Way of Weld County awarded Nomie and her husband, Mike Ketterling, with the 2023 Humanitarians of the Year award. Nomie and Mike have dedicated both philanthropic and volunteer efforts to address some of the most pressing needs in Weld County. In addition to countless local volunteer and advocacy roles, the Ketterlings provide an annual scholarship at UNC to support students working at Michener Library.

Trustee Annette Martinez, ’86

Trustee Annette Martinez, ’86, has dedicated her career and service to advancing opportunities for others. Annette earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from UNC in 1986 and spent over 34 years at State Farm Insurance Companies, driving initiatives in the “people areas” of the corporate world. At State Farm, she pioneered initiatives such as the first diversity council and mentoring programs, earning widespread recognition as a leader in equity and inclusion. Appointed to UNC’s Board of Trustees in 2021, Annette continues to champion education as a pathway to equity and opportunity.

Through the Leo and Gregoria Romero Scholarship, Annette honors her parents’ legacy by helping first-generation students from diverse backgrounds access higher education. Her support for the Cumbres program helps develop future culturally and linguistically diverse educators who will leave an indelible mark on the next generation.

Jeff Crabtree, ’05

As a fifth-generation entrepreneur, Jeff Crabtree, ’05, knew he wanted to open a brewery in Greeley even before he graduated from UNC. In 2006, a year after earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics, Jeff opened Greeley’s first production brewery, Crabtree Brewing Company. Since then, it has become a staple in the local business community, and has recently striven to minimize its carbon footprint, setting a precedent for other businesses in the region. “The most important thing is we’re a community brewery… UNC is part of that community, and it’s helped me with relationships that I wouldn’t have received anywhere else.”

Jeff is also a passionate advocate for education and community development, and recently began to serve on the City Council in his hometown of Evans.

Deana Lemos-Garcia, ’05, MA ’18

Deana Lemos-Garcia, ’05, ’18, is a two-time UNC Bear and a leader in service and volunteerism in Northern Colorado. Deana earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from UNC in 2005, returning a decade later to complete her master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership (HESAL). Throughout her life, she has been an active advocate for student success.

Deana currently works as a Human Resource Manager at Hensel Phelps, following senior roles at the City of Greeley and Ball Aerospace. Deana is highly involved in the Greeley community, serving on the board of the Greeley Dream Team, Leanna’s Closet, High Plains Library District and the BMS Foundation, her personal foundation that provides college scholarships to women of color.

Neal Kingman, ’10

“Neal exemplifies the spirit of a true Bear: dedicated, community-driven, and always willing to give back to the people and places that have shaped him.” Neal Kingman, ’10, earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration while playing on the UNC Bears men’s basketball team. Neal has impacted the Greeley community as an athlete, mentor and leader.

Since graduating, Neal remains actively engaged with UNC, specifically through the Monfort College of Business, where he has shared his time and expertise with new generations of Bears. Neal also serves on the Board of Directors for the Success Foundation, dedicated to supporting positive outcomes for Greeley-Evans School District 6.

Honored Alumni Celebration

The 2025 Honored Alumni embody UNC’s enduring values and its vision for a future grounded in innovation, inclusivity and service. Across diverse fields—from corporate leadership and academia to small business ownership and philanthropy—these individuals reflect a shared commitment to using their talents to make a meaningful impact.

Trustee Annette Martinez, ’86, dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for others, paving the way for equity in corporate spaces. David Diggs, MA ’84, championed experiential learning, equipping generations of students to thrive in their professions. Maria Nomie Ketterling, MA ’85, and Deana Lemos-Garcia, ’05, MA ’18, have each made their mark by reinvesting in their communities, supporting students and families through leadership, advocacy, and generosity. Meanwhile, Jeff Crabtree, ’05, and Neal Kingman, ’10, have channeled their entrepreneurial and civic spirits into strengthening Northern Colorado’s business and educational landscapes.

Together, these honorees exemplify UNC’s mission to inspire and empower. Their stories remind us of the power of education to transform not just individual lives but entire communities. Each honoree demonstrates that by living with purpose and vision, we can create lasting change, inspire those around us, and pave the way for future generations. Their contributions challenge us to aim higher, dream bigger, and stay deeply connected to the values that unite us as the UNC Bear community.

Can't wait to celebrate? Register today for the 2025 Honored Alumni Ceremony on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Rocky Mountain Grand Ballroom of the University Center.