The Orange Cord
The Orange Cord is the official alumni association of the Rocky Mountain Student Media Corporation (RMSMC) and is affiliated with Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. The mission of the Orange Cord Alumni Association is to build relationships with and connect members of both the current student population and graduates of the RMSMC program. The Orange Cord has a leadership committee and seven subcommittees. Members of the Orange Cord committee are alumni and supporters that volunteer their time for the benefit of both current students and other alumni. To become a member or to volunteer with the Orange Cord, please access the Volunteer Form.
Orange Cord Committee Members
Meet the Orange Cord Representatives.
Melissa Brandon
Committee Member
Connecting alumni with current students and fostering mentorship opportunities.
Pete Waack
President, Non-Voting
RMSMC President strengthening bonds between student media and journalism.
Hannah Taylor
Committee Member
Creating engaging alumni events and fostering cross-class connections.
Maxwell Rule
OC Designee
Bringing professional expertise to guide the next generation of student media leaders.
Leslie Ballentine
Cord of Honor Chair
Leading the Cord of Honor to recognize outstanding alumni achievements.
Ethan Bird
Committee Member
Enhancing alumni engagement and professional development programs.
Sid Simonson
Committee Member
Supporting strategic initiatives and community partnerships.
David Worford
Research Committee
Leading research to track alumni success and program impact.
Carmen Hardy
Committee Member
Championing diversity and inclusion within the Orange Cord community.
The Orange Cord Committees
Events
Organizing networking events, reunions, and professional development workshops.
Mentorship: One-on-One
Pairing current students with alumni mentors for career guidance and support.
Spring Alumni Panel
Annual event featuring successful alumni sharing career insights with students.
The Spring Alumni Panel Committee is tasked with recruiting panelists and determining the topics they will address. This event provides current students with valuable insights into various career paths, and committee members are welcome to participate as panelists if they wish.
Cord of Honor
Hall of Fame Inaugural Class
In April 2024 The Rocky Mountain Student Media Corporation inducted its inaugural class into The Cord of Honor Hall of Fame.
Linda Shapley
MEDIA INDUSTRY VETERAN | FORMER STUDENT MEDIA EMPLOYEE
Eugene Daniels
MSNBC SENIOR ANALYST | FORMER STUDENT MEDIA EMPLOYEE
David Freed
AUTHOR, JOURNALIST AND HOLLYWOOD SCREEN WRITER | FORMER COLLEGIAN REPORTER
David McSwane
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER, AUTHOR AND DECORATED INDUSTRY VETERAN | FORMER STUDENT MEDIA EMPLOYEE
Jim Sheeler
PULITZER PRIZE WINNER | FORMER STUDENT MEDIA EMPLOYEE
Virgina Singarayar
SENIOR DESIGN EDITOR AT THE WASHINGTON POST | FORMER COLLEGIAN EMPLOYEE
Elizabeth Spayd
PUBLIC EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES | FORMER STUDENT MEDIA EMPLOYEE
Larry Steward
FOUNDER OF MODERN STUDENT MEDIA ORGANIZATION | MEDIA VETERAN
Posthumous
Charlie D'Agata
SENIOR FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT CBS | DECORATED INDUSTRY VETERAN
Orange Cord Graduates
Rocky Mountain Student Media proudly recognizes our recent graduates walking with the Orange Cord.
