���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������

When Ef Rodriguez, a 2007 journalism graduate, attended the University of Colorado Boulder as an undergraduate student, he didn’t join any clubs. He didn’t go to any sporting events. He didn’t live in the residence hall. In video game terms, he “speed ran” his college experience.����

But in 2024, Ef received an email alerting him that the Forever Buffs Latinx chapter was at risk of being dissolved. Wanting to ensure Latinx Buffs retained access to the alumni network, he stepped up to serve on the chapter’s board and began his volunteer journey with ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������.�� ��

Now, as an alumni volunteer, Ef is more involved than ever. With Forever Buffs Latinx, he helps Hispanic/Latino students achieve their educational goals and foster a strong cultural community on campus. He dresses up for Homecoming and attends the staple campus events he missed as a student. He is essentially recapturing CU in a new light.����

“It's excessively fulfilling,” said Ef. “Dude, I'm going to my first volleyball game next week!”��

Read on to learn how Ef continues to make new memories at CU through volunteering.����

What is your favorite CU memory?����

I was asked to deliver the commencement address for the old School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 2011 since I had quickly built a career in the then-new and exotic field of social media. I skipped my own commencement, so it was a delightful proxy. There was also the time I wore a piñata costume to Buffs on Tap and got pummeled by Chip.��

Who or what inspires you?����

Mountain Dew. I've been preoccupied by the stuff for ages. The classic original. The sanguine Code Red. The rare Typhoon. The ubiquitous Baja Blast. The questionable, now discontinued Flamin' Hot. It is my nectar.��

What is your favorite way to volunteer for ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������?����

My favorite event to volunteer at is the annual Día de los Muertos celebration. It’s a little spooky and a lotta soulful. Students and alumni spend meaningful time together to reflect on the holiday’s festive and macabre aspects. It’s sensational. ��

If you could give advice to someone interested in volunteering, what would it be?����

Start small. Administrative terms like “board” can dissuade people from volunteering since they conjure ideas of dusty, powdered wigs. But simply showing up to a volunteer opportunity to snag a free shirt, meet a few folks and chug sparkling water is enough to get started. And there are so many ways to get active at CU, beyond just alumni activities. ��

How else do you give back to your community aside from ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������?��

I'm on the board of , a local nonprofit striving to create better communities through inclusive thinking. We produce community events like Boulder Startup Week, TEDxBoulder and Ignite Boulder. We’re also the fiscal sponsor of . ��

Where is your favorite spot in Boulder?����

There's a fast-casual Mexican restaurant called Nopalito's that is my absolute favorite. Their hot salsa is something I dream about. They've catered a bunch of the Forever Buffs Latinx events, and I encourage anyone reading this to try them if they are a fan of flavor.

Learn how to become an alumni volunteer