Stories of Possibility
We believe higher education is more than great academics. At UCCS, it's about finding like-minded people within a community that will lift each other up as we pursue what's possible - together. Regardless of what you want to achieve, our students, faculty, and staff are committed to leveraging passion, competence, collaboration, and hard work to find and create opportunities to put you on a path towards success.
Whether you are starting a never-before done education path, finding a second career after the military, or anything in between, UCCS is going to embrace you and where you want to go. Explore our inspiring stories of possibility and discover how our community uses an optimistic and opportunistic mindset to create their ideal futures.
Turning to the Next Chapter
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Owning What’s Next.
More than 20 years after starting college, Aja Zamandu returned to finish what she began. In the years between, she built a global career as a professional musician, touring internationally and teaching creative residencies across the country. When the pandemic paused touring, she reignited her goal of completing her degree.
At UCCS, she found more than a path forward. She found people who made it possible. Faculty helped her transfer credits, secure aid, and thrive as a non-traditional student. The relationships she built across departments became a steady source of support, guidance, and connection. She graduated in 2023 as a Student Achievement Award recipient and commencement speaker.
Now completing her Master of Clinical Psychology with a trauma focus, Aja is preparing for a PhD. Inspired by the mental health struggles she witnessed in the music industry and in the communities she served, she is channeling her experience into trauma psychology, supported every step of the way by mentors, faculty, and peers. Her journey reflects what happens when ambition is powered by people.
Program
Master of Clinical Psychology (Trauma Psychology); Bachelor’s Degree, Class of 2023
Words of Wisdom
“I lean on my colleagues, I lean on my classmates, I lean on my family, my husband, my advisors.”
Fun Fact
Prior to UCCS, she had a successful career in music for 20 years with her nationally and internationally acclaimed band, The Reminders.
Soldier to Scholar
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Always Seeking Possibilities.
For Bryce Raines, discipline and determination didn't end when his military service did. After seven years as an infantry sniper and recon soldier, he set his goals on new possibilities—earning a degree in accounting and finance at UCCS. With the help of online and in-person flexibility, he was able to balance full-time work and his academic schedule, graduating with summa cum laude honors.
Guided by the dedicated faculty at UCCS, he took on leadership roles on campus and found a supportive community that fueled his ambitions. Now an auditor for the federal government, a CPA candidate, and part-owner of a training company, Bryce continues to foster his entrepreneurial spirit. His time at UCCS proved that with the right supporting cast and a driven mindset, the next chapter is always within reach.
Program
Accounting & Finance in the College of Business.
Words of Wisdom
"They said leaving the military would be scary—but once I found UCCS and the Veteran and Military Affairs Office, it wasn't so scary anymore."
Fun Fact
Worked as a professional cook prior to his military service.
Fueling What Comes Next
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Fueling a Healthy Career.
Leah Derrera returned to school as a parent, commuter, and adult learner searching for direction and a clearer sense of purpose. What began as a leap of faith became a calling when her family’s experience with nutrition reshaped how she saw her future.
At UCCS, Leah found faculty who knew her goals and partnered with her as she explored what was possible. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and the flexibility to balance family life, she was able to pursue her master’s in nutrition and dietetics with confidence and momentum.
Now preparing to serve her community, Leah is building a career grounded in applied learning and real-world impact, guided by the belief that food can be a powerful tool for health and healing.
Program
Nutrition and Dietetics, MS
Words of Wisdom
“If I had a friend who wanted to go back to school but was nervous about it, I would fully recommend UCCS because they’re very invested in their students and their student success.”
Fun Fact
Her favorite place to study on campus is the fourth floor of the HIE building, where she looks out at Pikes Peak while working between classes.
Fishing for Something Bigger
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Transitioning into Possibilities.
After retiring from the Air Force, Ryan Paget faced a rapid and uncertain transition into civilian life. Balancing family, service, and a new career path, he was searching for direction beyond the uniform and a community that understood where he had been and where he wanted to go next.
At UCCS, Ryan found people who partnered with him as he explored what was possible. Through the Veteran and Military Affairs Office and an education grounded in real-world experience, he was able to turn challenge into clarity, and uncertainty into forward momentum.
Now training to become a mental health clinician, Ryan is building a second career rooted in service, healing, and impact. Alongside his studies, he continues to support fellow veterans and first responders through his nonprofit work, applying what he’s learning beyond the classroom and into the communities that matter most to him.
Program
Psychology, B.A.; Minor in Human Services
Words of Wisdom
“If you can find a new purpose, a new home, and a new tribe, which you can find at UCCS, man, this is a great place to start.”
Fun Fact
Founded Boldface Fly Fishing Foundation, a nonprofit that helps veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers find peace, community, and stress relief through fly fishing.