Colorado State University Pueblo is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Young Alumni Award. This prestigious recognition honors outstanding alumni under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and alma mater. The 2024 awardees are Heather Riganti, Katie Hausman, Louis DeSantis, Keenan Wyatt and Thomas “Tommy” Farrell, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their fields and communities.
Heather Riganti, a 2017 History (secondary education) graduate, has established herself as an influential leader in education. Heather’s journey began at CSU Pueblo, where she graduated as the university’s top graduate, the Threlkeld Recipient. She has since received numerous accolades, including the Gilder-Lehrman History Scholar Award and the Lincoln Forum Teacher-Scholar Award. Heather has continued her educational pursuits while serving as an assistant principal and athletic director at Hidden Valley Middle School in Virginia, a role in which she impacts the lives of students and educators alike. Riganti anticipates a 2025 graduation for a doctorate in Leadership and Policy Studies at Virginia Tech with a dissertation on the role school principals play in early-career teacher retention.
Katie Hausman, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020, has quickly risen to prominence in the field of nursing. As the first student to enter CSU Pueblo’s nursing program directly out of high school, Katie’s academic and professional achievements are remarkable. She played a critical role in the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a grant administrator and adjunct faculty member at CSU Pueblo’s School of Nursing. Through her role supporting graduate students in nursing, over $150,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Hausman is currently working to obtain a post-master’s certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Louis DeSantis, a 2011 Business Administration graduate of the Hasan School of Business, embodies the values of leadership, dedication, and community spirit. As the owner of Sign Shop Illuminated in Colorado Springs, Louis has expanded his business to serve clients across Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. His commitment to the sign industry is further demonstrated through his roles as President of the Colorado Sign Association and a member of both the International Sign Association Steering Committee and the Western States Sign Council. Beyond his professional achievements, Louis is a co-founder of the Mike Roumph Wrestling Foundation, where he honors the legacy of the late CSU Pueblo Wrestling coach by supporting current and incoming wrestlers.
Keenan Wyatt, a 2019 graduate of the Chemistry program, has distinguished himself as a leader, mentor, and researcher. Graduating Cum Laude with a minor in Mathematics, Keenan was not only a successful student but also a dedicated tutor who played a crucial role in the academic success of his peers in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. His passion for STEM and commitment to challenging himself led him to become a lead student researcher in the Communities to Build Active STEM Engagement (CBASE) program, where he found his calling in sustainability science. Keenan’s determination to work at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) became a reality when he was selected for the competitive Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program. His journey at NREL continues as he pursues a master’s degree at CU Boulder and was recently awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Fellowship. Alongside his academic and professional achievements, Keenan has served his country as a Sergeant in the Colorado National Guard, where he played a vital role as a frontline worker during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thomas “Tommy” Farrell, a 2010 Political Science graduate, has made significant contributions to the Pueblo community through his work in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Tommy has served as President of the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance, where he has been instrumental in growing Pueblo’s LGBTQ+ Pride Festival and supporting various community organizations. He also serves as a board member for the Boys & Girls Club of Pueblo County and the District 60 Education Foundation. His leadership on the Pueblo School District 60 Board of Education and involvement in local governance further underscore his dedication to public service. Following graduation from CSU Pueblo, Farrell went to work for the Boy Scouts of America, of which he is a proud Eagle Scout, and went on to own his own Engineering Firm, New Frontier Engineering.
These exceptional individuals truly embody the spirit of our institution, carrying forward the values of excellence, innovation, and service. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and are excited to celebrate their successes at the upcoming DYA Brunch, where they will be formally honored. The Brunch is on Sunday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets for the Brunch are on sale now and can be purchased here. Table sponsorships are available.
The 2024 Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipients serve as beacons of inspiration for the entire CSU Pueblo community. Their stories remind us that determination, vision, and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements that make a lasting impact on society. We invite all members of the media, alumni, students, and supporters to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals.
For more information about the Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipients, please contact Daniel Minich, Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement, at 719.549.2858 or Daniel.Minich@csupueblo.edu