Dr. Anastasia Biggs graduated from UCCS 25 years ago, and is now a successful figure in the technology industry. She is a professor at the Colorado Technical University and the lead faculty at the Computer Science Engineering and Technology Department. Twenty years in the industry and a decade in teaching has been a significant time for Dr. Biggs as she continues to support various perspective students, and nourish her passion for digital infrastructure. More importantly, regardless of her evolving journey, Dr. Biggs remains deeply committed to UCCS and its mission of cultivating well-rounded citizens who are ready to make meaningful contributions to society.
As our dedicated alumna, Dr. Biggs often gets our newsletters, and that was how she heard about different volunteer opportunities that UCCS offers to alumni. She was drawn to the UCCS scholarship review opportunity. Dr. Biggs shared that she had some experience with the same initiative while she was working at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, and she valued her involvement there. To Dr. Biggs, education is a powerful tool to transform one's life and inspire others. Therefore, she would like to utilize her skills and knowledge to help students be one step closer to achieving their dreams, the dreams of breaking barriers and becoming compassionate contributors to their chosen communities.
Dr. Biggs' dedication to students developed throughout her undergraduate years at UCCS. At here, she appreciated how the professors were very approachable and professional towards their students. She carried the strong mentorship that she experienced into her own teaching career, aiming to unlock students' potential by fostering a sense of trust and encouragement. In addition to her experience at UCCS, she also participated in the Delta Sigma Pi organization and multiple volunteer activities that they had at the time. Her gesture of giving back to society is truly commendable.
When she was reading through each UCCS's scholarship application, she was impressed by how our students were very determined to have education. Each story reaffirmed her belief that "UCCS brings out the best in students." Dr. Biggs looked beyond just academic metrics, focusing on what students planned to do after graduation and how they might be involved with the community. Dr. Biggs was especially moved by applicants who demonstrated commitment to their families, communities, and personal growth. After three years of volunteering with UCCS, she believes that the students' stories showcase that UCCS, as a school, has continuously created an environment in which individuals can accomplish academic skills and personal values.
It is our greatest honor that Dr. Biggs will be joining us at this upcoming graduation ceremony as a distinguished Silver Graduate from the Class of 1999. Her presence symbolizes more than just an alumni milestone, she represents a role model for the graduating class, showing the enduring impact of a UCCS education. By returning to campus, she will inspire current graduates to see their diploma not as an endpoint, but as a beginning, a gateway to a continuous commitment to the institution and their future students.
