Steve Parker came to UCCS right after high school to get his undergraduate degree in 1977, then returned to pursue a master's in Public Administration (MPA) from which he graduated in May 1996. Twenty-five years after earning his MPA, Parker participated in the UCCS silver graduate program in December 2021. The silver and golden graduate programs celebrate alumni who earned their degrees twenty-five (silver) and fifty (golden) years ago. The program invites alumni to participate in UCCS commencement either in-person or virtually. Parker worked in both the public and private sectors throughout his career before retiring in November 2021. His public sector involvement encompassed a wide variety of different areas, including fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. These experiences were highly satisfying and allowed him to serve the citizens of our community. His private sector experience was in the telecommunications industry, with specific expertise in offering 911 services in multiple states. Parker was also an elected official, having served as a Board of Education director for his school district and as a director for a fire protection district that provides services to his neighborhood. When Parker first started at UCCS, it was strictly a commuter campus, and there were only three buildings: Cragmor Hall, Main Hall, and the library. Parker chose UCCS because of the small class sizes, affordability, and the quality of programs offered. He worked several part- and full-time jobs while working on his undergraduate degree, and he worked full time while completing his graduate degree. "My degrees from UCCS were integral to my success in the public and private sectors," and the "breadth and depth of the educational experience was outstanding."
"It is a way to give back to UCCS from what it gave to me," Parker said when asked about the reason he chooses to volunteer at UCCS. He intends to leave his community better than the way he found it. The volunteer activities he enjoys doing with UCCS are the Write-A-Mountain Lion (WAML) letter-writing program, scholarship reviews, College of Public Service Advisory board, and open houses for students. He particularly appreciated the scholarship reviews because he liked learning about the students' life experiences as well as their interest in pursuing higher education. The review process gave him a more holistic view of the students who attend UCCS. "I was humbled by the need, passion, and desire the applicants noted in their scholarship applications. It was an honor to participate in the 'Write-A-Mountain Lion' project. What a great opportunity to welcome new students to their next chapter of life as they pursue their educational and life goals at UCCS," Parker said.
Parker recommends other people to take the step into volunteering with UCCS because it is gratifying, and there is truly something for everyone. He encourages others to support our university, students, and greater community. Outside of volunteering, Parker enjoys exercising, spending time in the great outdoors, fishing, camping, and being with his family.
