Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ

For first-generation college graduate Royer Lopez (Mktg'18), the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder experience has shaped his life long after his time as a student. Lopez, now an advertising professional in Denver, fosters a dedication to higher education in his daily life. His helps give more students access to college, and at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder, his commitment to mentoring Buffs, hosting alumni events and advocating for diversity at the university serves as a testament to the power of alumni engagement.Ìý

What motivated you to attend Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder?

Growing up, I was a huge football fan, and Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ’s football program in the 1990s was a big draw. But it wasn’t only football that attracted me — it was the beauty of Boulder and the campus environment that made me fall in love with Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ.

I was also part of a program in middle school that encouraged students to aspire to attend college. With that program, I visited college campuses. Seeing Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder in person made me even more determined to attend. It felt like the perfect place to build my future.

How did your experience at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder inspire you to stay connected to the university?

My time at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder wasn’t traditional, but that’s part of what made it so meaningful. I started at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ in 2011, but because of financial challenges, I had to go part-time while working full-time at Wells Fargo. I spent six years balancing work and school, which was challenging but gave me invaluable experience. I could apply what I was learning in real time, which made my education even more relevant.

During that time, I also realized I needed a bit more support. That’s when I joined a fraternity in the Multicultural Greek Council, which helped me connect to a more diverse community and find the extra encouragement I needed. I also found community through the Leeds Professional Mentoring Program, which ultimately helped me land a job before I even graduated.

My brothers and my wife, Angelica Chavez-LopezÌý(Econ’17; MEdu’21), also graduated from Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ, which has been such a pivotal part of our lives. Now, I want to give back to the university that gave me so much. My experiences at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder drive me to stay connected and help enrich the university and its community.

How are you currently involved at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder?

It’s important to me to stay connected to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder. I’m an at-large member of the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, where I help support and promote alumni engagement. I also serve as the director of communications for the Leeds Gold Board, which focuses on graduates of the last decade.

I mentor through the Leeds Professional Mentoring Program. I’ve even started an internship program at my agency, bringing in students from Leeds to give them hands-on experience.

I’m also a part of ForeverGold, Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ’s alumni giving program, and I’ve been able to host events like the Multicultural Greek reunion during Homecoming. That event helped create a space where alumni from diverse backgrounds could come together and reconnect with Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ. We had 75 people show up in the first year, and it was amazing to see how many were inspired to get more involved with the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ community.

On a personal level, I’m a season ticket holder for Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ football and enjoy attending games and tailgating with fellow alumni. My wife’s involvement with Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ also helps keep me connected. Overall, I try to engage in ways that benefit me and help strengthen the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder community for future Buffs.

What does it mean to be a Forever Buff?

Being a Forever Buff means much more than just my connection to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder — it’s about the impact we can have on others. It’s not just about having a degree or a connection to the university; it’s about helping future generations of Buffs succeed. The possibilities of what we can accomplish as Forever Buffs are limitless. I believe it’s our responsibility to share what we’ve learned and allow others to be part of this amazing community.Ìý