Alumni of ACTION

ACTION: Advocating Collaboration Through Inclusive Excellence, Outreach and Networking. Alumni of ACTION represents University graduates from the Black, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQIA and Latinx communities. The volunteer-led affinity networks give DU graduates the chance to work with their DU classmates and fellow alumni to address local and global challenges while providing opportunities for the next generation.

A.O.A. Networks

Latinx Alumni Affinity Network (DULAA)

DULAA serves the needs of the Latinx community in and around the DU campus, providing opportunities for connections, professional development, scholarship and academic support to alumni and students of Latinx heritage. Stay informed and engaged by subscribing to our mailing list; simply send n email with subject line "AOA" via the link below. Join us as we create pathways to success for the Latinx community in and around campus.

Subscribe here!

Indigenous Alumni Affinity Network (IAA)

IAA is committed to enriching the lives of indigenous individuals in the DU campus and the wider Rocky Mountain region. We foster strong connections among alumni, current students and future generations of indigenous individuals at the University. Our mission is to provide support, opportunities, and a foundation of community trust. Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list; simply send an email with the subject line "AOA" via the link below. Join us in building a legacy of empowerment and unity for indigenous communities within and beyond DU.

Subscribe here!

Asian Alumni Affinity Network (A3)

Known as A3, the Asian Alumni Affinity network supports the goals and passions of students and alumni of Asian heritage at the University of Denver through community events and activities. Stay connected and be a part of our vibrant network by subscribing to our mailing list; simply send an email with the subject line "AOA" via the link below. Join us as we celebrate diversity, foster connections, and create lasting memories within the Asian Alumni Affinity community.

Subscribe here!

Black Alumni Affinity Network (BAA)

The BAA promotes opportunities for Black alumni, staff and faculty, fostering connections between current students and the larger Black community at DU while supporting future generations. Membership is open to alumni, staff, faculty and students who identify as Black, African American or as persons of African descent. Stay engaged by subscribing to our mailing list; simply send an email with the subject line "AOA" via the link below. Join us as we celebrate heritage, empower each other, and build a legacy of excellence at DU.

Subscribe here!

LGBTQ+ Pride Alumni Affinity

For our students, staff, faculty and alumni of all sexual orientations and gender identities, the LGBTQIA alumni network provides support, career advising and community service opportunities in partnership with the University's Cultural Center. Connect with us and stay informed by subscribing to our mailing list; just send an email with the subject line "AOA" via the link below. Let's build a supportive community that celebrates diversity, empowers careers, and contributes to positive change at the University of Denver.

Subscribe here!

Co-Chair of LGBTQ+ Pride Alumni Network

John Jarosz is a Partner and Co-Founder at Sightglass, a technology innovation consulting firm. With a background as a digital product and design leader, he has lived and traveled across the globe while working with a wide variety of people and businesses. This experience, combined with his education, has given him a unique understanding of how to bring diverse groups of people together to achieve unified outcomes.

John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Media Studies from the University of Denver in 2009 and a Master of Science degree in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University in 2011. He currently lives in Denver, CO with his husband and dog. Outside of work, John is passionate about empowering LGBTQ+ individuals through the LGBTQ+ alumni network at the University of Denver, enabling current DU students and the broader alumni group to support each other as a life-long community

Connect with John

Staff Leader

Meet Zakiya Markland

Assistant Director of Volunteer Networks

Greetings! I joined DU’s Regional Advancement & Volunteer Engagement team as the Assistant Director of Volunteer Networks in December of 2023. I am here to support and facilitate the vital engagement of DU’s identity-based Alumni of ACTION networks by collaborating with network leaders to bring to their communities authentic, impactful, and seamlessly coordinated programming in alignment with the university’s DEI action plan. Too, I am here to equip DU’s full community of volunteers (alumni, parents, and friends) with tools and resources that prepare them to thrive in their volunteer assignments, further generating a wholistic and sustainable model of volunteer-led network growth for DU.

I bring with me over a decade of event production experience spanning the theatre, hospitality, and nonprofit industries, and a highly collaborative and embodied approach to community engagement synthesized from Restorative Justice practices and seven years of acting training.

With deep respect and gratitude for all beings, and a commitment to a future that is bright even for our most vulnerable civilians, I look forward to being of service to you. Feel free to contact me here!

Connect with Zakiya

Annual Events

Alumni of ACTION hosts several events collectively and in the respective groups each year. In addition to the signature events noted below, AOA provides professional development, opportunities to connect and mentor students, social events and fun ways to plug in to all the major campus wide events at DU including Alumni Weekend in May and Homecoming in October.

Traditional Blanket Wrapping
- The Indigenous Alumni Network hosts a ceremony honoring all graduating students and their families during spring commencement. Graduates are presented with a beautiful woven blanket as they are welcoming into the IAA community.

DULAA's After the Holidays Party
- Each January, the Latinx Alumni Network invites all AOA members, friends and family to the annual after the holidays party in downtown Denver. Join to hear from current scholarship recipients, enjoy great food and reconnect after the busy holiday season.

Drag Bingo
- Each May the LGBTQ+ Pride Alumni Network hosts a virtual drag bingo to finish off the 1day4du fundraising campaign that benefits queer student programming at DU. Join to win awesome prizes, interact with the LGBTQ+ community at DU and tune in for the incredible stylings of our favorite local drag queens!

View all events here

Connect With Us

VOLUNTEER

If you want to share your time and talent as a volunteer Network Leader for any of the Alumni of ACTION identity-based affinity networks, check out VolunteerDU at volunteering.du.edu This portal is a menu of volunteer opportunities and your open door to engage with the DU community and Alumni of ACTION.

CONNECT WITH ALUMNI OF ACTION NETWORK LEADERS:

Looking to get involved or learn more? Email your network leader today!

Latinx Alumni Network Chair: Neva Martinez, neva.martinez888@gmail.com & Andrea Smith, andesmith77@gmail.com
Indigenous Alumni Network Chair: Alyssa Willie, awillie24@gmail.com & Taylor Bennet-Begaye, taylor.bennettbegaye@gmail.com.
LGBTQ+ Alumni Network Chair: John Jarosz, john.jarosz@gmail.com.
Asian Alumni Network Chair: Carson De Fries,Carson.DeFries@du.edu & Dong Dinh, dong.dinh@du.edu
Black Alumni Network Chair: Vacant

Sign up to be a Network Leader today!

If you're interested in learning more about how you can become a DU Alumni of ACTION Network Leader, please click the button below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest!