The Pioneer Alumni Legends (PALs) Network
The Pioneer Alumni Legends (PALs) are an esteemed group of alumni who graduated from the University of Denver fifty or more years ago. The PALs network exists to provide regular opportunities for older alumni to reconnect with old friends and reengage with the University. Signature PALs events like Emeritus Tea and the Summer Soiree occur annually, and smaller one-off events such as hockey games, Newman Center performances, educational lectures, occur on a quarterly basis. Interested in joining us? Connect with the Volunteer Leader or Staff Liaison below. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Featured Volunteer Leader
Meet Bill Lacock
Hey there, fellow DU alumni! I'm Bill Lacock, your PALs network leader. I've been part of the DU family since earning my BA in Mathematics back in 1970, later adding an MA in Mathematics Education in 1975 to my credentials. Over the years, I've worn many hats - from shaping young minds as a math teacher to navigating the world of insurance as a business owner. But my heart has always been with the community. Whether it's coaching high school tennis or leading youth baseball leagues, I've always strived to make a positive impact. Both my wife Susan and I are delighted to have seen our children graduate from DU, deepening our family's ties to the institution. Now, as your PALs leader, I'm thrilled to create opportunities for us to reconnect and reminisce. From our annual Emeritus Tea to our lively Summer Soiree, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Let's make new memories together and keep the DU spirit alive! Feel free to reach out if you have questions about the PALs network or would like to get involved.
Connect with BillUpcoming Events
Check out some upcoming PALs events for a chance to come back to campus, discover exciting changes, connect with old friends, and reminisce about your college days.
- EMERITUS TEA Emeritus Tea
- Friday, June 14, 1:30-4:00 PM MST
- Each June, the annual Emeritus Tea event kicks off the 50 Year Reunion Weekend festivities. The event brings together senior leadership and retired faculty and staff to recognize and celebrate alumni who graduated from the University 50+ years ago. During this special event, members of the 50-year class will receive a medallion and be inducted into the PALs network.
- 50 YEAR REUNION 50 Year Reunion
- Friday June 14, 10:00AM-4:00PM MST and Saturday June 15, 7:30-11:30AM MST
- After being inducted into the PALs network, members of the 50-year class are invited to: take a campus tour, reconnect with old friends at the 50-year class dinner, and walk down memory lane at the undergraduate commencement where they will be dressed in cap and gown and recognized during the ceremony.
- SUMMER SOIREE
- Each August, the members of the PALs network and their guests kick off the summer at the Summer Soiree, a signature PALs event.
Staff Leader
Meet Mackenzie Hunter
Director of Volunteer Networks
Hello! I joined DU’s Regional Advancement & Volunteer Engagement team as the Director of Volunteer Networks in February 2022. In this role, I will help to build out the University’s new volunteer-led network model that brings together alumni, parents, and other DU supporters across shared interests, identities, and geographic locations. I am here to create, refine, and promote volunteer pathways and provide our networks with tools and resources to ensure strong leadership structure, sustainable growth, and well-coordinated programming.
I bring with me a decade of volunteer engagement experience in a variety of settings including higher education (University of Texas at Dallas), national service (AmeriCorps NCCC) and community-based nonprofits (United Way of the Battle Creek & Kalamazoo Region). These experiences have allowed me to develop a strong knowledge base from which to build from in this new role with DU’s engagement team.
Connect with MackenzieConnect With Us
Looking for ways to share your time and talent to advance the University and support the public good? Explore opportunities on these two online platforms, VolunteerDU volunteering.du.edu and the DU Career Network du.firsthand.co :
- VolunteerDU is your one-stop-shop for finding opportunities to engage with the DU community. Choose from a variety of one-off and ongoing projects that are meaningful to you.
- The DU Career Network allows you to connect with DU students and alumni job seekers for mentoring and career networking opportunities. Join today and share your expertise with those pursuing similar professional interests.
Your action inspires future generations of DU students, setting the standard for service and strengthening our commitment to the global public good.
Questions? Email alumni@du.edu.