Honoring Our Own – 2011 Distinguished Alumni
The Alumni Association salutes outstanding individuals who go above and beyond and make us proud.
Each year during Homecoming Weekend, the University of Northern Colorado Alumni Association honors outstanding alumni and friends whose service and achievements embody the university’s tradition of excellence. We are proud to announce the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.
David Pierce Beaver
EdD '72 Health & Physical Education
Editor in Chief, PALAESTRA
David Pierce Beaver has spent an illustrious career dedicated to advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.
The professor emeritus at Western Illinois University, where he served nearly 35 years, Beaver developed both undergraduate and graduate curriculum in the area of adapted physical education involving people with physical and mental disabilities.
Beaver is a former high school PE teacher and athletic director and is currently the editor-in-chief of the professional journal he founded in 1984. PALAESTRA: Forum of Sport, Physical Education and Recreation for Those with Disabilities is regarded as the leading periodical in the field with a readership upwards of 60,000.
In 1976, Beaver was a founding member of the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (recent inductee of the association’s hall of fame) and subsequently appointed to prestigious positions in the 1980 and 1984 Paralympic Games and member of the U.S. Olympic Committee on Sports for the Disabled. A former wrestling, track and cross country coach, he also served as the head coach for the U.S. Blind Wrestling Team.
Throughout his career, Beaver has been recognized with numerous awards for his achievements and continued support of people with disabilities, including honors from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Beaver graduated from UNC in 1972 with a doctorate of education in Physical Education-Kinesiology and in Special Education-Physically Handicapped.
Nominator Quotes
“When Dr. Beaver saw a need that would enhance the services for individuals with disabilities or better equip his students and others to teach or work with these individuals, he always took a leadership role.”
— Robert Weber, Coordinator, Graduate Programs and Adapted Physical Education Programs, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
“Dr. Beaver’s personal qualities, such as integrity, loyalty, sincerity, and thoughtfulness are beyond reproach. He is the type of person who goes well above and beyond usual duties and expectations.”
— Julian Stein, nominator
“To put it succinctly, Dr. Beaver has had an incredible professional career. He has been an influential contributor and leader in various aspects of physical education/kinesiology, and especially adapted physical education.”
— George Sage, UNC Professor Emeritus
Andrew Boian
BA '94 Political Science
Founder & CEO, Dovetail Solutions
He is also the CEO of Dovetail Solutions, a public relations firm he founded in 2005.
Boian is an adjunct faculty member at Metropolitan State College, where he teaches political science, and at the University of Denver, where he teaches international studies. He is an active participant in School Partners Program of the Denver Public Schools Foundation at Columbian Elementary School where he volunteers. He is active on other committees throughout the Denver community, including the boards of the Denver Botanic Gardens and Urban League.
The former senior strategist for Gov. Bill Ritter’s campaign, Boian in 2000 became the youngest member statewide elected to serve on the Democratic National Committee. Boian previously served on President Bill Clinton’s transition team in 1992. In 2007 he received the Denver Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” and the Colorado Stateman’s “Fifty for the Future.” He’s been named Metro State’s “Favorite Professor” twice in 2003 and 2006.
Boian graduated from UNC in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science/Pre-Law. He then completed a master’s degree in Public Affairs in 1999 at the University of Colorado at Denver.
Nominator Quotes
“He has built on his Political Science major to develop an impressive career that spans the public and private sector. He serves on numerous charitable boards and civic committees, a testimony to his commitment to public service.”
— Stan Luger, Chair, UNC Department of Political Science and International Affairs
“Andrew Boian preaches what he practices. As an adjunct professor, he instills those very same lessons and personal insights learned from politics, public and private administration and public communication strategies.”
— Steve Mazurana, UNC Emeritus Professor
“Accompanying his success, and I believe underlying it, is a passion for making a positive difference.”
— David Caldwell, Dean of College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Steve Eastin
BA '70 Speech
Actor and Founder, Steve Eastin Studio
Ronald “Steve” Eastin is an accomplished actor who has appeared in Hollywood blockbusters and acclaimed TV shows. He’s also the founder of the eponymous studio in Los Angeles where he’s a sought-after teacher.
Appearing in his first play at age 6, Eastin has gone on to take roles in feature films that include Up in the Air, Field of Dreams, Catch Me if You Can and Austin Powers. He’s guest starred in more than 200 TV shows, including Little House on the Prairie, The A-Team and Without a Trace. In 2005, he became a regular on The Gilmore Girls.
Eastin has worked with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Nicholas Cage, Hilary Swank and Scarlett Johansson.
He is also a dedicated instructor, focusing on an avant-garde approach to acting, known as “choiceless awareness” in which actors are encouraged to respond to moments in scenes naturally as opposed to reading from a script. Although teaching is Eastin’s main focus (his students come from as far away as Switzerland, Hungary, Japan and England to receive his tutelage), he still maintains an active career in the entertainment industry and has most recently appeared in Dexter, NCIS and Cold Case.
Eastin graduated cum laude from UNC in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature Education.
Nominator Quotes
“He fosters an environment of safety and encouragement, allowing us, as actors, to be uninhibited, fearless, and to reach for our ever growing potential.”
— Miranda Moore, Eastin’s student
“Such a lengthy career in the difficult business of film and television has made Steve Eastin a model for our students pursuing careers in Hollywood and a highly deserving candidate to be recognized as an Honored Alumni.”
— Andrew Jay Svedlow, Dean of UNC’s College of Performing and Visual Arts
“He is a joy of a human being and while I have not had the opportunity of enjoying Greeley, CO, or the UNC campus, Steve’s professional accomplishments, his incredible intellect and his engaging personality bring honor to UNC everyday.”
— John Black, Eastin’s attorney
Michael Hutchinson
BS '79 Accounting
Partner-In-Charge, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Denver CO
Michael Hutchinson rose through the ranks from an entry-level position he took at Deloitte & Touche in 1978 to his current position as partner of the Colorado auditing and accounting practice.
“In that leadership role, he is responsible for over 100 professionals in the Denver office and is engaged in recruiting, providing career development to young professionals and serving high profile audit clients,” Cheryl Wenzinger (BS-72) wrote in her letter nominating Hutchinson.
Hutchinson remains active in UNC’s Monfort College of Business, supporting affiliated associations and fraternities and assisting with the professional development of the students involved. He also spearheaded a campaign at Deloitte to raise $75,000 over five years for an MCB classroom and has been instrumental in helping raise funds to create a distinguished accounting chair in Professor Allen McConnell’s name.
He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants. He’s served on the board of directors and as treasurer for the Colorado Oil & Gas Association. He also supports and assists Special Olympics Colorado, the Mile High Down Syndrome Association and the American Cancer Society.
Hutchinson graduated from UNC in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Nominator Quotes
“Mike’s defining characteristics are the long-term relationships he fosters with his clients, and his dedication to their total business needs which go beyond traditional accounting and auditing services.”
— Ronald Reed, UNC Professor of Accounting, Monfort College of Business
“He has been very successful in his professional career and represents UNC well in the Colorado business community: he is dedicated to UNC and demonstrates that not only with financial support but with staying connected year round to the accounting program and mentoring students. He exhibits ethical behavior, integrity, positive energy, and community involvement all in a high profile way.”
— Cheryl Wenzinger, Honored Alumna 2000
Joseph Martin
EdD '82 School of Educational Change & Development
Special Advisor to the President, Northern Arizona University
Joseph Martin is an associate professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and is special advisor to the president at Northern Arizona University. As a member of the Navajo tribe, he has continued to be a strong advocate for American Indian education.
In addition to his current role, he has held influential positions in education — including serving as a school principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent — and shown his strong commitment to the advancement of Native American language and culture. At Northern Arizona, he was instrumental in opening a $10 million building that highlights Native American programs. Martin is also an active member of the community, serving on many educational boards.
He is a lifetime member and former executive director of the National Indian Education Association, a leading professional organization for Native Americans in the nation. He earned the association’s Educator of the Year Award in 1992. He was appointed by the President to the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities and served on the advisory committee from 1999-2001. He served as chair of the American Indian Graduate Center organization. He also has spearheaded federally funded projects from the Office of Indian Education to prepare Diné and Hopi school administrators.
Martin graduated from UNC in 1982 with a doctorate of education in Educational Administration.
Nominator Quotes
“He has gone on to have effects that transform the lives of American Indians across the country and especially on his own Navajo nation.”
— Eugene Sheehan, Dean of UNC’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
“I feel he is a wonderful example of what we hope all of our students can and will do - influence a broad spectrum of practitioners and policy-makers to improve the learning and life experiences of students.”
— Linda Vogel, UNC Program Coordinator ELPS & NAIL, Chair Leadership & Policy Development
“I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand Dr. Martin’s commitment to Education in Indian Country in Nebraska and throughout our great nation as he works tirelessly to level the playing field for our Indian children.”
— Judi Gaiashkibos, Executive Director, Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs
