Aria Marizza | Colorado State University Journalism

Nestled in the heart of Fort Collins, Colorado State University has cultivated a rich and storied history, and its alumni carry a piece of that history long after they leave campus. From CSU’s first establishment as a land-grant institution in 1870, the university has undergone immense changes and will continue to change and adapt in the future. Two CSU alumni, Gerald Marizza and Lana Schueler, offer us a glimpse into their early 70s and 80s college years. Both Marizza and Schueler have preserved the essence of an era when CSU was a hub of vibrant traditions and endless youthful spirit.

Founded in 1870 as a land-grant institution, Colorado State University has a rich and evolving history that mirrors the changing landscape of student life. From its early days as a college to its current status as a comprehensive university, CSU has continually adapted to the needs and aspirations of its students. The evolution of student life and traditions at CSU is a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community on and off-campus. Over the years, CSU has transformed from a modest college into a dynamic center of learning and research, with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences enriching the campus. With a history deeply intertwined with Fort Collins, CSU has not only embraced educational progress but also created a thriving environment where student traditions and experiences have thrived, connecting the past with the present.

Gerald Marizza, a proud alum from Colorado, moved to Fort Collins to attend CSU in 1974. As a resident of Durward Hall, he recollects many of his days spent navigating the dorms, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere around the towers, and, most notably, savoring the charm of the Towers Tap. The Towers Tap, an iconic pub tucked within the towers’ dining hall, served as a haven for students needing a breather from their academic studies to share a laugh, enjoy a beer, and snack on fried food. “We were kind of a self-contained organism out there [at the towers]. We just stayed out there and never really strayed off-campus because there just wasn’t a need”.

His fondest memories as a student were the annual “College Daze” and “Tower Power Days” that occurred in the spring, serving as “one last hoorah” before finals. College Daze was a three-day CSU-hosted event that featured live music, good food, and carnival games. The weekend prior was the time for Durward and Westfall halls to shine during their Tower Power Days, a student-led festival with intramural sports tournaments, lighthearted competitions, and lots and lots of drinking. He reminisces on the sense of community shared by on-campus students and believes that to be the push he needed to become more extroverted and sociable. 

“The tower’s environment was perfect for me because there were about a thousand people right there that you interact with on a daily basis. I was always exposed to a lot of people, and it almost forced me into breaking out of my shell.” 

Gerald Marizza

Gerald’s unique journey, which included a brief hiatus from college to play the bass guitar in a local band, exemplifies the sense of community and exploration that characterized CSU at the time. 

In 1982, Lana Schueler moved to Fort Collins to attend CSU, where she met her future husband and decided to make the city her forever home. As a student, she lived in Durward Hall similarly to Gerald, and joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority for the next three years up to graduation. She fondly remembers popular hangout spots like “The Library”, which was a bar that sold 3.2 beer for students 18 years and older, and subsequently met her husband there. 

Lana’s fondest memories in college include the “College Daze” weekend festival like Gerald, but also savored every moment she had with her sorority sisters. Being a part of an organization that uplifted one another, offered valuable friendships, and unlimited laughter and entertainment. The support she had in the sorority followed her well beyond college and into her adult life.

“When I decided to start my [accounting] business, one of sorority sisters who was a CPA helped me out as my advisor. Her assistance helped me enormously.”

Lana Schueler

Lana’s life after college has been marked by pivotal decisions, including leaving her job to become a stay-at-home mother and later starting her own successful accounting business. Her positive experiences at CSU led her to staying in town and being a proud mother and mentor to her daughters. 

In preserving the history and traditions of CSU, alumni are a living archive, offering a unique perspective on the past. As they share their experiences, they take us back in time, allowing us to relive the moments, traditions, and spirit that once defined the university. These memories serve as a bridge between generations, connecting today’s students with the CSU back then.

Colorado State University recognizes the significance of its alumni in preserving its legacy. The Alumni Association is an incredible way for past Rams to support future scholarships and preserve the CSU traditions they love. Through hosting alumni events and engagement opportunities, the university actively cultivates a sense of community and ensures that these stories are cherished and passed on.

In the narratives of alumni like Gerald and Lana, there’s a powerful reminder of the transformative influence of Colorado State University on those who attend. Their experiences are not just memories; they are integral chapters in the collective narrative of the university. These alumni stories become guides for current and future students, illuminating the path to wisdom, personal growth, and lifelong connections that extend far beyond graduation day. It’s in these stories that we find the thread that bridges the past with the present, celebrating a living history and a promising future for Colorado State University.