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Ryan Slocum (CompSci'24) has received a 2024 graduating student academic engagement award from the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

He was recognized by his nominators for his involvement with the President's Leadership Class, his supportive performance as a T.A., engagement with 3 internships and for the way that he modeled thoughtful discourse in his classes. 

In addition, Slocum led a successful initiative to map the leadership landscape and ecosystem at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ· for the Center for Leadership. 

His nominators were impressed by Slocum's fearless desire to learn, his intellectual humility and excellence of execution while keeping a balanced perspective and sustainable lifestyle.  

How did it feel to win this award?

I’m honored to have won the academic engagement award. I feel that it's a nice way to wrap up my time studying at CU, where I’ve been involved with a variety of programs and opportunities. Looking through the list of other college award winners, it’s a group I’m extremely proud to be a part of.

What is the most important lesson you've learned at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ·? 

I think the most important lesson I’ve learned at CU has been that it’s really important to try new stuff, especially the things that most scare you. That’s when growth happens, so it’s important to use those things that scare you as a sort of compass needle to becoming a better person.

What advice would you give to a younger you?

I think I would say the same thing as the above question: try new things, do stuff that scares you. You’ll only grow as a result.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get to where you are now?

My parents have been extremely supportive, so they deserve my biggest thanks. I’ve also had some amazing professors during my time at CU, including Dr. Angela Thieman-Dino and Dr. Paul Diduch, who nominated me for this award. And my friends in the Presidents Leadership Class have been an amazing group to learn from and get to know over the last four years.

What's one of your personal or professional goals for the future? 

• Personal: I would like to compete in a 100 mile ultramarathon.
• Professional: Earn a graduate degree in robotics, and work on something impactful and challenging in the robotics space.