Ryan Slocum (CompSci’24) has been recognized for his academic engagement and leadership skills by receiving the 2024 graduating student academic engagement award from the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Throughout his time at CU Boulder, Slocum has demonstrated a passion for learning and a commitment to making a positive impact on campus.

One of Slocum’s notable achievements was serving as a TA, where he helped students navigate complex concepts and provided valuable feedback. He also completed three internships in various industries, which allowed him to gain practical experience and broaden his skill set. Additionally, Slocum was instrumental in launching an initiative to map the leadership landscape at CU Boulder for the Center for Leadership. His nominations praised his fearless desire to learn, intellectual humility, and ability to excel while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Winning this award is an honor for Slocum as it represents the culmination of his time at CU Boulder and his involvement in various programs and opportunities. He feels proud to be part of the group of college award winners. The most important lesson he has learned at CU is that trying new things, especially those that are intimidating, can lead to personal growth and development.

Moving forward, Slocum plans to continue pursuing new experiences and challenges himself out of fear. He credits his parents’ unwavering support, as well as his professors and peers in the President’s Leadership Class for their guidance and inspiration. Looking ahead, Slocum has personal goals of competing in a 100-mile ultramarathon and obtaining a graduate degree in robotics so he can work on impactful projects in the field.

Overall, Ryan Slocum is an outstanding example of what it means to be academically engaged at CU Boulder. His accomplishments serve as an inspiration for other students to pursue their passions with determination and excellence while maintaining balance in their lives.