Derrick Downs, a senior construction management major at Colorado State University Pueblo, has been named the 2025 Boettcher Student Leader of the Year, becoming the first nontraditional student to receive the honor in 26 years.
Since 1999, the Leadership Foundation and 9NEWS have honored leaders who have made significant contributions to the well-being and development of the state. The prestigious award includes a monetary prize and recognizes exceptional leadership across Colorado’s colleges and universities. The last time a CSU Pueblo student won was in 2022, when senior Phillip “Flojo” Flores received the honor.
A Pueblo resident, Downs, who also serves as a student advisor for Veterans Upward Bound, was selected from among 10 students representing colleges and universities across Colorado. The judges reached a unanimous decision following his January interview, calling him the next day with news of his win. Typically, winners learn of their selection at the awards ceremony itself.
Tiffany Anderson, Vice President of Grants and Programs, presented the award to Downs at the 9News building in Denver. Before presenting the award, Anderson spoke about Downs’ unique journey.
“His leadership is rooted in empathy, service, and accountability. His story stands as proof that no matter where we are in life, transformation can happen,” Anderson said. “This year we are proud to honor a student leader of the year whose path reflects the many ways that we experience and become leaders. For the first time since we started this award, the Student Leader of the Year brings a richer life experience than the many traditional students who have had this recognition in the past. Derrick’s journey reminds us that leadership is never about age or title. It’s about action, impact and a willingness to serve.”
“It feels excellent to win as it’s an accomplishment,” Downs said. “The other students who were with me in Pueblo should have been on stage as well. I feel honored they nominated me.”
Downs attended the ceremony with his wife, Laura Mae. When Downs shared the news with his adult son, with whom he shares a friendly rivalry over who will complete their master’s degree first, his son quipped, “What, did the other students not show up? That’s why you won.”
The recognition places Downs among an elite group of Colorado student leaders and highlights CSU Pueblo’s commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds in achieving academic and leadership excellence.
