Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Cecilia Huber

...and I am incredibly honored to accept the distinction of being a VOC Grossman scholar and want to highlight its importance to the completion of my degree in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University.
In my life, I have been awarded the rare delight of knowing both my passion and purpose from an early age. I can recall ever since I was young my interest, and later investment, in the protection of wildlife. The earliest memory I have is when my mother took me to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois, for an event called “owl prowl”. I was allowed to stay up way past my bedtime to walk through the dark canyons of the park, guided by an ornithologist who was calling owls with only his voice, illuminating their unique place in nature. Suffice to say, I was hooked, and growing up, I sought out any outdoors experience that might bring me closer to experiencing wildlife in their natural habitat. Watching this budding interest grow in me, my mother decided she would start a Girl Scout troop for my sister and me to have an outlet to express our interest in the outdoors. With our troop, I learned how to identify birdsong and animal tracks, cowboy camped for the first time, and made unforgettable memories around the campfire.
Later in life, I made the choice to study Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University specifically because of Warner College’s outstanding reputation and the state’s excellent access to recreational opportunities. I wanted to be surrounded by opportunities to hike, ski, and fish as much as I wanted to have abundant options for involvement in wildlife conservation. Early in my college career, I craved involvement with my field of study outside of coursework and volunteered at many conservation programs. I spent countless hours volunteering for the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary, Greenwood Wildlife and Rehabilitation, and the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, which all provided incredible opportunities for hands-on experience. What I value most about my time at those programs is the tangible positive impact I was able to make on the animals, and the perpetuity of conservation values within my community.
As I’ve continued through my degree, I have found a beautiful sense of fulfillment in my work. Last summer, I worked for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, conducting owl surveys in the Front Range. Some nights, I couldn’t help but sit there in the dark, in the middle of nowhere, broadcasting my owl calls, thinking about my early experience with “owl prowl”. In those quiet moments, I fully appreciated the depths of my passion and how far it had brought me. In the span of a few odd years, Colorado has become my forever home, which is why I am so proud of my current position with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
To me, my job with CPW feels like the ultimate achievement; it's the culmination of all my hard work in this field thus far. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to learn useful skills, including coding for natural resources and mapping in programs like Tableau and ArcGIS. This job has fit perfectly into the twilight years of my degree, where I’m actually able to apply what I’ve been learning in the classroom for years.
Speaking of applications for my coursework, the entire reason I applied for this scholarship was to cover the cost of my mandatory summer course at the CSU Mountain Campus. This class is the crowning jewel of Warner College and a highlight of many students' college experience. I was becoming nervous since my existing merit scholarship does not cover summer semesters, and I didn’t have the funds to cover this essential course out-of-pocket. Thanks to this unbelievably generous scholarship from the Grossmans, I’ll be able to focus on what really matters, nailing my field measurements course this summer!
In addition to the Grossmans, I’d like to thank my mom, my Girl Scout leader, for instilling in me a lifelong love for the outdoors. I’d also like to graciously thank Andrew Treble, my mentor at CPW, who provided my heartwarming reference for this scholarship.

Cecilia is one of seven students to receive VOC's Grossman Scholarship for the 2025-26 school year. VOC awarded a total of $50,000 in scholarships annually to eligible Colorado residents who have demonstrated a commitment to caring for our environment's natural resources and intend to pursue post-secondary education through an accredited environmental, natural resource, climate, or outdoor industry-related education program in Colorado. VOC also awards one scholarship, funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), to a student who meets the above criteria and is affiliated with any of the partners in the My Outdoors Colorado (MOC) Coalition, or who is connected to the Cole and/or Westwood neighborhoods in Denver.

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Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Addison Elam

July 16, 2026

Agriculture has always been a part of who I am. As an eighth-generation rancher, I was raised with a deep respect for the land, livestock, and the responsibility that comes with both. From an early age, I learned that taking care of the land is just as important as the work we put into it, and that connection has shaped the path I am choosing for my future. After graduating, I will be attending Otero College, where I plan to pursue degrees in Soil and Crop Science along with Agriculture Business (Agribusiness). I chose these areas of study because I want to better understand both the land and the business side of agriculture. Soil and crop science will allow me to focus on improving soil health, increasing productivity, and managing natural resources responsibly. Agribusiness will give me the tools to make sound financial and management decisions that are necessary to run a successful operation. My passion for these fields comes from growing up in agriculture and seeing firsthand how everything is connected. Healthy soil leads to better crops and forage, which directly impact livestock and the success of an operation. I have learned that caring for the land is not just about today—it is about ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities. Whether it is through conservation practices, responsible grazing, or improving soil health, I want to be part of protecting and strengthening agriculture while continuing to produce food. In addition to my background at home, my involvement in 4-H, FFA, and conservation-related work has strengthened my connection to both agriculture and nature. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of leadership, education, and sharing knowledge with others. I have also had the opportunity to work on soil moisture monitoring projects and participate in conservation efforts, which have further encouraged me to pursue a career that blends agriculture with environmental stewardship. Receiving this scholarship is an incredible opportunity that will help me continue working toward my goals. It not only provides financial support but also reinforces that the path I have chosen is meaningful. This support will allow me to focus more on my education and gaining the knowledge and skills I need to succeed without as much financial stress. In the future, my goal is to own and operate my own ranch. I want to build an operation that reflects strong business practices and a deep respect for the land. I also hope to work in a field such as natural resources or conservation, where I can continue to apply what I have learned and give back to the agriculture community. I am grateful for the support this scholarship provides. It is not only an investment in my education, but also in my future and the future of agriculture.

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Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Cecilia Huber

Hi! My name is Cecilia Huber,

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