2023 Alumni Awards: Tom Shepherd (TranMgmt '78) - Leanne Skupa-Lee Award

Tom Shepherd (TranMgmt '78)
Leanne Skupa-Lee Award
Tom Shepherd’s CU Boulder family pride has a wide range: His mother, wife, son and several extended family members are all Forever Buffs.
He wanted this huge display of school enthusiasm to be evident in other CU families, too. So, as a master of getting things done - evident in his work as the now-retired vice president of logistics for global berry company Driscoll’s - he got to work on a new university initiative.
The Buffalo Legacy Program launched during his nine-year tenure on the CU Boulder Alumni Association’s Advisory Board. Today, through the program - which Tom donates to - first-year students with parents, step-parents or grandparents can apply for legacy-related scholarships, and graduating students can wear a complimentary black and gold cord over their gowns during commencement ceremonies.
“Through Tom’s ongoing commitment and work, hundreds of families and students are positively impacted each year,” said Julann Andresen (Mktg’85), senior director of Forever Buffs engagement and outreach.
Tom served on the board of advisors from 2008 to 2012 and from 2015 to 2020, notching nearly a decade of volunteer time for the Alumni Association, including four years as chair of the board. Despite his prominent career position directing logistics for Driscoll’s, he flew to Boulder from his California home several times a year for board meetings and was instrumental in transitioning the board from one focused on committees and tactics to a group focused on strategy and initiatives.
His strategic input on how the alumni board could better support the rapidly changing Alumni Association and university will endure for years to come.
“The change he has enacted leaves a generational impact on supporting and growing our alumni and university,” said Colin Finch (PolSci’05), former Alumni Association Advisory Board chair.
Outside of the Alumni Association, Tom was involved with the Professional Mentorship Program with the Leeds School of Business for 12 years.
Said Alumni Association executive director Ryan Chreist (Kines'96, MPubAd'09): “Tom exemplifies what it means to serve selflessly as a volunteer to make CU a better place.”