Values, Tradition, Spirit

Yates Leadership Award

Celebrating Commitment to CSU

Each year, the Colorado State University Alumni Association awards a graduating senior with the Albert C. Yates Leadership Award. The award is given in honor of Albert C. Yates, who served as the 12th President of CSU from 1990-2003 and who brought strength and unity to CSU through his leadership and commitment to community.

The award is meant to recognize a student who demonstrates strong involvement, leadership, and a commitment to upholding CSU’s values, traditions, and spirit.


Congratulations to Our 2025 Recipient, Karen Khaykin!

Through her dedication to service, community, and inspiring others to reach their full potential, Karen Khaykin embodies the spirit of Colorado State University and has flourished as a leader at CSU, making a tangible impact all while excelling academically with a 4.0 GPA. Set to graduate May 2025 with a bachelor’s in biomedical sciences, with a concentration in microbiology and infectious disease, Khaykin is the recipient of the 2025 Albert C. Yates Student Leadership Award.

Karen Khaykin

Past Recipients

2024: Reham Abdunabi
2023: Ellie Martinez
2022: Alanis Hernandez
2021: Ally Murphy Pauletto
2020: Barry Wesley