Central New Hampshire offers a lifestyle and recreational opportunities that are hard to beat for those who love the outdoors. Plymouth State students have the pleasure of biking, hiking, kayaking, and skiing in settings that those who live elsewhere can only dream about for two-week vacations.
Many of the qualities that make PSU so attractive can also be found out west, where an increasing number of alumni are making their homes and careers. Plymouth State’s Colorado Chapter is growing slowly but surely, connecting Rocky Mountain Panthers around networking events, sports, and other shared experiences.
“I’ve been out here for 25 years, and Colorado and New Hampshire have similar cultures, scenery, and activities,” says Brian Miller ’93. “There are over 300 alumni in Denver and the surrounding areas alone, and more than 500 in surrounding states. Almost every person I talk to had a great time at Plymouth State, and we’re trying to engage and connect them.”
Miller describes himself as “good at building things,” including FIT Asset Management, which he founded and of which he serves as the firm’s chief investment officer, and a bike team that he started and grew to 80 members. He’s encouraged by the growth of the University’s Colorado alumni group. “We got a great education and had a great time at PSU, so we all have a lot in common. People are passionate about Plymouth State and we want to turn that passion into engagement.”
Brian Miller ’93
The group’s first event was in 2014, and what had been one or two events annually has mushroomed into five within the past nine months. Area alumni have gathered for social happy hours, a well-attended Bruins versus Colorado Avalanche game in Denver, and get-togethers in Loveland, Colorado, hosted by J. C. Richardson ’13 and his family.
Panther alumni were pumped up when the Bruins came to Denver.
Next up is a planned ski weekend for PSU alumni at Copper Mountain, Saturday-Sunday, March 23–24. “We’ve arranged discounted tickets and lodging, so people can stay overnight if they want or just join us for a day,” says Miller. Complete details and registration information are available here.
Miller credits the University Advancement team for providing him and his Colorado cohort with vital support and encouragement. “Ava Tyler ’14, ’17MBA, and Brian Gagnon ’05, ’09G, in particular, have been extremely helpful in getting things going out here.”
The good times and camaraderie represent only one segment of Miller’s vision, which also encompasses more recent graduates. “We’ve got some great people who have been out here for a while and can help the younger ones network, and to find jobs and internships. Today’s graduates should know that there is a Colorado chapter that wants to help them.”
Looking to the future, Miller hopes the group will rally around a fundraising initiative to create a scholarship, which would help Colorado high school graduates attend PSU.
Miller is confident that the group is moving in the right direction. “The momentum is clear and we’re getting more people engaged,” he says. “We have a lot to share with each other and to offer other alumni.”
To learn more about the Plymouth State Colorado Chapter and its plans, please visit its Facebook page or contact Miller at brian@fitassetmanagement.com.
