Alumni Spotlight: Juliana Wierimaa ’13

Finding Her Way Home: Juliana Wierimaa’s MSU Denver Story

Access Rooted in Care and Proximity

For Juliana Wierimaa ‘13, MSU Denver was not her original dream school. It was, however, the place that made it possible for her to stay close to home during one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

During her senior year of high school, Wierimaa’s mother became seriously ill. Wanting to remain nearby, she chose MSU Denver. Her mother passed away during Wierimaa’s second semester of her freshman year, a loss that upended everything.

“That time was unimaginably difficult,” Wierimaa said.

Grief significantly affected her academics. She withdrew from multiple courses, and after soul searching, transferred to the University of Northern Colorado in her sophomore year. But by junior year, clarity emerged.

“I realized my true passion was events and MSU was where I belonged,” she said.

Attending MSU, returning was possible, even after a nonlinear academic path. The flexibility of the institution allowed Wierimaa to re‑enroll and rebuild, this time with renewed purpose.

Academic Success Forged Through Perseverance

Returning to MSU Denver, Wierimaa faced an intense academic climb. Credits that did not transfer and earlier withdrawals meant she had nearly three full years of coursework to complete.

She rose to the challenge.

Wierimaa routinely took more than 18 credits per semester, at times earning special approval to take 21, all while working two jobs and eventually securing an internship. Through it all, she found her academic home in the Hospitality, Tourism and Events Department.

“I absolutely loved my classes and professors,” she said.

Courses like Hospitality 101 with Dr. Chad Gruhl and coursework with Dr. Cynthia Vannucci stood out for their humor, intellect and strong ties to real‑world experience. But one class remains the favorite, Wine Tasting.

“I learned how to saber off the top of a champagne bottle,” she said, a skill she still puts to use today.

Hands‑On Learning That Opened Doors

A required internship proved pivotal. As part of her degree, Wierimaa completed an internship with the Events Team at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

“That experience truly changed my life,” she said. “It affirmed my desire to work in events and showed me how passionate I am about serving my community.”

Class projects offered similarly hands‑on experiences, from planning a trade show for underclassmen to organizing an actual luncheon at a hotel. These opportunities provided the practical foundation that continues to shape her career.

Purpose‑Driven Work Through Leadership

After graduating in 2013, Wierimaa joined Susan G. Komen Colorado, an organization deeply personal to her following her mother’s death from breast cancer. She later moved to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, where she served as Director of Events.

Today, Wierimaa leads the Events Team at Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) as Director of Events. DSF works to increase access to higher education and expand economic opportunity for Denver students.

In her role, Wierimaa oversees all DSF‑hosted events, supporting 15 Denver Public Schools high schools, the Auraria Campus institutions, 27 Colorado campuses statewide and major fundraising initiatives. She serves as the lead for DSF’s annual gala, a 1,000‑plus‑person event that raises more than $1 million each year. In 2024 alone, her team supported more than 150 events.

“Every day is filled with collaboration, creativity and genuine connection,” she said.

Coming Full Circle

One of Wierimaa’s most meaningful professional experiences has been partnering with MSU Denver through DSF. DSF Advisors work on the Auraria Campus to support scholars attending MSU Denver and the other Auraria institutions, making her connection to her alma mater both personal and professional.

She remains closely connected through DSF partnerships and campus events, including DSF’s annual Scholar Summit held in the Tivoli’s Turnhalle.

Advice for Roadrunners

Wierimaa’s message to students reflects the perseverance that defined her own journey.

“Stick with it. You’ve got this,” she said. “MSU Denver offers flexibility, countless opportunities to engage and a community full of people who care about your success.”

She encourages students to connect with professors, pursue internships, seek informational interviews and advocate for themselves.

“You are your biggest advocate,” she said.