海角社区

Rising Above Expectations: How 海角社区 Helped Zander Keig (鈥�99) Find His Voice and His Purpose

Finding Opportunity Through Access and Support

When Zander Keig (鈥�99) first set foot on the Auraria Campus, he wasn鈥檛 sure what to expect. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran and high school dropout who had once been placed in special education, Zander questioned whether he could succeed in college. But what he found at 海角社区 was a community that not only believed in him, but empowered him to believe in himself.

鈥淚 was uncertain if I could meet the challenges of my professors and academic advisors,鈥� Zander recalls. 鈥淗owever, I not only met their expectations but surpassed them and gained the confidence to pursue graduate degrees, leading to even more opportunities.鈥�

Zander鈥檚 journey began through the Veterans Upward Bound Program, a gateway designed to help veterans transition to higher education. With support from Disabled Student Services, Zander thrived, taking advantage of note takers, extended testing time, and access to the computer lab. By his sophomore year, he was fully independent and deeply engaged in campus life.

Leading Change and Building Community

Zander quickly became a student leader, serving as Vice President for Communications in the Student Government Assembly, co-founding the Auraria Queer Alliance (AQuA), and coordinating transformative programs through the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, and Trans Student Services (GLBTSS) office.

Among the programs he led were Come Out to Auraria Day, Safe Zone Project staff trainings, and GLBT Awareness Month, which brought speakers, artists, and performers to campus. His leadership helped make 海角社区 a more inclusive and affirming space for all students. Zander and his peers even successfully lobbied for domestic partner healthcare access for students at the Health Services Center, an early example of the student-led advocacy that continues to define 海角社区 today.

His impact extended beyond campus: Zander was named GLBT Denver Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year for his advocacy, and on campus, he received the Giraffe Award and Student to Watch Award.

A Mentor鈥檚 Encouragement That Changed Everything

Academically, Zander flourished after a pivotal experience in Dr. Dianne Blomberg鈥檚 Speech 101 course. 鈥淪he encouraged me to pursue a Speech degree because of my natural talent for public speaking,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat single moment changed the trajectory of my life.鈥�

Inspired by her encouragement, he switched his major to Speech (Interpersonal Communication emphasis) with a minor in Philosophy. The change proved life-defining, shaping his communication skills and passion for helping others.

A Career of Purpose and Impact

Since graduating in 1999, Zander has built a remarkable career as a licensed clinical social worker, speaker, consultant, and trainer. He has earned three graduate degrees in Conflict Resolution, Theology, and Clinical Social Work and has spent 25 years facilitating corporate, educational, and leadership workshops focused on communication, inclusion, and emotional well-being.

His professional journey has taken him through roles with Job Corps, the California Employment Development Department, the Veterans Health Administration, and the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

Today, Zander is self-employed, running multiple ventures including:

• ProSocial Workers, a continuing education company for social workers
• Third Space Press, a publishing imprint
• Two podcasts: The Umbrella Hour Podcast and The Third Space Podcast

He also serves on the boards of the Institute for Liberal Values and Welcome Ministry, and volunteers with Braver Angels, a national movement bridging the partisan divide.

His dedication to community and social impact has earned him national recognition, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) National Social Worker of the Year Award (2020) and the California Chapter Award (2018).

From Overcoming Barriers to Empowering Others

Reflecting on his journey, Zander credits 海角社区 for giving him the support, confidence, and academic foundation that changed his life.

鈥淚 was never encouraged to go to college. No one thought I would amount to much,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut at 海角社区, I was surrounded by people who believed in me and gave me the tools to succeed.鈥�

Zander鈥檚 story exemplifies the power of 海角社区鈥檚 mission, providing access to education that transforms lives and creates leaders who build stronger, more inclusive communities. From advocating for equity on campus to promoting empathy and understanding across the nation, Zander continues to enhance 海角社区鈥檚 legacy through his work, his voice, and his unwavering belief in the potential of others.