Five students, two programs and an unexpected connection
Posing for the final photo of the day, the five graduate students exuded an ease and camaraderie that suggested they had known each other for years. In reality, they had met only hours earlier.
Organizational Leadership students D'Nelle Swagger, G Wagner, Jaime Foster and Brenda Tinucci as well as Corporate Communication student Nijah Echols were selected to participate in the half-day photo shoot to capture real CU Boulder students in professional landscapes.
Behind the scenes, however, photo shoots aren’t always effortless. Subjects usually navigate awkward silences and try not to look too stiff or posed.
But, this group quickly found common ground.
“I showed up feeling nervous and left inspired and strengthened by my fellow models and grad students,” said Swagger. “None of us had met before that day, but within minutes we were swapping stories about our backgrounds, dreams and the paths that brought us to graduate school. The photographers good-naturedly put up with our immediate and intense connection, which disrupted the shoot from time to time!”
Echoing the sentiment is Foster, who said, “We laughed a lot. Somewhere between the silly poses and the genuine conversations, I remembered that the best things happen when you stop performing and just show up.”
Cora Jones, assistant director for marketing at Continuing Education—the campus unit responsible for organizing the photo shoot—has managed countless photo shoots over the years, but said that this group stood out.
“They were so great!” said Jones. “None of them knew each other beforehand, but they had great chemistry, kept accidentally styling themselves into photo compositions and had a really good time together! They all exchanged contact information at the end of the day.”
Exchanging contact information at the end of a photo shoot isn’t unusual, but Jones said this group seemed to form a strong bond.
Brought together by circumstance, the students quickly discovered shared professional experiences, ambitions and perspectives.
“Although our histories were diverse, we all shared the same internal fire to grow and make a meaningful impact,” said Swagger. “Our short time together reminded me that dynamic leadership isn't just about expertise and academics, it's about kindness, grit, humor, creativity, curiosity and a shared big vision for the future.”
“This group was truly remarkable,” added Wagner.
In both the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program and Master of Arts in Corporate Communication program, students rarely meet face-to-face until graduation because the programs are offered fully online, making this opportunity to connect an especially unique experience.
“Being part of this marketing campaign was an unexpected gift,” said Tinucci. “The people I met were nothing short of impressive. We are talking accomplished, purpose-driven professionals who are out here doing big things and still showing up with so much warmth. That kind of energy does something to your soul. It reaffirms every sacrifice, every late night, every bold decision you made to bet on yourself.”
Now, months after the photo shoot, the group is still in contact and ready to face the next part of their journeys with some friendly new faces in their corner. This experience highlighted the importance of staying open, seizing opportunities and valuing connection in whatever way it is offered.
“We parted as friends and cheerleaders for one another,” said Swagger. “I'm grateful our paths crossed.”
