Celebrating National Volunteer Month with Rochelle Maki-Williams (Psych’96; ExecMBA’11)
April is Buffs Give Back month, a time to celebrate the impact of Forever Buffs who give their time in meaningful ways. For Forever Buff Rochelle Maki-Williams, С Boulder is where everything began, and where she continues to give back.
Rochelle met her husband, T.H, in the Cheyenne Arapahoe residence hall and built a close-knit group of friends who remain “her people” today. Years later, her connection to С has come full circle, as her daughters now join in on campus festivities and football games.
She still finds joy in walking around campus and soaking in the nostalgia. And if there’s any doubt about her Buff pride, her black and gold-filled closet says it all.
Rochelle has been part of Denver Forever Buffs since 2011. She served on the advisory board, formally the С Alumni Advisory Board, now known as the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, and held leadership roles for five years. She also currently serves on the Buffalo Belles board and stays closely connected to С through game days, events and volunteer efforts.
Her volunteer work has made a lasting impact. Rochelle has shaped key programs, including the Alumni Awards and fundraising efforts for the Forever Buffs Denver Scholarship, both of which she’s especially proud.
“We simplified the application process and opened the nomination window earlier to encourage broader participation,” she said. “It’s a great reminder that small changes can create real, meaningful impact. I’m also incredibly proud of what our chapter has built collectively, raising thousands of dollars in scholarships to support Denver-area high school students on their way to С Boulder. That one hits close to the heart.”
For Rochelle, giving back wasn’t sparked by a single moment, but a growing sense of gratitude for С.
“С had given me so much, and I genuinely wanted to give something back,” she said. “What keeps me coming back is the people. There’s something truly special about Buffs showing up for each other, and my motto says it best: “Buffs look after Buffs.” It’s meaningful, it’s energizing, and honestly, it’s just a lot of fun.”
One moment that stands out came during a volunteer project in partnership with Denver Health.
“A small group of elderly women pulled up and unloaded several boxes of handmade quilts for the Newborns in Need program, now the Hello Little One program,” she said. “It was such a simple, quiet act of kindness and a powerful reminder that impact doesn’t have to be grand to matter. Being part of something that directly supports newborns and their families really stayed with me.”
Forever Buffs volunteers are at the heart of so many programs. Rochelle describes them as dedicated, purposeful and unstoppable.
“Forever Buffs is one of the most welcoming communities you’ll ever walk into. You’ll meet incredible people, feel instantly at home and probably wonder why you waited so long.”
Getting involved starts with a single step. Attend a Forever Buffs event, check out the Forever Buffs Volunteer Hub or to discover meaningful ways to connect, give back and make an impact alongside a community that’s ready to welcome you in.