Three UNC Grads Honored for Reshaping Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado will honor three alumni—Kristi Helzer ('77), Dave King ('81, M.A. '82) and Cathy Lucas ('90, Accredited in Public Relations)—at its Honored Alumni Ceremony on March 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Rocky Mountain Grand Ballroom of the University Center in Greeley. Their careers have reshaped Northern Colorado's business networks, youth sports infrastructure and nonprofit landscape.
The recognition underscores UNC's role as a driver of regional economic growth and community leadership, turning graduates into entrepreneurs and institutional leaders who anchor Weld County's civic life.
Helzer, a Mass Media graduate, founded her marketing firm Kristi's Kreations and launched Northern Colorado Women in Business in 2009—a network now numbering more than 150 members. Before starting her own ventures, she supported United Way of Weld County, Greeley-Evans School District 6, the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and the West Greeley Conservation District. The network hosts monthly first Wednesday workshops averaging 60 to 70 women and attracts 6 to 8 new members each month, according to an Alignable profile of the organization.
King has spent more than 40 years building Triple Crown Sports into a nationally renowned organization that has hosted thousands of amateur and collegiate tournaments across North America. The organization hosts roughly 200 youth and college tournaments annually across North America and Mexico. It employs nearly 60 full-time staff and approximately 400 seasonal workers each year, according to Triple Crown's website. King also created the College Sports Evaluation Performance Lab and has served UNC as adjunct faculty, interim head softball coach and a longtime athletics supporter.
Lucas earned her Journalism degree from UNC and spent more than two decades at Metropolitan State University of Denver as chief of staff and vice president of strategy and external affairs. She oversaw the university's name change, launched its first master's programs and led state funding advocacy. In 2021, she founded Lucas Narratives to help Colorado organizations strengthen brands and communications strategies.
"The University of Northern Colorado is proud to recognize three exceptional alumni whose leadership, service and impact reflect the very best of the Bear spirit," according to UNC's announcement. "The 2026 Honored Alumni demonstrate how UNC graduates turn education into action—transforming knowledge into leadership and opportunity into meaningful impact."
Community members are invited to attend the March 28 ceremony.