³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ

Belinda Colgan '04 works as a riding assistant and the assistant coach for the women’s equestrian team.

Colgan, who graduated from ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ in spring 2004, began her professional career at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ as a barn manager in fall of that year. She said she has been riding and competing since she was 5 years old, but she never expected for her passion to turn into a professional career at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ.

"While a student at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ the riding program was a very large part of my life," she said. "When I graduated I was not ready to go back to graduate school yet and (Head Riding Coach) Cindy Ford offered me the job of barn manager which seemed like a perfect job while I take a brief break from school. What was supposed to be a brief break has turned into 14 years."

Colgan said she enjoys working with college students and watching them grow at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ. She calls ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ's Van Lennep Riding Center "a home away from home" for many involved in the riding program. She especially appreciates the Friends of ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Athletics Benefit Dinner for recognizing student athletes, teams and staff and helping to maintain relationships that often endure beyond graduation.

"It is a great way to bring alums back to ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ to reconnect with friends and their alma mater while they are recognized for their accomplishments while at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ," said Colgan.

"When asked why I have stayed at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ my answer is usually the same, 'Why would I leave a job I love, at one of the best programs in the country, with the now winningest intercollegiate record in the IHSA? Plus I get to work for my alma mater!'"