After returning to college, this soon-to-be civil engineering graduate found the community, confidence and support to succeed.

There is no single path to becoming an engineer. For Karlie Kitzman, discovering that she wasn’t alone in taking a different route made all the difference.

After a significant break from college, Kitzman transferred to the University of Colorado Denver determined to complete her degree in civil engineering. She arrived with renewed motivation and a willingness to approach her education differently.

What she found at CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design and Computing (CEDC) was inspiration from a community of faculty and classmates who understood that academic and professional success rarely follows a straight line.

“I’ve really appreciated faculty/classmates who have been open about their journey, especially in times of adversity where their progress wasn’t linear and their path was somewhat non-traditional,” Kitzman said.

Those connections helped Kitzman find a sense of belonging in engineering and the confidence to pursue her goals. Now preparing to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Kitzman is celebrating having turned a fresh start into a journey of academic excellence, belonging and discovering her potential as an engineer.

From Belonging to Academic Excellence

During her first semester at CU Denver, Kitzman found inspiration in faculty whose enthusiasm for engineering renewed her own excitement about the field.

“Coming back as a transfer student after a significant break from school, I was very motivated and inspired by a couple particular faculty members that first semester,” Kitzman said.

“Specifically, their admiration for the field and the joy that engineering seemed to bring them. This really propelled me forward and got me very excited to finally finish my degree.”

That encouragement helped Kitzman find her footing in engineering and build confidence in her abilities. Surrounded by faculty and classmates who welcomed different experiences and educational paths, she found a community where she could thrive.

Her academic success followed: Kitzman earned a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters. “I have maintained a 4.0 two semesters straight,” Kitzman said. “I didn’t transfer here with the best grades, so it’s a really big deal for me to be getting straight A’s.”

For Kitzman, the achievement affirmed how far she had come and reinforced her decision to pursue engineering.

“I’m really proud of myself and reassured that I’m in the right field, because I like doing the work and I’m good at it,” she said.

Kitzman’s journey reflects CU Denver’s commitment to student success: creating an environment where transfer and returning students find meaningful connections, build confidence, and achieve academic excellence.

Every Path Belongs

As Kitzman prepares to cross the commencement stage, her journey offers an encouraging message for students who may be considering college for the first time, transferring or returning after time away.

There is no perfect timeline for earning an engineering degree. Kitzman’s advice to future CEDC students reflects the lessons she has learned:

“You can always start fresh and change your work ethic and routine,” she said. “Take care of yourself first, stay organized and celebrate the small accomplishments.”

For Kitzman, those accomplishments have added up to a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, academic excellence, and the confidence to pursue what comes next.

Kitzman arrived at CU Denver ready for a fresh start. She leaves with the knowledge that her journey belongs alongside those of the engineers who inspired her.

Find Your Place in Engineering

Whether you’re starting college, transferring or returning to finish your degree, explore how CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design and Computing connects students with faculty, classmates and opportunities to build their future.