Longtime Colorado State University Athletics Administrator Ozzello Joins New Team at University

Note to Reporters: A photo of Gary Ozzello is available with this release at news.colostate.edu

Gary Ozzello, a fixture in Colorado State University’s athletic department for more than 35 years, has been named Executive Director of Community Outreach and Engagement by the University.

Ozzello, 57, will begin his new duties March 3. He will work with both the Division of External Relations and the Alumni Association in enhancing relationships with alumni, business partners, service groups and other organizations to help further the University’s outreach mission. He will maintain his position as editor of “The Horn” – a magazine geared toward former CSU student-athletes and Ram Club members.

“Gary Ozzello has been one of the foremost ambassadors for Colorado State in our community and around the country for more than 30 years,” said Tom Milligan, vice president of the Division of External Relations. “We can think of no one better suited for this new position than Gary. He has made thousands of friends and established countless relationships throughout his distinguished career. His knowledge and expertise are tremendous assets for the University.”

Ozzello, a 1978 CSU graduate in Journalism and Technical Communication, began his career in Ram athletics while still a student, assisting the sports information department. He was named sports information director in 1979 and served in that capacity until 2007. He currently serves as senior associate athletic director for community relations.

Ozzello worked with dozens of coaches and thousands of student-athletes during his tenure. He had a front-row seat to witness the accomplishments of legendary coaches Sonny Lubick, Boyd Grant, Tom Hilbert and Tom Collen, and helped promote the careers of star athletes like Greg Myers, Bradlee Van Pelt, Brady Smith, Joey Porter, Pat Durham, Becky Hammon, Bryan Berryhill, Janay DeLoach and many others.

In 2000, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from President C. Albert Yates for his many years of service to the University and community.

“I am humbled by the appointment to serve on the Department of External Relations staff in this role and I look forward to the upcoming challenges,” Ozzello said. “This is an exciting opportunity for me to connect key constituents to the University and its staff and at the same time serving those audiences.”

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