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As an outreach and social media student assistant at the CU Boulder Basic Needs Center, Lily Cox (IntlAf, MediaPd’27) has shaped her Buff journey around a commitment to making a difference. Her passions in global affairs, media and student support fuel her drive to share meaningful stories and highlight how the CU Boulder community supports students.Ìý

Read on to learn more about Lily, the Basic Needs Center and the many ways Forever Buffs can strengthen resources for students today.Ìý

What brought you to CU Boulder? Ìý

I wanted to challenge myself by going out of state and experiencing something completely new. I’m originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, but I have family in Colorado, which made the transition manageable and gave me a sense of support while still stepping outside my comfort zone. I also fell in love with CU Boulder’s campus, the access to the outdoors and the opportunities that come with attending a large university.Ìý

What are you hoping to do after graduation? Ìý

I’m interested in roles that will allow me to make an impact. I am passionate about global affairs, producing media and storytelling. I would love to start my career abroad — whether that’s through nonprofit work, the Peace Corps or multimedia marketing for an international company.ÌýÌý

What is the Basic Needs Center, and what does your role entail?Ìý

The Basic Needs Center (BNC) is an on-campus organization that supports students by connecting them with resources related to food, housing and overall well-being. Our mission is to provide essential services for our campus community and advocate systemic change to address barriers to access for basic needs. In my role as a social media and outreach student assistant, I manage the center’s social media presence, sharing information about campus events, programs and available resources. I also help to coordinate and execute our on-campus outreach, including tabling, event planning and building partnerships with student groups to better support students.Ìý

Why is the mission of the Basic Needs Center important to you?Ìý

Three out of five students experience food or housing insecurity, yet these experiences are often stigmatized and left unaddressed. The CU Boulder community has the resources needed to make sure no Buff ever goes hungry, without shelter or struggles in solitude. The Basic Needs Center plays an essential role in getting those resources in the right hands. Ìý

How can Forever Buffs support the Basic Needs Center? Ìý

There are many ways for Forever Buffs to support the basic needs of current students:Ìý

1. Donate non-perishable food or personal care items to help stock the BNC's Buff Pantry, our on-campus food pantry located in the basement of the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Memorial Center.Ìý

2. Volunteer to help run the Buff Pantry and monthly Mobile Food Pantries.Ìý

3. for Buff Pantry and Emergency Housing needs.Ìý

4. Support the BNC financially with a .Ìý

What does being a Forever Buff mean to you? Ìý

Being a Forever Buff means holding a shared sense of pride in the community that is created on this campus — past, present and future.  Ìý

Support the Basic Needs Center