Tessa May Ackerland serves as the Campus Program Coordinator Liaison for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) from CU System Advancement Annual Giving. Tessa works with the UCCS Annual Giving Team by supporting Giving Tuesday, the Class Gift campaign, and organizing Crowdfunding Campaigns.

Tessa relocated to Colorado from Illinois after finishing her Master of Business Administration at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Tessa started her philanthropic career at the SIUE Engagement Center during her undergraduate years and was honored to serve as the Graduate Assistant while completing her MBA. Outside of work Tessa enjoys being outdoors, crafting, live music, cooking, and spending time with friends. Tessa also has a Great Pyrenees and a fluffy orange cat that she adores.