"Cat was everything I dreamed for in an editor. Smart. Talented. Generous. Funny. Kind. Insightful. Effective. Working with her improved my book and my writing, making both clearer, truer, and more eloquent. Cat’s always spot-on suggestions and queries were surpassed only by the inclusive ways in which she phrased them. Her feedback was always dialogic rather than didactic, always designed to pose options rather than orders. She helped me develop my voice into a better version of itself. Nothing she suggested ever rang false or felt off the mark; each suggestion she made strengthened my voice in ways that felt organic to me and my work. It was a pleasure to work with her and I recommend her to you with enthusiasm, respect, and superlatives galore." -Carol

"Cat Altman has been a great support throughout my college career.  She has not only mentored me through my academics but also encouraged me to challenge myself in and outside the classroom.  She has helped me better my skills in writing academics papers and to think critically.  Most of all she has been a great support and mentor through my creative writing.  She has guide me in preparing my portfolio for the creative writing program at the University of Colorado; she has not only gave me her valuable advice, but she also encouraged me to challenge myself to write beyond my normal styles of writing.  As a result I was accepted to the creative writing program." - Yunita H 

"I’ve been working with Cat Altman for about 3 years at CU Boulder. Having her as my writing mentor has had a huge impact not only on my scholarly work, but also on my creative writing. Cat never fails to see what others don’t, really digging into a piece of writing and pulling out the meat of it. This woman’s constructively critical eye is always at work, turning things over to see them from all sides.  Cat has helped me understand not only what to do with my writing, but also how to do it. She always emphasizes the importance of a writing ritual, which has really stuck with me. She’s always full of individualized writing exercises to get the creative juices flowing. If you’re stumped, she is the woman to talk to.  Last but not least, Cat walks the walk. She is able to be such a strong influence on people’s work because she believes in what she’s doing. She can teach others to write because she is a writer who actually writes. She’s always in the middle of a new project, thus is immersed in the whole process of which she is teaching. To me, this is essential. Not only is it motivating as a fellow writer to be around such an avid creator, but it is truly constructive." -Tiffany Z

"Ms. Catherine Altman is a genuine person and one in a million. If I did not have her, I would have failed my Introduction to Literature Theory class. My problems with this class started with the title, “Theory”, I do not work well with theory or philosophy. However, after working with Cat, I am not as scared of it and I am excited to learn more about certain philosophies. What really helped me was the fact that she could relate the theories to real life examples, I was able to make meaningful connections and I could finally begin to understand her love and obsession for Saussure and post modernism.  In regards to my writing, I was an English major so I learned to write a certain type of paper in a certain way. I had to write in this specific way for so long that any kind of creativity I had slowly escaped from me. That was depressing because my creativity was one of the qualities that I valued most about myself. Cat set me on the right path to help me begin restoring that quality and I will forever be thankful for her guidance."  -Dasha L

"When I returned from Study Abroad I was nervous about the state of my finances. I understood that I needed to find a job, quick, any job, that would work well with my school schedule and everything I wanted to do. My friend told me that there may be a job at the writing department of SASC and I should go talk to a Cat Altman, so I did. The interview was one of the most unexpected of my life, as it was intensely personal and interesting. It seemed as if we were having an existentialist interview more than a benign sterile job interview. This quality of caring for the human condition and the content of a person's character is so characteristic of Cat. She was more intent on getting to know me as a person and in that she has developed a deep respect from not only myself, but with most people that she comes into contact with. This respect for the intensity of the individual also translates to her style of teaching. In her classes she pursues the complexity of the abstract, but not too abstract. The confusion that seems so innate to abstraction becomes bearibly understood as the eyes of students come to life and interest speaks.  She is definitely a caring person with an intensity for knowledge and creativity, and in that she has become one of the more valued bosses, friends, and mentors I have ever had."   -James S

"Catherine Altman is a person who is energetic, inspiring, and intelligent, and I saw it the very first day that I met her.  With great fortune, I had Cat as a writing instructor in my very first semester at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  I was initially upset that I had to take a lower division writing class because I thought I had completed those credits through a summer program.  There was some confusion about the credits, but I am glad because I learned something new about myself.  Cat encouraged me to work on my writing because she believed there was a great potential to be a better writer.  I never thought I was a strong writer because English is not my first language.  I worked diligently because I did not want to be a disappointment to her or to myself.  At the end of the semester, I proudly compiled a portfolio of my work. My interactions with Cat did not end when the class was over.  Cat approached me to ask if I would like to be a writing teaching assistant for the following semester.  I was excited and wanted to try something new.  I was a shy and timid person in front of an audience, but the position to be a leader in the classroom gave me confidence and enjoyment of helping others.  Being a teacher’s assistant led me to who I am today.  Currently, I am on my path to be an elementary school teacher, and Cat Altman is the person who is responsible for my career decision.  She is one of my best role models, and I only hope that I can be an inspiration to my future students."  -Ying Chung

"The first time I worked with Cat Altman on a writing assignment, nearly two years ago, I was surprised how easily I accepted her critique and suggestions.  Never before had I felt comfortable discussing my writing.  From that point on I met with her to go over my work as often as I could afford the time.  It was in that first semester, two years ago, that I found I had a talent for writing.  The end result that term was a hard earned A in one of the most challenging courses I took in my undergraduate carrier.  The term paper for the course was published and I later went on to become a writing instructor for the University of Colorado.  Ms. Altman deserves a great deal of credit.  Whether I needed help with organization, content, voice, or mechanics - she coached me through.  I'm grateful that in the time we worked together she taught me how to polish my own work.  I learned, especially well, how to strengthen and support an argument.  Furthermore, her constant questioning of "so what" took my arguments and gave them purpose.  Yet the most valuable lesson I learned from Ms. Altman is how to approach a subject from multiple angles.  This really filled my toolbox for writing because it allowed me to effectively write for different audiences as well as strengthen my critical thinking skills.  I only hope she will be available to look at my dissertation when that day arrives."  -Michael F

"Rarely do I encounter an individual whom emits a tremendous amount of professionalism and dedication to her work.  This individual is Catherine Altman.  I had the privilege of being a good friend and a long time student of Ms. Altman.  Throughout the years, Ms. Altman has inspired me continuously.  Ms. Altman’s influence me by constantly encouraging me to achieve my goals, which results in my application to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy.  Ms. Altman played a vital role in my application by providing a strong and influential letter of recommendation.  As a result, I did receive acceptance into the School of Pharmacy.  This is just one of many examples of Ms. Altman’s passion for her work that inspires me.  Ms. Altman is a lifelong teacher and learner.  Ms. Altman embraces suggestions and criticisms with grace.  It is obvious that she is very passionate in her personal and professional endeavors.  Ms. Altman’s thoroughness and zealous in her work have resulted in many great publications.  Because of her passions, she continues to motivate her students and her peers." -Tu T