Campus News

Introducing �山��'s Alumni Weekend

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:22:46 +0000

Introducing �山��'s Alumni Weekend Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 13:22

On April 5–7, �山�� is launching Alumni Weekend, an event where former classmates and fellow Forever Buffs can reminisce on old memories while creating new ones during campus tours, �山�� excursions and plenty of opportunities to network and socialize over meals and happy hours. This inaugural weekend will include reunions for graduates from 2020, 2015,

1985 and 1975 and the Golden Anniversary Club, which is for those who graduated 50 years ago and earlier. Participants also are invited to extend their campus visit and attend �山��’s Conference on World Affairs, a cost-free event April 7–10.

Register for Alumni Weekend.

A New Alumni Volunteer Experience

The �山�� Alumni Association is revamping its volunteer experience, starting with an updated online platform to connect alumni and friends to a broader range of CU-related volunteer opportunities. Forever Buffs can host or help at events, mentor alumni or current students, and support �山�� initiatives. Alumni are also invited to host events in their local areas, further strengthening the Forever Buffs community and fostering deeper connections with each other across the globe.

Learn more about volunteering.

Buffs Give Back

April is National Volunteer Month! Join Forever Buffs across the country to make an impact in your community through Buffs Give Back. Last year, over 700 alumni, family and friends volunteered on behalf of �山�� through scholarship reading, outdoor clean-up, event planning and mentoring programs. This year, there are plenty of opportunities during the month of April for alumni to get involved.

Find more information.

Scholarship Impact

For the 2024–25 academic year, the Alumni Association, chapters and clubs awarded $317,250 in scholarships, benefitting 204 students. Alumni volunteers and donors make these scholarships possible, which help cover the cost of attendance at �山�� and create lasting opportunities for students across academic disciplines.

Learn more about scholarships.

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Photo by Ian Scott

2025 Trips

Istanbul and the Turquoise Coast

Sept. 10–20, 2025

Flavors of Tuscany

Oct. 2–10, 2025

Patagonia and Chilean Fjords

Oct. 22–Nov. 2, 2025

Egypt and the Eternal Nile

Oct. 31–Nov. 14, 2025

Iceland and Northern Lights

Nov. 15–23, 2025

For more information about the Roaming Buffs travel program, email roamingbuffstravel@colorado.edu, call 303-492-8484 or visit here.

�山�� is launching Alumni Weekend from April 5-7.

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Spring 2025

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No Car, No Problem at �山��

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:41:54 +0000

No Car, No Problem at �山�� Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:41

When it comes to getting to class at �山��, “not having a car” would be a tough sell for tardiness — the university prefers students not to have one at all.

“We have a whole toolbox of programs to prevent students from needing to bring a car to campus,” said Brandon Smith, �山�� assistant director of sustainable transportation.

Most of these offerings are free. All students receive Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus passes and also have access to the university’s electric Buff Buses, BCycle electric bikes, CU NightRide, bike repairs on campus and summer bike storage. A CU ski bus even offers students trips to several ski resorts for $25 round trip.

And Buffs take advantage. In an average week, Buff Buses log about 30,000 boardings, 90% of which are students. In 2023, students rode RTD more than a million times. From January 2023 to November 2024, students took more than 1.3 million trips on BCycle bikes.

The payoffs for sustainable transportation are big.

“More than 60,000 commuters travel into �山�� per day, and 80% of these are single occupancy vehicles,” said Smith. “However, less than 12% of students drive solo to campus. Imagine what �山�� and campus parking, traffic and air quality would be like if we didn’t have programs that got most students out of single-occupancy cars.”

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Photo by Casey A. Cass

�山�� promotes sustainable transportation by offering students free access to buses, electric bikes and other services.

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Spring 2025

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How Alumni Keep Their �山�� Bonds Strong as Forever Buffs

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:34:29 +0000

How Alumni Keep Their �山�� Bonds Strong as Forever Buffs Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:34

April Driver

For many �山�� alumni, the university is more than just the location of their college experiences. It’s a part of their lives today. They want other CU students and alumni to experience this deeper connection too, starting with embracing themselves as “Forever Buffs.”

“Your journey as a Forever Buff begins when you enroll on campus,” said Ryan Chreist (Kines’96,MPubAd’09), Alumni Association executive director. “The day you graduate, you join the larger Forever Buffs community of over 300,000 who live all over the world. It is a way to have a relationship with the university and your fellow alumni for life.”

For alumni like Rochelle Maki-Williams (Psych’96; ExecMBA’11), being a Forever Buff means more than staying actively involved with the university — it means nurturing future generations of Buffs. Since 2011, Maki-Williams has volunteered for the �山�� Alumni Association, the CU Athletic Department and Buffalo Belles, a group dedicated to supporting CU Athletics. As a Denver Forever Buffs chapter leader, she’s also helped raise scholarship money for local high school students.

Maki-Williams’ bond with CU is personal. It’s where she met her husband, T.H. Williams (A&S’95; ExecMBA, MFin’04), built lasting friendships and created cherished memories.

“Being a Forever Buff is something I live every day,” she said.

For Royer Lopez (Mktg’18), “being a Forever Buff is about creating endless possibilities — for yourself and others.”

His involvement is wide-ranging. He holds roles on the Leeds GOLD Board and the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, volunteers as a Leeds School of Business mentor and helps host reunions for the Multicultural Greek Council. Plus, he attends every CU football home game with his family.

Through his many CU connections, he aims to create a broader impact and ensure that future Buffs have expanded opportunities. Lopez, a first-generation college student, is passionate about helping other first-generation students and often recruits interns from Leeds.

For Maki-Williams and Lopez, being a Forever Buff is more than a point of pride — it’s a lifelong commitment to give back, stay connected and make an impact.

Become involved with the Alumni Association to connect with other Forever Buffs. Visit colorado.edu/alumni/volunteer.

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Photo courtesy Rochelle Maki-Williams

�山�� alumni stay connected to the university through lifelong involvement, giving back and supporting future generations of Buffs.

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Spring 2025

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CU Environmental Center's Legacy of Sustainability

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:30:13 +0000

CU Environmental Center's Legacy of Sustainability Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:30

Jessica Winter

The first officially celebrated “Earth Day” on April 22, 1970, marked the start of another green legacy: the CU Environmental Center.

A novel concept at the time, the center was founded by environmentally conscious students and acted as an on-campus organization for students to gather, develop and lead projects relevant to environmental issues. Since its inception, the “E-Center,” as it’s commonly known, has led sustainability initiatives, launched programs and partnered with green campus operations such as CU’s renewable energy campaign.

Financed by student fees since 1973, �山��’s E-Center remains the largest student-led environmental center in the nation in terms of funding and employee support. Its innovative creation more than 50 years ago has inspired many other schools to model their student sustainability programs after CU’s.

“The E-Center is governed by students, funded by students and powered by students,” said Marianne Moulton Martin, E-Center associate director. “Many of our current programs would not have been realized without student leadership and initiatives.”

Driven by passionate Buffs, the center offers a variety of programs that aid sustainability efforts, including a composting program (started in 2004), a campus pollinator garden (installed in 2014) and the Sustainable Buffs program — which invites students to explore how they can live, connect and lead sustainably. The center’s current priorities include developing sustainability leaders, identifying solutions to environmental issues that can be implemented beyond campus, helping �山�� reach zero waste and zero emissions, and promoting Buff pride through positive environmental impact.

From the recycling program created in 1976 to the first CU Bike Station in 2004, the E-Center has a green legacy that generations of Buffs have carried forward — with its student employees at the helm. In addition to the programs and services the center carries out, its student employees help engage their peers in meaningful conversations about everything from climate justice to environmentally friendly practices in labs.

“As a key partner in sustainability on campus, the E-Center aims to support every student who wants to create a positive change in their community,” said student employee Megan McLemore (IntlAf’26). “So we also act as a liaison, helping students join or start projects they are passionate about, and connecting them with the larger community of Sustainable Buffs here at �山��.”

“The E-Center is governed by students, funded by students and powered by students.”

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Photos courtesy CU Environmental Center

�山��'s Environmental Center celebrates 50 years of sustainability initiatives, empowering student leadership and shaping a green campus.

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Spring 2025

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Día de los Muertos Altar Crawl at �山��

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:27:27 +0000

Día de los Muertos Altar Crawl at �山�� Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:27

Last fall’s Día de los Muertos “Altar Crawl” invited the �山�� community to engage with several altars honoring the lives of deceased loved ones. Altars were located across campus, including in the Guggenheim Building, the Koenig Alumni Center, the CU Museum of Natural History, the Center for Community and the Miramontes Baca Education Building. The crawl — hosted by the Forever Buffs Latinx group, the BUENO Center, the Latin American and Latinx Studies Center, UMAS y MECHA, Sigma Lambda Beta and the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, among others — highlighted the cultural significance of the day with moments of remembrance and celebration.

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Photo courtesy Daniela Martinez Carpizo; Nelson R. Castro; Karla Rosete Nunez

The Día de los Muertos altar crawl invited the community to honor and celebrate deceased loved ones through a series of altars across campus.

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Spring 2025

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CU's Solar Power Move: East Campus Array

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:56:40 +0000

CU's Solar Power Move: East Campus Array Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:56

Kelsey Yandura

Colorado is famous for generous levels of sunshine — and CU is looking for ways to harness those rays for more than just vitamin D.

In one of the latest steps by campus leadership to drive down emissions and increase energy efficiency, the university is scheduled to begin construction next summer on the East Campus solar array, a two-acre, ground-based panel system with a $7.8 million price tag. The project will be the largest of �山��’s 16 existing solar arrays, all of which are located on Main Campus buildings.

“We’re aiming to source about 10 percent of our electrical usage from renewables,” said Chris Ewing (EnvDes’96), vice chancellor for infrastructure and sustainability at �山��. “This project will get us up there closer to 4 or 5 percent, halfway to our goal.”

The 1.1 megawatt ground-mounted solar array is projected to offset 1.4 million kilowatt hours annually, amounting to about 1.3% of �山��’s annual electricity usage.

The project supports CU’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce campus emissions 50% by 2030 and completely decarbonize by 2050.

“We’re in the midst of a climate crisis, and we need to do our part to reduce our carbon emissions,” said Ewing. “The other part of the argument is that it makes good business sense. If we invest in solar panels now, that’s 1.1 megawatts of power that we don’t have to worry about month after month. It will pay for itself after 20 years.”

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Photo by Glenn Asakawa

CU is scheduled to begin construction next summer on the East Campus solar array, the largest at �山��.

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Fall 2024

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�山�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz Is Setting a New Pace

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:36:30 +0000

�山�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz Is Setting a New Pace Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:36

Maria Kuntz

Chancellor Justin Schwartz spoke with Coloradan editor Maria Kuntz about innovation, inclusion, sustainability and philanthropy as keys to CU’s future.

You said the chancellor position is exactly what you were looking for. Can you say more about that?

CU’s emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity and innovation struck such a deep chord. These are things I’ve been working with at every stage of my career. There was such a strong, clear commitment to create a meaningful impact. I thought, “This is what’s important to me. This is what I want for the next stage of my career.”

You told the CU Independent that you’ve spent your entire career in large, state universities because it’s most meaningful to you. What is meaningful to you about the missions of these institutions?

Large, state universities were created to democratize access to information and give opportunities to all citizens. They are meant to advance individuals for their self-betterment and also to create knowledge for the betterment of others.

So they’re empowered to discover, not just learn from what has been discovered?

Yes. We’re not teaching people what to think so much as how to think. Higher education has to be creative — it’s about fueling a different kind of conversation that leads to something new.

You’ve recently launched a search for a new position: Vice Chancellor of Sustainability. Can you paint a picture of where CU will be in two, five and 10 years regarding sustainability?

Our goal is to advance an integrated, holistic view of sustainability across campus internally and externally so that our students, researchers and campus can have even more impact. This means putting sustainability into our curriculum and programs and asking: What does society need graduates to know and do to advance sustainability? How do we activate that knowledge? Ten years from now, I’d like the world to say, “Wow. �山�� was the one who helped bring together all these constituents across the country and around the globe to address the issue.”

You’re an engineer, inventor and entrepreneur. How do these identities and experiences inform your approach as chancellor?

This is a very innovative and entrepreneurial campus. Sometimes, in academia, we can be hesitant and conservative to try new things — but I want us to remember that it’s OK to fail. Many attempts at innovation don’t work the first time. For the best outcome, you probably have to experiment and experience a few false starts before you strike gold.

You’re open about your dedication to creating greater inclusion and belonging on campus. What are some of the next steps to growing and developing these areas as an institution and a community?

It’s a challenge of both culture and numbers. At many institutions, resources are poured into building numbers. However, what’s often missed is the slow, hard work of building the culture and sense of belonging needed to support those who are being invited in. Without that, inclusion doesn’t work.

We also need to reinforce the idea that inclusivity is truly including all. As a community of scholars, we should be dedicated to appreciating and giving credence to all views — which means all voices must be present and invited to speak.

I’ve heard you talk about life-work balance. What does that mean to you?

I appreciate that you said life-work balance. I tell my staff that I want them to look forward to the weekend, and I want them to look forward to Monday. I don’t want them to miss a moment with their loved ones because there’s something at work they have to do. There’s always a way around that. I have my daughter’s volleyball camp on my calendar. I want to make sure we are present where we are and that we all are where we really want to be.

You’ve been an avid triathlete for a few years, and I’ve seen your Instagram photos on area trails. Any favorite places to get outside?

There are so many great trails. I usually start on the Enchanted Mesa, then go around McClintock and the Mesa Trail. And there are so many more to explore.

You’ve jumped right into fundraising and engaging with Forever Buffs. Why is this important for CU’s future, and how can people support the university?

Beyond donations, spread the word. It’s important because we have a critically important mission to Colorado, to the country, to our students and to the world. We have too many students who would become Forever Buffs but for lack of funding. I don’t want students who belong at �山�� to not graduate because of finances. We also have amazing faculty doing incredible work, and breakthroughs rely on funding.

The other thing is the importance of alumni philanthropy. I want Forever Buffs to feel deeply and permanently connected to the campus. Some of the best moments in philanthropy are the connections between donors and beneficiaries. Sometimes, the stories bring tears.

You look touched. Something touched your heart just now, if you’ll share it.

I recently had a conversation with a student whose parents were well-educated, but their degrees were not recognized in the U.S. They each worked two jobs so that their two daughters could go to college, but only had money to send one to college.

However, the older daughter received a scholarship to study computer science, and the resources that were supposed to go to her went to her sister. So they both went to school.

That shows the value — that cascade effect of philanthropy. This story happens over and over again, every week.

When I talk about Forever Buffs being permanently connected with CU, it’s about remembering what got them where they are today. I’ve met so many successful alums who say: “I grew up low [socioeconomic status], and I wouldn’t be where I am in life if it weren’t for �山��.”

It’s crucial to help alumni remember what it was like to be at the beginning of their journey. And that moment, when they see the impact of passing it on, is profound.

How do you envision continuing to build strong ties with communities across Colorado?

We are Colorado’s flagship institution. That means we’re the ship with the flag up high so that others can follow. CU needs to be more proactive in bringing �山�� across the state. We need to connect with and understand Colorado’s communities. And we need to partner with more institutions across the state and get more Coloradans excited to be �山�� students, alumni and supporters.

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Photos by Glenn Asakawa

We sat down with �山��’s 12th Chancellor, Justin Schwartz, to find out why he says innovation, inclusion, sustainability and the power of philanthropy are keys to CU’s future.

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Fall 2024

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A Peek Into the Past and Present of �山�� Campus Life

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:21:02 +0000

A Peek Into the Past and Present of �山�� Campus Life Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:21

Kelsey Yandura

NOW

A glimpse of �山�� life today — graduation at Folsom, a snowball fight at Farrand Field, a crowd around Dalton Trumbo fountain outside of the UMC, the Buffaloes playing their hearts out against Arizona. As a university, we are always changing, evolving, growing. But one thing remains the same: Buffs are innovative and creative leaders who know how to balance working and playing in the Colorado sunshine.

THEN

As CU enters a new chapter, take a look at these snapshots from CU yearbooks past — clockwise, from the top: Pi Phi’s between classes (1937), students relaxing on the UMC terrace (1955), a snowball fight described as “a friendly winter pastime for students living in the dormitories” (1955), the 1992 convocation, studying at the library (1941), Buffs playing at home against the Texas Longhorns (1941), roommates in Andrews Hall (1983). The heart of CU has always been shaped by students and the life they bring to campus.

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Photos courtesy CU Heritage Center, Patrick Campbell, Casey A. Cass, Glenn Asakawa

What does life look like on campus? Take a peek into �山�� campus life, both "back then" and "right now."

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Fall 2024

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Shared Wisdom, Shared Success: FBN Mentorship in Action

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:15:06 +0000

Shared Wisdom, Shared Success: FBN Mentorship in Action Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:15

April Driver

When Karen Shimamoto (Bio’07) first heard about the Forever Buffs Network (FBN) Mentorship Program, she knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to give back and support a fellow Buff. The program offers a unique opportunity to connect with other Buffs through a guided mentor–mentee relationship.

Shimamoto was paired with Gennah Penalosa (Fin’23), a recent graduate who joined the program looking for help in navigating her new career.

“The program was the perfect opportunity to guide me,” said Penalosa. “In looking through the various alumni profiles, I was astonished to see the diversity of ethnicities, careers, interests and other identities across the community.”

For Shimamoto and Penalosa, one of the biggest benefits of the mentorship program has been the opportunity to see the world through each other’s eyes.

“She has taught me so much. Her approaches to professional and personal situations have helped me widen my perspectives and find ways to be more inclusive,” said Shimamoto.

The FBN Mentorship Program offers participants prompts and guided activities to help make the meetings more comfortable and intentional. For example, one prompt that Shimamoto and Penalosa had was to do a learning activity together. They chose to listen to a podcast episode on leadership in the professional setting which focused on women of color. After listening, they discussed their shared experiences as women of color and the different ways in which they approach leadership. The activity helped them learn about each other and deepen their relationship.

“It’s truly an honor to understand how a recent graduate is experiencing and navigating the workforce,” said Shimamoto. “She is also helping me understand how I can advocate, encourage and uplift women of color professionals.”

Whether as a mentor or mentee, you can expand your knowledge and grow with a fellow Buff. Learn more about how to apply for the mentorship program here.

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Photo courtesy Karen Shimamoto and Gennah Penalosa

When Karen Shimamoto (Bio’07) first heard about the Forever Buffs Network (FBN) Mentorship program, she knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to give back — but it ended up being so much more.

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Fall 2024

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Phil DiStefano on the Lifelong Practice of Leadership

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Phil DiStefano on the Lifelong Practice of Leadership Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Philip DiStefano

In the months leading up to my retirement as chancellor of �山��, I’ve had many occasions for retrospection.

The past 15 years leading this incredible campus have been among the most meaningful of my professional career. We have doubled our total research funding, awarded roughly 117,000 degrees, survived a global pandemic and made incredible strides in equity, innovation, athletics, sustainability, town-gown relationships and so much more. I leave this position confident about the state of the campus and optimistic for its future.

When I consider my background — a first-generation college student from a small steel town in Ohio — it’s easy to feel like I arrived here through happenstance.

But what I’ve come to realize over my 50-year career at �山�� is that leadership is within each of us. Whether in higher education, business, government or community organizations, leadership is a daily practice that requires courage, compassion, discipline, flexibility and humility. If we’re fortunate, it’s a journey that we continue every day of our lives.

Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by those who made a commitment to self-improvement and ethical leadership throughout their lives — people like Abraham Lincoln, Malala Yousafzai and the Dalai Lama.

This spring, I had the honor of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a visit to Dharamshala, India, with the Renée Crown Wellness Institute and the Leeds School of Business. I traveled with students and young alumni in the Dalai Lama Fellows Program, a unique one-year fellowship that supports emerging social change-makers.

Through inspirational conversations, the Dalai Lama shared how compassion, connection and contemplation can break through societal barriers to create a more just and benevolent world.

At this stage of my life and career, I can think of no place more valuable to focus my attention than on developing compassion and ethics among the next generation of leaders. I’m excited to do that through my new role with the �山�� Center for Leadership starting this summer.

As the Dalai Lama reminded us, our world needs leaders of character who will bring integrity, intellect, empathy and open-mindedness to every challenge we face as a society.May we all embrace and embody those characteristics in our lifelong practice of leadership.

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Photo by Glenn Asakawa

Chancellor Phil DiStefano reflects on compassionate leadership, his years at CU and a meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

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Campus News

Introducing �山����'s Alumni Weekend

A New Alumni Volunteer Experience

Buffs Give Back

Scholarship Impact

2025 Trips

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No Car, No Problem at �山����

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How Alumni Keep Their �山���� Bonds Strong as Forever Buffs

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CU Environmental Center's Legacy of Sustainability

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Día de los Muertos Altar Crawl at �山����

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CU's Solar Power Move: East Campus Array

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�山���� Chancellor Justin Schwartz Is Setting a New Pace

You said the chancellor position is exactly what you were looking for. Can you say more about that?

You told the CU Independent that you’ve spent your entire career in large, state universities because it’s most meaningful to you. What is meaningful to you about the missions of these institutions?

So they’re empowered to discover, not just learn from what has been discovered?

You’ve recently launched a search for a new position: Vice Chancellor of Sustainability. Can you paint a picture of where CU will be in two, five and 10 years regarding sustainability?

You’re an engineer, inventor and entrepreneur. How do these identities and experiences inform your approach as chancellor?

You’re open about your dedication to creating greater inclusion and belonging on campus. What are some of the next steps to growing and developing these areas as an institution and a community?

I’ve heard you talk about life-work balance. What does that mean to you?

You’ve been an avid triathlete for a few years, and I’ve seen your Instagram photos on area trails. Any favorite places to get outside?

You’ve jumped right into fundraising and engaging with Forever Buffs. Why is this important for CU’s future, and how can people support the university?

You look touched. Something touched your heart just now, if you’ll share it.

How do you envision continuing to build strong ties with communities across Colorado?

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A Peek Into the Past and Present of �山���� Campus Life

NOW

THEN

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Shared Wisdom, Shared Success: FBN Mentorship in Action

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Phil DiStefano on the Lifelong Practice of Leadership

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Introducing �山��'s Alumni Weekend

No Car, No Problem at �山��

How Alumni Keep Their �山�� Bonds Strong as Forever Buffs

Día de los Muertos Altar Crawl at �山��

�山�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz Is Setting a New Pace

A Peek Into the Past and Present of �山�� Campus Life