News and Stories from »ªÌå»á /newsevents/newsroom/2025/award-winning-journalist-and-filmmaker-to-speak-at-commencement.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/award-winning-journalist-and-filmmaker-to-speak-at-commencement.html Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:21:00 MDT CC is pleased to announce that acclaimed independent filmmaker and journalist Mike Shum ’07 will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, at Ed Robson Arena. A distinguished storyteller known for his powerful documentaries and in-depth journalism, Shum has reported from around the world, covering critical social and political issues. His work has been featured in major media outlets including PBS, The New York Times, and National Geographic, earning him recognition for his compelling and thought-provoking narratives. “As for serving as CC’s Commencement Speaker, I’m honored and a bit stunned,” says Shum. “It’s an odd feeling returning to »ªÌå»á in this way. I remember my own Commencement speaker in 2007. I remember thinking what it would be like to leave the college and set off on a journey—live a life with adventures, experience, wins, losses, and heartbreak. I feel the full ‘circle-ness’ of this moment. And I hope I can send these students off with some inspiration, some energy, maybe even hope.” A Sociology major with minors in both Film Studies and African Studies, Shum has built a career bridging investigative journalism and cinematic storytelling. His work often highlights underrepresented voices and sheds light on complex global challenges. As an independent filmmaker, his projects have taken him from conflict zones to communities facing profound change, always with a focus on human resilience and the power of narrative. Shum has covered stories ranging from the rise of the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo to a survivor of an ISIS massacre in Iraq, which garnered him his first News & Documentary Emmy nomination for Outstanding Interview. Shum’s work has been recognized with nominations and awards from the NAACP, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Nieman Foundation’s Worth Bingham Prize. As a producer and director of photography for the film Hondros, Shum paid tribute to the life and work of war photographer Chris Hondros. Netflix distributed the film following its premiere at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. Shum’s collaborations with Al Jazeera’s Witness and PBS’s Frontline have examined a broad range of critical issues including conflict, climate change, and political polarization. “We are thrilled to welcome Mike Shum back to »ªÌå»á to inspire our graduating class,” says Interim President Manya Whitaker. “As an award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist, his work—ranging from in-depth reporting on global conflicts to illuminating overlooked human stories—demonstrates the power of a liberal arts education in action. His dedication to humanity, storytelling, and global engagement reflects CC’s commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and social impact to effect meaningful change in the world.” Shum’s contributions to the betterment of society and the advancement of CC’s core values earned him the Spirit of Adventure Award from the Alumni Association Council during Homecoming last fall. Shum is presently serving as a Nieman Journalism Fellow at Harvard University where he is exploring the future of journalism and examining how storytelling can forge public trust and accountability through documentary film. For now, he is thinking about what kind of message to share with CC’s graduates. “I want to talk about the value of fear and making mistakes,” Shum says. “Meaning and art seem to be things that I’m becoming grown to talking about more. It’s something I’ve been exploring at Harvard.” “It makes me think about what I would tell my younger self,” he continues. “It’s okay if you’re afraid. Those moments when you feel you need to be brave, be brave. But also, I find myself in a place where I’m still a student, not that different from when I was sitting, waiting for my own Commencement to end. That on its own is a funny concept—commencement—beginning. I remember also thinking that I couldn’t wait for that beginning to end.” The 2025 Commencement Ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m. on May 18, and will be available for live streaming for those unable to attend in person. More details about the ceremony and related events can be found on CC's Commencement webpage. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/04.2024-MShum-Headshot.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-awarded-research-college-designation.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-awarded-research-college-designation.html Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:55:00 MST The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education (ACE) have recognized »ªÌå»á with a Research College and University (RCU) Designation. The organizations have released the 2025 Research Activity Designations, unveiling an updated methodology that better reflects the diverse and expansive research landscape in U.S. higher education. The RCU designation is a newly established classification that highlights research contributions from institutions that have historically not been recognized for their research activity. Unlike the traditional R1 and R2 classifications, RCU status acknowledges colleges and universities that invest significantly in research, even if they do not offer many or any doctoral degrees. To qualify, institutions must spend more than $2.5 million annually on research. CC is one of 36 undergraduate liberal arts colleges that have been awarded this designation. CC’s talented faculty are teacher-scholars who are active in their research and creative endeavors, holding federal awards of $3.3 million for 21 projects. “»ªÌå»á is honored to be recognized in the Carnegie Classification as a Research College," says Vice President and Dean of Faculty Emily Chan. “This designation affirms our commitment to the teacher-scholar model, where faculty excellence in research and scholarship directly enriches student learning. Grounded in our core value of the liberal arts, we champion interdisciplinary inquiry, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Research in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities is crucial to addressing the grand challenges facing our nation and the world. This recognition underscores our dedication to integrating research, teaching, and mentorship, ensuring transformative academic experiences that prepare students for impactful careers and citizenship.” These updates are just the first part of a series of significant changes to the Carnegie Classifications designed to better reflect the multidimensional nature of higher education in the United States. The full 2025 Carnegie Classifications, including the Institutional Classification and Student Access and Earnings Classification, will be released in April 2025. “It’s so gratifying to see the strong research culture at the College recognized in this way,” says Tess Powers, Director of Sponsored Research and Research Compliance Officer at CC. “I’ve been working with CC faculty to help them win external research grants for more than 15 years, and in that time, I've seen again and again how passionate they are about their scholarly and creative work. This work is central to their teacher-scholar identities, and I see them light up as they make plans for sharing it with their students. When our faculty have the resources to dig deeply into important issues, it enriches the entire »ªÌå»á community.” The 2025 Research Activity Designations were determined using the following data sources: Research expenditures as reported by institutions through the National Science Foundation HERD Survey for FY2021, FY2022, and FY2023, reflecting total research expenditures. Research doctorates as reported by institutions through the IPEDS Completions Survey for the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 academic years. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. Established in 1973 by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, the classification supports research and policy analysis and has been updated periodically to reflect changes in the higher education landscape. Past updates occurred in 1976, 1987, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, and 2021, with the next scheduled update in April 2025 and subsequent updates occurring every three years. For more information about the 2025 Research Activity Designations, visit The Carnegie Foundation webpage. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Research-Epstein-Barr.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/journey-to-the-campus-compact-student-leadership-award-emrhys-jenkins-26.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/02/26/journey-to-the-campus-compact-student-leadership-award-emrhys-jenkins-26/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:23:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/02/26/journey-to-the-campus-compact-student-leadership-award-emrhys-jenkins-26/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Screenshot-2025-02-26-at-6.43.16AM.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-recognized-as-a-top-producer-of-fulbright-students-for-the-fourth-time.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/02/25/colorado-college-recognized-as-a-top-producer-of-fulbright-students-for-the-fourth-time/ Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:28:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/02/25/colorado-college-recognized-as-a-top-producer-of-fulbright-students-for-the-fourth-time/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/500x500-Fulbright-TPI-Student-24-25.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/2025-state-of-the-rockies-poll-conserve-dont-drill.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/2025-state-of-the-rockies-poll-conserve-dont-drill.html Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:42:00 MST The 15th annual »ªÌå»á State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West Poll shows voters in eight Mountain West states overwhelmingly support land conservation over energy production, despite a new presidential administration promising expanded oil and gas development. The 2025 bipartisan poll, which surveyed the views of 400 registered voters from January 3-17 in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada, shows the highest margins in the poll’s 15-year history to prioritize conservation. “The consensus favoring public lands conservation remains consistent and strong in the West,” said Katrina Miller-Stevens, Former Director of the State of the Rockies Project and an Associate Professor of Economics at CC. “Westerners do not want to see a rollback of national monument protections and there is no mandate for oil and gas development. Voters from all political ideologies are united in support of public land conservation in the West.” Western voters continue to express concern about issues related to land, water, and wildlife. Strong majorities of those polled – including self-identified MAGA voters – support policies that focus on the protection and conservation of public lands and oppose policies that would open public lands up to drilling, mining, or other development. Overall, 72 percent of westerners prefer their elected officials place more emphasis on protecting clean water sources, air quality, and wildlife habitat while providing opportunities to visit and recreate on public lands. By contrast, only 24 percent prefer maximizing the amount of public lands available for responsible oil and gas production. Among MAGA voters, 51 percent favor protecting public lands while 44 percent favor oil and gas production.  The first Trump administration reduced the size of national monuments, an unpopular decision in the West at the time. Reducing or removing monument protections is even more unpopular now, with 89 percent of voters opposing the idea, compared to 80 percent when the question was asked in 2017. Similarly, proposals to give state governments control over national public lands are more unpopular now, with 65 percent of westerners in opposition, compared to 2017 when 56 percent were opposed. The poll is broken down by state, political party, generation, and ethnicity. For a comprehensive look at all of the data, check out the full 2025 Conservation in the West Poll. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/RS74563_20220527_pikes-peak_tava_mountain_3054-web.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/anthropology-alum-published-in-science.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/02/14/anthropology-alum-published-in-science/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:26:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/02/14/anthropology-alum-published-in-science/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Leichliter.jpeg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/from-miami-to-the-world-stage-ccs-model-un-is-shaping-future-diplomats.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/02/14/from-miami-to-the-world-stage-ccs-model-un-is-shaping-future-diplomats/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:20:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/02/14/from-miami-to-the-world-stage-ccs-model-un-is-shaping-future-diplomats/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Screenshot-2025-02-12-at-9.27.40AM-2.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/johanna-blickenstaff-joins-cc-as-vp-for-strategic-communications-marketing.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/johanna-blickenstaff-joins-cc-as-vp-for-strategic-communications-marketing.html Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:48:00 MST »ªÌå»á is pleased to announce that Johanna Blickenstaff is the new Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing. Blickenstaff comes to CC from the University of Denver, where she held progressive leadership positions for over three years. Blickenstaff started her role on October 21 and jumped into executing a number of new measures. In addition to leading the Office of Communications and Marketing, Blickenstaff is developing a research-based, multichannel messaging, marketing, and brand management plan for CC. She oversees the college’s branding work with the marketing agency Truth & Consequences, collaborates with Advancement and Enrollment on targeted engagement efforts, and guides a cohesive, integrated vision for messaging and storytelling that enhances the CC brand.  “I am joining this community at an exciting time as we commemorate »ªÌå»á’s 150th anniversary and envision new ways to support and prepare the leaders of tomorrow,” said Blickenstaff. “I believe the liberal arts are best experienced in an immersive, hands-on environment — and that is what CC, and the Block Plan, delivers. I am eager to share its value with new audiences and re-engage alumni as we tell the powerful stories that set this college apart.”  Most recently, Blickenstaff was Associate Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Strategic Positioning at DU, overseeing reputation and revenue-generation efforts and leading large-scale communications and marketing initiatives aligned with DU’s values and priorities.   Blickenstaff also spent 13 years in brand and digital marketing roles at her alma mater, the University of Idaho. She led the creation and release of multiple university-wide brand campaigns, developed audience segmentation strategies and standards, and worked extensively in enrollment marketing to drive engagement with prospective students and families.  “I know the college will benefit from Johanna’s strategic expertise, depth of experience in higher education, and collaborative leadership style,” said Interim President Manya Whitaker. “I want to thank the members of our search committee, who were dedicated to this process for many months, as well as to the search firm WittKieffer for helping us identify the leadership qualities and skillset we were seeking in this role, and for bringing forward a strong candidate pool — of which Johanna rose to the top.” Blickenstaff holds a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Idaho. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Johanna-Blickenstaff.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/film-by-cc-alum-featured-at-sundance-film-festival.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/01/27/film-by-cc-alum-featured-at-sundance-film-festival/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:46:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/01/27/film-by-cc-alum-featured-at-sundance-film-festival/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Guy-Mossman_Credit-Jose-Element.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/all-american-tiger-hoops-star-returns-to-teach-half-block.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/01/16/all-american-tiger-hoops-star-returns-to-teach-half-block/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:41:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/01/16/all-american-tiger-hoops-star-returns-to-teach-half-block/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Auguste.jpeg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-at-model-un-part-3team-finds-engaging-excursions-and-familiar-faces.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/05/01/cc-at-model-un-part-3team-finds-engaging-excursions-and-familiar-faces/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:55:00 MST James Hanafee ’22, the former President of CC’s Model UN Club, nearly tackles me in the hotel restaurant. The hug is warm and familiar. Zack Weiss ’22, another old friend who also spent four years involved with the club, accompanies Hanafee. Weiss and I had reunited briefly over the summer in Tbilisi, Georgia, but our embrace still comes too long after our last. Nick Cleveland-Stout ’22, the third of the leadership team from that year and a friend I first met over Zoom in the fall of 2020, flashes me his classic grin. I haven’t seen him in two years, during which time he completed a Fulbright Scholarship in Brazil. He looks a little older and a bit more traveled. He has a new haircut but the same radiant yet curious expression. “It’s good to see you,” he says.  It’s the current team’s fourth night in D.C. Earlier in the day, the eight students representing CC had spent almost nine hours in Model UN committee sessions at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. As a recent alum acting as the team’s chaperone and photographer, I am done for the day as well. This is the fourth conference I’ve traveled for. In my first three, Hanafee, Weiss, and Cleveland-Stout were mentors. Our team’s overlap with the three older alums in D.C. is entirely serendipitous. Jobs, fellowships, and educational opportunities brought them all to the nation’s capital for the upcoming summer. Now, well past 10:30 p.m. on a Saturday night, a familiar comfort washes over the cohort of students and alumni.  Even during the packed days, breaks were used to step away from the conference and experience downtown D.C. Along the National Mall, we spread time between Smithsonians. We begin with the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History. From there we find our way into the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Then to the National Gallery of Art.  Throughout it all, I photograph our experience. From conference to museum to lunches on the National Mall, I blend with ease into the background. I’m reminded of my very first trip with the Model UN team. As a sophomore on the travel team, competing at a conference hosted by University of California Los Angeles, I played the role of reporter for the various committees, breaking news stories about the simulated world. I am again behind the lens. Again, I’m watching Hanafee, Weiss, and Cleveland-Stout. They tell us about each of their travels – locations ranged from Colombia to Georgia to Vietnam. It is a privilege to see three generations share a meal and a conversation. To hear the group’s diverse interests and aspirations. The stories they share about life after leaving CC remind the team why we enjoy traveling for conferences. It’s a taste of something new, different, and exhilarating – an on-the-ground application of a liberal arts philosophy. From the halls of museums to conference committee rooms to the casual conversations at hotel breakfasts, the energy never drags. All fourteen of us, from freshman to alum, maintain long bucket lists. Listening to questions and answers, I don’t think any of us will complete them. But I know none of us will stop expanding them. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Photo-2-edited.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-at-model-un-part-2-cc-model-un-team-wins-three-awards-at-d.c-conference.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/04/25/cc-at-model-un-part-2-cc-model-un-team-wins-three-awards-at-d-c-conference/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:51:00 MST Arez Khidr ’25 has twelve hours until the attack begins. Still, he remains calm and crafts a cunning speech about the situation at hand. Taiwan’s humble collection of ships, planes, and infantry face slim odds in a head-to-head fight against China’s oncoming fleet. Khidr, playing the role of President of Taiwan, looks at Louise Dellarco ’25, Taiwan’s Minister of Defense. He finds firm determination etched into her face. They both understand the stark reality — without U.S. intervention, their island is lost. Meanwhile, in the real world, it is a sunny day on the National Mall. Tourists and locals stroll across the busy green space just outside the Lincoln Memorial, many wandering close enough to ogle at the students or small plastic figurines carefully placed on the grass. Some bystanders come close enough to overhear impassioned speeches or fast-paced debate. The would-be diplomats pay no mind to spectators. Director of CC’s Competitive Communications Teams, Sarah Hinkle, and alumni chaperone, Zeke Lloyd ’24, designed the simulation to help the team prepare for the next day’s intercollegiate conference. Hinkle and Lloyd broke the students into three teams – Taiwan, China, and the United States – giving each delegation four structured rounds of debate and negotiation to attain their assigned country’s specific goals. For some, that meant peace. For others, conquest.  The delicate diplomatic dance associated with a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan in some way mirrors the contemporary, real-world tension between Israel and Iran. But at the outset of the conference, inside Johns Hopkins’ newly constructed Bloomberg Center, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, Melissa G. Dalton, shares words of warning. “Now, in the Department of Defense, we believe the most serious challenge to U.S. national security is the Republic of China’s coercive and increasingly aggressive endeavor to refashion the Indo-Pacific region.” As eight students dispersed to five committee rooms for the conference’s first session, they felt the significance of these problems. The range of topics varied greatly from room to room. Beatrice Roussell ’24 and Britt Nerad ’26 worked in the World Health Organization as Representatives from Slovakia and Paraguay, respectively. Louise Dellarco ’25 and Kathy Büerger ’27, Slovakia and Paraguay, combatted climate issues with their resolution. Zoey Rouche ’24, one of the team’s only two seniors and Secretary General of CC’s Model UN  Team, won the Best Delegate Award in her committee. She played the role of Position 8 in a simulated re-creation of the 1945 effort to design a new international body. She led the effort to call it the Federation Interlocking Foreign Allies, or FIFA. Yuri Hrytsak ’27, won an Honorable Mention as a result of his executive presence in a committee tasked with creating international guidelines for the non-militarization and maintenance of space. And in the category of group awards, CC overcame stiff competition to win Best Small Delegation.  The team’s Block 7 training and simulated international crises acted out on the National Mall can account for only a small part of the team’s success. Through independent research and a constant, open channel of dialogue within the team, every student entered the conference with a firm understanding of their committees’ political nuance. In a three-day event featuring representation from prestigious universities like Notre Dame and New York University, delegates from CC stand out from the crowd as personable collaborators and formidable diplomatic opponents. And the delegation has three awards to prove it. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Photo-1.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-at-model-un-part-1-the-mornings-we-remember.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/04/19/cc-at-model-un-part-1-the-mornings-we-remember/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:39:00 MST Beatrice Roussell ’24 wakes up early and brews coffee in her Keurig before bundling up with a ski coat and winter hat. She walks from her house off Wahsatch to campus. In the cold of early March, the morning sun’s rays dance off the grass of Tava Quad, casting Pikes Peak in bright gold. These early morning walks are quiet, footsteps the only sound throughout the silent, still campus. Seven other students join her in Worner. Nestling themselves into a conference room tucked-away on the second floor, they brush sleep from their eyes and sip warm drinks. It’s slow in the morning, but they are up, attentive, and eager. This meeting marks the first of six early-morning training sessions prior to the Model United Nations (MUN) conference in Washington DC. Roussell, the team’s trainer, leads the discussion on practice and policy. Conferences are comprised of a myriad of unique, self-contained, simulated committees. Committees are assigned to students and differ greatly from one another in content and focus, but shared the same rules, guidelines, and general strategies. Over the course of the block, these trainings will evolve into personalized sessions centered around tactics for negotiating and coaching for public speaking. “This is your personality and your style as you’re dialoguing with people,” says Sarah Hinkle, Director of the Speaking Center and CC’s competitive communications teams. “Never more than now, at this conference, will this matter — when you are trying to convey your message to have more weight, and critical value, over somebody else in a way that’s likable.” This advice matches the peer-to-peer mentorship that makes up the backbone of the small, eight-person team. Learning about each other’s professional habits creates a sense of familiarity, enabling both constructive criticism and communal camaraderie. But even as the practices become more opportunity for detailed advising and team bonding, the early start time doesn’t get easier for everyone. “It’s only Tuesday,” groans Arez Khidr ’25 as he and the other delegates-to-be stumble into the conference room for the first morning session of the second week.  It’s a longstanding CC tradition to hold training in the early hours of the day. Roussell and Zoey Rouche ’24, the club’s Secretary General, remember their early days in the same conference room at these same early hours. But, even if there was a strong push for change, the group would be hard pressed to find a new time. Class at CC occupy the mornings, and the team’s diverse array of extracurricular obligations makes afternoon scheduling virtually impossible. Roussell and Britt Nerad ’26 both major in the hard sciences, creating a conflict in the slot between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., when STEM students are often in the lab.  But Roussell appreciates the club for how it differs from her day-to-day academic ventures. “Coming into college, I was very unsure if I wanted to do more of a STEM or poli sci route,” she says. “So, this is a good way to fulfill that interest without having to major in it.” Moreover, Roussell enjoys surrounding herself with people who hold a vast range of interests. “I do adore the people who came before me at MUN. They provided such a safe space for me as a freshman and sophomore. I wanted to do that for other people.” And when these early morning sessions veer away from specific competition tactics, they often lead to a more game-like approach to training. “I really enjoyed   Coup,” says Rouche. The casual tabletop game utilizes a unique but simple deck with only five types of cards. The last-man-standing victory condition encourages players to both bluff, negotiate, and anticipate each move to come. While more removed than the hands-on guidance at the center of the sessions, the game embodies what the early morning wake-up could never erase: a common interest in each other. The coming trip to D.C. marks the first conference for half of the travelers, but the novelty of this early-morning perspective produced community, collaboration, and on the days training ended early, a few contentious rounds of Coup. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Photo-4.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2024/cc-celebrates-winter-commencement-grads.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/12/16/cc-celebrates-winter-commencement-grads/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:41:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/12/16/cc-celebrates-winter-commencement-grads/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/121524_WINTERCOMMENCEMENT2024_JCOTTEN-2031xlr.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2024/sociology-and-femgen-classes-influence-alum-to-join-colorado-legal-services.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/12/11/sociology-and-femgen-classes-influence-alum-to-join-colorado-legal-services/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 09:40:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/12/11/sociology-and-femgen-classes-influence-alum-to-join-colorado-legal-services/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Alanna-Jackson-Image.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2024/alum-turns-career-catalyst-block-into-career.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/12/09/alum-turns-career-catalyst-block-into-career/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:11:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/12/09/alum-turns-career-catalyst-block-into-career/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/image8.jpeg /newsevents/newsroom/2024/sold-out-gold-pan-game-to-be-televised-throughout-u.s-and-canada.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/12/10/sold-out-gold-pan-game-to-be-televised-throughout-u-s-and-canada/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:38:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/12/10/sold-out-gold-pan-game-to-be-televised-throughout-u-s-and-canada/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Screenshot-2024-12-10-at-12.40.45PM.png /newsevents/newsroom/2024/cc-recognized-with-new-career-connected-campus-designation.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/11/14/cc-recognized-with-new-career-connected-campus-designation/ Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:41:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/11/14/cc-recognized-with-new-career-connected-campus-designation/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/2024_Career_Connected_Campus_Designation_HighRes.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2024/cc-students-publish-judicial-election-resource.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/11/14/cc-students-publish-judicial-election-resource/ Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:10:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/11/14/cc-students-publish-judicial-election-resource/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/IMG_6791.JPG /newsevents/newsroom/2024/cc-students-arrive-in-azerbaijan-for-cop29.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/11/12/cc-students-arrive-in-azerbaijan-for-cop29/ Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:15:00 MST https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2024/11/12/cc-students-arrive-in-azerbaijan-for-cop29/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/IMG_0728.jpeg /newsevents/newsroom/2024/homecoming-weekend-draws-over-1,600-to-campus.html /newsevents/newsroom/2024/homecoming-weekend-draws-over-1,600-to-campus.html Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:18:00 MST Homecoming never looked so good at »ªÌå»á. In honor of the school’s sesquicentennial anniversary, there was much fanfare, celebration, commemoration, and reminiscing by alumni, students, faculty, staff, and members of the broader community taking part in nearly 100 events throughout the November 1-2 weekend. The number of alumni attendees was up more than 50% over last year, totaling 1,638. “Catching up with friends - old and new - felt like a full circle moment,” shares Kazzandra Medellin ’18. “It was amazing to be able to hear what everyone was up to and how CC played a part in helping us get there.” “Bringing alumni back to campus for Homecoming not only provides a chance for alums to connect with one another but engages them in the life of the college today,” says Vice President of Advancement Molly Bodnar. “The bonds our alumni share – with one another, our faculty, and the college – form the foundation for lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships.” Homecoming included special events for ten reunion classes, young alumni, and more than thirty alumni who are part of the 50-Year Club. The oldest registered alum was from the Class of 1956. A big highlight of the weekend was CC’s 150th Extravaganza, where Ed Robson Arena was transformed for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for the College’s 150th anniversary. From casino games to a dance, followed by CC's first-ever drone show above Tava Quad, there was much rejoicing on campus Saturday night. “The 150th Extravaganza was a fun time and ending it with the drone show was the cherry on top!” says Medellin. “Homecoming was the perfect chance to catch up with friends I hadn’t seen since graduation,” adds alum Saul Maravilla ’19. “It was awesome having the dance back—it made for such a fun night. Huge thanks to CC for putting together an amazing homecoming weekend for us young alums! The games added the perfect energy to the new arena.” In true liberal arts form, there was also plenty of opportunity for lifelong learning on campus, with 17 engaging micro-blocks, at which 22 faculty, staff, and emeriti professors taught classes filled with learners of all ages. Alum and CC staff member Karuna Abe ’20 notes how powerful it was to connect with alums at the micro-blocks, grouped not by major or age but a shared “quintessential CC experiences,” like talking about the building where they took their classes so many years apart. “I attended the micro-block, Is Hitchcock's Vertigo the Greatest Film Ever Made? led by Professor George Butte from the English Department,” says Abe. “Being back in the block setting was incredible. George guided us through the rich mise-en-scène of Vertigo, and there’s something truly special about the care and thought he brings to his teaching. He’s deeply committed to the art he translates and contextualizes for his students. I’m so grateful to George for welcoming us back to his classroom. Thank you for creating space for the lifelong learners you’ve inspired and nurtured.”  As if on cue, the Tiger Hockey team dazzled fans by winning the Pikes Peak Trophy and sweeping the Air Force Academy Falcons 3-2 in overtime on Friday night at home and 6-1 at the Cadet Ice Arena on Saturday night. The team unveiled the program's throwback jersey to the 64th consecutive sell-out crowd of 3,900 at Robson Arena. The sweater was a replica of the one worn by the 1949-50 team that won the program's first NCAA Championship. "We wanted to do something special in recognition of the 150th anniversary of »ªÌå»á," says Head Coach Kris Mayotte. "It was an easy decision to bring back the jerseys that the 1950 national champions wore. We are excited for our fans to see us in the throwback jerseys as we celebrate homecoming weekend." Nearly 300 alumni watched the Tigers play at a special hockey watch party at Goat Patch Brewery. Other gatherings were held at Tony’s Bar on Tejon and a Community Picnic attended by more than 500 on campus. CC alum and founder of Josh and Josh’s Ice Cream John Krakauer '85 offered special edition pints of “Tiger’s Blood” ice cream in honor of CC’s 150th. “Homecoming weekend 2024 was special, engaging over 1600 members of the CC community,” said Associate Vice President of Engagement Cindy Hyman ’82.  “Alums explored the campus, visited favorite spots and reconnected with their classmates, faculty, and staff. Robson Arena was full of happy people dancing, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company. The drone show on Tava Quad was the perfect capstone to a successful weekend designed specifically to bring alums back for our 150th celebration. Alumni Engagement is already working on planning Homecoming 2025!” Alumni have also felt compelled to give back to the college, with the 2024 reunion classes committing more than $1.4 million in philanthropic support to CC. Class gift efforts will continue through December of this year. CC donors whose lifetime giving has reached $1 million or more were honored during the weekend in a special ceremony with the unveiling of new names on the Earle Flagpole for the William Jackson Palmer Founders Society. Members of the 1874 and President’s Circle annual giving societies were also recognized for their continued generosity. Eight outstanding alumni were honored with Alumni Association Awards over the weekend, including Albert Mehl ’77, Robert Miller ’76, Steve Paulsen ’74, Susan White Burgamy ’66, Cathy Weir ’65, Caitlyn Florentine ’07, Mike Shum ’07, and Robert Broughton (in memoriam). For the first time, Homecoming weekend coincided with the Fine Arts Center’s community celebration of Dia de Muertos, a tradition with Latin American and indigenous roots that celebrates loved ones who’ve passed away. The two-day event brought well over 3,300 people to the FAC from the broader community and visiting alumni, far supassing the goal of 2,000 attendees.  /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Shove-Chapel-Drone-Show-1501.jpeg