Students & Education

Helping Rural Communities Thrive

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:27:13 +0000

Helping Rural Communities Thrive Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:27

In rural Colorado, outdoor recreation is a powerful tool for economic development as it encourages visitors to spend more time and money in local communities. But developing these assets can be an arduous process.

The Rural Technical Assistance program (RTAP) provides pro bono assistance to these small towns with the help of graduate students and faculty in �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Masters of the Environment (MENV) program, federal and state agencies and other higher education partners. Together, they offer community workshops and goal-oriented action plans centered on boosting outdoor recreation.

In the close-knit Colorado community of Beulah, located southwest of Pueblo, neighbors Linda Overlin (Edu’71) and Joel David May (Arch’80) saw the potential of outdoor recreation to enliven their 600-resident town. Supported by the RTAP program, including a two-day graduate student-facilitated workshop, the community prioritized ways to develop its outdoor recreation economy.

Already, they’ve created partnerships with a land conservancy and private landowners to explore how conservation easements and trail developments could help preserve Beulah’s rural ranchlands. The goal is to provide greater connectivity between downtown and Pueblo Mountain Park, which consistently draws many tourists and visitors.

Eight other communities — Keystone, La Junta, Huerfano County, Lake City, Rangely and Dinosaur, Leadville, Hayden, and Cripple Creek — have participated in RTAP.

“Beulah has taught me so much about what ‘community’ means,” said Emily Glass (MEnv’25). “When designed meaningfully,community-engaged work is an opportunity to weave together different perspectives, ideas and expertise that otherwise may not have come together.”

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Photo courtesy Raven Maps & Images

Outdoor recreation can bring more people to small Colorado towns.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Rural Technical Assistance Program helps small Colorado towns like Beulah leverage outdoor recreation to boost their local economies.

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Fruits of History and Sustainability

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:22:49 +0000

Fruits of History and Sustainability Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:22

April Driver

The seeds of history took root in the Boulder Apple Tree Project and are now blossoming in the Buffs Backyard Orchard.

In 2017, the Boulder Apple Tree Project began as a way to locate, catalog and preserve the rich apple history of the city, dating to before the turn of the twentieth century, when Colorado ranked as one of the top apple-producing states. To support the project, community members share the location and photos of Boulder apple trees through an app, and the information is cataloged in an online database, complemented by an interactive map.

Within a year of launching, students and researchers identified more than 200 types of apples in Boulder, and each species was sequenced using the trees’ DNA.

Today, the project has grown. “We have sequenced another 75 apple specimens, with a big push this summer to add 200 more,” said Katherine Suding, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder ecology professor. “I am also proud that we have tagged over 1,200 trees from the area in our database.”

This effort provides training for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s budding scientists. Over the past eight years, 160 students have contributed to the project, ranging from first-year science students to those completing honors theses and several graduate students.

Last spring, students inspired by the project obtained a $93,000 sustainability grant that has funded the Buffs Backyard Orchard at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s 30th Street greenhouse. The vision for the orchard, which was planted by volunteers, is to create a living lab combining history and sustainability by conserving heirloom trees and developing regenerative orchard systems. The orchard is home to 15 varieties of apples, according to Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine, including Wolf River and Colorado Orange.

For Suding, the core of the project is the people.

“Having students and community members jointly doing research reflects a shared commitment to ecological stewardship,” she said. “It has been a lesson in the power of people working together.”

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Photo courtesy Matt Talarico

The Boulder Apple Tree Project has grown into the Buffs Backyard Orchard, a student- and community-driven living lab.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Wellness in Action

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:18:28 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Wellness in Action Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:18

Christie Sounart

On a clear, 60-degree night in mid-August, 40 incoming first-year students slept under the stars. The Flatirons were visible, but not from a wilderness perspective. Instead, dozens of sleeping bags dotted the roof of the �鶹��Ѱ��Rec Center.

The group was taking part in �鶹��Ѱ��in the Rockies, a pre-semester trip with the �鶹��Ѱ��Rec Center’s Outdoor Pursuits program. The students used the night to practice camping with their gear before embarking on a backpacking trip in State Forest State Park, located about 110 miles northwest of campus. Few knew each other.

When they returned a week later, many had forged close friendships in the mountains.

“What I’ve seen is people eventually live together, do dinners, hang out,” said Sammy Fitterman (Geog’26), who has served as a trip leader and student medical support over the last three years. “When you’re camping with someone and sharing a tent, you really get close.”

The experience offered the students immediate, meaningful connections. As they started their college careers and pursued avenues for physical and mental wellness, they could choose more activities like it — or something completely different.

Well-being is a top priority for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. From rock climbing to backpacking, students can join active communities on campus

Well-Being First

Well-being is a top priority for the university. In 2023, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder adopted the Okanagan Charter, which strengthened efforts to embed health and wellness into all aspects of university life. And, in spring 2025, Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced the Student Mental Health, Wellness and Flourishing Initiative to strengthen programs and policies to further help students thrive.

Through the student health and well-being unit within the university’s Division of Student Life, students can engage in everything from mental health workshops and peer wellness coaching to a collegiate recovery community. And through options like Outdoor Pursuits and the Rec Center’s FitWell program, students can pursue wellness in nature-based or exercise-focused experiences.

“We know students show up to college wanting to live a full and meaningful life,” said Amanda Scates-Preisinger, director of the university’s Health Promotion office. “It’s important they have access to information and experiences that help continually build skills to support their well-being.”

Climbing, Backcountry Skiing — and Dessert

Fitterman, a senior, became involved with Outdoor Pursuits after a �鶹��Ѱ��climbing trip as a first-year student. Now he runs workshops — such as ski and snowboard wax classes — and works at the rec center’s climbing gym and gear rental center, which equips interested students with outdoor gear ranging from tents and hiking poles to rain jackets and headlamps.

He also is president of the �鶹��Ѱ��Backcountry Club, which organizes about six student backcountry skiing trips in Colorado mountain towns during the spring semester.

“We stay in an AirBnB and cook family-style dinners for everyone,” said Fitterman, who’s from Santa Monica, California. “Those weekend trips are a really great opportunity to connect.”

During his first year at CU, Aidan Azar (ElEngr’27), from Philadelphia, went on the �鶹��Ѱ��in the Rockies trip with Fitterman. He quickly jumped at the chance to join Outdoor Pursuits’ student board, eager to connect with other Buffs in nature.

“I came to Colorado to try something new,” he said. “I loved the outdoors and the mountains, and when I went on that trip, I met some of my best friends.”

Last spring, Azar led a workshop on backcountry cooking. The theme was desserts, and the class made funnel cakes out of pancake batter to minimize the amount of ingredients and equipment that would be hauled through the forest on a backcountry camping trip. He said this type of enjoyment takes priority over his rigorous engineering schedule.

“I make sure I’m setting specific times to climb or hike with my friends, even in the middle of a busy week,” he said.

Anya Keena (Anth, Geol’26), from Detroit,finds her outdoor community helps her “let loose” after days in the geology library. Though she and her friends are in different majors, they have bonded over a shared love of the outdoors. When she came to CU, she was afraid of heights, but now she finds herself rock climbing regularly after learning skills of the sport with other climbing students. She also enjoys hiking and completed a wilderness first responder course last summer.

“We don’t have a ton of things connecting us academically,” she said. “I’m always interested to hear about what they’re doing, but at the end of the day, the thing that connects us is the outdoor curiosity.”

Each spring, the �鶹��Ѱ��Rec Center offers goat yoga sessions to help students unwind during a busy time of year. It is a favorite for many, including for Treyanna Brown, left.

Events for Connection

Sometimes a one-off event can bring students mental or physical respite from their daily grind.

Sarah Laughlin (IntPhys, Soc’26), from Newton, Massachusetts, works for CU’s Health Promotion office, where she helps plan student events focused on physical, emotional, financial or spiritual well-being. Last spring, for instance, she helped coordinate a 120-person spa night that included nail painting, aromatherapy and plant-related crafts.

Other events included late-night sober party alternatives and a “non-violent rage room,” Laughlin said, where students could draw on walls or throw colorful streamers.

“You get students who are just passing by, or people who hear about them and are so grateful to do these things for free,” said Laughlin.

Laughlin, who hopes for a career in public health, said her favorite wellness outlet is playing for CU’s Ultimate Frisbee sport club team, one of 30 teams offered through the university’s Sport Club program.

Goats and Giggles

Sometimes, though, wellness simply is fostered through an hour of spontaneous giggles — and animal snuggles.

Each spring, �鶹��Ѱ��Rec Center student employee Treyanna Brown (CompSci’27), who is from Albuquerque, plans her favorite student event on campus: goat yoga. Brown loves carrying the two-week-old goats from their farm’s truck to the rec center yoga room, bottle feeding them, and giving them extra cuddles once they get sleepy after the yoga sessions.

The four-session event, which often serves around 30 people per session, is less about yoga and more about joy, Brown said.

“It’s a really good stress-reliever,” she said. “You can’t be thinking about everything you need to get done because you have a baby goat in your lap.”

Beyond the laughter, friendships and long list of new things to try, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder proves the path to wellness can be fun — and meaningful.

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Photo by Glenn Asakawa (rock climbing); courtesy Sarah Laughlin (gratitude garden); courtesy Treyanna Brown (goat yoga)

Wellness initiatives help students build friendships, develop skills and support mental and physical well-being.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Athletics: Wins, Records and Milestones

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:15:29 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Athletics: Wins, Records and Milestones Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:15

Andrew Daigle

Buff Bits

�鶹��Ѱ��Athletics announced Ralphie VI’s retirement in August. Ember ultimately showed “an indifference to running” and retired to ranch life alongside Ralphie V, Blackout. Ralphie VII, Brandy, made her debut at the �鶹��Ѱ��vs. Wyoming game.

In mid-October, the volleyball and soccer teams ranked in the top 25 nationally. Soccer surpassed its 300th win. Soccer’s Hope Leyba (IntPhys’27) was named co-Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week in August.

Cross country’s Isaiah Givens (EnvSt’26) (15:01.99) and Ella Hagen (MCDBio’29) (17:54.34) led the Buffs with the top men’s and women’s 5-kilometer times at the season-opening Wyoming Invite.

Bill Collins (Bus’70), CU’s first full-season Black football captain, died on July 31.

Men’s basketball completed a four-game exhibition tour of Australia in August. The Buffs went 2-2.

Coach Talk

Wins are fantastic, losses happen, but being a part of this program for as long as I have is really special.

— Volleyball head coach Jesse Mahoney (Psych’95; Law’99) after the Buffs defeated University of Denver in September, his 150th win at Colorado.

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Photo courtesy �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics

Scores

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Men’s golf three-round third-place score at the Washington State Palouse Collegiate.

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Tackles by the Los Angeles Rams’ Nate Landman (Mktg’21) against the Houston Texans in week 1.

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Straight sets won by volleyball to open the 2025 season.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder student-athletes named to the 2025 Big 12 Conference Spring Academic Team.

145k

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Pounds of CO2 kept out of the air by Folsom Field’s new turf made with pine pellets instead of traditional rubber pellets.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Athletics celebrated multiple milestones this season.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Athletes Share in NIL Revenue

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:14:02 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Athletes Share in NIL Revenue Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:14

Andrew Daigle

Dre’Lon Miller

On June 6, 2025, the NCAA settled three federal antitrust lawsuits, agreeing to pay $2.8 billion in back damages to former athletes. The settlement also allows universities to share up to $20.5 million from athletics’ revenue annually with current student-athletes for their name, image and likeness (NIL) rights.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder chose to share revenue, which means that for the first time, student-athletes can enter into a licensing agreement with �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics. Each sport’s revenue-share budget will be proportional to the revenue the sport generates, and the settlement also imposes roster limits for each team.

“I’m really proud that we didn’t cut any sports, and we’re going to provide the same benefits we’ve provided our student-athletes in the past,” said athletic director Rick George.

According to George, �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics plans to support its $20.5 million pledged revenue-share by consolidating expenses, offering programs like the Arch (which connects local businesses with student-athletes) and Buffs Premier (a fan loyalty program), adding a seventh home football game, and increasing events on Folsom Field’s new turf.

Private NIL agreements remain separate, although a national clearinghouse will review anything above $600.

Exemplifying the effect of direct compensation, football’s Dre’Lon Miller (Jour’28) has begun investing his earnings into his hometown of Silsbee, Texas.

He donated $1,000 each to four organizations that shaped him as a child, including his former school and church.

“I wanted to show them how much love I have for them,” said Miller.

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Photo courtesy �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder will share up to $20.5 million in athletics revenue with student-athletes through NIL agreements.

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What It's Like in LASP's Student Command Controller Program

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:13:11 +0000

What It's Like in LASP's Student Command Controller Program Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:13

Julia MacLean

Cleared for Takeoff

In the Student Command Controller Program, an undergraduate missions operations program offered by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students can train to become certified mission operators for NASA spacecraft. After learning the ropes through a summer course, students work on spacecraft missions that include telescopes and nanosatellites.

Kate Mulholland (AeroEngr’26) took a special interest in mission operations after watching the film Apollo 13 at age 11. Now a command controller, she has the technical knowledge and confidence to handle complex tasks and high-stakes work.

“Being a part of the Command Controller Program is one of the most valuable experiences I have had since coming to �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder,” she said.

$1 billion

worth of NASA-regulated spacecraft controlled by students

1981

The year LASP launched the Student Command Controller Program

Larger NASA missions involved students in 2025

24/7, 365

Spacecraft are monitored by students

50–70

Students apply each year

8–10

Students accepted

Number of hours per week students work during the academic year

250

Student command controllers since 1981

Program Students have gone on to work at:

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
EchoStar
Northrop Grumman
Advanced Space
BAE (formerly Ball Aerospace)
LASP

Students Studying:

Black holes
Supernovas
Solar wind
Magnetic fields
Exoplanets

Student Jobs Include:

Fine-tuning how spacecraft batteries charge
Sending research plans to onboard instruments
Powering mission equipment on and off
Uploading files to increase instrument precision

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Photo courtesy LASP

It is an excellent opportunity and comes with some bragging rights: your job description becomes ‘flying spaceships’!

–Adrian Bryant (MAeroEngr’27)

Students gain hands-on experience operating NASA spacecraft, managing real missions, and preparing for careers in space science and engineering.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Spirit on Move-In Day

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:59:07 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Spirit on Move-In Day Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 10:59

Julia MacLean

This fall, 7,000 first-year students moved into 26 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder residence halls. According to the university’s Division of Student Life, 95% of first-year students live on campus. Of the remaining undergraduate and graduate students, 23% live on campus.

Move-in day brings a special buzz to campus each year — hundreds of volunteers wheel students’ belongings in giant carts to their residence hall rooms, show them around campus and help them get settled into life as a Buff.

Off campus, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder also offers university-owned apartments and family housing to help students balance their academic lives with family needs.

“Move-in day is so exciting!” wrote Meghan Martelon-Evans (PolSci’89) in a Facebook post welcoming new Buffs.

Tell us your best move-in stories!

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Photo courtesy Patrick Campbell

7,000 new Buffs filled 26 residence halls this fall.

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Jordan Nytes Shares �鶹��Ѱ��Soccer Journey

Anna Tolette — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:46:49 +0000

Jordan Nytes Shares �鶹��Ѱ��Soccer Journey Anna Tolette Mon, 07/07/2025 - 14:46

Andrew Daigle

In 2024, Jordan Nytes (Soc’25, MOrgLead’26) of Aurora, Colorado, became the first All-American goalkeeper for CU. The two-time Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year talks here about leadership, team communication and excitement for the next season.

What about Colorado soccer attracted you when you decided to transfer after a year at Oklahoma State?

I had a connection with [assistant coach and recruiting coordinator] Dave Morgan. That led to the initial conversation with CU. Being closer to my family was a huge part as well. The soccer program is in a great place! Colorado’s facilities are awesome, we got lights at Prentup [Field], and there’s excitement with everything going on with �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics lately. After I visited in December 2022, I was like ‘Let’s do it,’ and it’s been awesome since.

What have been the greatest contributors to your success?

[Associate head coach] Jason Green and I have developed an incredible relationship. We’re comfortable bouncing ideas off each other. It’s not arguing, but if he says something I disagree with, I’ll tell him, and he’ll tell me, too. It’s acknowledging strengths, working on weaknesses, growing every day. �鶹��Ѱ��is a very professional training environment. Our coaches have us mimic professional soccer programs. It also prepares us for when, hopefully, we get to that stage.

You put together 583:33 consecutive shutout minutes in goal in 2024. What’s it like when you’re in a zone like that?

When you have five or six straight shutouts, you’re on a high with your defense. A record like that reflects how we’re defending together. That streak was early in the season, and we knew we’d run into adversity. It’s how the game goes — you will get scored on again. We need to be able to overcome that when it happens.

What communication goes on between you and the defenders?

We’ve been dialing in on being super specific with what we say and how we say it. In a high-intensity game, we have to be okay with being critical, telling teammates what needs to be better. But there are also moments to focus on a positive thing and tell someone: ‘Do that again.’ In terms of strategy, it’s telling people where to shift or where to stand to cover a player. Our coaches help with keeping the backline high and tracking marks. There’s also off-the-field communication in film sessions or when something gets brought up at halftime.

Who are the teammates who have helped support you?

Jamie Campbell (Psych’28) is another goalkeeper and my roommate. We have a positive training environment where we push each other. And Lindsey Smith (Edu’24) was the other goalkeeper who graduated last December. The three of us were a little family. We knew when to joke around and have fun, but also when to focus in practice. We’re really good friends, and that helps off the field. They’ve helped me reach my potential as a player and person.

How is practice different for the goalkeepers?

We do our own warmup and then work through a goalkeeper session. Stretch, ball handling, footwork. Then it depends — shots from distance, reaction saves, breakaways, crosses. We’ll often focus on something specific and then build off it throughout the entire week.

Can you share something you’ve learned from your �鶹��Ѱ��coaches?

They’ve helped to develop me as a leader. The coaching staff has instilled that not everybody’s going to be happy all the time. When you’re in a leadership position, it’s normal for someone to be upset with a decision or something you say. You have to be confident that your decision is in the best interest of the team and keep everybody on the same page.

How do you balance playing aggressively with also being the last line of defense?

It’s situational. Some games, there are a lot of balls to attack out of the air, and with other games you’re more of a calm presence in the back. You need to scout your opponent and prepare. That way, you can let your defense know your anticipated in-game tendencies.

What are you most looking forward to this season?

This year’s team has more new players than returners. It’s exciting to have something new. We can set our own standards. The goal starts with winning the Big 12 championship.

Do you have plans for after CU?

I want to play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). My coaches will help me go through an agency. I’ll see which teams are interested and hopefully receive a contract. Overseas is another option. I’m looking forward to playing professionally for as long as I can.

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Photos courtesy �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics

Jordan Nytes, CU’s first All-American goalkeeper, reflects on her record-setting shutout streak, leadership growth and her ambitions to play professional soccer after college.

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Sports Briefs and Stats

Anna Tolette — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:15:30 +0000

Sports Briefs and Stats Anna Tolette Mon, 07/07/2025 - 14:15

Andrew Daigle

Hunter Drafted No. 2

Defensive and offensive football star Travis Hunter (Psych’25) was drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars on April 24 at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Jacksonville traded four picks, including two first-rounders, to the Cleveland Browns to move up three spots and select the 2024 Heisman winner.

Sporting a hot pink suit and spotted dancing onto the stage after his name was announced, Hunter became the highest drafted cornerback and second-highest drafted wide receiver in NFL history.

Hunter had 153 receptions, 21 touchdowns, 67 tackles and seven interceptions in two seasons at Colorado. He was named Academic All-American of the Year in 2024.

Three Buffaloes were drafted on day three: quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) to Cleveland in the fifth round, and receivers LaJohntay Wester (EthnSt’25) to the Baltimore Ravens and Jimmy Horn Jr. (Comm’25) to the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round.

Buffs Bits

The �鶹��Ѱ��ski team finished second at the 2025 NCAA Ski Championships in March. �鶹��Ѱ��finished with five first-team All-Americans and 12 total All-America honors. … Women’s basketball (21-13, 9-9 Big 12) reached the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament before being eliminated 64-55 by Gonzaga. Guard Frida Formann (EnvSt’24, MBus’25) and forward Jade Masogayo (IntPhys’26) earned All-Big 12 honorable mentions. … Julian Hammond III (Comm’25) of men’s basketball (14-21, 3-17 Big 12) earned honorable mention to the 2024–25 All-Big 12 Team. ... Men’s golf advanced to the NCAA Championship Finals in May. … Tennis reached the second round of the Big 12 Champion-ship before losing 4-1 to Arizona State. Mila Stanojevic (BioChem’25) had 133 total wins, the four-teenth most in Colorado history. … Isaiah Givens (EnvSt’26) ran the 1500 meters in 3:37.52, a �鶹��Ѱ��record for men’s outdoor track in April.

Coach Talk

“Every single person, every staff member, everyone that touched our program did more than they needed to at different times.”

– JR Payne, women’s basketball head coach, on the Buffs’ season-long resiliency after their postseason defeat on March 23. They endured team-altering player injuries for much of the season.

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Photo courtesy of �鶹��Ѱ��Athletics

STATS

1-2

Women’s golf’s Francesca Sumcad’s (IntPhys’27) and Ellen O’Shaughnessy’s (Acct’28) finishing ranks at the 2025 Southern Colorado Open in March.

3:38.81

Women’s track’s season-best 4x400-meter relay time was set in April at the Mt. SAC Relays.

Years Kris Livingston, who retired in May, served Colorado Athletics, with the last 18 as director of academic student support services.

7,655

Total points in the decathlon at the Bryan Clay Invitational by track’s Nick Bianco (EPO-Bio’23; MEdu’25), breaking a 51-year-old �鶹��Ѱ��record.

99,499

Pounds of material diverted from landfills during 2024 football games, earning �鶹��Ѱ��2024 GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge honors.

Highlights of standout achievements across �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s athletic community.

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Chancellor Schwartz on What Makes Buffs Bold

Anna Tolette — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:13:24 +0000

Chancellor Schwartz on What Makes Buffs Bold Anna Tolette Mon, 07/07/2025 - 14:13

Maria Kuntz

Chancellor Schwartz at the AAPI graduation ceremony this spring.

Coloradan editor Maria Kuntz sat down with Chancellor Justin Schwartz to gather his perspective on what makes Buffs so extraordinary and bold.

You’ve worked and studied at several of the nation’s most respected institutions. What is it about �鶹��Ѱ��students and faculty that sets them apart?

They’re not only focused on their disciplinary interest but also deeply committed to using whatever disciplinary expertise they have to create real impact on the world. In particular, [there’s] a core underpinning — a commitment to sustainability that is really genuine. It’s not an item on a list. It’s very much embedded into the culture of our community.

Alumni are leading space missions, launching startups and advancing climate science. What do you think is happening here that produces such bold, purpose-driven people?

Decades ago, a culture of excellence, doing big things and taking on leadership roles developed in Boulder. And it’s just continued to feed on and develop itself. Now, we naturally attract people with that mindset and core values so that the culture becomes self-propagating.

Tell me about a moment from this past year, maybe involving a student, alum or a faculty member, that genuinely surprised or moved you.

One of the moments that stands out was the first time [my spouse, Dr. G, and I] worked out with the Ralphie handlers in the gym. We witnessed how much camaraderie and esprit de corps there was between them, and then they brought us in seamlessly and naturally. It’s a truly energetic, dedicated and ridiculously hard-working culture.

You’re a year into your tenure. What’s your boldest hope for what people will say about �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder five years from now? Not just as a university, but as a force in the world.

Five years from now, we want to be known for having transformed how higher education institutions across the country approach sustainability in terms of academics, implementation and knowledge transfer. I hope we will become a resource for our peers across the country.

When you’re talking to someone who’s never been to Boulder, what do you say to help them understand what’s special about this place?

I would start by saying: Until you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to explain. There are so many people I’ve heard say, ‘I came to visit and knew right away that this is where I was going to stay.’ These are alums who are now 70, who came from out of state 50 or 60 years ago. It’s not just the natural beauty of the environment. There is something energetic and inspiring about the community itself.

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Photo by Glenn Asakawa

Chancellor Justin Schwartz shares how �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s culture of boldness, sustainability and community drives students and faculty to make a meaningful impact on the world.

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Students & Education

Helping Rural Communities Thrive

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Fruits of History and Sustainability

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�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Wellness in Action

Well-Being First

Climbing, Backcountry Skiing — and Dessert

Events for Connection

Goats and Giggles

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�鶹��Ѱ�����Athletics: Wins, Records and Milestones

Buff Bits

Coach Talk

Scores

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�鶹��Ѱ�����Athletes Share in NIL Revenue

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What It's Like in LASP's Student Command Controller Program

Cleared for Takeoff

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�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Spirit on Move-In Day

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Jordan Nytes Shares �鶹��Ѱ�����Soccer Journey

What about Colorado soccer attracted you when you decided to transfer after a year at Oklahoma State?

What have been the greatest contributors to your success?

You put together 583:33 consecutive shutout minutes in goal in 2024. What’s it like when you’re in a zone like that?

What communication goes on between you and the defenders?

Who are the teammates who have helped support you?

How is practice different for the goalkeepers?

Can you share something you’ve learned from your �鶹��Ѱ�����coaches?

How do you balance playing aggressively with also being the last line of defense?

What are you most looking forward to this season?

Do you have plans for after CU?

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Sports Briefs and Stats

Hunter Drafted No. 2

Buffs Bits

Coach Talk

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Chancellor Schwartz on What Makes Buffs Bold

You’ve worked and studied at several of the nation’s most respected institutions. What is it about �鶹��Ѱ�����students and faculty that sets them apart?

Alumni are leading space missions, launching startups and advancing climate science. What do you think is happening here that produces such bold, purpose-driven people?

Tell me about a moment from this past year, maybe involving a student, alum or a faculty member, that genuinely surprised or moved you.

You’re a year into your tenure. What’s your boldest hope for what people will say about �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder five years from now? Not just as a university, but as a force in the world.

When you’re talking to someone who’s never been to Boulder, what do you say to help them understand what’s special about this place?

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Can you share something you’ve learned from your �鶹��Ѱ��coaches?

You’ve worked and studied at several of the nation’s most respected institutions. What is it about �鶹��Ѱ��students and faculty that sets them apart?

You’re a year into your tenure. What’s your boldest hope for what people will say about �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder five years from now? Not just as a university, but as a force in the world.