Staff members in the College of Arts and Sciences are invited to join the fourth-annual staff summit. The first day of the summit will feature virtual offerings related to the event’s theme: Building Bridges: Connecting, Collaborating and Creating Together.

Day two of the staff summit will include organized activities and presentations to foster a stronger sense of community and belonging. The emphasis on building connections will involve learning about campus, strengthening our college culture, engaging in community building and fun.

The summit is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 10 a.m.-3:15 p.m. (virtual) and Wednesday, May 15, 8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (in person) plus an optional happy hour in downtown Boulder. All members of the college’s staff are welcome to attend. Registration is required and is available at this .

Participation in the summit is optional. Staff members are encouraged to attend relevant sessions, and the college has urged managers and chairs to support these professional-development and community-building activities.  

The staff summit is an outgrowth of the college’s Be Heard initiative and its commitment to employee development and engagement. The Be SEEN: Staff Training and Mentoring working group is committed to providing staff more opportunities to connect and network by investing in professional-development opportunities such as this staff summit. 

How to attend and next steps:

• Please register by Wednesday, May 8, for one or both days of the staff summit at this .
• Please include your dietary restrictions for breakfast and lunch.
• Help us celebrate college wins! As part of the 2024 Staff Summit, we want to celebrate the great accomplishments of the departments in arts and sciences. Please describe your department's biggest win of the year by completing a short questionnaire at this .

For questions, contact Erin Cunningham Ritter  

Full schedule of events

10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.            Welcome and opening remarks

Bernadette Stewart, assistant dean of culture and people, College of Arts and Sciences

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.      Keynote Presentation

Pat O’Rourke, executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer, CU Boulder  
Pat O’Rourke will deliver a presentation that sets the tone for the summit's theme: Building Bridges: Connecting, Collaborating and Creating Together. Participants are encouraged to bring questions related to campus strategy and this year’s theme.

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.      Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.      Strengths in Our Differences: Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity and Respect in the  College of Arts and Sciences 

Moderators

Stephanie Colunga Montoya
director of inclusive practice for natural sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

Elaine Paul
director, Visual Arts Complex
visual resources specialist, Department of Art and Art History

Panelists

Kirk Ambrose 
professor of Classics and founding director of the Center for Teaching & Learning

Jessica Brunecky 
Divisional Manager, Social Sciences

Martin Boileau 
professor and department chair, Economics

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion celebrating the diverse contributions of all members of the College of Arts and Sciences community at CU Boulder, regardless of employee background, level or classification. Moderated by Stephanie Colunga Montoya, director of inclusive practice for natural sciences, and Elaine Paul, director of the Visual Arts Complex, this panel will explore how each individual's talents and perspectives contribute to the college's overarching goals in student success, research excellence and operational effectiveness. 

12:30 p.m.–1 p.m.        Lunch break

1 p.m.–2 p.m.        Celebrating CU’s Legacy in Research

Massimo Ruzzene, vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes, Slade Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Research & Innovation Office
This session highlights and celebrates CU Boulder's current research, historical research milestones and the invaluable staff contributions, as we foster a sense of pride and connection to CU Boulder's academic legacy. By highlighting the vital role each of us play in advancing the research mission, we will emphasize the power of collaboration and unity. This session will not only delve into the depth and breadth of arts and sciences research, but also integrate key highlights from across campus, showcasing our interconnected academic community.  

2 p.m. –2:15 p.m.                  Break

2:15 p.m.–3 p.m. Three �ƹ���Ƶ for Building Community on Campus 

Representatives from the three offices listed below will give brief overviews of their offerings, with opportunities for all college community members to build connections on campus:

Volunteer Resource Center
Fred Hodges
Event and community partnerships program manager
Volunteer Resource Center

CU Restorative Justice Program
Jamie Pratt, assistant director of restorative justice and conflict resolution
Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution

Basic needs center
Fred Hodges
Event and community partnerships program manager
Volunteer Resource Center

3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.            Wrap-up

8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.           Bagels and coffee

9:15 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.           Welcome and opening remarks 

Glen Krutz 
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

9:20 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.           CELEBRATE!  

Staff Advisory Committee (SAC) Employee of the Year Winners

Chris Marelli 
SAC co-chair, director of the general chemistry labs

Elaine Paul
director, Visual Arts Complex
visual resources specialist, Department of Art and Art History

9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.            Break

9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.        Higher Education, a Whole Different Animal: How and Why Higher Education Is Not Like Other Organizations

What makes higher education different from other organizations and industries? What are the different employee “cultures” in an institution of higher education and what do they value? How are decisions made in higher ed? What do we mean by shared governance? Why does it take so long to get things done? These and many other questions about working in an institution of higher education will be answered in this session!

Merna Jacobsen, Ph.D., SPHR
Associate vice chancellor for organization and employee development
Deputy chief human resources officer  

10:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.             Break

11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.            Empower Personal Career Decision Making in the Midst of Self-Doubt and Systemic Barriers

While it can feel empowering and relieving to make a career decision, taking steps to enact the decision can feel overwhelming. For some of us, self-limiting beliefs—including imposter syndrome—negatively affect our ability to achieve a goal. For others, especially members of underrepresented and historically marginalized identities, systemic issues including access can hinder career goal attainment. Attend this highly interactive session to gain more clarity on what might be holding you back from taking the leap and pursuing your next career move. Collectively, we will discuss this topic on an individual and systemic level in terms of limitations and strategies for addressing those limitations.

Kristi Wasson
Assistant director, populations comprehensive career team
CU Boulder Career Services 

12 p.m. -  1 p.m.        Lunch 

Table resources:  check out the three resources for building community on campus 
Stop by the tables to learn more!

Volunteer Resource Center

Fred Hodges
Event and community partnerships program manager
Volunteer Resource Center

CU Restorative Justice Program

Jamie Pratt 
Assistant director of restorative justice and conflict resolution
Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution

Basic needs center

Fred Hodges
Event and community partnerships program manager
Volunteer Resource Center

1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.            The Welcome Land Launch Hub Is Here! 

Bernadette Stewart will introduce a new hub of knowledge that provides an introduction to the CU System. It empowers employees and supervisors to recognize where they are situated in the college, division and department, and to gain tactical guidance for work responsibilities. 

Bernadette Stewart
Assistant dean of culture and people, College of Arts and Sciences

1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.            Break

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.           Adopting the Shared Equity Leadership Model to My Work While Centering and Empowering My Personal Journey

The Shared Equity Leadership Model is a “critical-consciousness” process that invites individuals to reflect on and become critically aware of social, political and economic oppression and the resulting social injustices; identify and navigate the structural constraints and social inequities that limit human agency and well-being; and acquire the skills and resources to transform oppressive elements and create a just society. Through interactive participation and reflection, participants will dive deeper into what it means to reflect on their personal journey toward critical consciousness, while sharing equity-focused values and enacting specific practices to promote more just and equitable outcomes.

Dr. Patricia Gonzalez
Assistant dean for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, College of Arts and Sciences

Marysia Lopez
Program manager for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, College of Arts and Sciences

2:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.                  Break

3 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.                  Idea Forge tour

Victoria Lanaghan
Program coordinator, Idea Forge

3:20 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.            Campus tour

As the final session of the summit, this tour will immerse you in our top-tier public research institution nestled below the Flatirons. Discover the academic excellence, cutting-edge facilities and vibrant community that define the College of Arts and Sciences. From historic landmarks to awe-inspiring outdoor spaces, CU Boulder offers an unforgettable educational journey in a stunning natural setting.  Bring your water and walking shoes and dress for our Colorado weather!  

Gavin Laing, tour guide,
Faculty affairs senior coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences

4:15 p.m. - 6 p.m.                  Happy hour at 

The campus tour will end at the Buffalo pool (Rec Center) and from there we will go on a short walk to Avanti on Pearl Street (those with cars can meet us there). Food and drinks aren’t provided but please come spend time building community with your colleagues.

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Event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10, virtually and Friday, Aug. 11, in person

Staff members in the College of Arts and Sciences are invited to join the third-annual staff summit. Day one of the summit will feature virtual offerings focused on the event’s theme, Where have we been? Where are we going? How are we growing?  

Presentations will showcase the wide range of work in the college and the broader CU community. They will also share insight into the future of higher education, particularly how CU Boulder will adapt to students’ changing needs and the college’s opportunities to thrive.

Day two of the staff summit will highlight themes related to Connection, Community & Service. Organized activities and networking sessions will foster a stronger sense of community and belonging. Our emphasis on strengthening connections will involve learning about service projects, engaging in community building and fun!

The summit is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (virtual) and Friday, Aug. 11,^, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (in-person) with prizes on both days. All members of the college’s staff are welcome to attend. Registration is required and is available at this  

Participation is optional, but we encourage all staff to attend relevant sessions, and we urge managers and chairs to support these professional-development and community-building activities. 

The staff summit is an extension of the college’s Be Heard initiative and its commitment to employee development and engagement. The Be SEEN: Staff Training and Mentoring working group is committed to providing staff more opportunities to connect and network by investing in professional development opportunities such as this staff summit. 

How to attend and next steps:

• Please register by Friday, July 28, for one or both days of the staff summit at this .

• Please be sure to include your dietary restrictions for breakfast and lunch.
• Help us celebrate college wins!  As part of the 2023 staff summit, we want to celebrate the great accomplishments of the departments of arts and sciences. Please take a moment to describe your department's biggest win of the year by completing a short questionnaire at this .

For questions, contact Erin Cunningham Ritter.  

Full schedule of events:

10–10:15 a.m.               Welcome and opening remarks

Bernadette Stewart, assistant dean of culture and people 

10:15–11 a.m.               Keynote Presentation

Pat O’Rourke, executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer, CU Boulder   

O’Rourke will deliver a presentation that sets the tone for the summit's theme: "Where have we been? Where are we going? How are we growing?"

11–11:10 a.m.                Break

11:10 a.m.–12:10 p.m.  Journey to Achieving “Our College” DEI Goals

Dr. Patricia Gonzalez, assistant dean for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion

This presentation gives an overview of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Plan, the five diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals inspired by the IDEA Plan and offers updates on the College of Arts and Sciences’ progress on the DEI Action Plan. Rooted in the college’s and university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus environment, this workshop aims to provide transparency to the college’s DEI progress, including efforts to create a community where every individual feels valued and empowered. Gonzalez will delve into details of the IDEA Plan and DEI Action Plan, which encompass various strategies and initiatives to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our college. Be inspired to actively contribute to this transformative journey as we work together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all members of our community. For more information, please visit the IDEA Plan website, CU Boulder’s Five DEI Goals and the DEI Action Plan website.

12:10–12:40 p.m.      Lunch break

12:40–1:40 p.m            Trends in Higher Education:  A Panel Discussion with College Leadership

Moderated by Dean Glen Krutz 

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the latest trends in higher education and how this informs the future of the College of Arts and Sciences as well as our college culture. In this one-hour session, several deans from the College of Arts and Sciences at CU Boulder will share their expertise and perspectives on a range of topics—from the impact of artificial intelligence and the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion, to navigating the balance between freedom of speech and inclusivity on college campuses. This panel will delve into the pressing issues shaping higher education today. The session also will explore the potential of technology to enhance the educational experience, and prepare students for a globalized society. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and how it influences the newly reorganized college. Panelists include:  

—&�Բ�����;Bud Coleman, associate dean of faculty affairs and initiatives 
—&�Բ�����;Patricia Gonzalez, assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion
—&�Բ�����;Sarah Jackson, dean of the Division of Social Sciences
—&�Բ�����;John-Michael Rivera, dean of the Division of Arts and Humanities
—&�Բ�����;Clint Talbott, assistant dean for communication

1:40–1:50 p.m.             Break

1:50–2:20 p.m.             Research Highlights in the College

Holly Barnard, associate dean for research 

Please join this session for an informative presentation on groundbreaking research happening at CU Boulder and in the college. Explore diverse disciplines, innovative projects and the transformative impact of our faculty and researchers. Discover the latest insights and opportunities that make our college a hub of intellectual curiosity and innovation.

2:20–2:30 p.m.             Wrap-up

8:45–9:15 a.m.             Bagels and coffee

9:15–9:30 a.m.             Welcome and opening remarks

Dean Glen Krutz

9:30–9:45 a.m.             Celebrate the College’s Employees of the Year  

Elaine Paul and Jessica Brunecky, Staff Advisory Committee co-chairs

9:45–11:30 a.m.            Crafting Your Leadership Narrative

Dr. Patricia Gonzalez, assistant dean of justice, equity and inclusion, and Erin Cunningham Ritter, director of wellness and employee engagement

This workshop employs the psychological processes of storytelling to help generate inspired, action-oriented and results-driven leadership narratives and brands. Participants will explore the key elements of effective storytelling while navigating unconscious biases that may influence the tone of the stories we tell ourselves about our own capabilities and accomplishments, as well as how we articulate our professional history to our colleagues, employers and potential clients.

11:30–11:45 a.m.        Break

11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Staff Development: Community Service and the Staff Professional Development Fund  

Kathy Noonan, director of community engagement, and Bernadette Stewart, assistant dean of culture and people

Community service and professional development promote wellness and wellbeing. Engaging in community service and professional development activities provides individuals with increased positive emotions and a deeper sense of purpose. It offers opportunities for social interaction and connection, broadens experience and perspective and assists career growth. Join us to learn about existing and new opportunities to engage with the college and local community.

12:15–12:30 p.m.         Sustainable Practices with CU Boulder Recycling Services

Barry Sparks, facilities management outreach program manager

Join us as we explore CU Boulder's commitment to sustainable practices through recycling and composting. Discover comprehensive recycling programs and initiatives, including e-waste collection, that contribute to environmental stewardship. Learn about the university's successful food waste diversion programs and the utilization of compost in landscaping and gardening, inspiring individuals to adopt eco-conscious habits for a greener future.

12:30–1:30 p.m.         Lunch 

1:30–2:30 p.m.             College Climate and Decision-Making Activity 

Elaine Paul, Staff Advisory Committee co-chair 

Expanding on recent and continuing discussions at college community meetings, the dean's Staff Advisory Committee (SAC) seeks input on how to improve the workplace culture, or climate, for staff and integrate staff members in decision-making processes at both college and unit levels. In this session, staff will work in groups to explore barriers and opportunities in building a culture of true partnership. The feedback gathered will inform SAC's advocacy efforts as the group prepares a white paper on this subject.

2:30–2:40 p.m.             Break

2:40–3:30 p.m.             Knowledge Hub Sneak Peak 

Bernadette Stewart, assistant dean of culture and people, and Erin Cunningham Ritter, director of wellness and employee engagement

When deployed, this resource will be a hub of knowledge, providing an introduction to the CU System. It will help employees and supervisors fully recognize where they are situated in the college and to gain tactical guidance about work responsibilities. Knowledge Hub is a Microsoft OneNote file that will have multiple owners, editors and users. This is a “living document” in which staff are encouraged to contribute their expertise, historical knowledge, tips and tricks via Microsoft Teams channels.

3:30–4:30 p.m.              Campus Tour 

Gavin Laing, faculty affairs senior coordinator 

Concluding the staff summit, we invite you to join us for a captivating campus tour. As the final session of the summit, this tour will immerse you in our top-tier public research institution nestled at the base of the Flatirons. Discover the academic excellence, cutting-edge facilities and vibrant community that define the college and university. From historic landmarks to awe-inspiring outdoor spaces, CU Boulder offers an unforgettable educational journey in a stunning natural setting. Bring your water and walking shoes and dress for our Colorado weather!  

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Event is scheduled for Thursday, May 19, virtually and in person on Friday, May 20 

The state of higher education, personal and collective purpose, skill-building, and diversity and inclusion are all topics of conversation in the second annual College of Arts and Sciences staff summit.

The summit is scheduled for Thursday, May 19, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. (virtual) and Friday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to noon (in-person) with an optional happy hour at 3:30 p.m.  

All members of the college’s staff are welcome to attend. Registration is required and is available at . Participation is optional, but we encourage all staff to attend relevant sessions, and we urge managers and chairs to support these professional-development and community-building activities.

Highlights include sessions on topics like the unique structures of higher education, DEI, wellness, professional development and networking. See a full agenda below.

The staff summit is an outgrowth of the college’s Be Heard initiative and its commitment to employee development and engagement. The Be SEEN: Staff Training and Mentoring working group is committed to providing staff more opportunities to connect and network by investing in professional-development opportunities such as this staff summit. 

How to attend:  

• Please register for one or both days of the staff summit .

• Please be sure to include dietary restrictions for breakfast and indicate which one of the two breakout sessions (after breakfast) you would like to attend.

For questions, contact Erin Cunningham Ritter or Shelly Hammonds.

Agenda

Thursday, May 19, from 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location:  virtual via Zoom

8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.    
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Bernadette Stewart, Assistant Dean of Culture & People 

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  
Keynote Presentation:  Higher Ed: A Whole Different Animal
Merna Jacobsen, Associate Vice Chancellor and Interim Chief Human �ƹ���Ƶ Officer   

10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.
Break

10:10 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.

Skill Building Breakout Sessions 

Session A
Title/Speaker: Monthly m-Fin Reports in CU-Data, Kristina Mendez, Learning Design Manager at the Office of University Controller (System)  

Session B
Title/Speaker: Student Reporting using CU-Data, Joey LaConte, Office of the Registrar  

Session C
Title/Speaker: Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness & Employee Tuition Benefit, Stacy Gomez, Julianna Smolka, Meredith Doherty, CU System - Employee Services

10:55 a.m.–11:05 a.m.  
Break

11:05 a.m.–11:50 a.m
Title/Speaker: Leading in a Virtual Environment, Lauren Harris, Training & Development Manager  

11:50 –1:00 p.m.
Lunch Break

1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. 
Title/Speaker: Choosing Resilience: A Guide to Fortifying Emotional and Mental Wellness, Stanley Ly, MA, LPC, Director FSAP

1:45 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
Break

1:55 p.m – 2:40 p.m.
Why Students Persist and How You Can Help, Erin Datteri & Daniel Easton, A&S Academic Advising and Coaching  

2:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Break

2:50 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Centering Liberation: Building a Foundation for critical DEI Engagement, Ashley Grice, Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Friday, May 20 from 9 a.m. - noon

Locations:  Institute for Behavioral Science (IBS)
1440 15th St, Boulder, CO 80309
&
Grandview Cottage, 1320 Grandview Ave., Boulder, CO 80302  

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  
Networking/breakfast
Location: IBS 

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.   
Welcome and Opening Remarks – Bernadette Stewart, Assistant Dean of Culture & People  
Location:  IBS

9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.   
Updates: Renée Crown Wellness Institute & Mindful Campus Project

10:00 a.m. –  Noon
Concurrent Sessions:

Activity: Crafting Your Leadership Narrative, Dr. Patricia Gonzalez & Dr. Erin Cunningham Ritter, College of Arts & Sciences
Location: IBS Room 155  

Activity: Guided Campus Walk   
Host:  Bernadette Stewart, Kathy Noonan, Gavin Laing, College of Arts & Sciences CU Student Ambassador 
Location: Grandview Cottage

3:30 p.m.      
H3- Happy Human Hour   
Host:  Bernadette Stewart  
Location: AVANTI F&B Boulder, 
1401 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO            

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CU Boulder staffer and alum embraces avocation as a writer in later life.

Cynthia Clark’s first novel circled endlessly in her head for a couple of decades before she finally decided it was time to set it free.

“When I got the guts to sit down and write it, I discovered that I was visualizing it like a movie. While typing I could see characters blink their eyes, turn their heads or reach down,” says Clark, education program assistant in the Department of Linguistics at her alma mater, the University of Colorado Boulder.

Cynthia Clark, education program assistant in the Department of Linguistics and an author, recently published  (cover at top).

Clark (Econ’82; Law’85) self-published that long-pent-up romantic-suspense novel, , with Parker-based Outskirts Press in December 2019. Set in the shadow of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, it tells the story of recently divorced Lana Ross, who hires an old high-school acquaintance, Leon, to help her change the locks and set up a security system, only to discover that he has long had an unhealthy, dangerous obsession with her. When Lana begins traveling around Colorado with her new, Harley-Davidson riding companion, Vincent “Roadking” Romano, Leon’s jealousy pushes him toward violence.

A year later, Clark published her second novel, , which turns on a road romance between rock musician Tano and a hitchhiker named Holly.

“I’m really a music fan, especially of classic rock from the ‘60s and ‘70s,” Clark says, citing the Eagles, former Coloradan Joe Walsh and Barnstorm and Firefall, the most successful band to emerge from the Boulder music scene.

“So, a music thread runs through both my novels. At the end of the first novel, the main character says—much like me—that her life has been accompanied by a soundtrack, and all the way through the book, songs pop up.”

And in July, she published her first children’s book, , with help from the online company Blueberry Illustrations. A true story, the book tells the story of a cat who decided to hitch a ride with the Clark family from their rural property in Hygiene to town one day. When they emerged from a restaurant, they were surprised to see him twitching his tail while patiently awaiting their return on the hood of their pickup truck.

“The story really happened. Max had tried to go into town with us way more than twice,” she says. “People say that cats hate going in the car; well, this one didn’t!”

In contrast to the long-gestating first novel—which took three years to write—and second—one and a half years—Clark wrote Max’s, in verse, in just a half an hour.

“Max was kind of a fill-in after I wrote the second novel and started the sequel to the first, which I’ve just finished,” she says. “But I decided I really love doing children’s books, too.”

She is now preparing her second kids’ book, Wilbur and the Watering Can, another true story, this time with a toad in the starring role. In addition, the sequel to her first novel is in the editing process, she’s begun writing a sequel to the second, and ideas for kids’ books are constantly percolating in her mind.

“While I’m driving, I’m always thinking, ‘What if this happened, or that happened,’” she says. “I love, love writing and can’t seem to quit. I never have writer’s block. I only regret not taking a chance on it 10 or 15 years earlier.”

Clark has also published two adult novels:  (left) and (right).

Clark made a conscious decision to pursue self-publishing rather than go through the long and sometimes arduous process of trying to find a traditional publisher. She relies on Amber Byers of Lafayette-based for copy editing, to ensure that her books reach the reading audience in the best possible shape.

“I just wanted the story to be told. I didn’t want to mess around, waiting for six months to hear ‘yes,’ ‘no’ or nothing at all,” she says. “Publishers are really taking a chance on novice authors, and reluctant to risk the cost of a print book. If I’d gone that way, I could still be waiting on that first novel, and I wouldn’t have written the second, or Max.”

Clark is a life-long resident of Boulder County and fourth-generation Coloradan. She graduated from Longmont High School and later earned a BA in economics and JD degree from CU Boulder. She practiced law before retiring to raise a family in Hygiene—where her husband grew up.

She returned to work on campus in 2007, after attending a talk at Wolf Law by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer a few months before.

“I remembered how much I like (campus) and realized that I wanted to come back,” she says.

Now, being on campus continually inspires her writing.

“I love being back at CU and seeing the Flatirons through the window every single day. It felt like home to come back here,” she says. “And I feed off the energy of students. I think my novels have a youthful bent to them; (students) inspire and influence my writing.”

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The summit is scheduled on Friday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Staff members in the College of Arts and Sciences can participate in presentations about diversity and inclusion, "tactical upskilling," professional development, and wellness, among other topics, in the first staff summit.

The summit is scheduled on Friday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All members of the college’s staff are welcome to attend. Registration is required.

Want to attend the summit?

Friday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Keynote speakers for the event are Dyonne Bergeron, assistant vice chancellor for inclusion and student achievement at the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, and Stefanie K. Johnson, associate professor and academic director at the Center for Leadership, Leeds School of Business.

Bergeron will speak on “The Power of You: Achieving the In-Betweens,” and Johnson will give a presentation titled “INCLUSIFY: From Unconscious Bias to Consciously Inclusive.” The first 100 staff members to register will receive a free copy of her book by the same title.

The staff summit is an outgrowth of the college’s Be Heard initiative and its commitment to employee development and engagement.The Be SEEN: Staff Training and Mentoring working group is committed to providing staff greater accessibility to connect and network by investing in professional development opportunities such as this virtual summit. 

The summit is co-sponsored by the Center for Leadership. A full agenda is at below. For questions, please contact Karen Hawley or Shelly Hammonds.

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James W.C. White, interim dean of the college, soaks up the scenery in the foothills above Boulder. 

When two young faculty members bought their home in Boulder decades ago, the city and its university were smaller and housing was much cheaper. Growth since then has been a double-edged sword:

Their home’s market value has soared, but so has their potential tax burden. 

As the couple eyed retirement, they sought to make a planned gift to the University of Colorado Boulder, both because it will support the university and because it makes financial sense for them. They will do this through a financial mechanism called a “charitable remainder unitrust” (or CRUT), which can benefit both the university and the donor.

The couple needed some additional income as they aged, but selling their home outright would have generated a very large capital-gains tax bill.  

Additionally, they wanted to support the university beyond what they could muster through an outright donation of cash. 

For them, the right choice was a CRUT, a form of planned giving that can help meet the educational needs of tomorrow while helping longtime faculty members today. 

Under such an arrangement, donors receive a lifetime stream of income and substantial tax advantages—avoiding capital gains taxes while gaining a charitable gift income tax deduction. The stream of income, which is adjusted annually by the current value of the investment, is a lifelong resource. 

 

We’ve had very good careers at CU, and we feel grateful.​"

Afterwards, the CRUT, which can be directed toward scholarships, a department, your favorite college, or any other strategic priority the donors choose, provides an assurance that the university of tomorrow will benefit from the generosity of today.

Given the boom in real-estate prices, the effects of such giving can be significant. Colorado’s population has nearly tripled since 1970, and the growth has propelled real-estate prices, particularly for owners who’ve held property for decades. That trend has been particularly pronounced in highly desirable places like Boulder. One faculty member put it this way:

Boulder is a nice town, but the university has been a major factor in the city’s soaring housing prices. From that perspective, a homeowner whose property value has increased by, say, a factor of 10, reaps that benefit largely because of the university.

The faculty member likened the rising home values to “funny money,” adding: “You didn’t do a thing to earn it; in fact, the people who really earned it are in some sense the university, so they ought to share it.”

While there are practical reasons the couple planned this gift, it is important to note that their motivations are genuinely philanthropic: “We’ve had very good careers at CU, and we feel grateful.”

Other members of the faculty or staff may find themselves at a similar juncture in life. At that time, I hope they consider following the example of the faculty members I’ve cited here. It’s never been easier to employ a financial tool to transform personal realty into educational reality. 

Please consider joining your colleagues who have chosen to do good for the university while also providing for their own needs. It’s a legacy all of us can be proud of and thankful for.

James W.C. White is interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Contact the Gift Planning Office today:

Call 303-541-1229 or Email giftplanning@cu.edu

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