A look back at CU Boulder in 2023 celebrates the arrival of Coach Prime, the opening of the new Center for African and African American Studies, the beauty of our campus through the seasons and much more.

Off

With the help of family and volunteers, students from across the country and globe arrived on campus this week eager to move into their residence halls and start their time at CU Boulder.

Off

Around 300 community members gathered at the Boulder Theater to celebrate the value of community care and compassion. The night featured remarks from CU and Boulder leaders, along with food, drinks, giveaways and a concert on Pearl Street.

Off

Rain did not tamp down people’s pride as the extended CU Boulder community celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 with some of the university’s longest standing and grandest traditions.

Off

With finals around the corner, therapy pups were happy to accommodate students with a much-needed study break at the Rec Center this week. 

Off

Staff Council’s Campus Kids Day on April 27 brought family fun for employees and their little ones. Special attractions at the Rec Center included Chip, activity tables, ice skating, pizza and more.

Off

The annual Boulder Faculty Assembly Excellence Awards took place Wednesday, April 19, at the University Memorial Center. The awards recognize outstanding work and a concerted effort to make advances in the academy, particularly in three areas: Excellence in Leadership and Service; Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Work; and Excellence in Teaching and Pedagogy. 

Excellence in Leadership and Service recognizes the importance of leadership and service as indispensable features of faculty responsibilities; Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Work recognizes the importance of research, scholarly and creative work as integral parts of faculty achievements; and Excellence in Teaching and Pedagogy recognizes the importance of teaching and mentoring students as significant components of faculty duties.

The chancellor provides financial support for the awards. The 2023 award monetary prize is $5,000.

At the ceremony, the previous year’s  gave a faculty address. 

Since 1992, the Hazel Barnes Prize has been awarded each year to a CU Boulder faculty member who exemplifies the enriching relationship between teaching and research, and whose work has had a significant impact on students, faculty, colleagues and the university.

The BFA awards ceremony was hosted by BFA chair Tiffany Beechy, and awards were presented by Provost Russ Moore. The 2023 award winners in each category are: 

Excellence in Leadership and Service

• Cassandra Brooks, Environmental Studies
• Janet Donavan, Political Science

Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Work

• Meredith Betterton, Physics
• Benjamin Teitelbaum, Musicology and International Affairs

Excellence in Teaching

• Nicole Jobin, Stories and Societies RAP and History
• Charles Nuttelman, Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Michele Simpson, Philosophy Arts and Culture RAP

Off

Celebrating 75 years, the Conference on World Affairs in 2023 brought perspectives on the climate’s impact—impacts on urban planning, employment, food production and other aspects of daily life. Panelists considered how journalism and the arts affect public perception of the changing climate, and more.

Off

With end-of-semester academics and activities in sight, creating a sometimes frenzied pace, who couldn't use a yoga break with baby goats or a moment to connect with miniature horses? Both sets of furry friend visitors delighted campus community members this week. 

Off

CU Boulder community members gathered on March 14 at History Colorado in Denver for the Chancellor’s Annual Summit. The large crowd heard from faculty experts on this year’s theme: democracy and social mobility in a pluralistic society. 

The summit, including a reception, exhibit hall and questions from the audience, was hosted by Chancellor Philip DiStefano, who gave opening remarks. DiStefano described the importance of coming together in the face of a nation and world that feels increasingly fractured. 

“The distrust and the division that are so pervasive are also a reminder that yes, our democracy matters, and it’s worth preserving its tenets,” he said. DiStefano also talked about hope.

In short talks, guest speakers Violeta Chapin, Taylor Jaworski, Reiland Rabaka and John-Michael Rivera discussed topics ranging from undocumented people living in the United States to Martin Luther King Jr. 's concept of the beloved community. The conversations also touched on economic constraints versus prosperity and the emergence of Mexican America. 

Questions from audience members covered intersectionality; the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program; the environment and economic growth; and ChatGPT. 

Photos by Casey Cass/University of Colorado.

Chancellor Phillip DiStefano greets summit speakers Professor Violeta Chapin (left) and Professor Reiland Rabaka (right).

Ryan Chreist, assistant vice chancellor and executive director of the CU Alumni Association, emcess.

Attendees fill their plates with tacos and other catered foods.

Professor John Micheal-Rivera, who spoke at the event, visits with Graduate School Dean Scott Adler.

Attendees pose for a photo during the Chancellor's Annual Summit.

Apple executive Aaron Grider and CU system's Christina Beck chat with local entrepreneur Chris Bentley. 

Taylor Jaworski, Associate professor of economic history, addresses the audience.

Reiland Rabaka, Professor of African, African American and Carribean Studies and founding director of the Center for African and African American Studies, addresses the audience. 

Attendees visit different campus booths at the summit, including one from the Center for Inclusion and Social Change.

Related Articles