Office of the Chancellor > Speeches, Columns and Letters > Learning the ropes at CU, in Boulder

Learning the ropes at CU, in Boulder
December 2006

Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson

I have especially enjoyed the opportunity to hear from many of you at the Alumni Association board gatherings, meetings with various faculty groups, meetings of the CU Foundation board, pep rallies on the Pearl Street Mall and the grand openings of our marvelous new facilities, the Wolf Law Building and the ATLAS Center. My wife Val has joined me on many occasions. She worked with curators to have some artwork on loan from the CU Art Museum’s Colorado Collection displayed in the University Residence.

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the relationship between CU-Boulder and the local community, I have met with many townspeople, including the Boulder City Council. When Deputy Mayor Suzy Ageton (PhD Soc’74, Law’88) suggested I ride along with the local police, I made arrangements to spend two overnight shifts, one with the Boulder police and one with the CU police.

Although Val and I have four children in their 20s, I was quite surprised by the variety of situations the officers encountered. What made the greatest impression on me was the tremendous sense of pride with which all of the officers approach their duties. While you might think my presence influenced their behavior, it was clear both of these organizations are comprised of dedicated individuals committed to the safety and welfare of all members of the Boulder community.

For instance, around midnight campus police stopped a woman who was driving erratically. Officers discovered she was not intoxicated but emotionally distraught because of an argument with her boyfriend. They did not arrest her, but instead offered to call a friend and made sure she could get home safely.

In another incident, city police were invited to conduct a “preparty walk through” at a fraternity house. They advised the party hosts on how to maintain control, keep uninvited guests out and monitor alcohol consumption. It was an amazing scene of collaboration and cooperation.

Later the officers closed down a different fraternity party when an uninvited guest threw a bottle at the officers. The situation was handled skillfully.

While the officers faced a number of difficult situations they were, in every case, calm, well-prepared, extremely professional and exhibited remarkably good judgment. I can only hope that the law enforcement entities that are watching over our four children are as well trained, professional and caring as those here in Boulder.

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Chancellor Bud Peterson came to CU-Boulder July 15 after six years as provost at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. You may contact him by e-mail at chanchat@colorado.edu.