Published: March 15, 2023

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 Philip DiStefano greets professors Violeta Chapin (left) and Reiland Rabaka (right).

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

Professor John Michael-Rivera visits with Graduate School Dean Scott Adler.

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

Taylor Jaworski, Associate professor of economic history, addresses the audience during the Chancellor’s Summit for the University of Colorado Boulder. (Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado)

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

Reiland Rabaka, Professor of African, African American and Caribbean Studies and founding director of the Center for African and African American Studies, addresses the audience during the 2023 Chancellor’s Summit for the University of Colorado Boulder. (Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado)

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

Ryan Chreist, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Executive Director with the CU Alumni Association, addresses the audience during the 2023 Chancellor’s Summit for the University of Colorado Boulder. (Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado)

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

Attendees pose for a photo during the 2023 Chancellor’s Summit for the University of Colorado Boulder. (Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado)

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

Attendees fill their plates with tacos and other catered food

Attendees fill their plates with tacos and other catered food

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

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

Attendees visit different campus booths at the summit

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

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