Ten things to do this week. This is a weekly column highlighting events on campus and in Boulder by Samuel Fuller, history major and resident event virtuoso.
Once again the CU-Boulder campus is littered with sunshine, it is of no coincidence then that we are also flush with options to spend our time this week. Our campus is an epicenter for cultural exploration and celebration. Through a variety of ways, including showcases, fashion shows, talent shows and food tastings, the university and your fellow students provide us with an array of activities that celebrate and explore the diversity of our student body.
This week I encourage you, if you have not already, to step outside of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in an area of campus life you would usually ignore. The Cultural Events Board is the proud sponsor of many of the following events; enjoy some comedy from a Hollywood acclaimed comedian, Eddie Huang comes to discuss his award winning book Fresh off the Boat, or head to the newly renovated Glenn Miller Ballroom to experience a “Culture Shock.”
Tuesday, March 10
An evening of comedy with Ahmed Ahmed. Ahmed Ahmed is an actor, producer, comedian and everything in-between. He is currently the star of TBS’s hit TV series Sullivan and Son. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend an evening with one of Hollywood’s finest funny men, who recently toured with the great Vince Vaughn on his “wild West” comedy tour. Tickets are free and open to the public; the event will take place in Old main at 7 p.m. More information here.
Wednesday, March 11
"For the Health of it." This Wednesday, join the Women’s Resource Center for a presentation focusing on health disparities among marginalized groups of women of color. This is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your cultural understanding of marginalized groups in the United States in a welcoming and safe environment. This talk will take place in UMC 416 from 4-5 p.m. More information here.
Thursday, March 12
Disruption screening. Living in Boulder we are surrounded by the beauty that is nature. However, we often forget about the threat of climate change to our environment. The Environmental Center brings these issues to the forefront with a screening of Disruption, which showcases an unflinching look at the devastating consequences of our inaction in regards to climate change. This event will take place in Hellems 252 and begins at 5:30 p.m. More information here.
An evening with Paul Farmer. Spend your Thursday learning about the extensive career of Paul Farmer, a medical anthropologist and physician who has dedicated his life to improving the healthcare conditions of the world’s poorest people. Join myself and the Cultural Events Board in discovering the importance of providing healthcare to those who needs it most. This event will take place in the newly renovated Glenn Miller Ballroom in the UMC. Tickets are free and open to everyone. As a side note: Attending this event will fulfill the diversity training requirement for CU-Boulder student employees. More information here.
NASA’s New Horizons Mission to Pluto. Head down to the Fiske Planetarium to uncover the fascinating journey of NASA’s New Horizon’s nine year journey to Pluto, which will land on July 14 of this year. The Thursday showing will be presented by mission team member Fran Bagenal; the show begins at 7.p.m. The Thursday showing is free for CU students, and the Friday showing is $7. More information can be found here.
Friday, March 13
The Department of History invites you to celebrate the diversity of gender and biological sex at the Ninth Annual TRANSforming Gender Conference. Once again, this is an opportunity to experience and learn about a side of campus and American culture that you may be unaware of or unaccustomed to. This event takes place over the course of two days, and features keynote speakers as well as panels and workshops. Tickets are free and information on speakers and schedules can be found here.
International Coffee Hour. Thinking about studying or travelling abroad? Why not experience how international students at CU have enjoyed studying and travelling abroad at the International Coffee Hour. Enjoy free coffee supplied by Baby Doe’s and come meet and socialize with more than 50 students, each with their own unique background, languages and cultures to share. International Coffee Hour is a recurring event that takes place each week in the UMC in the seating area opposite the Alfred Packer Grill at 4 p.m. More information here.
Collaborasian and the Cultural Events Board present Fresh off the Boat: A night with Eddie Huang. Eddie Huang is a bestselling author, and current producer of his own TV show on ABC. Join him this Friday, at 5:30 p.m. in Ramaley C250 as he shares his own experiences with battling racial stereotypes and discusses his recent works. More information here.
Saturday, March 14
Culture Shock: The seventh annual multicultural talent showcase. Celebrate the diversity of talent and culture at CU as the Cultural Events Board presents Boulder’s largest annual talent show. Not only will there be local talent, but Andrew Garcia, JR Aquino and Brian Puspos will feature as the guest performers. Garcia is a former American Idol contestant. Check him out on YouTube is you haven’t already, his take on Michael Jackson is particularly impressive. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Glenn Miller Ballroom at the UMC. Tickets are free and open to everyone. More information here.
If you are still struggling to find something that peaks your interest, I would be remiss if I did not suggest exploring Boulder’s outdoor options. Boulder was recently rated the “No. 1 sports town in America,” and there are plenitude of different options right on our doorstep. The Boulder Running Company does weekly road runs on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m., as well Sunday morning trail runs at 8 a.m. Boulder B-Cycles are available to rent as well as more advanced rental options from University Bicycles (they even have "Fatboy Bikes"). Take some time out of your weekend to explore. As a friend who recently left Boulder remarked yesterday, “appreciate Boulder while you are there, once you leave you realize how lucky you really were to live there.” This weekend is as good an opportunity as ever; the weather will be great and you deserve some relaxation before we enter the last push toward the end of the semester.
Have some fun!
As always, if you have any ideas or events that you would like to be included in future articles, feel free to email us at: eventscalendareditor@colorado.edu and don’t forget to check out all the great things to do at the CU-Boulder Events Calendar.
