Celebrating more than 8,000 graduates last week highlighted an academic year of notable accomplishments for faculty, staff, students and the campus that represents the hard work of our entire community
Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano
We have had a tremendous year, filled with milestones such as our Be Boulder Pact; launching our CU Boulder Next outreach tour to engage alumni, donors and prospective students nationally; and hosting another successful Conference on World Affairs, to name only a few.
Several faculty were inducted into, and awarded by, national academies, and Marvin Caruthers was named to the National Inventors Hall of Fame for developing methods for chemically synthesizing DNA that helped launch the biotechnology industry, showing once again that when we speak of our “world-class faculty,” it is more than just a cliché.
Serene Singh, a junior from Colorado Springs majoring in political science and journalism with a minor in leadership studies, won a prestigious Truman Scholarship that includes $30,000 for graduate study, priority admission at graduate institutions and intensive leadership training. She is one of 59 new Truman Scholars selected from 756 candidates. Serene is our 11th recipient of the scholarship, and first since 2014. She represents the great work of thousands of students at CU Boulder who make me proud.
The campus undertook a bold initiative this year: Academic Futures: Reimagining the university—the futures of learning and discovery. A three-year process, Academic Futures in its first year asked the community to bring forth ideas–without constraints or concerns about resources–about what CU Boulder might become and how we might transform teaching, learning, creative work and scholarship.
Following more than 100 community meetings this year, the initiative has generated more than 155 white papers with ideas. Now a committee is sorting through these ideas, looking for patterns of input and identifying core themes.
Finally, private giving this year has embodied our conviction to lead, innovate and impact. We couldn’t do it without the support of our generous donors. Here is a small sampling of these vitally important gifts.
- Through our Architects of Music Fund, musically talented students are receiving scholarship and student-success support thanks to alumnus Don Johnson and his wife Maria. Their giving continues to enhance our university's arts, international collaboration and cultural exchanges.
- In support of entrepreneurial innovation and campus collaboration, Dan Caruso and his wife Cindy committed a $2 million gift to promote entrepreneurial activities and the future building connection between our Leeds School of Business and our College of Engineering and Applied Science. Their gift highlights our dedication to innovation, inclusion, entrepreneurship and diversity.
- Professional runners and alumni Sara and Brent Vaughn established the Vaughn Family Endowed Child Care Scholarship Fund, helping to fill the financial assistance gap that exists for student-parents. This significant fund will help our student-parents to realize their dreams and to accomplish their educational goals.
I want to thank everyone on campus for leading, innovating and impacting their communities. Go Buffs!
Philip P. DiStefano,
Chancellor
