More than 1,500 faculty, staff and graduate students attended the Buffs Back Together event on a hot, sunny summer day on Farrand Field, where they were treated to lunch, a variety of sweet treats, yard games, music, giveaways, canine companions and face-to-face conversations with colleagues.

Provost Russ Moore kicked off the event, which took place on Wednesday, Aug. 11, with a warm welcome to all of the attendees.

“Thank you, and on behalf of Chancellor DiStefano, I would like to welcome faculty, staff and graduate students to the Buffs Back Together recognition luncheon,” Moore said. “This is a chance to celebrate and reconnect with each other in a spirit of fellowship and gratitude, focusing on the possibilities of the academic year ahead and the combined strength and spirit of our faculty and staff in realizing those possibilities.”

The event received support from numerous units on campus, including Athletics, the Alumni Association, Campus Dining Services, the Environmental Center, Facilities Management, the Pandemic Response Office, Parking Services, Staff Council, Strategic Relations and Communications and within Student Affairs, Recreation Services, Health Promotions and Medical Services.

Lucky registrants for the event also received prizes from CU Athletics, CU Presents, the Alumni Association, the CU Bookstore, Fiske Planetarium and CU Medical Services during a live drawing.

CU leaders including Chief Operating Officer Pat O’Rourke, Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Sustainability David Kang, Senior Vice Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Planning and Assessment Katherine Eggert, Executive Vice Provost Ann Schmiesing, Graduate School Dean Scott Adler, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness Jennifer McDuffie and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Akirah Bradley also attended and gave brief remarks during the event, which kicked off at 10:30 a.m. and wrapped up at 1:30 p.m.