News and Stories from Colorado College /newsevents/newsroom/2025/dr-manya-whitaker-appointed-15th-president-of-colorado-college.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/dr-manya-whitaker-appointed-15th-president-of-colorado-college.html Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:57:00 MDT Colorado College has named Dr. Manya Whitaker as its 15th president, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. A nationally respected educational psychologist, author, professor, and campus leader, Whitaker brings deep institutional knowledge, bold vision, and a steadfast commitment to the liberal arts.  Her appointment marks a historic moment for Colorado College (Æ·É«ÌÃ). As interim president over the past year, Dr. Whitaker led the college through a period of strategic transformation: surpassing fundraising goals, securing a new Carnegie research classification, and championing a student-centered vision for Æ·É«ÌÃ’s next chapter — the College’s 151st year.  “Manya Whitaker has demonstrated exceptional leadership during a pivotal time in the College’s history,” said Jeff Keller, outgoing Chair of the Æ·É«ÌÃ Board of Trustees. “From day one in the interim role, she brought vision and pragmatism. We recently celebrated Æ·É«ÌÃ’s 150th year, and the board has every confidence that President Whitaker is the right person to lead the College forward as we embark upon our next 150.”  Incoming Board Chair Kyle Samuel echoed the sentiment. “Manya Whitaker has consistently impressed and inspired us with her vision, leadership, and deep commitment to the mission of Colorado College. She brings a steady hand and a bold perspective — exactly what’s needed in this transformative era for higher education.”  An educator and expert in adolescent identity development and motivation, Dr. Whitaker previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to former Æ·É«ÌÃ President L. Song Richardson. Her leadership spans faculty and administrative roles, including professor and chair of the Education Department, director of multiple faculty and student centers, and executive oversight of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.  During her 14-year tenure at Æ·É«ÌÃ, Dr. Whitaker has been a champion for equity, academic rigor, and inclusive innovation. Her vision for Colorado College centers on what she describes as "claiming the College’s space in the market,” defining Æ·É«ÌÃ as a place where academic freedom and belonging reinforce each other, where sense of place informs national impact, and where a liberal arts education prepares students to lead with purpose.  “I believe deeply in the power of a liberal arts education, especially one powered by the Block Plan and rooted in this place, with these people, at this moment,” said President Whitaker. “Colorado College has the content and character to lead in higher education. I am honored to continue serving this vibrant community and advancing the mission we share.”   “Our work ahead will be grounded in collaboration and clarity,” she continued. “We will ask bold questions, pursue meaningful change, and always center our students. This is a place where hope for the future and tradition meet, and I’m excited to work with colleagues across Æ·É«ÌÃ to shape what comes next.”  Dan Porterfield, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute and a Æ·É«ÌÃ trustee, said, “Manya Whitaker is a terrific, student-centered leader who understands liberal arts education and Colorado College extremely well. She has served the College with distinction as a professor, as a senior administrator, and as Interim President. I’m excited for the next chapters of her leadership at Æ·É«ÌÃ.”  Dr. Whitaker holds a doctorate in developmental psychology from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology from Dartmouth College. She is the author of four books and more than 20 academic book chapters and articles focused on equitable pedagogy and educational leadership.  In accepting the appointment, President Whitaker said, “It has been a profound honor to serve this extraordinary community as Interim President over the past year and as a faculty member in the years prior. I am inspired daily by our students’ passion, our faculty’s wisdom, our staff’s dedication, and the entire campus community’s commitment to the College’s values. I look forward to working together to build on our strengths and shape an even brighter future for Colorado College.”  /newsevents/newsroom/_images/15thpres_sq.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/carrello-25-wins-archaeological-field-school-scholarship.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/06/23/carrello-25-wins-archaeological-field-school-scholarship/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 13:08:00 MDT https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/06/23/carrello-25-wins-archaeological-field-school-scholarship/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/image-1.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/molecular-biology-major-pursues-patent-legal-career.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/06/20/molecular-biology-major-pursues-patent-legal-career/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:00:00 MDT https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/06/20/molecular-biology-major-pursues-patent-legal-career/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/IMG_7573.jpeg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/ashley-aj-johnson-named-head-coach-of-cc-womens-lacrosse.html https://cctigers.com/news/2025/6/2/ashley-johnson-named-head-coach-of-cc-womens-lacrosse.aspx Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:56:00 MDT https://cctigers.com/news/2025/6/2/ashley-johnson-named-head-coach-of-cc-womens-lacrosse.aspx /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Screenshot-2025-06-02-at-5.57.20PM.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/governor-polis-at-cc-to-sign-geothermal-bill.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/governor-polis-at-cc-to-sign-geothermal-bill.html Tue, 27 May 2025 12:57:00 MDT Colorado Governor Jared Polis was on campus on Tuesday, May 27 to sign House Bill 25-1165 Geologic Storage Enterprise & Geothermal Resources into law. Gov. Polis noted that it was significant to be signing the bill – one that sets up the future of geothermal energy in Colorado – at Æ·É«ÌÃ, specifically in Tutt Library, as Tutt is the largest net-zero academic library in the country. “This bill helps lay the foundation for geothermal and carbon capture to be even more competitive,” says Polis. “We want to signal to the marketplace that Colorado is ready for geothermal, ready for carbon sequestration. There's vast potential here. This bill makes it easier to scale and deploy geothermal energy projects across our state like the one that we have right here at this library at Colorado College.” Members of Æ·É«ÌÃ’s Office of Sustainability were in attendance along with members of the Department of Natural Resources, who were instrumental in the bill’s construction. House Bill 25-1165 is a bi-partisan bill that focuses on the management of underground energy resources in the state. It creates a geologic storage stewardship enterprise in the Department of Natural Resources and a board to administer the enterprise. The bill also makes several updates to laws concerning the administration of underground geothermal resources and brings regulatory clarity to geothermal water projects as they relate to other water projects. “We continue to look at where and how we can take bold action to open the door for opportunity and to make sure that we can use every tool possible to generate low-cost energy, to store energy, to reduce pollution,” says Polis. “That's really what this bill is all about. It streamlines geothermal development and minimizes cost. It expedites permitting. It also reduces the risk to industry and the public and it uplifts existing geothermal operations.” The bill sets up Colorado as a leader in the future of geothermal energy, while also providing for the state’s residents, saving them money and assuring them an eco-friendly energy source. The prime sponsors of HB25-1165 are Rep. Amy Paschal, Rep. Matt Soper, Sen. Cleave Simpson, and Sen. Cathy Kipp. “I am super excited to have this bill signed today,” says Paschal. “It’s an extremely important bill for Colorado. I'm hoping that this brings some geothermal operations to Colorado that can contribute to our energy resources here. It's yet another option for clean energy as we move towards our goal of 100% renewable and clean energy here in Colorado.” /newsevents/newsroom/_images/052725_JPOLIS_JCOTTEN-3862xlr.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/maggie-anderson-25-earns-fulbright-eta-award.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/maggie-anderson-25-earns-fulbright-eta-award.html Fri, 23 May 2025 14:01:00 MDT Name: Maggie Anderson Grad Year: 2025 Award: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Guatemala   “I’m thrilled to work closely with university students as an English Teaching Assistant in Guatemala,” says Anderson. “Living abroad for a year offers a unique opportunity to build lasting connections and immerse myself in a new culture. The goals of the Fulbright program – promoting cross-cultural understanding and expanding international communication – have never been so important. I am so excited to see what I will learn from this experience.” Anderson would especially like to thank Roy Jo Sartin (Æ·É«ÌÃ’s Grant Writing Specialist) for feedback on her essays, as well as her recommenders for their support throughout the application process. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Image.jpeg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cardiac-internship-inspires-molecular-biology-major-to-pursue-nursing-career.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/05/06/cardiac-internship-inspires-molecular-biology-major-to-pursue-nursing-career/ Fri, 23 May 2025 13:15:00 MDT https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/05/06/cardiac-internship-inspires-molecular-biology-major-to-pursue-nursing-career/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/IMG_4046-1.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/class-of-2025-the-largest-graduating-class-in-cc-history.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/class-of-2025-the-largest-graduating-class-in-cc-history.html Sun, 18 May 2025 15:10:00 MDT “You are graduating at a moment when it is vital to take a stand,” said Commencement Speaker Mike Shum '07, addressing the Class of 2025, the historic 150th class at Colorado College, and the largest graduating class in college history with 537 strong. The award-winning, independent filmmaker and journalist shared a message to embrace the unknown, face fears, and to keep eyes wide open. “I found my purpose in journalism,” Shum said. “Reporting, fact-gathering, fact-checking, and the overall process of journalism became integral to my filmmaking process. Capturing history became a responsibility. I found purpose in holding power accountable, in showing diverse perspectives across a political, racial, and socioeconomic divide, and in shedding light on stories that would otherwise remain lost or hidden.” Shum expressed his excitement about how 15 of the graduates have minors in journalism, something not available to him when he was a student. Æ·É«ÌÃ established the Journalism Institute in 2018. “You are graduating at a moment when journalism is under attack. Higher education is under attack. The U.S. Constitution is under attack,” Shum added. “The truth is, I fear for this current time. A lot of us do. I believe it is important to recognize when we’re feeling vulnerable, uncomfortable, and afraid. I invite you to begin this next step in your journey by cultivating a relationship with fear. It is in this kind of reflective work we learn to overcome difficult moments.” Interim President Manya Whitaker, in her first address in the president’s role, also encouraged embracing life with tenacity, persistence, and openness. “Go boldly. Say yes to the detours, the unexpected openings, the doors you didn’t plan to knock on. Because your story with Æ·É«ÌÃ doesn’t end here — it launches from here,” Whitaker told the graduates. “Let your life be proof of what a Æ·É«ÌÃ education makes possible — not just for you, but for your communities, your causes, and the world. You are now part of this college’s living legacy.” The graduates will go down in history during Æ·É«ÌÃ’s sesquicentennial year-long celebration (2024 – 2025), marking 150 years of making an impact. The largest graduating class at the college will join the roughly 30,000 alumni whose journeys also began on campus and vaulted them all over the world leading change. Of the Class of 2025, 30 percent took a course abroad, 117 had venture grant research projects, nine were Fulbright semi-finalists, and at least three are Fulbright grantees. Two are Watson Fellowship winners. Ninety percent of the class participated in athletics. There were 10 programs nationally ranked this year, with 12 NCAA post season appearances and 20 conference championship titles. Shum praised Æ·É«ÌÃ for increasing diversity in the 18 years since he graduated. “Among you there are runners, rock climbers, scuba divers, musicians, skiers, and snowboarders,” he said. “You’re diverse. You come from different countries, different parts of this country, multiple gender and sexual orientations, Black, Brown, Asian, biracial—far more diverse than when I was here.” “You ventured to places like Brazil, China, Mexico, and France,” he continued. “You speak multiple languages. You care about people who are suffering — about famine in the Horn of Africa and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. You engage with the world.” Shum’s speech garnered applause and cheers as he encouraged the graduates to take a stand, adding that he stands for press freedom, academic freedom, and continuing controversial and challenging discussions across campus during tense times. “And I stand for you, the graduating class of 2025 — confident in your will and talents to make our country and our world a more peaceful and equitable place,” Shum concluded. “I invite you to stand up for your own voice and freedom of expression. Commit to the facts. Subscribe to the journalism that is vital to our democracy.” In addition to the 537 graduates receiving their Bachelor of Arts degree, 11 students received their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, six faculty members were recognized for their years of service upon retirement—including several who’d been teaching for 38 years. Honorary degrees were bestowed upon Jeff Bieri, former General Manager of KRÆ·É«ÌÃ, Ben Sturgulewski ’08, award-winning filmmaker, and Steve Wood ’84, founder of arts nonprofit Concrete Couch. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/051825_COMMENCEMENT2025_JCOTTEN-2268xlr-2.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-is-top-peace-corp-volunteer-producing-small-college.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-is-top-peace-corp-volunteer-producing-small-college.html Wed, 07 May 2025 14:16:00 MDT Colorado College has been named the top Peace Corps’ volunteer-producing small college for 2025. There are currently 13 Æ·É«ÌÃ alums serving in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Philippines. In 2024, it was announced that Æ·É«ÌÃ was ranked seventh all-time in small colleges and universities producing Peace Corp volunteers. To date, Æ·É«ÌÃ has had 375 alums who have served abroad through the program. “Colleges and universities from across the nation are providing us their talented alumni to serve in countries around the globe,” says Allison Greene, Peace Corps’ CEO. “These top-ranked schools understand the transformative power of public service and human connection. The Peace Corps builds invaluable intercultural communication skills, a broadened worldview, and adaptive leadership qualities needed in the American workforce today.” The Peace Corps’ unique model of community-based development and people-to-people diplomacy connects skilled, committed Americans to work in partnership with welcoming host communities. Since 1961, these volunteers have supported global progress in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development in some of the most remote areas of the world. “Colorado College students are deeply committed to global service and their passion goes well beyond their time as current students," says Leah Brown, a career consultant in Æ·É«ÌÃ's Career Center. "Our students are curious and adaptable with a passion for helping the world. These qualities prepare them well for the challenges abroad as a Peace Corps volunteer and it’s wonderful to see the impact they have globally through this recognition.” Æ·É«ÌÃ tops this year’s list of small colleges and universities, followed by Kenyon College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Macalester College, and Carleton College. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/2025_TopColleges_small_Link1200x6276-copy.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/commencement-season-begins-with-honors-convocation.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/commencement-season-begins-with-honors-convocation.html Tue, 06 May 2025 14:46:00 MDT Æ·É«ÌÃ began Commencement season this morning as students, faculty, and staff gathered in Shove Memorial Chapel to recognize and honor the extraordinary campus members during Honors Convocation. Chaplain Kate Holbrook presented the invocation and Elder-in-Residence Debbie Howell led the land acknowledgement for the annual tradition which marks the end of the 151st academic year. Over 200 awards were presented to students, faculty, and staff from all areas of campus life, including academic performance, teaching, research, athletics, art, and more. Each academic department presented multiple awards for notable students and All-College awards were given to students exemplifying key traits of Æ·É«ÌÃ’s core values. Interim President Dr. Manya Whitaker presented the Presidential Awards to Allyson Pena ’27 (Dreamkeeper Award), Skye McCrimmon ’25 (J. Juan Reid Award), Curtis Miller Hale ’25 (Van Diest Award), Healy Bledsoe ’25 (Laura Golden Award), and Psalm Delaney ’24 and Kayla Shelley ’26 (African American Youth Leadership Conference Community Enhancement Prize). Along with awards bestowed by different campus departments, the Colorado College Student Government Association (Æ·É«ÌÃSGA) presented their four annual awards. Mackenzie Wagner ’25 was named the Æ·É«ÌÃSGA Involved Student of the Year, an award given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding involvement in and service to the Æ·É«ÌÃ community. Melanie Robertson ’26, EmRhys Jenkins ’26, and Aden Berry ’27 accepted the Æ·É«ÌÃSGA Involved Student Organization of the Year on behalf of Allies of Unhoused Youth. This award is given to a student organization that students deem has made the greatest impact on the Æ·É«ÌÃ community. Student Engagement Coordinator Sarah Elsey received the Bob Pizzi Outstanding Advisor of the Year Memorial Award and Dr. Neena Grover, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, received the Lloyd E. Worner Teacher of the Year Award. Joshua McFeeters ’25 presented the Blue Key Award to Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Adam Light.   See the full list of 2025 Honors Convocation awards and recipients.   Watch a recording of the full event.     /newsevents/newsroom/_images/050625_HONORSCONVO2025_JCOTTEN-0744xlr-copy.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/students-use-grant-to-start-new-stem-publication.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/students-use-grant-to-start-new-stem-publication.html Thu, 01 May 2025 08:12:00 MDT Names: Sabrina Liu ’27, Stewart Kristiansen ’27, Oliver Keeley ’26  Award: Life of the Mind Grant Project: This project has two core components: Aperture, a student-run STEM and pre-professional publication released once per semester, and Singularity, a weekly podcast.  Aperture will feature a plethora of scientific and pre-professional writings, from brief and accessible introductions to scientific concepts and spotlights on student theses and faculty research, to alumni career paths and pieces of art. Although Aperture is primarily focused on the natural sciences, it also aims to facilitate and inspire conversation, communication, and collaboration between students, faculty, and alumni.  The Singularity podcast aims to complement the publication by offering an accessible and more informal platform for students, alumni, and faculty to share their research projects and professional journeys on a more regular basis. One of the main goals of Singularity is to create a space to share ideas with minimal time commitment for the guest. It will be available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  In 2024, members of the group had an initial plan to design a hydroponic farm on campus. Unfortunately, the project was not feasible at the time. After some reflection, however, they realized that their real goal was not to grow lettuce and carrots, but to foster a community where students could showcase their work and encourage interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. Thus, Aperture was born. Due, in large part, to the overarching support systems in place at Æ·É«ÌÃ and the exceedingly patient and supportive individuals that make up the STEM community, the group is excited for their inaugural publication, and all the publications to follow. “I’m sure a discussion between a psychology major and a math major would be absolutely fascinating; the problem is there are too few opportunities to come together,” says Kristiansen. “I’m so excited for Aperture to start these connections between groups of students and faculty.” “It’s been incredible to work with so many talented, innovative, and dedicated faculty, alumni, and students at Colorado College,” says Keeley. “I look forward to our inaugural publication, along with the publications and adventures to follow. I am ever grateful for all the hard work that others have put into this project.” “It has been an absolutely fascinating journey that captures the very essence of liberal arts experience – to quote from Walt Whitman, ‘A vast similitude interlocks all’,” says Liu. “Not only did we meet so many brilliant peers and faculty who share our passion, we also learned so much about how to better communicate, find and integrate resources, and make impossible possible. We truly appreciate all who helped us to make this happen and cannot wait to see how Aperture will enrich the Æ·É«ÌÃ community!” The group would like to thank everyone in the Æ·É«ÌÃ community who helped them through this process and continue to help them in the launch of their publication. Specifically, they would like to give a special thanks to: Prof. David Brown (Mathematics), Prof. Shane Heschel (OBE), Prof. Amanda Bowman (Chemistry), Prof. Janet Burge (Computer Science), Prof. Lori Driscoll (Neuroscience & Psychology), Prof. Luis Garcia Puente (Mathematics), Prof. Natalie Gosnell (Physics), Prof. Darrell Killian (Molecular Biology), Prof. Miro Kummel (Environmental Science), Prof. Brian Linkhart (Organismal Biology and Ecology), Prof. Paul Myrow (Geology), Prof. Olivia Hatton (Molecular Biology), Prof. Adam Light (Physics), Prof. Sally Meyer (Chemistry), Ceyna Dawson (The Cutler Publication), Obie Kahne (Math Paraprof), Annie Landis (Career Center), Roy Jo Sartin (Grant Writing Specialist), Lisa Schwarz (Associate Director of Grants), Chris Schacht (Director of the Writing Center), Ben Slater (The Cutler Publication). /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Untitled-design.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/students-find-inspiration-and-future-in-human-neuropsychology.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/04/29/students-find-inspiration-and-future-in-human-neuropsychology/ Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:32:00 MDT https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/04/29/students-find-inspiration-and-future-in-human-neuropsychology/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Dragnich-3.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/colorado-college-named-main-venue-for-2025-dod-warrior-games.html https://cctigers.com/news/2025/4/21/athletics-colorado-college-named-main-venue-for-2025-dod-warrior-games.aspx Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:45:00 MDT redirected to https://cctigers.com/news/2025/4/21/athletics-colorado-college-named-main-venue-for-2025-dod-warrior-games.aspx /newsevents/newsroom/_images/warriorgames_sq.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/sasha-akinchina-25-awarded-el-pomar-fellowship.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/sasha-akinchina-25-awarded-el-pomar-fellowship.html Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:48:00 MDT Name: Sasha Akinchina Grad Year: 2025 Award: El Pomar Fellowship   “Making resources accessible and approachable is a cornerstone of my work and values. I am so grateful to earn a spot in the El Pomar Fellowship, where I can give back to my state of Colorado, explore my passions, and grow as a leader,” says Akinchina. “The fellowship’s emphasis on leadership will help me continue learning how I can best position myself in the community to give back and lead with purpose. I have always wanted to work for a foundation and gain experience in the philanthropic sector, so I am looking forward to making an impact and working towards a shared mission of promoting the well-being of the people of Colorado.” Akinchina would like to thank Roy Jo Sartin, Professor Kat Miller-Stevens, Leah Brown, and Emma Fairburn for their support during her time at Æ·É«ÌÃ and throughout the fellowship application and interview process. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Sasha-Akinchina-Photo.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/andrew-han-25-earns-watson-fellowship.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/andrew-han-25-earns-watson-fellowship.html Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:43:00 MDT Name: Andrew Han Grad Year: 2025 Award: Watson Fellowship Project: "The Bicycle as a Tool for Community Empowerment": The bicycle's introduction two centuries ago ushered in a new form of social and economic mobility. Exploring global bicycle infrastructure and advocacy – from rural communities to congested urban streets – this project asks how these simple machines uplift communities, improve the environment, and address social inequity. “My Watson project emerged from my lifelong love of bicycles but was deeply informed by my experiences working at the Bike & Ski Co-op here on campus and community organizations like PikeRide, Concrete Couch, and Kids on Bikes. Throughout my Watson year, I will connect with bike advocates and organizations in The Netherlands, Sierra Leone, and Bolivia (and perhaps a couple more countries) to empower communities through fixing, distributing, and riding bikes,” says Han. “I feel incredibly grateful for every mentor, advisor, professor, classmate, and friend that has shaped my time at Æ·É«ÌÃ. I am now equally excited and nervous for this next life-changing experience.” Han would especially like to thank Rachael Abler, Associate Director of Outdoor Education, for her help during his time at Æ·É«ÌÃ and throughout the Watson application process. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Andrew-Han.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/art-major-wins-edith-kirsch-prize.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/04/16/art-major-wins-edith-kirsch-prize-to-perform-research-in-southern-mexico-and-central-america/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:02:00 MDT https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/04/16/art-major-wins-edith-kirsch-prize-to-perform-research-in-southern-mexico-and-central-america/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/11.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/dan-schmidt-25-earns-watson-fellowship.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/dan-schmidt-25-earns-watson-fellowship.html Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:50:00 MDT Name: Dan Schmidt Grad Year: 2025 Award: Watson Fellowship Project: "The Ecology of Social Technology": Digital timelines are accelerating while nature continues in steady cycles. This disconnect shapes how humans relate to themselves, each other, and the world. This project will explore new social technologies that are addressing this disconnect, and working to improve our social fabric. It will show how social technologies—from social media platforms to cocreating music with nightingales, from animal communication systems to government initiatives—can better reflect and respect the natural rhythms that sustain life on Earth. “When I was deciding to attend Æ·É«ÌÃ, a conversation with Æ·É«ÌÃ’s 2017 Watson Fellow, Theo Hooker, planted the seed for doing a Watson. Ever since that call, becoming a Watson Fellow has been one of my biggest dreams,” says Schmidt. “The Watson Fellowship feels like the natural next step in a half-my-life-long exploration of how digital and physical worlds weave together. Through traveling to Argentina, Germany, Greece, the UK, and Japan I will make short films about the people, ways of being, and innovative approaches to social technologies I encounter. They will be viewable on my website. This project holds deep significance for me because it unites my studies in computer science, my passion for filmmaking, and my belief in digital technology as a bridge to connection grounded in natural rhythms.” Schmidt would like to thank Myra Jackson, Cory B. Scott, Roy Jo Sartin, and Re Evitt for all their help during his time at Æ·É«ÌÃ and throughout the Watson application process. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Dan-Schmidt---Watson.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/henry-moraja-25-awarded-cbyx-placement.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/henry-moraja-25-awarded-cbyx-placement.html Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:45:00 MDT Name: Henry Moraja Grad Year: 2025  Award: Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX) “CBYX is a program funded by the German government where 65 Americans spend 11 months in Germany, first doing two months of intensive language courses, then a semester of university classes in their career field, then five months of an internship. I want to be an academic librarian so I will be taking courses about library science and doing an internship in a library or an archive,” says Moraja. “I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to spend a year immersed in my passion for German and library science. I look forward to getting to know new regions of Germany, expanding my knowledge of librarianship, and making connections with other participants and students.”  Moraja would like to thank his advisers in the German Studies department, Christiane Steckenbiller (Associate Professor, Chair) and Chet Lisiecki (Assistant Professor), for supporting him through the application process and inspiring him to continue learning German. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Henry-Moraja.jpeg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/molecular-biology-alum-leverages-cc-science-education-at-biotech-startup.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/04/08/molecular-biology-alum-leverages-cc-science-education-at-biotech-startup/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:13:00 MDT https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/04/08/molecular-biology-alum-leverages-cc-science-education-at-biotech-startup/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Screenshot-2025-04-08-at-2.17.09PM.png /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cultural-immersion-beyond-the-classroom-cc-study-abroad-in-panama.html /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cultural-immersion-beyond-the-classroom-cc-study-abroad-in-panama.html Tue, 08 Apr 2025 08:05:00 MDT In an era where cultural understanding has never been more crucial, educational institutions are increasingly turning to immersive experiences to bridge gaps and foster authentic connections. Æ·É«ÌÃ's Puente Del Mundo: The Musical Crossroads of Panamá block in Panamá exemplifies this approach, offering students a rich tapestry of musical traditions, cultural intersections, and personal growth opportunities that conventional classroom learning simply cannot replicate. This program takes students on a journey through the nation's diverse soundscapes – from Panamanian jazz and salsa in the capital city to the Afro-Antillean rhythms of Caribbean beaches and the traditional típico music of the Azuero peninsula. I interviewed Mariana Martin ’25, who had nothing but good reflections about the block. “I would say it superseded all expectations,” she says. “And it became much more of a cultural experience than a musical one.” Her encounter with local musicians and community members created precious moments of authentic connections that transcended stereotypical representations. For Martin, one particularly profound experience came during a drumming circle in Portobelo, a town on Panama's Atlantic coast. “We learned the rhythms and stories behind them,” she shares, describing how the group participated in three different drumming styles under the guidance of local musicians, highlighting the community aspect of musical expression that's often lost in formal academic settings. By engaging with diverse communities across Panama – from Indigenous Ngobe Buglé groups to descendants of African immigrants and Andalusian settlers – students gain a nuanced understanding that no textbook could provide. Importantly, Dr. Liliana Carrizo, Æ·É«ÌÃ Assistant Professor of Music who leads the program, made deliberate choices to enhance cultural immersion. Martin notes that students stayed in a neighborhood where the professor grew up, rather than in touristy areas, making it “easier for us to be immersed.” This decision reflects a commitment to authenticity that focuses on particular stories rather than attempting to represent entire cultures. The program's emphasis on sonic and culinary tapestries created multiple avenues for cultural understanding. Martin recalls how, during a performance on Panama's Pacific coast, locals shared food with the visiting students – a gesture that symbolized the reciprocal nature of cultural exchange. “They were equally as excited to see us as we were to meet them,” she observes. The most valuable takeaways from the program weren't listed in the syllabus. Martin advises future participants to embrace flexibility. “The hardest thing is to be inflexible... be open. Allow what comes to you to come to you.” She describes how even seemingly failed plans – like an unsuccessful attempt to visit an island – led to unexpected joys, like connecting with an Uber driver who shared local music. Additionally, as the sole native Spanish speaker in the group, Martin found that her language skills added “another layer” to the experience, facilitating “moments of connection” and cultural insights that were extremely valuable to her. One distinctive feature of the program was its balance of structure and creative freedom. Students pursued individual projects based on their interests – from documenting the group's experience through photography to creating botany-oriented studies or producing original music inspired by Panama's traditions. And Martin emphasized how these projects reflected “how much care everyone had dedicated to their art… love and care and passion.” The Panamanian artists they encountered were “equally as excited to bring us into their world as we were entering it,” creating a mutual respect that transcended typical educational hierarchies. For Martin, this authentic immersion rekindled her love for music-making. “I played instruments for a long time but had fallen out of love with playing and producing my own,” she explains. Experiencing Latin American music, particularly its emphasis on percussion, inspired her to return to music-making. “I went to the music store and rented out a trumpet. I never thought I'd pick it up again”. Another powerful moment occurred for her during the closing day of the Panama Jazz Festival. In an open field, Martin found herself captivated by how “everyone was feeling the music, in a way I hadn't experienced before.” As educational institutions continue to develop study abroad programs, the Panama example offers valuable insights. By prioritizing authentic community engagement, embracing diverse cultural expressions, and encouraging creative exploration, such programs can avoid the pitfalls of superficial cultural tourism. It prepares students not just to appreciate diverse music traditions but to engage thoughtfully with cultural differences in an increasingly interconnected world. And, for students like Mariana Martin, the experience transformed not only her academic understanding but her personal relationship with music and culture. As she concludes, the program fosters “a deeper appreciation for music” and inspires a renewed connection to creating her own work. /newsevents/newsroom/_images/The-Valley-of-Endemico-Lab.jpg /newsevents/newsroom/2025/cc-mourns-passing-of-the-father-of-the-block-plan.html https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/04/04/cc-mourns-passing-of-the-father-of-the-block-plan/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:15:00 MDT https://thepeak.coloradocollege.edu/2025/04/04/cc-mourns-passing-of-the-father-of-the-block-plan/ /newsevents/newsroom/_images/Brooks,-Glenn-ca-1978.jpg