Posted on Oct 20, 2021
Lincoln Center, Noon on October 20th, 2021.  Last week we were privileged to hear from President Joyce McConnell – the annual Colorado State Update.  When she asked, it was evident (by show of hands) that almost all present Rotary club members had  some personal connection with CSU.  We heard how the University weathered the COVID storm.  Dr McConnell gave credit to two cochairs – Mark Barber (emergency services) and Lori Lynn (head of CSU Health Network) for the University’s success in 2020 and beyond.

Accessibility for all Coloradoans remains a primary goal at CSU. The focus continues on first- generation students, adults and veterans. COVID and long-distant learning has led to dropping the requirement for transfer credit from most undergraduate programs.

CSU has risen in the college rankings. In Best Colleges by US News and World Report the rank in 2022 is 67 (vs 71 in 2021).  We all know that CSU is number 1 in sustainability.  Highlights of sustainability include the solar farm and a new geothermal plant built underneath the intramural athletic field with another planned for the Foothills Campus.  For the 10th straight year CSU has been recognized for it’s urban forest (Campus Trees). Multiple other recognitions - Sierra Magazine (“Cool Schools”), Princeton Review (number 10 in “Green Colleges”) and the Arbor Day Foundation (again, for campus trees).

The next focus was “Inclusive Excellence”.  Kauline Cipriani, VP for Inclusive Excellence, will be one of the keynote speakers for the Annual diversity Symposium, October 25-29.  The various campus cultural centers have been combined to enhance programming for the various heritage months.

Similar to what we are seeing in the community, CSU is starting a Corresponder Program.  One third of interactions with campus police involve at least some aspect of mental health.  CSU will hire a behavioral health provider to assist the campus police.

The Office of Engagement and Extension has refocused to include all who work for CSU.  The Extension Service has recently been involved with the worsening problems of wildfire in the West and changing water management during the drought.  A third annual International Symposium on Conservation Impact was held on campus (9/28-30) and featured Department of Agriculture head, Tom Vilsack

A “Courageous Strategic Transformation Update” is underway which has involved town halls, virtual presentations and massive student and staff input.  The final plan will be presented to the Board of Governors for approval.

Finally, the success of the many CSU atheletic programs was reviewed.  A record 32,000 fans were present in the new stadium for Homecoming!

Excellent questions were asked after the presentation including the new CBD facility highlighted  in today’s paper, the effect of decreased foreign students in the last 2 years, Powerhouse 1 and 2 and the cooperative program with CU medical school.

Rest assured, our favorite U is in good hands!