News Article

Chancellor calls for big ideas in 2026 State of the Campus

Jessica Follett — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:33:39 +0000

Chancellor calls for big ideas in 2026 State of the Campus Jessica Follett Thu, 02/12/2026 - 10:33

Chancellor Justin Schwartz delivered his annual State of the Campus address on Feb. 10, highlighting the university’s 150th anniversary and encouraging students, faculty and staff to submit ideas for transforming the future of CU 91��Ҹ�’s societal impact.

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Malala Yousafzai to speak at Conference on World Affairs in April

Jessica Follett — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:22:12 +0000

Malala Yousafzai to speak at Conference on World Affairs in April Jessica Follett Mon, 01/26/2026 - 13:22

In partnership with the Center for Leadership and the Center for Asian Studies, we’re honored to announce Malala Yousafzai as the closing speaker for the Conference on World Affairs.

From speaking out for girls’ education at just 11 years old to becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Yousafzai’s courage has helped shape a global movement for education, equality and human rights. Her story—and her ongoing work through Malala Fund—continues to demonstrate the power of one voice to drive meaningful change.

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NOLS + 91��Ҹ� + American Rivers Partnership

Jessica Follett — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:49:09 +0000

NOLS + 91��Ҹ� + American Rivers Partnership Jessica Follett Thu, 01/22/2026 - 15:49

This past summer, twelve 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ� students left the classroom for a week on Utah’s Green River. The River Conservation Leadership Expedition—organized by CU 91��Ҹ�’s Center for Leadership in partnership with American Rivers and NOLS—combined backcountry training with lessons in environmental leadership.

Over the course of the trip, students practiced paddling and river safety skills, but the focus extended beyond technical training. Through daily leadership rotations and structured discussions, they examined how water rights, climate change, and Indigenous perspectives are shaping the future of conservation in the American West.

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From Choice to Change: Gigi Pritzker on Leadership, Storytelling, and Taking the Leap

Jessica Follett — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:35:24 +0000

From Choice to Change: Gigi Pritzker on Leadership, Storytelling, and Taking the Leap Jessica Follett Thu, 01/22/2026 - 15:35

BOULDER, Colo. — At the latest installment of the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, Emmy-award-winning producer and CEO Gigi Pritzker offered a compelling and unconventional perspective on leadership—one rooted in personal choices, creative courage, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Hosted by the CU 91��Ҹ� Center for Leadership, Pritzker’s talk on November 17 in Macky Auditorium brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members eager to learn from one of Hollywood’s most influential leaders. Pritzker, the founder and chief executive of Madison Wells Media, is known for producing acclaimed films, theater works, and television series that challenge conventions and elevate diverse voices.

Redefining Leadership as Decision and Direction

Pritzker began her remarks by reflecting on her own journey and what it reveals about leadership. She thanked Chancellor Emeritus Phil DiStefano for his leadership and for inviting her to speak, grounding her remarks in gratitude and connection to the CU 91��Ҹ� community.

Rather than equating leadership with titles or hierarchy, Pritzker offered a more democratic view:

“Each decision is a choice… and each choice we make leads us down a road.”

In her telling, every pivotal moment in her life—from studying anthropology in Nepal to embarking on a career in film—stemmed from decisions that weren’t always clear or conventional. Leadership, she said, starts with leading yourself by making intentional, sometimes risky, choices.

Her story highlights that leadership often unfolds in nonlinear ways, a message especially resonant for students and early-career professionals navigating uncertainty.

From Anthropology to Hollywood: Trusting the Unexpected

Pritzker recounted how her initial plan to earn a master’s degree and return to global humanitarian work fell apart when credits weren’t accepted by her university. Rather than deterring her, this disruption opened space for new possibilities. After presenting her thesis, a professor told her:

“You are too creative… don’t get a master’s in anthropology, you should go to film school.”

At first stunned, Pritzker embraced this unexpected encouragement, ultimately enrolling in a film program in New Mexico—a choice she describes as fueled by “the power of youthful ignorance.”

Her narrative underscored how openness to new paths and willingness to act—especially when guided by thoughtful advice—can shape a life of meaningful impact.

Producing as Leadership

One of the evening’s most powerful reframes was Pritzker’s linkage of her profession to universal leadership principles. She shared a common definition of leadership that includes communication, vision, alignment, and motivation, and then offered this twist:

“Replace the word ‘leadership’ with ‘producer’ and you have the definition of what it takes to produce film, TV, or theatre.”

This insight brought to life the idea that producing is a leadership practice—one that requires navigating complexity, guiding creative teams, and building shared purpose. Pritzker’s career exemplifies that leadership extends beyond corporate titles and into the arts, media, and culture.

Her work at Madison Wells Media illustrates this principle in action: the company intentionally champions stories about underrepresented voices and people who push boundaries, using film, television, theater, and immersive media to spark cultural conversation and social impact.

Storytelling as a Force for Change

Throughout her career, Pritzker has used storytelling as a vehicle for broadening perspectives and fostering empathy. From globally recognized films to theater productions celebrated on Broadway and beyond, she emphasized that stories have the power to move audiences, provoke dialogue, and inspire action.

Her own early research into the role of folk tales in cultural transmission foreshadowed a lifelong belief in the power of narrative—a belief she carries into every project she champions.

Pritzker’s talk offered university stakeholders a powerful message: leadership is not reserved for the few at the top, but begins with reflective choices, the courage to explore new directions, and the commitment to create and share stories that matter. Her insights resonated with the Center for Leadership's philosophy—that leadership potential exists within us all and can be nurtured through experience, connection, and purposeful action.

BOULDER, Colo. — At the latest installment of the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, Emmy-award-winning producer and CEO Gigi Pritzker offered a compelling and unconventional perspective on leadership—one rooted in personal choices, creative courage, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Hosted by the CU 91��Ҹ� Center for Leadership, Pritzker’s talk on November 17 in Macky Auditorium brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members eager to learn from one of Hollywood’s most influential leaders. Pritzker, the founder and chief executive of Madison Wells Media, is known for producing acclaimed films, theater works, and television series that challenge conventions and elevate diverse voices.

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14 Students Recognized as CU 91��Ҹ�'s Graduating Leaders of the Year

Jessica Follett — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:29:10 +0000

14 Students Recognized as CU 91��Ҹ�'s Graduating Leaders of the Year Jessica Follett Tue, 01/20/2026 - 10:29

The Center for Leadership is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Graduating Leaders of the Year Award, celebrating the outstanding contributions of CU 91��Ҹ�’s student leaders. This prestigious award honors individuals who have exemplified the transformative power of leadership education and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities.

The CU 91��Ҹ� Graduating Leaders of the Year are nominated by their campus leadership programs, and are recognized for their:

Academic excellence and curiosity
Exceptional support for and innovation within campus leadership programs
Outstanding service to the community, either on campus or in the 91��Ҹ� metro area
Exceptional character and personal resilience
Exemplary embodiment of the Colorado Creed

These exceptional students will be honored at the Spring Leadership Summit on April 2, 2026 and will be recognized with a court-side shoutout during the Men's Basketball game on February 25th. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s awardees and look forward to recognizing their continued impact on the CU 91��Ҹ� community and beyond.

For more details about the award criteria and past recipients, visit the CU 91��Ҹ� Graduating Leaders of the Year page.

Melisa Arellano Ramirez is a Political Science and Ethnic Studies major with a minor in Multicultural Leadership from 91��Ҹ�, Colorado, who defines leadership as inspiring others to pursue shared goals while remaining open to learning. A first-generation Mexican American student, she has demonstrated this philosophy through sustained leadership in the Multicultural Leadership Scholars Program, serving as a peer mentor and the program’s first community-building intern. In these roles, she fostered inclusive spaces and guided difficult conversations, earning recognition for her critical thinking and authenticity. Melisa plans to attend law school and continue advocating for her communities.

Jamison Barcelona is a Chemical Engineering and Engineering Physics major from Thornton, Colorado, who defines leadership as helping others realize and achieve their potential. A McNair Scholar researching polymer physics and quantum field theory, he brings intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking to his work, with interests spanning philosophy, literature, and ethics. He co-founded and serves as Vice President of the Engineering Leadership and Literature Association, where he uses literature to address ethical gaps in engineering education and foster inclusive community. Jamison leads with empathy, intellectual rigor, and a belief in the transformative power of education.

Beauregard Cave is a Computer Science major from Denver, Colorado, who defines leadership as connection—finding common ground and building upward together. They have embodied this philosophy through sustained leadership in the CU 91��Ҹ� Learning Assistant Program, progressing from Learning Assistant to Lead LA Mentor while collaborating with faculty, mentoring peers, and advocating for inclusive learning environments. Known for thoughtful listening and intellectual humility, Beauregard also applies their technical skills to develop apps supporting people living with PTSD and c-PTSD. They lead with curiosity, care, and a deep commitment to service-driven impact.

Autumn Christeson is a Leadership and Community Engagement and Sociology major with a minor in German from Denver, Colorado, who defines leadership as a practice rooted in community awareness, inclusivity, and knowing when to step forward or step back. Her academic and leadership work centers on designing learning environments that foster belonging, intersectional identity development, and social‑emotional learning. As an honors thesis student, she explores alternative and experiential learning spaces that increase accessibility and academic self‑efficacy. Across her scholarship, classroom engagement, and global experiences studying and working abroad, Autumn leads with authenticity, care, and a deep commitment to creating spaces where all people can thrive.

Saylee Didolkar is a master’s student in Engineering Management from Akola, Maharashtra, India, who defines leadership as a continuous journey of learning and self-growth grounded in curiosity, humility, and purpose. With a background in software engineering, she brings a people-centered approach to leadership through her roles as President of Administration for the Graduate and Professional Student Government and as a Course Facilitator for the Engineering Management Program. Through this work, she builds community, leads teams, and advances initiatives focused on meaningful, long-term impact. Saylee leads with authenticity, resilience, and a strong commitment to service.

Luke Dry is a Computer Science and Finance Integration major from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, who defines leadership as inspiring and helping others become the best versions of themselves. He exemplifies this philosophy as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where he has united student-athletes across teams, launched new programming, and elevated SAAC as a strong voice on campus. Luke also represents CU 91��Ҹ� in Big 12 SAAC and has contributed to university leadership through service on the athletic director search committee. Through his work with Scripps Leadership & Career Development and community service initiatives, he leads with integrity, empathy, and resilience.

Michael Ellis is a Computer Science major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, who defines leadership as fostering creative, collaborative teams while prioritizing wellbeing and mission success. He exemplifies this philosophy as an Air Force ROTC cadet, serving as Cadet Wing Chief of A-Staff for a 285-cadet organization, where he synchronized senior staff, strengthened communication with cadre, and advised wing leadership on operations. Michael also led community and engagement initiatives that raised nearly $40,000 for cadet programs and expanded officer candidate exposure through partnerships with the U.S. Air Force. He leads with discipline, service, and a strong commitment to helping others thrive.

Sahithi Govardhanam is an Integrative Physiology major with a minor in Korean from Thornton, Colorado, who defines leadership as nurturing inclusive, empathetic spaces where diverse voices can thrive. She has embodied this philosophy through her leadership with New Student & Family Programs as a Journey Leader and Journey Leader Mentor, supporting students and families in their transition to CU 91��Ҹ� while co-teaching leadership coursework and strengthening team cohesion. Known for balancing critical thinking with empathy, Sahithi creates welcoming environments where others feel valued and heard. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in healthcare, bringing compassion and a strong commitment to service.

Sena Kavi is a Business Administration major with emphases in Finance and Business Analytics, a Spanish minor, and a Global Business Certificate from Superior, Colorado, who defines leadership as fostering harmony and positive change through humility and empathy. Sena has made a lasting impact as a Teaching Assistant for the Leeds Scholars Program, Vice President of Engagements for the Leeds Consulting Group, and intern at the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility. Through mentoring students, leading consulting projects for organizations such as the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and advancing ethics-driven business initiatives, Sena leads with integrity and optimism. After graduation, she will join McKinsey & Company in Denver.

Andrew Marsh is a Strategic Communications major with a Business minor from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, who defines leadership as prioritizing the collective success of the team. He has demonstrated this philosophy as Professional Development Chair for the Herd Leadership Council, where he coordinated a yearlong curriculum, organized high-impact events, and helped launch the Herd’s first “Board in Training” session to strengthen accountability and engagement. Beyond leadership programming, Andrew serves as a Student Facility Manager at the Koenig Alumni Center and as a photographer for CU Athletics. He leads with professionalism, collaboration, and a strong commitment to community.

Kalen Sieja is a Political Science and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology major with a Leadership minor from Denver, Colorado, who defines leadership as fostering excellence and growth in others through accountability and values-driven authenticity. He exemplifies this philosophy as Co-Curator of TEDxCU, leading a team of 50+ students to produce an annual event for more than 2,000 attendees and create a platform for diverse ideas and voices. Kalen’s passion for civic engagement extends beyond campus through fellowships and internships with organizations and elected officials at the state and federal levels. Across his work, he leads with humility, resilience, and a deep commitment to equity and empowerment.

Sam Thompson is an Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics & Data Science major from Centennial, Colorado, who defines leadership as empowering and uniting people around a shared mission. He has exemplified this philosophy through extensive leadership in the Leeds Consulting Group, serving as Vice President of Operations and later as President, where he expanded signature programs, launched the Rocky Mountain Case Competition, and strengthened the organization’s strategic vision. Sam’s leadership is grounded in mentorship and collaboration, guiding peers in high-impact environments. After graduation, he will return to McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst, continuing his commitment to building strong, purpose-driven teams.

Camden Sharkey, John Masulit, and Gianna Guido served together as the Tri‑Executives of CU Student Government, leading with collaboration, care, and a shared commitment to strengthening student voice. Camden is a Dance and Political Science major from Colorado Springs, Colorado; John is an International Affairs and Political Science major from Littleton, Colorado with minors in French and Geography and a certificate in European Union Studies; and Gianna is a Spanish and Political Science major from Lafayette, Colorado. Together, they define leadership as deeply relational—rooted in listening, empathy, and shared responsibility—and guided CU Student Government through complex initiatives that strengthened transparency, coalition‑building, and collaboration across shared governance. Their collective leadership expanded student access to decision‑making and civic engagement, leaving a legacy of inclusive, values‑driven impact at CU 91��Ҹ�.

Tvishi Yendamuri is a Biochemistry major with minors in Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, and Business from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, who defines leadership as bringing out people’s best qualities and leveraging diverse perspectives toward a shared purpose. Guided by a passion for medicine and service, she launched MediVox through the Dalai Lama Fellowship—a multilingual platform that improves access to physical, social, and mental health resources for underserved communities across Colorado. Through this work, Tvishi demonstrates determination, empathy, and a strong commitment to equity in healthcare, creating inclusive environments where collaboration leads to meaningful impact.

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Peace Corps Panel Discussion

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:30:00 +0000

Peace Corps Panel Discussion Anastasia Gall… Wed, 11/12/2025 - 19:30

Join for refreshments and a conversation with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who are also members of CU 91��Ҹ�'s Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience community. They will share how the Peace Corps impacted their lives, including their professional development & career paths.

Location: Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community (SEEC), S372AB

If you cannot make it in person, this is a hybrid session. Be in touch (peacecorps@colorado.edu) if you want to join the conversation by Zoom.

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Peace Corps Career Pathways in Service Panel & Networking

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:09:53 +0000

Peace Corps Career Pathways in Service Panel & Networking Anastasia Gall… Tue, 11/04/2025 - 22:09

The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, community economic development, agriculture, the environment and youth development.

Through their Peace Corps experience, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today’s global economy.

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in over 160 countries worldwide.

As a Volunteer, you immerse yourself in a new experience — building relationships, exchanging cultures and knowledge, and helping transform lives for generations.

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion and networking event featuring City Year, the Peace Corps, and Teach For America (TFA).

Hear firsthand from CU 91��Ҹ� alumni, who have degrees from the College of Arts & Sciences, how they turned their passion into purpose through service. Learn how YOU can launch a meaningful career, make a difference, and gain valuable skills after graduation.

Meet recruiters, ask questions, and explore your next adventure! Don’t miss this chance to connect, get inspired, and take the first step toward a career that matters.
- Wednesday, February 4, 2026 3:45pm to 5:30pm. In Eaton Humanities, 135

https://calendar.colorado.edu/event/career-pathways-in-service-panel-networking-8745

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Women Who Make a Difference 2025 Nominations Are Open

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:54:58 +0000

Women Who Make a Difference 2025 Nominations Are Open Anastasia Gall… Mon, 11/03/2025 - 11:54

Since 2000, the Women Who Make a Difference program has honored women who are impacting our CU 91��Ҹ� community. Each fall, we accept nominations from the campus community for women to honor and awards are presented at a celebration of the nominees with their nominators.

Each October, The Center (for Cultural Connections & Community) invites CU 91��Ҹ� students, staff, and faculty to nominate marvelous women in our community including advocates, colleagues, friends, grandmothers, mothers, storytellers or any woman who has impacted your life in a positive way. While nominators must be affiliated with CU 91��Ҹ�, nominees can be members of the wider community. The most fun thing: because the goal of this award is to recognize more women for all their contributions to our campus, the program honors all women who are nominated!*.

The recognition ceremony and reception will be held on the evening of Wednesday, December 3rd. The Center staff will share the time and location privately with honorees and nominators after the call for nominations period closes.

*One woman may be nominated by multiple people or teams of people, AND we limit nominations to one per CU community member. Women who were honored in 2023 or 2024 are not eligible to be recognized in 2025, and Center staff will contact you if this is the case.

The nomination form for Women Who Make a Difference 2025 is now open and can be found here: /culturalconnections/women-who-make-difference

Nominations must be submitted by Wednesday, November 3rd at 5pm.

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Google Jam Session with YWCA

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:20:40 +0000

Google Jam Session with YWCA Anastasia Gall… Mon, 11/03/2025 - 11:20

YWCA will be having a STEM Session for girls and young women in grades 6 +, including high school and college. The goal is to help girls explore careers in STEM, specifically highlighting the variety of roles available at organizations like Google.

This session, held on Monday, November 17th from 3pm-5pm, will include a Q&A panel with women at Google and a tour of the facilities of the Walnut campus. YWCA will be inviting a wide variety of ages so that girls can connect with others interested in STEM and providing a community mentoring atmosphere.

Registration is available at: https://secure.everyaction.com/D7o2WWqacE-R5g6cbFCG5A2

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Nonnas Film Screening

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:21:56 +0000

Nonnas Film Screening Anastasia Gall… Mon, 11/03/2025 - 10:21

Join us for a special screening of Nonnas — ahead of Director Gigi Pritzker's visit to CU 91��Ҹ� for the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series!

It will be on Thursday, November 6 in Chem 140 from 7-9pm. Hope to see you there!

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News Article

Chancellor calls for big ideas in 2026 State of the Campus

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Malala Yousafzai to speak at Conference on World Affairs in April

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NOLS + 91���Ҹ� + American Rivers Partnership

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From Choice to Change: Gigi Pritzker on Leadership, Storytelling, and Taking the Leap

Redefining Leadership as Decision and Direction

From Anthropology to Hollywood: Trusting the Unexpected

Producing as Leadership

Storytelling as a Force for Change

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14 Students Recognized as CU 91���Ҹ�'s Graduating Leaders of the Year

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Peace Corps Panel Discussion

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Peace Corps Career Pathways in Service Panel & Networking

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Women Who Make a Difference 2025 Nominations Are Open

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Google Jam Session with YWCA

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Nonnas Film Screening

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NOLS + 91��Ҹ� + American Rivers Partnership

14 Students Recognized as CU 91��Ҹ�'s Graduating Leaders of the Year