For more than two decades at CU Boulder and a decade at CU Denver, the Learning Assistant model has strengthened classroom learning by empowering students to serve as peer mentors and instructional leaders. Now, thanks to a CU Next system award, that impact is expanding systemwide – including at UCCS – marking a new chapter for the nationally recognized approach. Watch the video to see how the Learning Assistant model is evolving at CU – and why it continues to shape the future of teaching and learning.
News of prestigious accolades for University of Colorado faculty and staff drew readers to CU Connections throughout 2025. Details of impressive measures of CU’s impact within the state and across the nation also proved popular reading. Revisit these highlights by exploring our Top 10 list of the most-read features from the past year.
Seven educators at the University of Colorado are being added to the roster of Distinguished Professors, CU’s highest honor for faculty across the four-campus system: Kristen Carpenter, J.D.; Russell Cropanzano, Ph.D.; Marcia Douglas, Ph.D.; Noah Finkelstein, Ph.D.; Karl Linden, Ph.D.; Jade Morton, Ph.D.; and Marc Moss, M.D.
Curiosity serves Robi Calderaro well in her role as lead technical developer on the Employee Learning and Development team. A member of Employee Services at CU system administration, she works to make online courses accessible, user-friendly and aligned with style guidelines and best practices. Two colleagues nominated Calderaro for the President’s Employee of the Year Award, which is offered through the System Staff Council (SSC) in collaboration with the Office of the President. Last month, President Todd Saliman announced Calderaro as recipient of this year’s award, the highest staff honor at system administration.
For more than a century, the University of Colorado has served as a launching pad for future officers in the U.S. military through its Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs, a college-based pathway that combines academic study with leadership development and military training. CU is the only university in Colorado to host all major branches of ROTC, making it a singular hub for military leadership training in the state. Each year, more than 100 students commission as officers through these programs.
Professor Ann England has been a driving force in Colorado’s legal community for nearly two decades, championing the wrongfully convicted, training the next generation of lawyers and providing pro bono defense for those most in need. This year, her extraordinary service has been recognized with the University of Colorado’s Chase Faculty Community Service Award.