The 10 most-read CU Connections features of 2024
Nov. 7 – Nine University of Colorado faculty members are being named Distinguished Professors, CU’s highest honor for faculty across the system’s four campuses. Today, the CU Board of Regents votes to approve the cohort of faculty members, recommended by President Todd Saliman with the concurrence of the systemwide Committee of Distinguished Professors.
May 30 – Five University of Colorado scientists have been named to the Boettcher Foundation’s 2024 class of Boettcher Investigators, outstanding biomedical researchers who will receive grant funding through the Boettcher Foundation’s Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Awards Program. This year’s CU Boettcher Investigators represent the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the University of Colorado Boulder and, for just the second time in program history, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Aug. 1 – A new marketing campaign launching today titled “Dear Colorado” aims to showcase the ways the University of Colorado loves and supports our great state. From breakthrough research to mentoring Colorado businesses, the University of Colorado is on a mission to highlight CU’s impact on Coloradans’ everyday lives and show how it all comes from a shared love for our state. This is the first new systemwide campaign in nearly a decade.
July 12 – A new diversity report tells a story of progress and opportunity across the University of Colorado system, with indications of significant strides toward fostering a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. The 2023-24 Diversity Report’s data also shows the need for continued commitment to achieving goals for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). As part of CU’s strategic plan, each campus has reported data on student and employee diversity to the Board of Regents for the past two years.
Jan. 11 – Gwendolyn D’Elia heard something in a department meeting that saved her life. Shortly after returning from maternity leave, she listened as her department’s human resources leader mentioned that he used the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to discuss a personal issue. EAP is a confidential resource for State of Colorado and University of Colorado employees, which provides no-cost access to counseling, professional coaching and more. “He did not get into the nitty-gritty details, and he didn’t have to,” said D’Elia, a training specialist with Advancement at CU system administration. “All he said was, ‘I just want to remind everyone this is a benefit you could use.’” It was exactly what D’Elia needed to hear, and it guided the new mother to resources that helped her heal from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Sept. 26 – Faculty across the University of Colorado system this year attracted $1.7 billion in sponsored research funding and gifts supporting research, a new record total in CU history. In achieving the collective record, each of the four CU campuses also attained new records for sponsored research funding and gifts supporting research. The systemwide figure reached in the 2023-24 fiscal year is 7% higher than the previous year’s total. This marks the eighth consecutive year CU has topped the $1 billion mark.
Feb. 1 – The CU Board of Regents announced the 2024 list of individuals receiving Honorary Degrees, Distinguished Service Awards and University Medals. Honorary Degrees recognize outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas: intellectual contributions, university service, philanthropy and/or public service. Distinguished Service Awards recognize those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the state and/or nation. University Medals recognize those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the university.
March 28 – Delivering on the University of Colorado’s commitment to carrying out its educational and research mission efficiently, the CU system achieved $428 million in operating efficiencies from the 2017-18 fiscal year through the 2022-23 fiscal year. The figure was reported as part of CU’s annual report on its ongoing efforts to increase efficiency and deliver greater value. These actions across the system result in savings for students, departments, campuses and employees.
April 11 – Two University of Colorado community members have been named recipients of the 2024 Thomas Jefferson Award, among the highest honors bestowed at the state’s largest institution of higher education. Named for the third U.S. president and a Founding Father who greatly influenced American arts, sciences, education and public affairs, the biennial Jefferson Award recognizes CU faculty, staff and students who demonstrate excellence in the performance of regular responsibilities at the university while also contributing noteworthy service to the broader community.
June 23 – Faculty Council came together for an in-person meeting at 1800 Grant St. and celebrated four winners of the annual Faculty Council Awards. Faculty Council Chair Alastair Norcross presented three awards to those who were able to attend: Ravinder Singh and Monica Yoo, both honored for Distinguished Service, and Maria Lewis, Administrator of the Year. Outgoing CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano also will receive the Administrator of the Year Award at a later date.