Weber pointed university toward the stars
Arnold R. Weber, the University of Colorado’s 13th president, died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. He was 90.
“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Arnold Weber, who served as CU’s president from 1980-1985,” said CU President Mark Kennedy. “He was known as a transformative leader who left a lasting legacy at CU.”
Similar to his personality, Weber’s administration was assertive. As a very involved president, Weber oversaw increases in financial support for all campuses and supported CU’s bid to become a national leader in space science.
Weber was instrumental in creating the multidisciplinary Office of Space Science and Technology and saw CU become the first university with its own satellite managed by undergraduates. Weber also worked to establish the Rio Abiseo Research Project in Peru.
Norlin Library experienced a 65% increase in purchasing resources during Weber’s first three years. Faculty salary increases raised standards and attracted outstanding professors.
An economist, Weber was provost and professor at Carnegie-Mellon University before becoming CU’s 13th president. He departed CU for the presidency of Northwestern University. Read more in Northwestern Now.