Last spring, commencement still did not feel quite the way it did before the pandemic. For a while "normal” wasn’t well-defined. But as I see the scaffolding and the stage going up on the new grass in front of the Tivoli this week, it truly does feel like we have come out the other side. Once again, I thank all of you for that, because without your hard-work and dedication, we would not be where we are today.
As all of you know, the climate for higher education has shifted – with different challenges specific to CU Denver and to our college, many of which reflect national trends. The budget cuts that were necessary for this year (and those we will implement next year) were and will be difficult. As long as we keep working together and supporting each-other to better serve our students, we will weather the storm and emerge stronger for it. CLAS is an amazing place and when we put our minds together, we can accomplish anything.
As we are at the close of another academic year, I want to highlight and especially thank all the winners of our CLAS Outstanding Awards this year. These faculty, staff, and students are exemplars of what excellence at CU Denver looks like. Please join me in congratulating them.
I hope it's a great summer for everyone and that it includes some time for yourself, family, and friends.
