Hello, to all of our Political Science Community—
Somehow this academic year is almost over and we are almost to Commencement, 2026!
It has been a transformative year, defined by significant global events such as Israel’s war in Gaza, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the US war in Iran. Domestically, US politics has been roiled by tariff politics, unprecedented ICE actions in US communities, and the growing energy of a possible “Blue Wave” in the coming elections. It’s been a year to remember, and we hope your classes and special events in Political Science have helped you make sense of it all.
Here on campus, we look back on a successful year in Poli Sci that has included:
- Welcoming new tenure-track professor Vaness Navarro-Rodriguez to our department
- Welcoming our new business professional, Kayla Spencer (recent winner of CLAS outstanding staff professional of the year!)
- Hosting visiting professor Olukayode Bakare and specialty lecturers Lily Griego and Everett Martinez to add range and value to our program
- Launching the Colorado Labor Education Collaborative, in partnership with numerous community groups
- Hosting multiple academic events such as well-attended public forums on the situation in Gaza and in Iran, the Status of Academic Freedom, and Immigration Politics (just to name a few)
- Launching a new Graduate Affordable Housing Certificate program, in collaboration with other CU Denver programs
- Several of our students publishing in the international magazine, Release Peace, based in the Hague.
- 75 classes offered to nearly 200 majors/minors and 40 active graduate students
As the end of the academic year approaches, we offer congratulations to all our 2026 graduates and best wishes to all our students for a lovely upcoming summer and a promising fall beyond! We look forward to reconnecting in the fall when our department will be hosting a mid-term election watch party, and we send best wishes to the 30 students travelling on Poli Sci Study abroad trips to Ireland and Korea this coming summer.
Bon Voyage!