Graduates, members of the Board of Regents, President Benson, members of the faculty and staff, parents, distinguished guests, family and friends; it is my pleasure and honor to have the opportunity to address you today as the chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder.
I know today’s graduates join me in extending a special welcome to their family and friends, whose love and support have helped to make this day possible. Please join me in showing our appreciation.
With us today, are many members of the faculty who have guided and mentored these graduates. They have shared their time, knowledge and expertise to help each student reach this important milestone and his or her full potential. Will representatives of the faculty please rise and be recognized?
Graduates, congratulations! Your hard work has brought you to this day. But your work is not done. In fact, it is only beginning. The University Seal you will soon see stamped on your diploma depicts a torch in the hands of youth with a Greek inscription that reads: “Let Your Light Shine.”
At the University of Colorado Boulder we have been your vehicle for personal growth that will take you unimagined places in your life. In your academic career at CU-Boulder you have learned valuable lessons in critical thinking, civil discourse, collaborative decision-making and creative solutions, skills that are admired by employers and essential in a complex society.
Personal growth is learning to work collaboratively; learning to work across disciplines. It’s the teamwork and real-world experience students learn in their undergraduate research programs where they may control satellites in space, work on biomedical advancements, make films and produce works of art that inspire us.
Personal growth is the innovation and entrepreneurship inherent in your education at CU, and in your student-led sustainability initiatives that have earned CU-Boulder the moniker, “The Greenest University in America.”
We see personal growth in the 13,0000 students who participate in community service every year. Service-oriented students become service-oriented global citizens. So it’s no surprise that CU-Boulder alumni, whose ranks you are about to join, have been leaders in Peace Corps service since its inception in 1961.
Your personal transformation—from high school senior to college graduate—prepared you for a life of career and contribution. We live in a fast-paced, digitized world. But the real lessons come more slowly, over time. You cannot download the transformation of a young person. Your parents know that important transformation takes time, and care, and you are testimony to that fact.
I take pride that you are challenged at CU to develop positive personal growth that will remain with you for life. This growth transforms you, your community and indeed the world.
Congratulations. You have earned it. Hold your light high, and lead the way.
The Leeds School of Business is now offering a business minor. Learn more about this wonderful opportunity at leeds.colorado.edu/minor and/or check out this flyer.
The University of Colorado Boulder will hold its spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Folsom Field.
Due to traffic delays, and ongoing construction on U.S. 36 leading into Boulder, early arrival is strongly advised. Gates open at 7 a.m. and guests should plan to be seated by 8:15 a.m. The ceremony will be held outdoors in the stadium regardless of the weather. In the event of heavy rain or snow an abbreviated ceremony will be held. For more information about commencement, CLICK HERE.
The tuition and fees for academic year 2013-14 are set. Tuition rates are approved by the University of Colorado Board of Regents prior to fall semester of each academic year. Tuition is based on residency (in-state or out-of-state), type of degree, and number of credit hours. For links to both in-state and out-of-state rate sheets, mandatory fees, medical insurance costs, housing and dining costs, and more CLICK HERE.
Career Services will not hold drop-in appointments during the summer from May 13-August 22. We encourage you to make an appointment with one of their career counselors by calling 303-492-6541. Also, please note their summer hours are 7:30am-4:30pm starting May 13.
Four University of Colorado Boulder students recently received CU Proud Awards from the CU Parents Association (CUPA).
The award recognizes CU-Boulder students whose behavior or actions set a standard for other students to strive for. The CU Proud Award hopes to encourage acts of character, courage, compassion, generosity, inclusion, initiative, integrity, humanitarianism, personal responsibility and/or service.
Emma Rafaelof, Clarinda Hougen, and Henry Hamaji were all recognized for their outstanding leadership and volunteerism. Each of these students is an active CU International Club leader and contributed immeasurably to the success of the International Festival.
The fourth student, Chris Benton, was recognized for his selfless and compassionate actions in response to a serious car accident last January. Using his car jack, Chris extricated a man who was trapped under his SUV after it rolled on top of him during the accident. Chris remained with the accident victim until first responder arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, despite Chris’ extraordinary efforts, the man later passed away.
Over three dozen University of Colorado student-athletes, including 15 with perfect 4.00 grade point averages last year, were honored for a variety of outstanding academic accomplishments Tuesday morning at the 21st Annual Student-Athlete Academic Recognition Banquet.
Engineering students at the University of Colorado Boulder are gearing up for several days of intensive activity next week, when they will celebrate Engineering Days and display their hands-on design projects at the annual spring Engineering Design Expo. Engineering Days, or E-Days, is an annual celebration of the engineering profession organized by the University of Colorado Engineering Council, or UCEC, and student honor societies. Activities include a water rocket launch, high school and college egg drops, a carnival and other fun activities for students. Click here to read more.
A group of 19 University of Colorado Boulder students and one faculty member recently received the chance of a lifetime to visit widely known philanthropist and investor Warren Buffet in Omaha, Neb. Several times a year, Buffet invites eight colleges with 20 representatives from each school to Omaha for a day of tours at his Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries, lunch at one of Buffet’s favorite local restaurants, and a Q-and-A session. This year, CU-Boulder was on that list. Click here to read more.
Better Boulder Better World is one of CU’s Annual Service Days and is taking place on April 27th from 10-2pm. Since 2006 Better Boulder Better World has been helping students, faculty and staff connect with the community and serve in a very low maintenance way. All Participants will be given breakfast and a T-shirt. This year the Volunteer Resource Center will be working with the African Community Center, Community Cycles, A Precious Child, Resource, YMCA of Boulder Valley, Boulder County CareConnect, Eco Cycle, Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Love Uprising, The “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Housing and Dining Services, and Boulder County Aids Project. To sign on as a volunteer visit the VRC website.