Semester highlights and warm wishes for winter break
December 19, 2023
Dear CSU Community,
We’ve arrived at the end of an amazing fall semester full of opportunities, challenges and accomplishments. As winter break begins, I’m reflecting on how much I appreciate the collaborative work and dedication of our students, faculty and staff. Thanks to each of you for giving us so much to celebrate this semester.
Below are a few photo highlights to remember – maybe you’ll recognize some of your favorite shared CSU moments.
These are several high points among many. Each shows how special every member of our campus community makes CSU. Let’s take good care of ourselves and one another. While this can be a time to be joyful and reflect, it can also be difficult. Should you need assistance during winter break, I encourage you to use the student resources my colleagues emailed last week or the resources for faculty and staff available through CSU’s Well-being Hub.
I wish you and all those you love a restorative and wonderful holiday break and a very happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
With gratitude,
Amy Parsons
President
Colorado State University
This fall CSU welcomed 5,299 new students, one of the largest classes ever. The incoming class set a record with 30% diverse and 25% first-generation students. Student success is our top priority and providing support for every student is central to our mission.
In October, we gathered for the Fall Address, Presidential Investiture and University Picnic. After the investiture ceremony, I gave my first annual Fall Address and shared the following University priorities with our campus community: student success; world-class academic and research programs; institutional competitiveness; outreach and impact around the state and world; and strengthening our democracy.
This year we embarked on a Thematic Year of Democracy and Civic Engagement. CSU hosted more than 50 events including welcoming Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis for a conversation about how we can learn to disagree better. Spring semester will bring dozens more events, guest speakers, a first amendment panel and a democracy summit.
This year, CSU announced a new annual record for research expenditures at $498 million. Dozens of areas of research excellence range from lasers and engineering to atmospheric science, energy and water, from veterinary and translational medicine to chemistry, food production and occupational therapy.
Thousands of Ram fans celebrated our agricultural heritage and land-grant mission on Ag Day. BBQ ticket sales raise scholarship funds for agricultural sciences students. CSU and the state’s agricultural industry have been intertwined since our founding, and we look forward to these connections continuing to grow.
More than 12,000 students and community members welcomed the band Goose to campus after their two sold-out shows at Red Rocks. Get ready for more large-scale concerts on campus.
Ram fans unite! Men’s and Women’s Basketball began an amazing season and are garnering national attention. Ram fans celebrated our Women’s Cross Country Team winning the Mountain West Championship and qualifying for the NCAA tournament. Women’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball advanced to the Mountain West Championship game. CSU Football had five victories, with attendance at our games ranked third in the Mountain West with an average of 26,509 stalwart fans at each game.
The University’s Cabinet is complete with the appointment of Provost/Executive VP Marion Underwood and VP for Research Cass Moseley, who will both begin in January. We are looking forward to the contributions of these highly accomplished leaders.
At the President’s Gala we recognized the generosity of University supporters. Students, faculty and staff expressed their gratitude during an evening that celebrated the incredible impact of our donors’ philanthropy.
As a CSU alum myself, I am so proud of the 2,118 students who graduated last weekend. These graduates have joined the ranks of 250,000 CSU alumni who are making a positive impact around the world!
GO RAMS!