August 21, 2025

Dear CSU Community,

Welcome to the 155th year of excellence at Colorado State University! This academic year begins with excitement and anticipation, along with gratitude for the faculty, staff, and volunteers whose welcoming spirit made orientation, move-in, and Ram Welcome such a success.

Tomorrow, we’ll celebrate our newest Rams at Convocation, a tradition that signals the start of the academic journey for CSU’s incoming class. First-year students, this is your moment to come together as the Class of 2029. Faculty and staff, we also invite you to help kick off the year at Convocation and show our new students what the Ram community is all about.

This fall, we’re proud to welcome one of the largest incoming classes in CSU history: 5,400 new students, including a record 3,600 from Colorado. To our first-year, transfer, and returning students—you are among the most academically talented student bodies we’ve ever had. You bring energy and fresh perspectives to CSU, and we’re impressed with the ways you’re already engaging as part of the Ram community. Student success remains our top priority, and across all eight colleges, you’ll find innovative, hands-on opportunities designed to help you thrive.

To our faculty and staff—thank you for your extraordinary work. The mentorship, support, and world-class education you provide make CSU the national model for land-grant institutions. This summer, we announced record-breaking achievements in research and sponsored projects, surpassing $600 million in expenditures. We also marked our most successful philanthropic year ever, with record funds raised, and a record number of major gifts. Your creativity, scholarship, and community engagement continue to expand CSU’s impact across Colorado and beyond.

At CSU, we come together for meaningful work—in academics, research, and service. Let’s take every opportunity to connect, carry on our traditions, and build our Ram community. Cheer on our Rams in volleyball, soccer, cross country, and football—our first home football game at Canvas Stadium is Sept. 6! Explore art exhibits, performances, and lectures. And be sure to enjoy the recreation and culture that make Fort Collins one of the best college towns in the country. I’m grateful to share this journey with you, and I’m excited to see you all out there.

Go Rams!

Amy Parsons
President, Colorado State University