Winter 2016
The Power of the Liberal Arts
Each of the student, faculty, and alumni stories within this issue are testaments to reaching life goals, facing challenges, and overcoming obstacles, and each shares a common theme: the value of a liberal arts education.
Scroll down to see this issue's featured stories
A Great Museum for a Great University
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Great universities have great art museums, and Colorado State is no exception.
Then I found Colorado State University
Economics major Lauren Bouman shares how she is living her passion and thanks College of Liberal Arts donors for their support.
What it Means to be Human
“When we talk about science and the way it is related to politics, we are looking at the way in which human activities are interdependent with the wider world.”
The ‘welcoming back of a nation’
Jason LaBelle’s research highlights the rich history of indigenous peoples and bison in northern Colorado.
A Lasting Legacy
Irene Vernon’s record of service to underrepresented groups has made an enduring mark on campus.
Global Treks and Triple Majors
History | International Studies | Languages, Literatures and Cultures
In her third year of college, Jo Buckley juggles the collective titles of world traveler, community leader and triple major.
Awakening the mind with music
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance | Sociology
A CSU program shows that attending the symphony reverses cognitive decline in people with dementia.
Czech Abroad: On the Building and Breaking Down of Walls
Like many American school children, I had heard many stories. Also like many American school children, I had never seen the wall.
Student receives archaeological training in Belize
Anthropology senior Jesse Bain had the opportunity to participate in the Rio Bravo Archaeological Survey in Belize.
The CSU Marching Band: longest-standing Ram tradition
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Formed in 1901, CSU’s marching band is the longest-standing tradition, and has maintained it’s mission to represent the University, support our athletic teams, and entertain fans.
Center Celebrates Decade of Student-Cultivated Public Dialogue
A program that gives CSU students real-world experience facilitating discussions on difficult issues recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Overcoming Divisiveness
“I love to bring people into the room who think they are so different from each other. Those are the starting points to work from to make the world a better place.”
CSU center partners with National Park Service to provide historical scholarship
CSU’s Public Lands History Center has received new support that will allow it to partner with the National Park Service on an expanded number of large, complex research projects.
Art students transfer tradition to South African mural on campus
CSU art students created a South Sotho mural out of soil, manure and tempera paint.
Alumni acquire coffee shop, plan to hire people with disabilities
Fresh-brewed coffee and helping adults with disabilities is not what Chelsi and Justin Wells thought they would be doing after graduation.
Honoring a Teacher and a Dancer
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Cythnia Mousel’s scholarship not only honors her teacher, Mrs. Fagan, but also honors the students who pursue a dance major.
When is it ethical to euthanize your pet?
Dr. Bernard Rollin examines the ethics of euthanizing pets.
Writers Bring their Work to Life
In 2016, CSU has hosted two Pulitzer Prize-winning poets, one national award winner for nonfiction, and an award winning English department alumnus.
Rally ‘Round the Flag of Justice
Sandy Ceas’ work revolves around global social issues, particularly focusing on the impact of religion on communities.
English Beyond: Speak Out! and Rekindle the Classics
The English department enacts their passion through programs that extend beyond the boundaries of our classrooms, and even our campus.
More than just a student
Sociology and Ethnic Studies major Erica LeFehr discusses ups and downs of being a full-time student and a mom.
TV strategist Vidakovich joins ACT Human Rights Film Festival team
Alumnus Jim Vidakovich has garnered a reputation as one of the top media strategists in Hollywood.
Environmental justice group emerges at CSU
A growing number of CSU faculty, staff and students have been joining a campus initiative focused on environmental justice.
Sign Language courses to be introduced next fall
Languages, Literatures and Cultures
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures is working to create an American Sign Language minor.
Learning the Business of Art
“The LEAP program covers a side to the art world that I wouldn’t have gotten exposure to otherwise.”
First generation student finds success at CSU
Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts
A first generation scholar recalls the support she received while completing her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts.
Student Spotlight: Tyler Olson
When Tyler Olson thinks about his degree in economics, he doesn’t think of the money he could make with it; instead, he thinks of how he can use it to better the world.
Professional communicators inducted into CSU Media Hall of Fame
Journalism and Media Communication
The Department of Journalism and Media Communication inducted 10 outstanding professional communicators into the CSU Media Hall of Fame.
December declared Student Media Celebration Month
Journalism and Media Communication
Fort Collins’ mayor Wade Troxell proclaimed December 2016 as Student Media Celebration Month.
Student Spotlight: Trevor Abeyta
Trevor Abeyta reflects on the invaluable experience he has gained through the Political Science department’s graduate internship program.
Liberal Arts shines at Graduate Student Showcase
Anthropology and Geography | Art and Art History | Economics | English | Ethnic Studies | History | Sociology
The Graduate Showcase celebrates research, creativity and entrepreneurship and provides an arena for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Outstanding Graduates
Anthropology and Geography | Art and Art History | English | Ethnic Studies | History | Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts | International Studies | Journalism and Media Communication | Languages, Literatures and Cultures | School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
College of Liberal Arts faculty and staff highlight outstanding students graduating in Fall 2016.
Message from the Dean
Dean Ben Withers reflects on the impact of the liberal arts.