November 13, 2024

Dear CC Community,

The Colorado College Board of Trustees gathered on campus for our annual fall meeting Oct. 30-Nov. 1. While on campus, we had the opportunity to attend Homecoming with more than 1,600 alumni, students, faculty, and staff, to commemorate 150 years of CC. Among the class reunions, micro-blocks, academic and affinity group meetups, athletic events, the 150th Extravaganza, and Día de Muertos at the FAC, there were countless opportunities to connect and celebrate CC. I left with a deep appreciation of the diverse interests and common threads that bring our community together. Many thanks to the faculty, staff, and volunteers who made the weekend a resounding success.

Adrian Price ’25 attended his first Board meeting as the 2024-25 Student Trustee. We also heard from Interim President Whitaker about her vision and priorities and welcomed Johanna Blickenstaff, Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing, and Rosalie Rodriguez, College Diversity Officer, to the Cabinet. Over the course of three days, we shared meals and conversations with the Faculty Executive Committee, Staff Council, and President’s Council.

Six students presented to the full Board, Interim President Whitaker, and Cabinet at the Board Investment Committee meeting. We did not revisit CC’s decision regarding divestment; rather, the discussion focused on maintaining open dialogue and collaboration between students and the Board.

Several Trustees had the chance to sit in on classes Thursday, and I personally attended a combined class with Professors Anthony Bull and Eryn Murphy from Human Biology and Kinesiology. It was a wonderful reminder of the energy, innovation, and focus that fuels our academic mission. I want to thank the faculty who invited us to experience their teaching in action.

We spent time with the Alumni Association Council (AAC) and honored our inspiring Alumni Association Awardees. An additional highlight of the fall meeting each year is our celebration of independent research conducted by Keller Family Venture Grant recipients and current CC students. Take a moment to read about their fascinating projects here. 

The AAC also joined the Board’s plenary session, during which we reviewed plans for expanded science facilities at CC. Learn more about the proposed new science building and renovation of Olin Hall here.

It was a great week to cheer for the Tigers, as Women’s Soccer defeated Air Force to win the City for Champions Cup at Weidner Field, and Hockey swept Air Force in back-to-back games. Equally impressive was the subsequent transformation of Ed Robson Arena from a hockey venue to the setting of our casino-style 150th Extravaganza in less than 24 hours.

Throughout Homecoming weekend, we witnessed student-led demonstrations on campus. Recognizing its importance to our mission as a liberal arts institution, we vigorously support freedom of thought and expression when it is done in a way that ensures the safety of our campus community and allows operations and education to continue. Across 150 years of CC history, we have seen these values in action time and time again, and they have helped shape our institution.

The virtual Board of Trustees Townhall took place Monday, Nov. 11. If you were unable to attend live, a recording is available here.

The Board will return to campus for our February meetings. Until then, I wish our students, faculty, and staff a successful conclusion to the Fall Semester, well-deserved downtime during Fall and Winter Break, and a hopeful new year.

With gratitude,

Jeff Keller ’91, P’23
CC Board of Trustees Chair