Fall 2024
COVER STORY
GROUND LEVEL
Studying soil as a key to successful farming and environmental wellbeing
Scientists increasingly view soil as central to urgent agricultural and societal needs, such as improved food production, water conservation, and combating climate change. At CSU, researchers are on the leading edge of understanding the attributes of healthy soil and its role in supporting the planet.
FEATURES
Ballet Folklorico
A traditional dance troupe at CSU Pueblo helps connect the university to its community. Ballet Folklorico offers a joyful expression of Mexican culture; it has grown into a point of pride and an important form of community outreach for CSU Pueblo, helping attract and retain university students as it proudly reflects a core part of the community.
Making history
CSU alumni serve as leaders of History Colorado and are spurring a nationwide movement among community museums that seeks to elevate a greater variety of perspectives and more complex, even disturbing, historical truths. The goal is to better reflect local communities by telling a more honest and inclusive state history.
Pro tip
CSU Global professors bring impressive industry experience to the virtual classroom, which is especially meaningful for students because most are completing their college degrees for immediate career advancement. In fact, at the fully online university, it is standard for faculty members to have both advanced academic degrees and industry work experience.
STATEWIDE
From the president
CSU President Amy Parsons celebrates the start of the academic year, noting that incoming students are particularly interested in engaging with the world.
First degree
A new CSU System miniseries, called First Degree, spotlights standout first-generation students and their personal and academic journeys as a way to demonstrate the value of higher education.
The smell of success
Stink, stank, stunk! A rare corpse flower recently blossomed at CSU. Now, horticulture researchers are using data gathered during the bloom to better understand a peculiar and pungent plant.
Troubled waters
A new online course designed by water experts at CSU and delivered by CSU Global teaches basics about water sustainability so students may be more conversant in one of the region’s most important issues.
“A” 100-year old tradition
The painting of Colorado State’s Aggie “A,” on a hillside west of Fort Collins, marked its 100th anniversary in August, when students and volunteers gave the mountain monogram its annual makeover.
Democracy at CSU
After a year focusing on democracy and civic engagement on campus, Colorado State University leaders are making it a permanent priority to engage students in the nation’s core democratic principles.
Green thumb
The CSU Master Gardener program is turning 50. In honor of the anniversary, meet Colorado’s longest-serving Master Gardener, who jokes that the people she has served are great, “and the plants are nicer.”
Top grade in teacher preparation
CSU Pueblo has earned national accolades for its excellence in preparing future teachers to instruct children in reading, a skill increasingly understood as a barometer of future success.