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"150 Years → 150 Futures: Centering Student Voice, Access, and Belonging at CU �鶹ӰԺ" is a student-centered initiative that leverages the university’s sesquicentennial to elevate the voices shaping its future. By centering storytelling, leadership, and community, the initiative empowers first-generation and historically excluded students to build pathways and achieve success in higher education and beyond. Through capturing student perspectives, equipping educators, and embedding student voice into institutional planning, the project honors CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 150-year legacy while advancing its commitment to access, belonging, and student success for generations to come.

"Celebrating and Elevating 150 Years of Teacher Buffs” is a statewide campaign designed to honor CU �鶹ӰԺ’s historic and ongoing commitment to preparing excellent teachers, a mission established at the university’s founding 150 years ago. At a time when the teaching profession faces increasing public pressures, this project aims to highlight the pride, purpose and impact of being a Teacher Buff through stories from alumni educators and current teacher candidates. By elevating teacher voices, strengthening their connection to CU �鶹ӰԺ and highlighting their impact on classrooms around the state, the campaign reinforces the university’s enduring public mission and its legacy as Colorado’s first teacher preparation institution. The initiative includes social media storytelling, celebratory events and alumni engagement efforts that invite educators to reconnect, share their experiences and feel seen for their work. Together, these efforts aim to boost the visibility of CU �鶹ӰԺ and the School of Education as we celebrate the vital role teachers play in communities across Colorado.

Celebrate CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 150th anniversary with us at the Sesquicentennial Faculty Scholars events—an inspiring evening of short, story-driven presentations by faculty across the university whose research and creative work advance the public good. Join us August 27 in Denver or November 19 in �鶹ӰԺ to experience bold ideas and their real-world impact firsthand.

The goal of this project is to prepare our communities for a rapidly changing world where climate disasters are becoming more frequent, intense, and widespread. We will use immersive virtual reality (VR) to help people better understand flood risks and how they might affect their community. By stepping into a realistic, interactive visualization of the �鶹ӰԺ area, local residents can see firsthand how quickly and severely flooding can occur, and how it could impact familiar places and landmarks. The immersive nature of VR supports experiential learning in a safe, controlled environment. The project also includes a series of public "Immersive Resilience Workshops" where attendees can experience the simulation and then engage in facilitated discussions on preparedness strategies.

This event celebrates the launch of the American Sign Language (ASL) Minor at the �鶹ӰԺ and marks its transition to the Department of Linguistics during the university’s 150th anniversary. The celebration will feature performances by Deaf artists, including Deafies in Drag, and desserts from Zetta Maria Bakery, a Deaf Black woman-owned business, creating a vibrant and inclusive campus experience. By centering Deaf culture, language, and creativity, the event fosters connection, visibility, and cross-cultural engagement within the CU �鶹ӰԺ community. This celebration reflects the university’s commitment to accessibility, diversity, and innovation. It also invites students, faculty, and the broader community to engage with ASL and Deaf Studies as part of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s ongoing legacy of inclusion and growth.

Magic Mountain Talks brings CU �鶹ӰԺ to Pearl Street for a monthly series of humanistic conversations exploring the intersections of literature and politics. Academic and non-academic audiences are invited to join conversations with renowned authors, critics, and journalists and to engage in public debate on topics of contemporary importance. By highlighting the importance of the humanities for the university through community engagement, Magic Mountain Talks celebrates the public mission CU has maintained in the past and helps lay new foundations for the next 150 years of the university as a public and constructive presence in �鶹ӰԺ. Events are hosted by Trident Booksellers & Cafe. Registration is free and encouraged at magicmountaintalks.org.

Buffs Big Event is a large-scale day of service that brings Buffs together to express gratitude for the support of the �鶹ӰԺ community. In partnership with the Division of Student Life and the City of �鶹ӰԺ, students will work alongside residents to beautify spaces, clean up yards and provide hands on support in many other ways. Buffs Big Event honors CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 150th anniversary through service, while also launching a bold new tradition that propels us into the future of community impact.

Over the past 150 years, the �鶹ӰԺ has been shaped by moments of challenge, perseverance, and progress as it has navigated issues of race, gender, politics, and the acknowledgement of Indigenous lands and communities. This mural honors that complex history by highlighting both the struggles and achievements that have influenced the university’s evolution, including the Chicana Movement, the visibility and recognition of Native communities, and the ongoing pursuit of racial and gender equity. The story culminates in a contemporary commencement scene, symbolizing the diverse community, meaningful relationships, and enduring connections fostered through the CU �鶹ӰԺ experience. Together, these moments reflect the spirit of a Forever Buff—honoring the past, celebrating progress, and inspiring a more inclusive and equitable future for generations to come.

Culture Crawl is a collaborative, campus-wide initiative that introduces the campus community—especially first-year and transfer students—to the arts, collections and organizations that shape creative and intellectual life at CU �鶹ӰԺ. On Sept. 30, 2026, more than 20 campus units, academic departments and student organizations will host interactive events across campus that invite participants to explore the university’s past, present and future. Through a day full of exhibitions, activities and performances inspired by campus collections and stories, Culture Crawl will connect attendees with the ideas that continue to shape CU �鶹ӰԺ as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

2026 is the 150th anniversary of CU �鶹ӰԺ, the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), and the 105th anniversary of the Mountain Research Station. In honor of these milestones at three interconnected institutions, INSTAAR will host an open house at the Mountain Research Station on August 19. This event is for science lovers of all creeds, backgrounds, and ages. It will feature hands-on activities, dinner, and a keynote from eminent ecologist Katharine Suding.