Old CU

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Hellems Building in 1921

Anna Tolette — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:09:36 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Hellems Building in 1921 Anna Tolette Mon, 07/20/2026 - 16:09

As the first campus building designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style, the Hellems Arts and Sciences building has helped define CU’s architectural identity since 1921. Hellems also serves as a cornerstone of CU’s academic landscape, housing five primary departments through the College of Arts and Sciences, including the humanities departments and interdisciplinary programs, and is home to the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre in its courtyard.

Hellems’ latest interior renovation, completed in April 2026, honors the building’s historic and architectural legacy by keeping much of the original flooring, finishes and roof tiles.

“The revitalization of Hellems during CU’s 150th year serves as a fitting tribute to the university’s first and largest college as it looks forward to the next 150 years,” said Mona Lambrecht, director and curator of history and collections for CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Heritage Center.

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Photos courtesy of CU �鶹ӰԺ Libraries Archives

As the first campus building designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style, the Hellems Arts and Sciences building has helped define CU’s architectural identity since 1921.

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Summer 2026

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Fiske You Were Here

Anna Tolette — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:02:38 +0000

Fiske You Were Here Anna Tolette Mon, 07/20/2026 - 16:02

Christie Sounart

When �鶹ӰԺ residents Drew Simon and Ron Marks have free weekend time, they know where they’ll be: Fiske Planetarium.

More than five years ago, the friends began attending planetarium shows on CU �鶹ӰԺ’s campus and now have seen more than 40 of them. They’ve experienced everything from energetic laser displays featuring music from the Grateful Dead or Jimi Hendrix to immersive scientific programs about black holes and galaxies.

Sometimes they’ll see eight shows in a day during the annual Dome Fest West festival in April, which the planetarium hosts and features short films and utilizes immersive media.

“At its heart, Fiske isn’t just about astronomy or music — it’s an immersive experience,” Simon said in a Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine profile. “It’s an art form that’s still finding its full expression.”

Fiske Planetarium opened in 1975 as the largest planetarium between Los Angeles and Chicago, a title it still retains with a 65-foot dome and 200-seat capacity. Its first show was about supernovae and their influence on Earth’s life.

Each year, the planetarium has held more than 700 public shows, not including field trips for K-12 students, CU classes and other special events. More than 60,000 visitors come to the planetarium annually, said Carla Johns, the planetarium’s community relations and engagement manager.

“Over the last 50 years, we estimate over a million people have seen a talk or a show at Fiske,” she said.

The planetarium’s best-selling shows range from topics like stars and planets to a Taylor Swift-themed laser show.

“Surprisingly,” said Johns, “Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon laser show has become a planetarium classic and is as popular now as it was back in the ’70s.”

What shows do you remember seeing at Fiske? Email us at editor@colorado.edu.

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Photo courtesy of Fiske Planetarium

Fiske Planetarium opened in 1975 as the largest planetarium between Los Angeles and Chicago, a title it still retains.

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Summer 2026

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CU �鶹ӰԺ’s First Startup

Anna Tolette — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:57:01 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s First Startup Anna Tolette Mon, 07/20/2026 - 15:57

Heather Hansen

CU �鶹ӰԺ and Ball Aerospace (now BAE Systems) have been collaborating for decades to explore the mysteries of deep space.

The relationship was forged at a unique moment in history: the “space race” was heating up in the 1950s, and post-World War II optimism was driving exciting technological innovation at the university as Edmund Ball, head of the Indiana-based Ball Brothers Company, was looking to expand beyond their famous glass jars and move into research and development. At the same time, CU �鶹ӰԺ physicists were working around the clock on a first-of-its-kind suborbital program to study the sun. Their so-called Rocket Project retrofitted WWII munitions with pointing control systems that would take the most advanced spectrographic measurements of the sun to date.

“That was the beginning of the development of the science of how to use aerospace platforms, technologies, aircraft and spacecraft to do really cool science,” said Chris Muldrow (AeroEngr’03; MEngrMgmt’10), executive director of the Colorado Quantum Incubator and former director of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s top 10-ranked Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences.

Soon the Rocket Project leaders joined Ball in forming CU �鶹ӰԺ’s first spin-out, Ball Brothers Research Corporation. The new company moved into a building on Arapahoe Road in �鶹ӰԺ, placing the city at the center of the nation’s aerospace science and engineering industry.

Despite lucrative contracts in those early days, innovation was expensive, and the nascent company’s profitability faltered. That’s when they brought in Ruel “Merc” Mercure (A&S’51; MPhys’55; PhD’57) to help write the next chapter. He had designed the instrument that photographed the sun and ultimately helped connect the company’s scientific roots to a growing commercial future.

Over time, the company became known for building spacecraft systems, instruments and advanced optical technologies for major space missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope. In 2024, BAE Systems acquired Ball Aerospace and named its new unit Space & Mission Systems. The company is currently headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, and is a major employer of CU �鶹ӰԺ engineers.

Since the pioneering early days of Ball Aerospace and tech commercialization at CU, Colorado is now home to more than 500 space-related companies and suppliers, including several of the nation’s top aerospace enterprises.

“We actually have the largest aerospace population per capital in the nation,” said Muldrow, “and CU �鶹ӰԺ continues to be a key player both regionally and internationally.”

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Photos courtesy of �鶹ӰԺ Historical Society (top right); LASP (bottom right).

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s first spin-out, Ball Brothers Research Corporation, placed the city at the center of the nation’s aerospace and engineering industry.

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Summer 2026

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Honoring Alice Eastwood’s Legacy at CU's Herbarium

Anna Tolette — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:01:03 +0000

Honoring Alice Eastwood’s Legacy at CU's Herbarium Anna Tolette Mon, 07/07/2025 - 14:01

Julia MacLean

Factoids

Specimen: Primula parryi A. Gray (Parry’s Primrose)

Location: Grays Peak, Colorado
Habitat: Found along streams and in moist meadows in the Rocky Mountain subalpine to alpine regions
Aroma: Has a skunky odor
Collected: July 1888 by Alice Eastwood

The University of Colorado Herbarium houses the world’s most complete documentation of Colorado flora. Located in the basement of the Clare Small Arts and Sciences building, the herbarium’s collection contains nearly 600,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens and fungi.

The herbarium’s founding collection dates to the 1880s and belonged to Alice Eastwood, a self-taught plant scientist. During her life, she named 395 species — the fourth-highest of any female scientist.

Eastwood, who served as a teacher in Kiowa, Colorado, spent her summers collecting plants in the mountains. In the preface of her 1893 book, A Popular Flora of Denver, Colorado, Eastwood wrote that she created the publication “with the sole aim of helping students to learn the names of the plants that grow around Denver.” Her collection lived in the Colorado State Historical Society until CU �鶹ӰԺ’s herbarium, which is part of the university’s Museum of Natural History, acquired it under curator William Weber in the 1940s.

Today, Eastwood’s specimens, along with hundreds of thousands of others, support research on and of campus — even internationally. The robust collections are often toured by CU students, faculty, botanists, scholars and local plant enthusiasts.

Said botany collection manager Amber Horning: “I believe that natural history collections have the power to inspire an audience of all ages and backgrounds.”

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Photo courtesy University of Colorado Herbarium (COLO)

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Herbarium is a resource for researchers and plant enthusiasts worldwide.

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Summer 2025

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A Historic Cotton Bowl Journey for the CU Buffs

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:19:28 +0000

A Historic Cotton Bowl Journey for the CU Buffs Anna Tolette Mon, 03/10/2025 - 14:19

1938 Yearbook- Francis Stevens

Christie Sounart

In 1938, the CU Buffaloes played in their first bowl game — the Cotton Bowl — on New Year’s Day in Dallas after an undefeated season.

In the weeks leading to the game, a sense of glee hit the state of Colorado. “Fans who have spent years yelling for DU, Mines and Colorado Aggies to beat �鶹ӰԺ transferred their allegiance temporarily to the CU Buffaloes,” said the Denver Post on Dec. 31, 1937.

Buffs fans purchased souvenir Cotton Bowl scarves for 65 cents from major department stores to wear to the game, and anywhere from 6,000 to 7,000 people took one of the five special trains from Colorado to Dallas for the game. (The train ride from Denver to Dallas took 21 hours.)

An estimated 10,000 CU fans attended the bowl, which resulted in a 14–28 loss to Houston’s Rice University despite an exceptional performance by Buffs halfback Byron “Whizzer” White (Econ’38).

“It was a sensational game and had the fans in a frenzy,” declared the Colorado Alumnus in January 1938.

In 1987, White’s teammate Francis Stevens (ElEngr’40), who played left guard during the game, donated his Cotton Bowl team jacket to the CU Heritage Center.

1938 Yearbook- Francis Stevens

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Photos by Mona Lambrecht/CU Heritage Center

In 1938, the CU Buffaloes made their debut in the Cotton Bowl, with thousands of fans traveling to Dallas to support the team.

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Spring 2025

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Rashaan Salaam's Legacy Reignited by Travis Hunter's Heisman Win

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:01:39 +0000

Rashaan Salaam's Legacy Reignited by Travis Hunter's Heisman Win Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 14:01

After an extraordinary 11-1 season with the Buffs in 1994, running back Rashaan Salaam (Soc ex’96) won CU’s first Heisman Trophy. Salaam, then a junior, was the fourth Division I player to top the 2,000-yard rushing barrier. He also led the nation in scoring.

“It was a special season, especially after the Miracle at Michigan game,” said Dave Plati (Jour’82), who was assistant athletic director for sports information during Salaam’s time at CU.

Thirty years later, cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter (Psych’26) won the Heisman Trophy in December 2024, the university’s second, bringing Salaam’s name back into the spotlight.

“Rashaan hated the attention he was receiving,” said Plati. “He was the consummate team player, and after he won all his awards, most of his comments were directed at saying his success was due to his teammates.”

Salaam died in 2016 at the age of 42.

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Photo courtesy Heisman Trophy Trust

Rashaan Salaam's legacy at CU is brought back into focus as Travis Hunter secures the university's second Heisman trophy 30 years later.

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Spring 2025

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CU Environmental Center's Legacy of Sustainability

Julia Maclean — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:30:13 +0000

CU Environmental Center's Legacy of Sustainability Julia Maclean Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:30

Jessica Winter

The first officially celebrated “Earth Day” on April 22, 1970, marked the start of another green legacy: the CU Environmental Center.

A novel concept at the time, the center was founded by environmentally conscious students and acted as an on-campus organization for students to gather, develop and lead projects relevant to environmental issues. Since its inception, the “E-Center,” as it’s commonly known, has led sustainability initiatives, launched programs and partnered with green campus operations such as CU’s renewable energy campaign.

Financed by student fees since 1973, CU �鶹ӰԺ’s E-Center remains the largest student-led environmental center in the nation in terms of funding and employee support. Its innovative creation more than 50 years ago has inspired many other schools to model their student sustainability programs after CU’s.

“The E-Center is governed by students, funded by students and powered by students,” said Marianne Moulton Martin, E-Center associate director. “Many of our current programs would not have been realized without student leadership and initiatives.”

Driven by passionate Buffs, the center offers a variety of programs that aid sustainability efforts, including a composting program (started in 2004), a campus pollinator garden (installed in 2014) and the Sustainable Buffs program — which invites students to explore how they can live, connect and lead sustainably. The center’s current priorities include developing sustainability leaders, identifying solutions to environmental issues that can be implemented beyond campus, helping CU �鶹ӰԺ reach zero waste and zero emissions, and promoting Buff pride through positive environmental impact.

From the recycling program created in 1976 to the first CU Bike Station in 2004, the E-Center has a green legacy that generations of Buffs have carried forward — with its student employees at the helm. In addition to the programs and services the center carries out, its student employees help engage their peers in meaningful conversations about everything from climate justice to environmentally friendly practices in labs.

“As a key partner in sustainability on campus, the E-Center aims to support every student who wants to create a positive change in their community,” said student employee Megan McLemore (IntlAf’26). “So we also act as a liaison, helping students join or start projects they are passionate about, and connecting them with the larger community of Sustainable Buffs here at CU �鶹ӰԺ.”

“The E-Center is governed by students, funded by students and powered by students.”

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Photos courtesy CU Environmental Center

CU �鶹ӰԺ's Environmental Center celebrates 50 years of sustainability initiatives, empowering student leadership and shaping a green campus.

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Spring 2025

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How the Women's Athletic Association Fought for Women in CU Sports

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:17:53 +0000

How the Women's Athletic Association Fought for Women in CU Sports Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:17

Jessica Winter

In 1933, Wilma Howard Garrison (A&S’35) helped the CU women’s field hockey team win the junior class championship — an accomplishment that gained her praise for an excellent play, and the likely reason why she acquired this laurel wreath pin from the Women’s Athletic Association (WAA).

Established by women students passionate about athletics, the WAA strove to promote interest in women’s sports. Membership was based on points, which were earned by participating and competing in the association’s sports. Members could then acquire accolades such as pins, letters and sweaters.

From its inception in 1905 to Garrison’s membership in the early 1930s, the organization experienced hard-earned growth. It expanded the variety of sports in which CU women could participate, adding options like volleyball, baseball, swimming and dance to the roster.

The association also helped CU women obtain a designated spot for their athletics. In 1912, women began using a space located on The Hill as an athletic facility (before this, they were required to schedule time at the Men’s Gymnasium). In 1928, the university built a dedicated Women’s Gymnasium.

Awards like Garrison’s pin reflect the history of CU women’s athletics and tell the story of women pursuing something greater.

Factoids:

Origins

Wilma Howard Garrison (A&S’35) earned this pin as a wing player in field hockey.

Debut

In 1905 on Gamble Field, CU women competed in athletics for the first time, playing field hockey against the University of Denver.

School Spirit

Garrison’s other student involvements included drama, a sorority, an honorary society and several women’s organizations.

First Four

Four sports originally made up the WAA: basketball, field hockey, gymnastics and tennis.

Est.

The CU Women’s Athletic Association (WAA) formed in 1905.

CU Soulmates

Wilma married fellow CU alum, William Garrison (ElEngr’33).

Design

Prior to the 1930s, the university was typically referred to as UC.

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Photo courtesy Mona Lambrecht/ CU Heritage Museum

Established by women students passionate about athletics, the WAA strove to promote interest in women’s sports.

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Fall 2024

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Muriel Sibell-Wolle: Artist, Professor, Ghost Town Guide

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Muriel Sibell-Wolle: Artist, Professor, Ghost Town Guide Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Kelsey Yandura

1942

When Muriel Sibell-Wolle traded the East Coast for the foothills of �鶹ӰԺ in 1926, she was immediately spellbound by the region’s rich natural beauty, declaring she planned to stay "until they kick me out." She began teaching fine art at CU �鶹ӰԺ and went on to lead the department for nearly 20 years.

One of the first and most prolific ghost town guidebook writers in the nation, Sibell-Wolle visited and sketched over a thousand mining towns in the American West. Here, Sibell-Wolle is pictured with her lithograph “Gladstone, Colorado,” which is now part of the CU Art Museum collection.

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Photo courtesy Floyd Walters Colection, CU Heritage Center

CU fine arts professor Muriel Sibell-Wolle visited and sketched over a thousand mining towns in the American West. She is now known as one of the first and most prolific ghost town guidebook writers in the nation.

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Miniature Dictionary: Tiny Book, Trove of Knowledge

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Miniature Dictionary: Tiny Book, Trove of Knowledge Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Christie Sounart

In 2003, nearly a decade after the death of Jacob Van Ek, former CU �鶹ӰԺ political science professor and College of Arts and Sciences dean, the CU Heritage Center received an anonymous donation of his desk items — including a miniature English-Dutch dictionary, which stands two inches high and less than 1.5 inches wide.

Mini books, according to auction service Britannic Auctions, were popular throughout history as they allowed the reader to conveniently and discreetly carry knowledge. Van Ek and his wife may have used the dictionary on their global travels, said Mona Lambrecht, Heritage Center interim director and curator of its history and collections.

After winning a year-long travel fellowship in 1928, Van Ek and his wife, Eve Drewelowe, traveled around the world to familiarize themselves with different peoples, countries and civilizations. During this time, they spent time in the Netherlands, where Van Ek’s parents were born.

The couple returned from their travels in 1929, and Van Ek assumed his role as Arts and Sciences dean, a position he held at CU �鶹ӰԺ for 30 years before teaching full time for several more years.

The experience left him with a broad worldview.

According to the Jacob Van Ek collection housed in the Norlin Library, “When the ‘Red Scare’ gripped college campuses in the late 1940s and the 1950s, Dr. Van Ek won the respect and gratitude of his faculty and student body when he acted as a steadfast defender of freedom of expression.”

Facts about the dictionary:

Title: English-Dutch 12000 Words Liliput Dictionary 77
Published by Schmidt & Günther
Printed by F. E. Haag in Leipzig, Germany
Published circa 1925
635 pages
Dimensions: 1⅜ inches wide by 2 inches high by 3/8 inches deep
Text 1/16 inches high
Red linen fabric cover
All the dictionaries published by Schmidt & Günther in this series have a number connected to them. The English-Dutch is number 77.

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Photos courtesy Mona Lambrecht, CU Heritage Center

Zoom in on a twentieth-century miniature English-Dutch dictionary in CU's Heritage Collection.

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