Celebrate

William Penuel, Jun Ye named newest American Academy of Arts & Sciences members

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:11:46 +0000

William Penuel, Jun Ye named newest American Academy of Arts & Sciences members Megan M Rogers Wed, 04/22/2026 - 08:11

The prestigious American Academy of Arts & Sciences has announced its newest members, and they include CU �鶹ӰԺ affiliates William Penuel and Jun Ye.

Penuel and Ye join 250 other leaders in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research and science elected in 2026.

The academy, chartered in 1780, was established to recognize accomplished individuals and engage them in addressing the greatest challenges facing the young republic. The first members elected to the academy include President George Washington, who said—in his first annual message to Congress in 1790, “Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.”

“Election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences is among the highest honors a scholar can receive, and this recognition speaks to CU �鶹ӰԺ’s longstanding strength as a center of ideas and discovery,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. "The induction of professors William Penuel and Jun Ye adds to our university’s tradition of faculty recognized among the nation’s most distinguished scholars and affirms CU �鶹ӰԺ’s role in advancing knowledge at the highest level.”

William Penuel

Penuel is a Distinguished Professor of Learning Sciences and Human Development in the School of Education and the Institute of Cognitive Science and a faculty fellow at the Renée Crown Wellness Institute at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

His research examines how curriculum materials, assessments and professional learning experiences can support teachers in creating equitable and engaging STEM learning environments, particularly in science. He also studies how contemplative practices and critical inquiry help educators cultivate compassionate, inclusive learning environments and schools.

A leading scholar in research‑practice partnerships, Penuel investigates how long‑term collaborations between educators and researchers can address systemic inequities related to race, gender and sexual diversity and language.

Across his research, he works in close partnership with educators and education leaders to build and understand classrooms that honor students’ experiences, broaden whose knowledge is valued and connect instruction to learners’ identities and interests. He uses a wide range of research methods, including one he developed with colleagues called design-based implementation research.

Penuel is an elected member of the National Academy of Education and an American Educational Research Association fellow. He has published two books on research-practice partnerships: “Creating Research-Practice Partnerships in Education” (co-author; Harvard Education Press) and “Connecting Research and Practice for Educational Improvement” (co-editor; Routledge). He co-edited “The Foundational Handbook on Improvement Research in Education” (Rowman & Littlefield).

Last year, he co-authored his most recent book about compassion and dignity as an essential framework for building caring and inclusive schools, “Creating Compassionate Change in School Communities: Leading Together to Address Everyday Suffering in Schools” (Jossey-Bass).

Elected area and field

Class III: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Section 7: Education

Jun Ye

Ye’s election recognizes his extraordinary contributions to physics and quantum science, including pioneering advances in optical atomic clocks, precision measurement and quantum many-body physics.

Ye is a professor of physics at CU �鶹ӰԺ and physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He holds the Monroe Endowed Professorship in Physics and is a fellow at JILA. He has revolutionized how scientists measure time, developing quantum technologies that can track the passage of time with never-before-seen accuracy and precision.

Ye leads several quantum research initiatives at JILA. They include the CUbit Quantum Initiative and the Quantum Systems through Entangled Science and Engineering (Q-SEnSE) center funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

At JILA, Ye pioneered the design of optical atomic clocks, devices that measure time by tapping the behavior of atoms and electrons. His lab’s clocks would neither gain nor lose a second over billions of years.

Ye and his team have also worked to transform insights into the quantum world into technologies that can improve people’s lives. His lab, for example, built laser-based devices that can analyze samples of human breath, screening people for COVID-19 infections and other health conditions.

He earned his doctorate from CU �鶹ӰԺ in 1997, where he trained under Jan Hall, who went on to win a Nobel Prize in 2005. Ye returned to JILA in 1999 and has received numerous awards for his research, including the 2022 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.

Elected area and field

Class I: Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Section 2: Physics

"Professors Penuel and Ye are emblematic of the world-class faculty at CU �鶹ӰԺ, combining research, scholarship, teaching and service in vital institutes with excellence in their disciplines,” said Provost Ann Stevens. “We are honored by their ongoing achievements and their induction into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and our students and the rest of the world are beneficiaries of their unique work."

The new class joins academy members elected before them, including Benjamin Franklin (elected 1781) and Alexander Hamilton (1791) in the 18th century; Ralph Waldo Emerson (1864), Maria Mitchell (1848) and Charles Darwin (1874) in the 19th; Albert Einstein (1924), Robert Frost (1931), Margaret Mead (1948), Milton Friedman (1959), Martin Luther King, Jr. (1966) and Jacques Derrida (1985) in the 20th century.

This century, members include: Madeleine K. Albright (2001), Antonin Scalia (2003), Jennifer Doudna, who did postdoctoral research under CU �鶹ӰԺ Nobel Laureate Tom Cech while a graduate student (2003), Esther Duflo (2009), John Legend (2017), Anna Deavere Smith (2019), Salman Rushdie (2022), Xuedong Huang (2023) and José Andrés (2025).

“We celebrate the achievement of each new member and the collective breadth and depth of their excellence—this is a fitting commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Academy President Laurie Patton. “The founding of the nation and the academy are rooted in the inextricable links between a vibrant democracy, the free pursuit of knowledge, and the expansion of the public good.”

Induction ceremonies for new members will take place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in October 2026. Learn more about the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and its history.

The prestigious American Academy of Arts & Sciences has announced its newest members, and they include CU �鶹ӰԺ affiliates William Penuel and Jun Ye.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ announces inaugural Community Belonging Award recipients

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:09:35 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ announces inaugural Community Belonging Award recipients Megan M Rogers Fri, 04/17/2026 - 14:09

CU �鶹ӰԺ is proud to announce the first recipients of the Community Belonging Awards, a new campuswide honor recognizing exceptional contributions by students, staff and faculty to fostering belonging within and across CU �鶹ӰԺ communities.

The Community Belonging Awards were established this spring at the recommendation of CU Student Government, with the endorsement of the �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly, Staff Council and the Graduate and Professional Student Government. The awards celebrate individuals whose actions help others on campus feel seen, valued and supported—whether through teaching, leadership, service, collaboration or quiet, behind-the-scenes care. Together, they reflect a shared commitment to recognizing the meaningful ways belonging is built across campus.

“These awards reflect both who we are and who we are striving to become as a campus,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “The recipients of our first Community Belonging Awards remind us that meaningful change happens when people lead with care and a deep commitment to shared community.”

The four recipients—one undergraduate student, one graduate or professional student, one staff member and one faculty member—were selected for their demonstrated, meaningful impact on fostering belonging within a specific CU �鶹ӰԺ community or across campus more broadly. This work has included efforts that strengthen connection and inclusion, advance social justice, or support one or more of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Each recipient receives a one-time monetary award of $5,000.

Recipients were selected by four separate committees, one for each award category, representing shared governance groups and campus partners. “We received nominations from students, staff and faculty in departments and offices across the university,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Ann Schmiesing, who oversaw this year’s process.

“I am deeply inspired by the creativity, generosity and commitment shown by all four inaugural recipients,” Schwartz said. “They are models for all of us—showing how powerful individual actions can be in shaping a campus where everyone feels they belong.”

The Community Belonging Awards will be presented annually to recognize and elevate the people whose actions strengthen connection, care and community across CU �鶹ӰԺ.

2026 Community Belonging Award recipients

Undergraduate student

Daniel Pagatpatan
College of Engineering and Applied Science, Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering

Daniel creates a culture where every student, whether in a rural high school or a large lecture, feels a genuine sense of acceptance and value.”

Graduate student

Olivia Felton
College of Engineering and Applied Science, Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering

Liv stands out among our graduate student population for her steadfast willingness to serve her community, volunteering her time and creative energies to improve the CU experience for her fellow grad students.”

Staff

Carla Eugene
Assistant Director, Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)

Through her work with FSAP and the CU Cultural Collective, Carla has created inclusive spaces where faculty and staff feel seen, supported and connected through shared exploration of mental health, identity and community.”

Faculty

Carmen Pacheco
Scholar in Residence, Director of Food Engineering Graduate Certificate, Design and Food Engineering
College of Engineering and Applied Science, Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering

Through her teaching and leadership, Carmen fosters a sense of belonging by creating inclusive, relatable learning and community spaces where students and colleagues feel welcomed, valued and engaged.”

CU �鶹ӰԺ is recognizing four inaugural Community Belonging Award recipients whose actions are strengthening connection, care and community across campus.

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Prestigious NSF fellowship awarded to 40 graduate students

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:05:10 +0000

Prestigious NSF fellowship awarded to 40 graduate students Megan M Rogers Wed, 04/15/2026 - 11:05

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in a wide variety of science-related disciplines.

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Buffalo Chip: CU �鶹ӰԺ, Sweet Cow serve up a sweet celebration

Megan M Rogers — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:51:57 +0000

Buffalo Chip: CU �鶹ӰԺ, Sweet Cow serve up a sweet celebration Megan M Rogers Sun, 04/12/2026 - 06:51

What is black and gold and sweet all over?

Meet Buffalo Chip—CU �鶹ӰԺ’s first-ever officially licensed ice cream flavor, created in partnership with Colorado favorite Sweet Cow.

Launched April 6 at all seven Sweet Cow locations across �鶹ӰԺ, Denver and beyond, Buffalo Chip is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 150th anniversary. The flavor was crafted with input from students and alumni, blending nostalgia and innovation into one delicious scoop.

So, what’s inside? A rich brown sugar butter ice cream swirled with dark chocolate and butterscotch chips. The black-and-gold chip combination is a nod to CU’s iconic colors, where the butterscotch honors 150 years of history and the dark chocolate adds a bold, modern twist. In short: It’s Buff pride in a cone.

MooMobile on campus April 14

The Sweet Cow MooMobile will be at Koenig Alumni Center (1202 University Ave.) from noon until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, serving $1.50 scoops.

“Buffalo Chip is a joyful, delicious tribute to CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 150-year story,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “It reflects the creativity of our students, the dedication of our alumni and the deep connections that make this university such a vital part of Colorado.”

The partnership is personal for Sweet Cow founder Drew Honness, a CU �鶹ӰԺ history alum who got his start scooping ice cream as a student. Today, Sweet Cow is a Colorado staple, known for its long lines, signature stickers and community vibe. Many Buffs have worked at Sweet Cow over the last 16 years, making this collaboration a natural fit.

And here’s the sweetest part: A portion of Buffalo Chip sales will support CU �鶹ӰԺ scholarships, helping future students chase their dreams. The flavor is also joining Sweet Cow’s lineup of 10 core flavors, complete with a custom black-and-gold menu placard.

“Being able to create a flavor that celebrates CU’s 150th anniversary and gives back to students feels like everything coming full circle,” Honness said. “We hope Buffalo Chip becomes a favorite for Buffs everywhere.”

There's a new ice cream flavor in town! Buffalo Chip is a black-and-gold scoop celebrating CU's 150 years and supporting student scholarships. Try a $1.50 scoop on April 14, when the MooMobile stops by campus.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ recognizes Student Employee Supervisors of the Year

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:41:24 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ recognizes Student Employee Supervisors of the Year Megan M Rogers Fri, 04/10/2026 - 07:41

Nominated by student employees, the Student Employee Supervisor of the Year program recognizes supervisors who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to mentoring, supporting and developing student employees.

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Beverly Kingston, Samuel Ramsey awarded for advancing societal impact

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:57:02 +0000

Beverly Kingston, Samuel Ramsey awarded for advancing societal impact Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/09/2026 - 13:57

Two CU �鶹ӰԺ researchers are among the recipients of the 2026 Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society Awards, which recognize outstanding research with societal impact.

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CU Athletics honors student athletes' academic success

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:59:23 +0000

CU Athletics honors student athletes' academic success Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/09/2026 - 12:59

The University of Colorado Department of Athletics celebrated another banner year for student athletes, who excelled and set records in the classroom.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ honors 2026 Student Employees of the Year

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:12:09 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ honors 2026 Student Employees of the Year Megan M Rogers Tue, 04/07/2026 - 14:12

Learn about this year's Student Employee of the Year recipients, with two students earning national recognition and one named the Overall National Student Employee of the Year.

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22 faculty recognized as exceptional mentors

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:20:29 +0000

22 faculty recognized as exceptional mentors Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/02/2026 - 11:20

The Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor Award recognizes the work that faculty mentors do to improve the graduate student experience.

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Regents honor William King, Alice Mortenson with honorary degrees

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:29:21 +0000

Regents honor William King, Alice Mortenson with honorary degrees Megan M Rogers Mon, 03/30/2026 - 08:29

The University of Colorado Board of Regents has announced its selection of recipients of honorary degrees, distinguished service awards and university medals for 2026, including two CU �鶹ӰԺ affiliates.

Given since 1882, the regent awards include:

Honorary degrees, which recognize outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas: intellectual contributions, university service, philanthropy and/or public service.
Distinguished service awards, which recognize those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the state and/or nation.
University medals, which recognize those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the university.

The 2026 CU �鶹ӰԺ awardees are William King, the second tenured African American professor at CU �鶹ӰԺ, and Alice Mortenson, a renowned philanthropist and community leader who co-founded the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience.

William King, honorary degree

King, professor emeritus at CU �鶹ӰԺ, is a distinguished scholar, educator and community leader. He was the second tenured African American professor at CU �鶹ӰԺ and the university’s longest-serving Black professor (1972–2012) in history, known for pioneering contributions to Black studies, transformative teaching and dedication to social justice.

During his 40-year career, King played a pivotal role in establishing CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Black studies curriculum, which later evolved into the Department of Ethnic Studies. He designed and taught numerous groundbreaking courses, including Black Religious Life in America and The Civil Rights Movement, inspiring generations of students. A founding member of the National Council for Black Studies, King also served as its chairman and historian, shaping the discipline nationally.

An accomplished author, King has published books, scholarly articles and essays that explore African American history, science and public policy. His widely cited work has enriched academic discourse.

Beyond academia, King has served as chairman of the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver and contributed to organizations such as the Black American West Museum and Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board.

Alice Mortenson, honorary degree

Mortenson is a renowned philanthropist and community leader who has made exceptional contributions to education, public service and global development. Her enduring legacy of advocacy, collaboration and generosity has left a profound impact on CU �鶹ӰԺ and communities worldwide.

Mortenson—alongside her late husband, M.A. “Mort” Mortenson Jr.—co-founded the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience at CU �鶹ӰԺ in 2009. The center has impacted over five million lives globally through innovative solutions addressing water, sanitation and resilience challenges.

The center and its affiliates are involved in such international research programs as the Sustainable WASH Systems partnership, Bill Gates’ Reinvent the Toilet Challenge, and the Drought Resilience Impact Platform. Graduate students participating in field practicums benefit from partnerships developed in over 80 countries.

Beyond CU �鶹ӰԺ, Mortenson has made significant contributions to education and community development. She and Mort co-founded the Mortenson Family Foundation, which focuses on expanding opportunities for children and families, sustaining environmental systems and strengthening developing communities.

She established the Alice D. Mortenson/Petrovich Chair in Russian History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has served in leadership roles for numerous organizations, including Macalester College, Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches.

The CU Board of Regents announced its selection of recipients of honorary degrees, distinguished service awards and university medals for 2026. William King was the second tenured African American professor at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Alice Mortenson, who co-founded the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience, is a renowned philanthropist and community leader.

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Celebrate

William Penuel, Jun Ye named newest American Academy of Arts & Sciences members

William Penuel

Jun Ye

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