Celebrate

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� claims zero-waste football challenge honors

Megan Maneval — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:23:18 +0000

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� claims zero-waste football challenge honors Megan Maneval Mon, 03/31/2025 - 12:23

Ralphie’s Green Stampede volunteers

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� continues to be sustainability stalwarts, earning 2024 GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge honors from the National Wildlife Federation for CU's tremendous efforts to reduce and recycle waste generated during football games at Folsom Field. CU was the top university in the Per Capita Recycling category by achieving the highest generation of recyclables per capita, while finishing second in waste diversion percentage by capita.

During the 2024 football season, the CU Environmental Center’s dedicated student staff and volunteers hand-sorted 99,499 lbs of material that was diverted from landfills—the equivalent of 125 Ralphies—including 17,442 lbs of food waste and compostable service items, which were subsequently sent to the compost facility.

After the Buffs’ Family Weekend game against Cincinnati on Oct. 26, 14,725 lbs of bottles, cans and cardboard was separated and sent to recycling centers. Over the six home football games, students and volunteers worked a total of 1,827 hours to complete the painstaking work of sorting waste generated on game day by hand.

“This honor is hard-earned and illustrates the commitment of the ��Vlog�ƽ�� to sustainability,” said CU Athletics Senior Deputy Athletic Director Jason DePaepe. “My thanks to all of our incredibly dedicated students and volunteers who worked tirelessly, mostly overnight, to sort thousands of pounds of waste that otherwise would’ve ended up in area landfills.”

“The success of the Ralphie’s Green Stampede program is rooted in our partnership with all campus departments that contribute to game day sustainability efforts, including our vendors, Levy Restaurants, Eco-Products and A1 Organics,” said Angie Gilbert, zero waste program manager at CU’s Environmental Center. “We are truly proud of our ability to send clean, hand-sorted organics along with CMA-certified compostable products over the past two seasons. This pilot is to observe the potential to replicate this type of operation at future events.”

Sustainable Buffs

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� is no stranger to earning GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge accolades. Last year, Colorado also earned the prize for Recycling Per Capita while finishing third in organics per capita. In 2022, CU won the Pac-12 Zero Waste Football Challenge for the third time (also winning in 2018 and 2019), and in 2021, Colorado earned the Innovation Award for the Pac-12 Zero Waste Football Challenge.

The GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge is a nationwide competition among colleges and universities to reduce and recycle the waste generated at home football games. As part of the Campus Race to Zero Waste program, GameDay Football challenges campuses nationwide to reduce the waste footprint of their home games and tailgating events through efforts including reduction of single-use plastics use, food waste recovery, use of reusable products, recycling, and more.

Colorado Athletics has long been a leader in game day sustainability efforts with the creation of Ralphie’s Green Stampede in 2008, the NCAA’s first Division 1 sustainability program, which is entering into its 18th year.

CU Athletics and the Environmental Center have received this year's GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge award in recognition of efforts to reduce and recycle waste generated during football games at Folsom Field.

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Tamara Lehman receives CAREER award to strengthen hardware security

Megan Maneval — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:08:03 +0000

Tamara Lehman receives CAREER award to strengthen hardware security Megan Maneval Thu, 03/20/2025 - 13:08

Tamara Lehman, assistant professor of computer engineering, has earned a CAREER award through the National Science Foundation to address hardware vulnerabilities in microarchitecture designs while exploring security metrics for future hardware designs.

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Congrats to our Student Employee of the Year recipients

Megan Maneval — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 19:29:36 +0000

Congrats to our Student Employee of the Year recipients Megan Maneval Thu, 02/27/2025 - 12:29

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� relies on thousands of enthusiastic, dedicated student employees for its efficient operations. Each year, we honor undergraduate and graduate Buffs with the Student Employee of the Year award. Join us in celebrating this year’s recipients and nominees.

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Regents honor CU luminaries with degrees, awards and medals

Elizabeth Lock — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:25:28 +0000

Regents honor CU luminaries with degrees, awards and medals Elizabeth Lock Fri, 02/21/2025 - 11:25

Editor’s update April 1: Adding to CU’s list of luminaries, Peggy Coppom was announced as the recipient of the Chancellor’s Impact Award.

The University of Colorado Board of Regents has announced its selection of recipients of honorary degrees, distinguished service awards and university medals for 2025, including five CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� 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 2025 CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� awardees are Joseph American Horse, David Chang, Yvonne DiStefano, Ashok Srivastava and Lynn Waelde. They will be honored in a campus ceremony.

Joseph American Horse

Honorary Degree

Chief Joseph “Joe” American Horse has lived an extraordinary life of service and leadership for the Oglala Lakota and Indigenous peoples in the Americas and around the world. A military veteran, war bonnet wearer and grandson of Chief American Horse, he has served in tribal leadership for nearly 50 years. His numerous leadership roles have included president and vice president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Tribal Judge, and Supreme Court Justice. He founded the Global Institute for Traditional Sciences (GIFTS) and served as director of Oglala Lakota College. Chief Joe American Horse has also worked tirelessly to support young Lakota scholars in higher education, including fostering partnerships between the University of Colorado and the Lakota Nation. His work helped to kickstart the Sam High Crane Memorial Endowed Fund to support the education, research and training of Native students in sciences and museum studies at CU ��Vlog�ƽ��. His leadership and dedication to education, cultural preservation and scientific advancement have achieved meaningful gains for the academic community and Indigenous peoples.

David Chang

Honorary Degree

David Chang, a distinguished academic and visionary leader, has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering and higher education. At the ��Vlog�ƽ��, Chang served as chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering throughout the 1980s, playing a pivotal role in securing major grants, including the NSF ERC grant for the Optoelectronics Computer Center. He recruited highly research-active faculty who helped build the department’s reputation as a Tier-1 national research leader. His commitment to gender diversity among faculty was decades ahead of national trends and these faculty members have gone on to illustrious careers. From CU, he went on to national leadership roles as dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at Arizona State University and president at Polytechnic University. Chang’s scholarly achievements, including numerous publications and founding successful tech startups, underscore his impact on the academic and industrial communities. His commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering diversity and improving educational systems continue to demonstrate lasting impact.

Yvonne DiStefano

University Medal

Yvonne DiStefano has dedicated over five decades to the university community. As CU ��Vlog�ƽ��’s first lady alongside her husband, Philip DiStefano, who served as chancellor for 15 years, her active involvement in university events made her a beloved figure. Her leadership, compassion and dedication have been evident since she embarked on a career as a kindergarten and third-grade teacher. DiStefano’s impact continued to grow through her volunteer work and support for CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� students. Since 1974, she has been a tireless advocate and supporter of the School of Education, taking on numerous philanthropic and volunteer roles. Her advocacy for the Guardian Scholars program, which provides essential support to students who have experienced foster care, has included her hosting Thanksgiving dinners and attending graduation ceremonies, bolstering a sense of community and belonging. As a key figure in the Chancellor’s Parent Leadership Society, DiStefano has eased the transition to campus for new students and their families. Her enthusiasm for CU Athletics is evident through her support for and participation in the Buffalo Belles. DiStefano also has played a crucial role in CU fundraising campaigns and was a founding member of the Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) initiative.

Ashok Srivastava and Lynn Waelde

Distinguished Service Award

Since meeting as Ph.D. students at the ��Vlog�ƽ��, Ashok Srivastava and Lynn Waelde have built a life together while also distinguishing themselves with service and contributions to CU, to academia and to the scientific community.

Ashok Srivastava, a CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� alumnus with a doctorate in electrical engineering, has had a remarkable career in AI and data science, holding leadership roles at NASA and Verizon, and is currently senior vice president and chief data officer at Intuit. He also has served on the CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� College of Engineering’s advisory council and the CU Foundation Board of Directors, and is a current member of the CU Foundation trustees. He serves on a committee for the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on a Congressionally mandated study on Emerging Trends in Aviation Safety. Ashok is a Fellow of the IEEE, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). His philanthropic support for CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� reflects his deep commitment to students, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lynn Waelde, who earned her doctorate in psychology at CU ��Vlog�ƽ��, is a leading expert in stress disorders and mindfulness. Her work has made a significant impact on diverse health and mental health issues, including using mindfulness to treat stress disorders, disaster recovery and veteran support. She is a professor emeritus at Palo Alto University and an adjunct clinical professor at Stanford University. She founded the Inner Resources Center, training over 3,000 clinicians globally. Her philanthropic support for CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� embodies her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students and demonstrates her values of caring about students, diversity, equity and inclusion.

The CU Board of Regents announced its selection of recipients of honorary degrees, distinguished service awards and university medals for 2025, including Joseph American Horse, David Chang, Yvonne DiStefano, Ashok Srivastava and Lynn Waelde.

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Congressman Joe Neguse honors Philip DiStefano in congressional record

Elizabeth Lock — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:12:07 +0000

Congressman Joe Neguse honors Philip DiStefano in congressional record Elizabeth Lock Thu, 02/20/2025 - 15:12

Noting former CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� Chancellor Philip DiStefano’s longstanding tenure and impact on campus, Congressman Joe Neguse in December made remarks for the congressional record.

Neguse, previously a CU regent and student, represents Colorado’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Highlighted in the Dec. 18, 2024, congressional record (PDF) were DiStefano’s inpirational journey as a first-generation student, half century at CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� and contributions to support the university’s mission and people. Neguse stated DiStefano’s legacy will have lasting effects.

The chancellor and dean emeritus is on the faculty of the School of Education and is the Newton Chair in Leadership and senior executive director of CU ��Vlog�ƽ��’s Center for Leadership.

Neguse‘s remarks:

Honoring Chancellor Dr. Phil DiStefano’s career of leadership in education
Hon. Joe Neguse of Colorado
In the House of Representatives
Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Dr. Phil DiStefano, a man whose 15 years of leadership as Chancellor of the ��Vlog�ƽ�� and a half-century of dedication to CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� have left an indelible mark on the university. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact that Chancellor DiStefano’s leadership has had on CU and across our state. Phil’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. A first-generation college student from Steubenville, Ohio, his academic and professional path has taken him from Ohio to the heights of leadership at one of our Nation’s top universities. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the potential that lies within each of us. While he may have started in Ohio, Colorado is his home today, and our state has greatly benefited from his presence. Throughout his tenure as Chancellor, Dr. DiStefano was committed to making CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� a nationally recognized research institution that shapes tomorrow’s leaders and positively impacts society. Under his leadership, CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� has awarded nearly 117,000 degrees and raised over $2 billion in philanthropic gifts. Through his work in technology transfer, Chancellor DiStefano has paved the way for substantial growth in the university, including the creation of 40 startup ventures and the signing of 223 license and option agreements. The university’s research and innovation efforts have had a significant influence not only on the local economy but also on the entire Nation. Over the past five years, CU ��Vlog�ƽ��’s commercialization activities alone generated a domestic economic impact of $1.9 billion, supporting an estimated 11,545 jobs and contributing $1.2 billion to the state’s economy, and has ensured that CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� remains at the forefront of research.

As Dr. DiStefano transitions to his new role as Senior Executive Director of the CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� Center for Leadership, we know that his legacy of student success, faculty excellence, and campus sustainability has elevated CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� to the top tier of academic institutions, making it a beacon of excellence across the country. I want to personally express my gratitude to Chancellor DiStefano for his service to our community, Colorado, and our Nation. His contributions will be felt for decades to come. I thank Phil for his leadership and dedication to CU ��Vlog�ƽ��. It has been an honor to work alongside him.

Noting Chancellor Emeritus Philip DiStefano’s longstanding tenure and impact on campus, Congressman Joe Neguse recently made remarks for the congressional record.

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Katharine Suding receives Bower Award for achievement in science

Megan Maneval — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:34:56 +0000

Katharine Suding receives Bower Award for achievement in science Megan Maneval Mon, 02/17/2025 - 08:34

INSTAAR

Joining past awardees such as Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein and Marie Curie, INSTAAR Faculty Fellow Katharine Suding is being recognized for her “transformative contributions to restoration ecology.“

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Kristen Ahner recognized as 20 Twenties honoree

Megan Maneval — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:30:42 +0000

Kristen Ahner recognized as 20 Twenties honoree Megan Maneval Mon, 02/17/2025 - 08:30

Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Kristen Ahner, a doctoral student, is advancing the science of autonomous space exploration and being honored as a leading engineering student worldwide.

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Derek Briggs, Kevin Welner elected to National Academy of Education

Megan Maneval — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:15:56 +0000

Derek Briggs, Kevin Welner elected to National Academy of Education Megan Maneval Mon, 02/17/2025 - 07:15

Briggs and Welner of the School of Education have been elected to the esteemed National Academy of Education. They join a group of just 22 colleagues, nationally and internationally, who provide outstanding scholarship and leadership related to education and who were elected.

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Announcing the 2025 Three Minute Thesis winners

Megan Maneval — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:59:19 +0000

Announcing the 2025 Three Minute Thesis winners Megan Maneval Fri, 02/14/2025 - 09:59

Ten graduate students participated in this year’s final competition for a chance at prize money and to represent CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� at the regional competition.

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Kate Starbird wins award for research on crisis informatics, disinformation

Megan Maneval — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:26:22 +0000

Kate Starbird wins award for research on crisis informatics, disinformation Megan Maneval Mon, 02/10/2025 - 14:26

Starbird was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the U.S. government’s highest honor for early-career researchers. Now at the University of Washington, Starbird’s groundbreaking research in crisis informatics and disinformation highlights the value of interdisciplinary engineering and design.

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Celebrate

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� claims zero-waste football challenge honors

Sustainable Buffs

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