News Article

Rapids Ahead: A Conservation Leadership Adventure through the Gates of Lodore

Jessica Follett — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 21:17:58 +0000

Rapids Ahead: A Conservation Leadership Adventure through the Gates of Lodore Jessica Follett Thu, 09/18/2025 - 15:17

By Fletcher Lucas, 51�Թ��, 2025

Environmental Studies Major, Geology Minor, Western American Studies Certificate

“No, Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, as vital to our lives as water and good bread.” – Edward Abbey (Desert Solitaire)

“ECHO!!!” the students all shouted at the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers. The group quickly learned why this place is called Echo Park, as the sound reverberated down the canyon. “Echo!!! Echo! Echo, echo, echo.”

The morning started out overcast and choppy as we began our journey down the notorious Gates of Lodore. Twelve students, five NOLS instructors, and three leadership mentors embarked on the Green River on August 15, 2025. The students were as diverse in their river skills as in life. There were majors in Aerospace Engineering, Business, Environmental Studies, and Political Science to name a few. From the first hours on the river, we could tell we were in great hands with our NOLS instructors who came from Chile, Nepal, Canada, Idaho, and San Francisco.

Not only was this a river trip but it was also a leadership trip to practice expedition behavior by working together to get down the river. The three leadership mentors, Seth Webb, Matt Moseley, and Mike Fiebig spoke on their experiences in leadership roles.

Seth, the academic director at the 51�Թ�� Center for Leadership, spoke about conservation leadership competencies, expedition behavior and the importance of good communication in a group setting.

Mike, the director of Southwest River Protection for American Rivers, talked to us about the field of river conservation and river policy. At an overlook of the confluence of Green and Yampa River at Echo Park, he taught us about the history of the river as the birthplace of the modern conservation movement and how leaders like David Brower saved this river from a dam.

Matt Moseley, an author and communications professional, who is on the Presidents National Council for American Rivers and also on the board of advisors for the Center for Leadership at CU, spoke on the importance of self-leadership and having a good support group in distance swimming. After dinner one evening next to the river, he told us how he has applied lessons from open water swimming to life, including perseverance, goal setting, assembling the right team, grit and determination, and most importantly, not looking outside of yourself for a leader. “You are the person you’ve been waiting for,” he said.

Christian, our NOLS instructor from Chile, also spoke on the importance of feedback and how it can help us learn new things about ourselves and grow.

Spending four days, three nights, on the river, students learned how to work together as a team and about expedition skills. Forming a fire line to move the kitchen and gear from the

boats to the camping area, and putting up and breaking down camp each night, we learned to rely less on our instructors and more on each other. Students became more proficient with reading whitewater, rapid scouting, and most importantly, communicating with each other.

Matt and Mike have a joke, “Our best vacation is your worst nightmare.” A river trip isn’t for the faint of heart. The weather doesn’t always cooperate; a good chunk of the day is spent cold and wet. Disaster does, in fact, happen at Disaster Falls, where my boat almost flipped and four of us ended up in the water. Hang on to your paddle!

However, floating along as the afternoon sun shimmers on the rust-colored sandstone walls reveals a certain beauty that can’t be done justice unless experienced in the moment. Or lying on the sand, looking up at the Milky Way, as everyone ends the day together. Splashing each other and singing during a long, windy, afternoon.

On that final night, as we all eschewed our tents and slept on the beach under the stars, something inside of us had changed. We weren’t just a hodge-podge of individuals, but a unit. We were a river family, of sorts. Together, we had adapted and changed. And isn’t that what experiential education is all about?

As we arrived at the takeout at Split Mountain, the sun was shining, and good spirits were abound. New friendships were formed. New skills were learned. New plans were made. Everyone learned something from one another and left with a new appreciation for water, leadership, and the importance of protecting the beloved natural spaces this country has to offer.

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Learn from 51�Թ�� Leaders & Sign up for BCLP!

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:43:29 +0000

Learn from 51�Թ�� Leaders & Sign up for BCLP! Anastasia Gall… Wed, 09/03/2025 - 11:43

BCLP isn’t about choosing a career path, it’s about growing as a leader in life. Through meaningful conversations, you’ll gain new perspectives, build confidence, and develop the skills to lead yourself, lead others, and lead change.

Running from October to April, the program requires just 1–2 hours a month with your mentor. That time could look like grabbing coffee, going on a hike, or even shadowing them at work. Along the way, you’ll receive training, resources, and tools to guide your experience.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from incredible mentors and invest in your own growth. Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 program year.

Apply here: /lead/form/webform-826 by September 28.

Are you ready to take your leadership journey to the next level? The 51�Թ��-CU Leadership Program (BCLP) pairs 51�Թ�� students one-on-one with distinguished leaders from across our community. This is your opportunity to learn directly from those shaping our world—leaders like the Mayor of 51�Թ��, a world-renowned opera singer, executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit directors, healthcare professionals, and many more.

BCLP isn’t about choosing a career path, it’s about growing as a leader in life. Through meaningful conversations, you’ll gain new perspectives, build confidence, and develop the skills to lead yourself, lead others, and lead change.

Running from October to April, the program requires just 1–2 hours a month with your mentor. That time could look like grabbing coffee, going on a hike, or even shadowing them at work. Along the way, you’ll receive training, resources, and tools to guide your experience.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from incredible mentors and invest in your own growth. Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 program year.

Apply by September 28.

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Fall opportunities with SLICE!

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:15:17 +0000

Fall opportunities with SLICE! Anastasia Gall… Wed, 09/03/2025 - 11:15

CU in the Community:
/volunteer/events/CUintheCommunity>

Join your fellow Buffs and community members for CU in the Community: Operation Conservation, a one-day service project on Saturday, September 13th from 9 AM to 3 PM.

* Operation Conservation is our first CU in the Community of the semester; we hope you enjoy the exciting changes we made to the program. We partnered with three different local organizations dedicated to environmental conservation. After you register, we will match you with the organization you are most interested in based on your registration form. Food and transportation for the day will be provided.

Sko Serve:
/volunteer/skoserve>

Sko Serve sends teams of college students to engage in meaningful service during their breaks from school. Students will be making a difference through service, reflecting upon their experience, and creating long-lasting connections with others.

Participant Applications

* Weekend 1: Remembrance and Restoration

* How can we honor the past through action? Join us for a weekend of remembrance, reflection, and service as we visit the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and the Amache National Historic Site. Through property maintenance and grounds cleanup, we'll help tend to sites of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII.

* Application closes September 5.

* Weekend 2: Cultivating Compassion for Change

* Alamosa County families need income more than twice that of the federal poverty level to make ends meet. La Puente responds to the needs of the community to address the effects of poverty by providing a safety net of services, where individuals and families get what they need to stabilize, heal, strengthen, and ultimately thrive. Through our weekend with La Puente, we will aid in their mission of cultivating a compassionate community eager for systemic change.

* Application closes October 3.

Sko Serve Site Leader Applications

Site leaders learn about and facilitate the learning of others around the intersectionality and complexity of varied social and environmental issues. By leading a Sko Serve trip, students will learn and implement reciprocity, active citizenship, community building, and culturally competent leadership.

* Weekend 1 application closes September 2.

* Weekend 2 application closes October 3.

* Winter application closes September 5.

* Spring and Summer applications close September 19.

Learn more and apply today!</volunteer/skoserve/site-leader>

Are you looking for ways to get involved at 51�Թ�� and in the community, this fall? Check out some of the different opportunities offered through SLICE to find what fits your schedule and interests.

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Leeds Consulting Group

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:07:41 +0000

Leeds Consulting Group Anastasia Gall… Wed, 09/03/2025 - 11:07

https://www.leedsconsultinggroup.com/join-lcg

Interested in using your leadership to make an impact? Leeds Consulting Group is 51�Թ��’s premier student-run consulting organization, providing hands-on strategy training with clients like Google and the United States Olympic Committee.

Apply now to join a driven community of students, gain professional skills, leadership experience, and work with businesses from across industries.

📅 Applications close September 12th!
🔗 Apply here: https://www.leedsconsultinggroup.com/join-lcg

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How Will You Lead? Ways to Get Involved with Leadership at 51�Թ��

Jessica Follett — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:14:22 +0000

How Will You Lead? Ways to Get Involved with Leadership at 51�Թ�� Jessica Follett Thu, 08/07/2025 - 13:14

Leadership lives within every Buff—it’s all about how you choose to discover, develop, and put it into action. At 51�Թ��, leadership isn’t just an add-on—it’s been at the heart of our mission since the beginning. From our founding, we’ve been committed to preparing principled citizens and leaders of character who make a difference in their communities and beyond.

The Center for Leadership carries that legacy forward by making leadership development accessible, flexible, and deeply meaningful. Through our network of partnerships, programs, and experiences, you’ll find countless ways to explore and grow as a leader. Below, you’ll see just some of the opportunities waiting for you. Start anywhere, combine experiences, and shape your own unique leadership journey at 51�Թ��.

Wonder why leadership development in college is important? Read our article on the Importance of Leadership Development for College First-Years.

Build Your Foundation

The Center for Leadership offers two flexible, high-impact opportunities open to every 51�Թ�� student. Each program is designed around our Leadership Competency Model and helps you strengthen your ability to lead self, lead others, and lead change—no matter where you are on your leadership journey.

Both of these opportunities will result in recognition badges upon completion and an opportunity to receive a leadership cord at graduation.

51�Թ��-CU Leadership Program (BCLP): A one-to-one mentorship experience pairing you with a community leader to explore values, boost confidence, and set goals. This program runs from October to April every year and is open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Emerging Leadership Academy: Offered three times each semester, students can attend workshops at any point during their time at 51�Թ�� and earn stackable badges in leading self, leading others, and leading change.

Find Your Fit

The Center for Leadership believes leadership is contextual and personal. We assist students in finding a leadership development program that aligns with their goals, identities, and learning styles. With over 40 programs across campus, there’s an opportunity for you!

Take the Leadership Involvement Quiz or speak with CFL staff to find the right program for you.
Visit us at pop-in events, campus fairs, or orientation activities.

Learn Through Academics

There are several ways to incorporate academic coursework into your leadership journey. Check out our affiliate programs listed above. For programs open to all undergraduates, we recommend the Leadership Studies Minor and the Peace Corps Prep Certificate program.

Leadership Studies Minor: A 16-credit program combining leadership theory, experiential learning, and a capstone on leadership in context.
Peace Corps Prep (PCP): PCP prepares globally minded, service-oriented leaders through coursework and practical experience.

Deepen Your Development

Once engaged in an affiliate leadership program, the Center for Leadership offers many experiential opportunities to enhance your practical leadership skills, including:

Professional Leadership Coaching: Free, personalized, one-on-one development.
Newton Leadership Fellows: A prestigious program for top student leaders featuring advanced training, immersive experiences, leadership coaching, and a financial award.
Leadership Scholarships
Free tickets to the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series

Experience Leadership in Action

Hear from top leaders across the globe. The Center for Leadership brings influential voices to campus from across industries who offer powerful insights on ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and the courage to lead in complex times.

Attend the Leo Hill Leadership Series in the fall to hear from practicing leaders across industries.
Participate in the Conference on World Affairs (CWA) in April to explore leadership in global contexts.
Join campus-wide leadership summits or attend special events to connect with peers and affiliates. Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming events!

Leadership Journey, Your Way

Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all path—it’s a journey. You might:

Start in a mentorship program and later pursue the minor.
Join an affiliate program after attending the speaker series.
Or combine several pathways to create your unique leadership experience.

At the Center for Leadership, we help every Buff find their path, deepen their skills, and connect with a community that grows with them. That’s #HowCUBuffsLead.

Find Us
Center for Community, Suite S360
51�Թ��, CO 80309

Contact Us
centerforleadership@colorado.edu
www.colorado.edu/lead

Follow Us
LinkedIn: Center for Leadership at 51�Թ��
Instagram: @CUCenterForLeadership
Newsletter: /lead/form/webform-399

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Celebrating Leadership: Highlights from the 2025 Spring Leadership Summit

Jessica Follett — Mon, 12 May 2025 16:13:49 +0000

Celebrating Leadership: Highlights from the 2025 Spring Leadership Summit Jessica Follett Mon, 05/12/2025 - 10:13

On April 21, 2025, the 51�Թ��'s Center for Leadership hosted its annual Spring Leadership Summit at the Byron White Stadium Club, offering stunning views of the Flatirons. The event brought together nearly 100 attendees, including students, faculty, staff, and community members, all gathered to honor and celebrate the university's exceptional student leaders.

The summit featured the presentation of the 2024–2025 Student Leaders of the Year awards, which recognized outstanding students for their academic excellence, commitment to service, and embodiment of the Colorado Creed. These incredible individuals have made lasting contributions both on campus and in the broader community, showcasing resilience, curiosity, and a dedication to positive change.

In addition to the awards ceremony, a panel discussion, moderated by a former Graduating Leader of the Year, provided a platform for the honored students to share insights into their leadership journeys and perspectives on navigating transitions, particularly as they move from undergraduate life into the professional world. Their diverse experiences offered valuable lessons and inspiration to all those in attendance.

A standout moment of the summit was the public announcement of the inaugural cohort of the Newton Fellows, previously known as the Student Leaders of the Year Fellowship. The event also celebrated the incredible network of mentors, mentees, board of advisors, coaches, and executive committee members who contribute to the thriving environment of the Center for Leadership.

The evening wrapped up with a reception, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate the achievements of these remarkable student leaders in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

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Introducing the Inaugural Newton Fellows

Jessica Follett — Fri, 09 May 2025 15:38:12 +0000

Introducing the Inaugural Newton Fellows Jessica Follett Fri, 05/09/2025 - 09:38

We are excited to announce the launch of one of the Center for Leadership’s most exciting new initiatives: the Newton Fellows, previously known as the Student Leaders of the Year Fellowship. As we begin the first year of this signature program, we are thrilled to introduce our inaugural cohort of exceptional student leaders.

The Newton Fellows program is designed to recognize and elevate a select group of 51�Թ��’s most promising undergraduate leaders through a yearlong experience focused on coaching, experiential learning, mentorship, and leadership development. Nominated by our campus leadership affiliates and selected through a competitive application process, these students demonstrate a deep commitment to character, creativity, and community-building.

This spring, we invited faculty, staff, and student leaders across our affiliate programs to submit nominations for students who exemplify leadership potential. After receiving nearly 60 nominations from 24 different programs, we selected a small cohort of 25 students whose stories and aspirations embody the very spirit of leadership we aim to cultivate through this initiative.

In renaming the fellowship, we are proud to honor Quigg and Virginia Newton, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for building a more inclusive, innovative, and service-oriented University of Colorado. The Newtons’ legacy of civic responsibility and student empowerment lives on in this new generation of Fellows, who are committed to strengthening the 51�Թ�� community and leading meaningful change.

Please join us in welcoming the 2025–2026 Newton Fellows, an extraordinary group of changemakers who will no doubt carry forward the spirit of the Newtons and leave a lasting impact on our campus and beyond.

Visit the program webpage to learn more about this initiative and to meet our 2025-2026 Newton Fellows cohort: /lead/leadership-community/sloy-fellows!

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"Why Not Me, Why Not Now?": Lessons in Leadership and Innovation from David Adelman at CWA

Jessica Follett — Thu, 01 May 2025 18:48:40 +0000

"Why Not Me, Why Not Now?": Lessons in Leadership and Innovation from David Adelman at CWA Jessica Follett Thu, 05/01/2025 - 12:48

At the 2025 Conference on World Affairs, the Center for Leadership interviewed David Adelman, an entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader whose career defies conventional boundaries. As CEO of Campus Apartments, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, and the visionary behind several startups, including CredAI, Adelman offered a compelling case for what modern leadership looks like when rooted in action, impact, and integrity.

His message, centered on the question “Why not me, why not now?”, challenged the audience to stop waiting for permission or perfect timing. Instead, he encouraged us to step into bold action, especially when faced with uncertainty.

Innovation: Building Solutions in Unlikely Spaces

Adelman’s entrepreneurial journey began with student housing, an industry many overlook as mundane. But where others saw outdated infrastructure and logistical headaches, Adelman saw potential. He transformed Campus Apartments into one of the nation’s largest student housing providers, prioritizing thoughtful design, long-term community value, and operational excellence.

More recently, with the launch of CredAI, he tackled a different kind of challenge: empowering young adults with no credit history to enter the financial world with confidence. In both ventures, the pattern is clear, Adelman sees opportunity where others see roadblocks. His approach to innovation is grounded in purpose: solving real problems, for real people.

Impact: Leadership Starts with People

“Create environments where people feel valued,” Adelman shared, a simple but powerful philosophy that underpins his leadership style. Especially in challenging times, he believes the true measure of a leader is how they show up for their people.

He reminded the audience that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing up with empathy, accountability, and a willingness to listen. When leaders prioritize people, he argues, success follows naturally.

Leadership: Trust, Mentorship, and Humility

Adelman rejects micromanagement in favor of something more powerful: trust. He surrounds himself with smart, capable people, and lets them do what they do best. His humility is evident in the way he speaks about his mentors, even now, and how he approaches mentorship as a lifelong journey, not a one-time experience.

To aspiring leaders, he offered a few lasting takeaways:

Take care of yourself and your people. Sustainable leadership starts with well-being.
Failure is inevitable. The key is learning from it and avoiding the same mistake twice.
Don’t delay hard conversations. “Bad news doesn’t get better with time,” he warned—procrastination only magnifies problems.

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The Center for Leadership is Hiring!

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:19:52 +0000

The Center for Leadership is Hiring! Anastasia Gall… Thu, 04/03/2025 - 07:19

Communication & Social Media Assistant (10 hours per week | $16.85 per hour) Create engaging content, manage social media channels, write newsletters, and capture the energy of CFL programs. A great fit for creatives with strong writing, design, and communication skills. This position is available to begin as early as the summer.

Video Production Assistant (5 hours per week | $16.85 per hour)
Bring leadership stories to life through filming, editing, and producing high-quality videos that showcase CFL’s impact. Ideal for students with experience in video production and editing. This position is available to begin as early as the summer.

Program Assistant (10 hours per week | $16.85 per hour)
Plan and execute events, recruit students, and connect with campus partners. Perfect for organizers, problem-solvers, and those who love bringing people together. This position is available to begin late summer/early fall.

Join a dynamic team, build valuable skills, and help shape leadership on campus.

Apply now: https://boulder.joinhandshake.com/e/959127/jobs

The Center for Leadership at the 51�Թ�� is hiring passionate, driven students. These on-campus roles are open to full-time, fee-paying undergraduates with at least one year remaining at the time of applying. Check out our open positions below!

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Forever Buffs Student Award

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:40:38 +0000

Forever Buffs Student Award Anastasia Gall… Wed, 03/19/2025 - 10:40

Award Requirements:

Student must be in good academic standing with the university.
Only current 51�Թ�� students are eligible to receive the Forever Buff Award. Students must be a full time student at 51�Թ�� at the time of service.

Award Evaluation Criteria:

Demonstrated leadership on campus or the community
Extraordinary service to the university
Impact on the 51�Թ�� campus community
Demonstrated pride in 51�Թ��

The Forever Buffs Student Award honors 51�Թ�� students who demonstrate the Forever Buffs tenets of connecting, contributing and celebrating their CU pride through extraordinary service to the university.

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News Article

Rapids Ahead: A Conservation Leadership Adventure through the Gates of Lodore

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Learn from 51�Թ��� Leaders & Sign up for BCLP!

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Fall opportunities with SLICE!

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Leeds Consulting Group

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How Will You Lead? Ways to Get Involved with Leadership at 51�Թ���

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Celebrating Leadership: Highlights from the 2025 Spring Leadership Summit

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Introducing the Inaugural Newton Fellows

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"Why Not Me, Why Not Now?": Lessons in Leadership and Innovation from David Adelman at CWA

Innovation: Building Solutions in Unlikely Spaces

Impact: Leadership Starts with People

Leadership: Trust, Mentorship, and Humility

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The Center for Leadership is Hiring!

Off

Forever Buffs Student Award

Off

Learn from 51�Թ�� Leaders & Sign up for BCLP!

How Will You Lead? Ways to Get Involved with Leadership at 51�Թ��