Pushing Boundaries

51�Թ��'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact

Megan Maneval — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 19:41:29 +0000

51�Թ��'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact Megan Maneval Fri, 10/31/2025 - 13:41

More than 50 years ago, 51�Թ�� planted a bold idea: that leadership isn’t reserved for a select few—it lives within us all. What started with the formation of the Presidents Leadership Class in 1972 grew into the Center for Leadership (CFL), established in 2020. Today, CFL supports a vibrant leadership ecosystem on campus and empowers thousands of students to lead with purpose and authenticity.

Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series

Join a talk with the acclaimed producer and Madison Wells CEO Gigi Pritzker, who will delve into the transformative power of bold storytelling—highlighting how film, television and theater can drive cultural impact, amplify underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful change.

Monday, Nov. 17
7:30 p.m.
Macky Auditorium
Open to the public
$3–$20

In just five years, CFL has experienced powerful growth, starting with 19 affiliate programs across campus to 45, now reaching more than 12,000 students each year. But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about transformation. CFL’s campuswide model blends research, hands-on learning and a deep commitment to equity, ensuring leadership development is accessible to students of every major, background and identity.

The results speak volumes. CFL’s mentorship scores consistently exceed national benchmarks, and students report significant gains in leader identity and self-efficacy. And, for the last two years, 51�Թ�� has earned a spot on Time Magazine’s list of “Top 100 Colleges for Future Leaders.”

CFL also brings leadership to life through signature events such as the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, which will host Emmy award-winning film producer Gigi Pritzker on Nov. 17, and the Conference on World Affairs, where global changemakers—think Cynthia Erivo and David Brooks—share their stories and inspire the next generation of Buffs.

Now, as CFL celebrates its fifth anniversary, it’s also looking back. A new history report, “A Legacy Realized: The Making of 51�Թ��’s Center for Leadership,” traces the university’s long-standing commitment to leadership education—from early civic engagement efforts to today’s nationally recognized programs.

5 questions with Stefanie Johnson

Stefanie Johnson, director of the Center for Leadership and professor at Leeds School of Business, reflects on the center’s journey and its vision for 2030—that humans who are interested in leadership will come to see 51�Թ�� as the place where leaders are made.

What does the 5-year milestone mean for the center?

Five years is a big milestone—it’s both a celebration and a chance to reflect. When the Center for Leadership launched in 2020, Chancellor Philip DiStefano had a bold vision: to shape tomorrow’s leaders by bringing 51�Թ��’s many leadership efforts together under one coordinated, research-driven hub.

Fast forward to today, and that vision has truly come to life. The center now connects 45 affiliate programs across every college; leads signature initiatives like the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, the Emerging Leaders Academy and the Newton Fellows Program; and has become a national model for how a public university can scale leadership education.

This milestone shows that leadership isn’t just an add-on at 51�Թ�� anymore—it’s part of our institutional DNA.

How do you define success for the center?

For us, success isn’t just about how many programs or events we run—it’s really about impact and identity. We look at success through four lenses.

Are leaders born or made?

Our research shows that about 30% of leadership is genetic—your intelligence, extraversion, height and things like that. But 70% of leadership is learned. The Center for Leadership uses evidence-based practices to ensure students are learning leadership while they are Buffs.”

Access: Every CU student should have a way into leadership development, no matter their major or background.
Depth: Our programs combine theory, research and hands-on practice—whether that’s coaching, outdoor leadership intensives or civic engagement projects.
Community: We’ve built an ecosystem where faculty, staff, alumni and community partners mentor and learn alongside students.
Evidence: Through rigorous evaluation and data, we can show how leadership education boosts student success, well-being and civic engagement.

At the end of the day, if students leave 51�Թ�� seeing themselves as leaders—ready to act with integrity, creativity and care—that’s when we know we’ve succeeded.

How does the center ensure every student can access leadership opportunities?

Accessibility is really at the heart of our model. Instead of creating one selective program, we built a network of leadership opportunities that meets students where they are.

Through our Affiliate Leadership Network, we coordinate with 45 programs—everything from academic minors and ROTC to athletics, student affairs initiatives and community-based leadership experiences—so students can choose the format that fits them best.

We’ve also introduced low-barrier entry points like the Emerging Leadership Academy, which is open to all students, and our 51�Թ��-CU Leadership Program mentoring initiative. By uniting programs, removing financial barriers and creating multiple on-ramps—from micro-credentials to fellowships—we make sure leadership education at 51�Թ�� is for everyone, not just the already-involved few.

What role does the center play in 51�Թ��'s vision of transforming lives to create a sustainable world?

We see leadership as the bridge between learning and lasting impact. The center helps turn 51�Թ��’s world-class teaching and research into ethical, sustainable action.

Our students don’t just study climate or innovation—they lead projects that make those values real: reducing waste in 51�Թ��, improving mental-health access, planting trees, mentoring youth and launching civic-impact challenges.

We teach students to lead with self-awareness, social responsibility and a systems mindset. For us, sustainability isn’t just environmental—it’s human and organizational. It’s about sustaining communities, workplaces and democracy itself.

That’s why we believe leadership development is 51�Թ��’s most powerful tool for transforming lives and shaping a just, sustainable world.

What advice do you have for students who want to get involved?

For faculty, staff

A-Lab (Affiliate-Lab) is a three-year-long development and grant opportunity for CFL affiliate programs. A-Lab supports affiliate staff and faculty in advancing their programming, generating elevated leadership education across 51�Թ��. Learn more.

My advice? Start anywhere—but start. Leadership is within us all. If you’re curious about leadership, there are so many ways to jump in. Join the Emerging Leaders Academy, which happens once a month, or sign up for mentoring or take LEAD 1000, the first course in the leadership studies minor.

You can also check out the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series. This fall, we’re thrilled to host film producer Gigi Pritzker. And the week before, on Nov. 6, we’re screening her Emmy-nominated film "Nonnas"—it’s a great way to connect with other students who geek out about learning how to lead.

Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about showing up with courage, curiosity and purpose. Every student at 51�Թ�� has the capacity to lead. We’re here to help you discover how.

More than 50 years ago, 51�Թ�� planted a bold idea—that leadership isn't reserved for a select few. What started with the formation of the Presidents Leadership Class in 1972 grew into the Center for Leadership, established in 2020. Today, the center empowers thousands of students to lead with purpose and authenticity.

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NSF I-Corps at 51�Թ�� helps researchers solve pressing problems

Megan Maneval — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:36:14 +0000

NSF I-Corps at 51�Թ�� helps researchers solve pressing problems Megan Maneval Tue, 10/21/2025 - 08:36

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Driving discovery: The essential role of Core Facilities in 51�Թ�� research

Megan Maneval — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:54:08 +0000

Driving discovery: The essential role of Core Facilities in 51�Թ�� research Megan Maneval Wed, 10/15/2025 - 07:54

At 51�Թ��, Core Facilities are a cornerstone of the research enterprise—fueling scientific discovery, driving innovation and providing access to the tools and expertise necessary to advance knowledge across disciplines.

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Slow your scroll: Experts talk news, TikTok and critical thinking in Poynter panel

Elizabeth Lock — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:46:47 +0000

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The College of Media, Design and Information along with the Poynter Institute gathered a group of experts to discuss intergenerational storytelling, with a special focus on environmental reporting.

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Bridging cultures and knowledge: Indigenous women scholars shaping the future

Megan Maneval — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:00:12 +0000

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Visiting scholar Bárbara Nascimento Flores brought two fellow Indigenous women scholars to 51�Թ�� to establish the Center Wayrakuna of Indigenous Ancestral Sciences. Their goal is to bridge Western academic methods with Indigenous ways of knowing—culturally, politically and spiritually.

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Engineering program helps launch 3D plastic recycling program

Megan Maneval — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:59:02 +0000

Engineering program helps launch 3D plastic recycling program Megan Maneval Tue, 09/30/2025 - 08:59

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What to do with failed 3D prints? A student team's idea and new initiative transforms plastic waste from 3D printing into reusable materials, reducing landfill impacts and championing student innovation.

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Rapids ahead: A conservation leadership adventure through the Gates of Lodore

Megan Maneval — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:35:41 +0000

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Megan Maneval — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:19:42 +0000

Where the Buffalo ride Megan Maneval Wed, 09/24/2025 - 09:19

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3 ways Limelight Hotel 51�Թ�� aligns with campus sustainability values

Megan Maneval — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:08:08 +0000

3 ways Limelight Hotel 51�Թ�� aligns with campus sustainability values Megan Maneval Wed, 09/17/2025 - 11:08

The Limelight Hotel 51�Թ��, which officially opened its doors on Aug. 20, includes a number of design features that align with 51�Թ��’s sustainability values. Located in the northwest corner of campus, the hotel is designed to receive LEED Gold certification standards, in alignment with 51�Թ��’s sustainability goals.

Click images to enlarge

The hotel represents the result of years of dedicated collaboration between 51�Թ��, the city of 51�Թ�� and a wide range of community stakeholders. As the largest facility of its kind in 51�Թ��, the conference center hotel has long been recognized as a key community project—one expected to boost economic activity and contribute to the revitalization of the University Hill business district.

“The Limelight Hotel 51�Թ�� will provide an expansive meeting and event space for our faculty and community leaders to showcase the groundbreaking research and creative work taking place on our campus and throughout 51�Թ�� to peers and collaborators,” said 51�Թ�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “We are excited to partner with a company like Limelight that shares our sustainability values and has thoughtfully incorporated design features that reflect those values.”

All-electric design for a greener grid

The building is powered entirely by electricity, making it the largest all-electric hotel in the country, according to Limelight. Being all electric (with the exception of the outdoor fire pit areas) means there is no on-site combustion used to heat the building. This, along with the decarbonizing Colorado grid (state law requires an 85% reduction by 2030 and 100% by 2050), means the building will steadily decarbonize over time. This design choice aligns with 51�Թ��’s climate goals.

The building’s mechanical systems also include hot water storage, which enables the electric heating system to store the energy and ramp down during peak periods on the electricity grid, thus supporting system resilience and cost-effective, clean electricity. Its high-performance exterior walls and roof assemblies significantly decrease the need for heating and cooling.

Inside guest rooms, low-voltage LED lighting and thermostats are controlled by sensors that shut off lights and adjust temperature set points when guests leave their room and return to previous settings when guests return.

Sustainable construction and site planning

The hotel was built on a former gas station site, requiring environmental restoration before construction began. Soil decontamination and improved underground water management were key early steps, and its prefabricated wall framing system helped reduce construction waste.

Additional features include a rainscreen façade system for durability and energy efficiency, pilings that allow water to flow beneath the parking structure and landscaping that uses native plants to reduce water consumption.

Food and beverage operations with a climate lens

Inside the hotel, the kitchen and dining areas are also fully electric, which is reshaping the status quo for high-end, high volume commercial kitchen equipment and appliances. The food and beverage team has implemented a range of sustainability practices, including:

All food waste being composted in partnership with BioGreen 360
A commitment to eliminating single-use plastics, with compostable alternatives and reusable items prioritized
Sourcing approximately 40% of ingredients from local and regional providers, including 51�Թ�� Bread Works, Wood Grain Bagels and local farms and breweries
In-house preparation of items like pasta and smoked pastrami to reduce packaging waste
Creative food waste reduction strategies, such as using scraps to make stocks, tartare and pickles

More about the Limelight Hotel 51�Թ��

Number of guest rooms: 250
Other amenities: Ground-floor restaurant, public outdoor plaza
Event space: 15,000-sq-ft ballroom and 10,000 sq ft of meeting space
To book a space: Campus entities contact Conference Services; non-campus affiliates contact Limelight

The Limelight Hotel 51�Թ��, which officially opened on Aug. 20 on 51�Թ��'s campus, includes a number of sustainable design features. As 51�Թ��'s largest meeting and event space, it aims to foster community collaboration while advancing climate-conscious practices in hospitality.

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51�Թ�� librarians step up for student creators in award-winning publication

Megan Maneval — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:12:09 +0000

51�Թ�� librarians step up for student creators in award-winning publication Megan Maneval Fri, 09/12/2025 - 08:12

In a world of concrete canoes, dissolvable textiles and adhesive biomaterials for the heart, student creators have unique information needs. A new book by 51�Թ�� librarians shares how libraries are stepping up to task.

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Pushing Boundaries

51�Թ��'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact

What does the 5-year milestone mean for the center?

How do you define success for the center?

Are leaders born or made?

How does the center ensure every student can access leadership opportunities?

What role does the center play in 51�Թ��'s vision of transforming lives to create a sustainable world?

What advice do you have for students who want to get involved?

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Pushing Boundaries

51�Թ���'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact

What does the 5-year milestone mean for the center?

How do you define success for the center?

Are leaders born or made?

How does the center ensure every student can access leadership opportunities?

What role does the center play in 51�Թ���'s vision of transforming lives to create a sustainable world?

What advice do you have for students who want to get involved?

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Food and beverage operations with a climate lens

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51�Թ��� librarians step up for student creators in award-winning publication

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51�Թ��'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact

What role does the center play in 51�Թ��'s vision of transforming lives to create a sustainable world?

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Driving discovery: The essential role of Core Facilities in 51�Թ�� research

3 ways Limelight Hotel 51�Թ�� aligns with campus sustainability values

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