Block Break – President Tiefenthaler’s E-Newsletter

Dear Parents and Alumni,

As we wrap up Block 3, the students are excited for Fall Break and the celebration of Thanksgiving with family and friends. There is much to be thankful for.

In the midst of a divisive national campaign, the college welcomed a variety of speakers representing a broad range of perspectives, from Democratic Strategist David Axelrod P ’09 to former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Many thanks to Assistant Professor of Political Science Elizabeth Coggins who organized the Sondermann Presidential Symposium, which was one of the highlights of the fall. I am thankful for an intellectual community where all perspectives are welcomed and thoughtfully considered.

Whether celebrating or grieving the outcome, our students were passionately engaged in the election season. But they were also ready for the break, and so student leaders organized a “Loving Send Off” earlier this week to celebrate the unity of our community. I am thankful for students who care deeply about issues and one another.

During this block, the trustees were on campus for their regular November meeting. I am grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment to CC. The support they and other alumni, parents, and friends provide is a strong endorsement of the importance of our mission to educate tomorrow’s leaders.

While the trustees were on campus, the college celebrated the publication of a festschrift in honor of Professor of Political Science Tim Fuller. A collection of essays inspired by Tim’s scholarly life and compiled by his former students, the book is also a tribute to the close faculty-student relationships that have been formed over generations here. I am grateful that this commitment to excellent teaching and mentoring has always been the cornerstone of a Colorado College education and continues to be so today.

Throughout the fall, I have been so proud of the progress being made on campus and our community’s resilience and excitement in the midst of much disruption. Despite the construction at Tutt Library and relocation of books and offices, Team Tutt, and our librarians and academic support professionals have provided excellent service to students and faculty. I am thrilled to witness the enthusiasm about our alliance with the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and the engagement of over 1,500 participants in the listening sessions; it’s a great foundation on which to build our future vision! I am grateful for staff members from across the campus who have taken on additional responsibilities, even as they continue their dedication to regular duties.

During this season of gratitude, I am thankful for you, parents and alumni, who continue to be passionate champions for Colorado College.

Best regards,

President Jill Tiefenthaler