They presented research on gender pay equity in professional sports, nicotine addiction in teens, and climate change impacts in the Arctic among other topics in Markets and Morality II, a class teaching the principles of economic theory while reflecting on implicit cultural assumptions. They performed and presented final theatre and dance projects in public campus spaces for Advanced Performance: Performance Installation. And all across campus, they grew, learned from failure, and stretched themselves.

At the Alumni Association Council’s alumni awards at Homecoming and Family Weekend, we saw and heard the stories of past students who have gone on to change the world in inspiring ways.  

Today I’m sharing a conversation with Professor of History, Chair of Economics and Business, and former Dean of the College and Dean of the Faculty Susan Ashley, who in her book, “The Block Plan: An Unrehearsed Educational Venture,” explains how the students, staff, and faculty who initiated the Block Plan were courageous enough to look forward and dream big – as we are doing now. Our community created a new way to deliver education that has since defined Colorado College.

Starting this academic year, Susan is coordinating a new venture, Project 2024, where we will imagine our future, unconstrained. Tune in to the video below to hear about the parallels between 51 years ago and now, and how the winds of change we’re feeling at this time just might help us achieve our next transformation.

Sincerely,