By Julia Fennell ’21

Students in the CC Mobile Arts Community Artivism Adjunct had the opportunity to see hands-on the impact that local city and state policies have on arts and culture. Through the course, students participated in CC Mobile Arts and local Colorado Springs community events, as well as attending an overnight field trip to the Paseo Project in Taos, New Mexico.

“Artivism is art and activism, activism and art,” says class instructor Dr. Nancy Ríos, co-director of CC Mobile Arts. “Chicanas/os of the Movimiento are often credited with centering art in activism in their social and political fights for justice and students in this course analyze and get inspiration from these and other contemporary artivism examples.” Artivism is a social-justice-movement-based approach to solidarity and coalition that was formed out of feminism and racial justice organizing.

This adjunct teaches students how community organizing, policy making, and social change can be achieved through artivism. One of the highlights of the class is the students’ participation in The Paseo Project in Taos, New Mexico. The Paseo Project is an annual two-night festival where artists display interactive, inspiring, and community-based art. This year, students in the class worked with Dr. Theresa J Cordóva of Las Pistoleras Instituto Cultural de Arte to create an art installation that emphasizes the political and historical memories of the Chicano people in northern New Mexico.

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In honor of CC’s upcoming 150th anniversary, we have collaborated with Goat Patch Brewing Company to rebrand its popular blonde ale as a CC beer!

“This is such an exciting and fun partnership for Colorado College with a high-quality local business,” says VP and Director of CC Athletics Lesley Irvine. “Goat Patch aligns with our own values of commitment to community and their competitive spirit is reflected in their high-quality outcomes, which aligns so seamlessly for us. This helps build community, pride, brand, and loyalty in a highly visible way. We are grateful for their willingness to partner, and we are excited to bring the CC community their very own beer – particularly in celebration of our 150th anniversary!”

Staff and faculty: The newly branded beer will be served along with other Goat Patch beers at CC events, the Goat Patch Brewery, and other Colorado Springs dining and bar establishments. And CC community members will have the chance to decide the first-ever CC beer’s name through an online voting site. Voting begins at 10 a.m. today, Friday, Jan. 19, and closes Feb. 9.

VOTE HERE »

By Julia Fennell ’21

Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Juan Burciaga was awarded the 2024 Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

“Burciaga is honored for his tireless efforts to promote the tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the physics community and profound work to build the expertise of the AAPT community in the teaching of physics for the life sciences,” the award announcement states.

Burciaga has worked tirelessly to increase opportunities for and the number of practicing Hispanic physicists. In 2018, Burciaga chaired the organizing committee for the Enhancing Undergraduate Physics Programs at Hispanic Serving Institutions conference. The conference was designed to define the challenges and opportunities of physics at HSI, and to make recommendations to key stakeholders at these institutions, such as faculty members, department chairs, and funding agencies.

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By Julia Fennell ’21

There’s no doubt that in 2023, smart technology became increasingly widespread. But what happens when computer scientists create applications without considering people in their design? Best-case scenario: the product is functional but goes unused. Worst-case scenario: possible discrimination, loss of access, and more. Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Dr. Varsha Koushik spent three-and-a-half weeks teaching her students the importance of considering the potential impacts on people, cultures, and groups when designing interfaces. Luckily for her students, CC’s liberal arts education has prepared them to face these challenging questions and discussions while they work to create a more just future.  

Students in Koushik’s Foundations of Human-Centered Computing learned about human-computer interaction research, which centers the study of computer science on the relationship between people and computing.

“The goal of the class was to introduce students to the user-centered design process and enable them to define problems and develop solutions through the lens,” says Koushik, whose research focuses on exploring accessible smart technologies as a way to empower people with disabilities. “Furthermore, the course teaches existing research practices in human-computer interaction and helps students critically think about emerging technologies and their impact on our society.”

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The Fine Arts Center recently received a generous gift of 19th and early 20th century textiles by Diné weavers. Help us welcome these remarkable works into our care on Friday, Jan. 26, 5–7:30 p.m. View a selection of textiles in the Agents of Care gallery and enjoy a talk by visiting artist Melissa Cody, a fourth-generation Navajo weaver, who will reflect on these textiles as well as her current works. This event is free and open to the public; RSVPs are requested.

Bemis School of Art has a wide range of classes in various mediums, including pottery, painting, and photography. There is something for everyone at all skill levels. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore your creativity!
Browse classes and find the one to ignite your passion.