Banner graphic with the words ‘Around the Block’ in bold white letters on black rectangles. The background is gold with repeating outlined cubes, with larger black cubes floating across the design.

The Second Annual Tiger Lookalike is Almost Here!

A student in a tiger costume smiles and lifts a large trophy overhead while the Colorado College tiger mascot cheers beside them. Black and gold balloons, including a tiger-shaped balloon, float above as people clap and celebrate in the background.

Saw Sow ’28, 3rd place winner at the Tiger Lookalike in 2025. Photo by Jamie Cotten.

The Tiger Lookalike Contest returns Friday, Feb. 27 in the Student Event Space in Worner, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Come early for the pre-show from 6-7:30 p.m., featuring face painting, henna tattoos, tiger-themed snacks, and interactive activities to get the crowd buzzing.

The main event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Dress up as your boldest, most creative tiger self and strut your stuff to the song of your choice in front of a panel of CC celebs. Compete for legendary prizes or cheer on your friends. Either way, bring your squad, your stripes, and your Tiger energy.

A Block Course Rooted in Living Maya Knowledge

This block, Professors Jessica Sanchez-Flores (Spanish and Portuguese) and Rebecca Garcia (Mathematics) are teaching in México, leading students through SP307/MA110: Mayan Resilience: Ancestral Knowledge through Mathematics and Science. The course centers living Maya knowledge systems, highlighting how creators and intellectuals are actively shaping fields like mathematics, science, and medicine today—not as remnants of a distant past, but as vibrant, evolving practices that continue to thrive.

Through readings, art, and immersive, hands-on experiences, students explore Maya mathematical systems, visit archaeological sites, and engage directly with local healers and bee protectors in Yucatán. The course and its impact have drawn attention from regional media in México, which have highlighted the collaboration between CC students and Maya communities and the importance of sustaining and honoring ancestral knowledge in contemporary contexts.

Bon Appétit New Team Member Spotlight

A smiling man stands in a green meadow with wildflowers, wearing a red polo shirt. Rocky mountain foothills rise in the background under soft daylight.

Jason Helmer

Please welcome Jason Helmer to the Bon Appétit at Colorado College family! Jason joined the team as Catering Manager in January and has been busy getting to know the campus community.

Born in Colorado Springs, Jason has nearly 20 years of experience in catering and events. He loves the variety that comes with catering and the positive energy and happy customers at the end of a successful event.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys hiking and traveling to warm destinations with his family, especially with his 2-year-old son. Jason also has a passion for gemstones and is connected with gemstone collectors and miners around the world.

Jason can be reached at jason.helmer@cafebonappetit.com or 702-350-1115.

From Research to Restorative Justice: Luke Ortiz-Grabe ’25

Luke Ortiz-Grabe ’25

By Katie Branham

After graduating from Colorado College, Luke Ortiz-Grabe ʼ25 began working as a judicial clerk at the Denver District Court. The role gave him a front-row seat to the criminal justice system, including alternatives to incarceration. At a DIVERT Court graduation—a program offering people with felony drug possession charges a chance to seek treatment instead of serving lengthy prison sentences—he watched as former defendants returned to court not for another case, but for a celebration.

After graduating from CC with a degree in International Political Economy, Ortiz-Grabe has his sights set on law school in the future, but first he’s relishing the chance to gain hands-on experience.

READ THE FULL STORY »

Brand Building Blocks

New look, clearer paths, better tools.

The Office of Communications & Marketing website has been refreshed to make it easier to find what you need, when you need it. The updated navigation brings key resources front and center, with a streamlined Brand Central menu designed to help campus partners move quickly from guidance to action.

To find tools and assets, head to Brand Central in the OCM navigation. From there, explore Build Your Own: Guidelines & Assets for logos, colors, typography, words, and photography, or visit Templates, Tools, & Resources for practical helpers like the Business Suite, Email Signature Generator, QR Code Generator, and more. Everything is organized to support consistent, confident communication across campus.

FAC Corner

In the Theatre: The Roommate

Illustrated graphic reading “The Roommate” in red script over stylized golden farm fields, with a windmill and trees in the foreground and a faint city skyline and bridge in the background against a blue sky.

Photo provided by the FAC.

On Stage Feb. 12-March 1

After her divorce, Midwestern housewife Sharon takes on a roommate for the first time—brash New Yorker Robyn, whose past raises a few questions. Recently on Broadway, this funny and deeply moving play explores identity, connection, and the possibility of reinvention.

Special opening night offer for CC staff and faculty on Saturday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.! Snag two tickets for just $30 each and get two FREE drink tickets! Use promo code CCRoommate at checkout to get this deal. Pick up your drink tickets at the front desk when you arrive for the show.

Get your tickets today!