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Let’s talk about Mental Health and Wellness!
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Last year, at the request of students, staff, and faculty, we committed to prioritizing mental health and wellness as essential to a thriving community. We joined the suicide prevention collaborative of El Paso County, ensured students had 24-hour access to diverse counselors through telehealth, asked all employees to participate in QPR suicide prevention training, committed to paying employees a living wage, partnered with Children’s Hospital to research student wellness, and so much more.
We are excited to share new understandings and promising next steps to ensure we continue to prioritize our collective wellness. Join us for the first event of the series with a community-wide Mental Health and Wellness webinar, led by divisional representatives and Rankin Climate, an external leader in institutional climate assessment.
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Block A in Kenya: Learning With the Maasai
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Prof. Alberto Hernandez-Lemus scouts the landscape for rhinos.
Photo by Sam Nystrom Costales ’25
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Riss Banuelos ’26, Annie Breyak ’24, Sophia Assal ’25, Kristine Petersone ’24, Kentai, Nicole Cheverria ’23, Layla Haji ’25, Auna McConnaughey ’25.
Photo by Sam Nystrom Costales ’25.
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By Megan Clancy ’07
For Block A of Summer Session 2023, 13 students embarked on a transformative journey to Kenya with CC Professor of Philosophy Alberto Hernandez-Lemus to Kenya for his course, Kenya’s Maasailand: Indigeneity in the Postcolonial British Commonwealth.
In the completely quintessential CC cross-collaboration, the course was cross-listed in philosophy and environmental studies. Through this unique fusion, students delved into the nuanced concepts of colonialism and conservation practices, shedding light on their Eurocentric roots and the historical context of their imposition on diverse populations. The environmental studies component further explored the intricate dynamics of wildlife preservation and its impact on both the land and its inhabitants.
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Introducing CC’s newest publication, The Peak!
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The Peak, Colorado College’s newest publication has launched!
The Peak encompasses everything that is Colorado College. The name represents where we are – set high in the Rocky Mountains – what we are – an institution at the apex of academic and athletic excellence – and who we are – alumni, students, and faculty reaching the pinnacle of achievement. The mission of The Peak is to engage CC alumni and friends in the advancement of the college and its entire community.
So please, sit back, relax, and enjoy The Peak.
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Get to Know… Ryan Simmons
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What does your job entail?
I have the privilege of leading the HR team. We work to create an environment that helps our staff and faculty to thrive. Some of the processes we support include development, compensation, benefits, hiring, and onboarding. We look at these processes with an antiracist lens to help create a more equitable and welcoming experience for each person at CC.
Where did you work before CC and what were you doing?
I worked at Children’s Hospital Colorado as the director of Talent Development. We were a team that was responsible for learning, development, and culture work for over 10,000 employees across the state.
Tell us a little about your background.
My father was in the military, so we moved around until we were stationed here in the Springs. I grew up expecting to move every 2 years, so I am surprised I’m still in Colorado decades later.
I think the fact that I’ve become a father through adoption is a key part of my life journey. I’ve learned so much as we have grown as a family.
What do you like to do when not working?
I try to spend as much time with my wife and daughter as possible. It might be watching a movie and sharing popcorn, playing with my daughter at a playground, or just going for a walk together. If I’ve got some independent time, I love to hike and ski.
Wild card: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I said I wanted to be a pilot because I love travel and think it’s so beautiful to watch the clouds from above, but… I like being around people and I get airsick, so I’m glad I went a different way!
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Summer With the Stroud Scholars
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Stroud Scholars wheel throwing in the clay studio in the Bemis Art School on July 11.
Photo by Lonnie Timmons III
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Stroud Scholars make seasoned rice balls in CC’s Stroud Scholars Program cooking class at Bemis Hall, on July 13.
Photo by Lonnie Timmons III
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By Megan Clancy ’07
This summer, Colorado College welcomed the Stroud Scholars back to campus. Since its inception in 2020, the Stroud Scholars Program has prepared area high school students for selective college environments by working with them to provide academic preparation, mentorship, and guidance navigating the admissions and financial aid processes at CC and other institutions.
Over three summers, starting when they are rising sophomores, students receive two to three weeks of college readiness coursework focusing on quantitative reasoning and composition skills.
“I think the most beneficial part of the program is the community that is built and the connections that students make with one another, with CC faculty and staff, mentors and other community partners,” says AliciaRose Martinez, CC’s assistant director of college access programs. “Through these connections students and families are able to pursue their interests, glean information about the college admission process, be more engaged in their own communities, and feel empowered to advocate for their own education and futures.”
During their weeks on campus, students not only participate in academic courses, but also creative adjunct courses like printmaking, pottery, urban agriculture, and cooking. Read more about it.
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Meet Your 2023-24 Student Trustee, Chris Heckenkamp ’24
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The Colorado College Student Trustee for the 2023-24 academic year is Chris Heckenkamp ’24! The student trustee is a voting member of the Board of Trustees and a non-voting member of student government. The student trustee is responsible for attending all Board of Trustees meetings, serving on a Board committee and Strategic Planning Team (SPT), and enhancing communication between the Board and the student body. The student trustee is elected directly by students from a group chosen by the Board.
Chris is a philosophy major and a music and education minor. Outside of the classroom, Chris performs in theater, Dance Workshop, and Opera Scenes; is part of a boxing club; will be joining the ultimate frisbee team; is starting a business; is writing and producing an album; and is a mentor for the Stroud Scholars program. He is in his third year working as a Residential Advisor and his first year as a Priddy leader.
Chris is passionate about yoga and meditation, and he is training to be an Ishanga so he can give people tools to transform themselves like someone gave to him. He’s also a big fan of climbing mountains, camping, hiking, and backpacking.
He says, “I’m thrilled to be on the Board of Trustees — and excited to serve the CC community, learn the scope of my responsibility, and create solutions with you all.”
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Come Experience a Night of Indigenous Comedy with Adrianne Chalepa
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From Nexflix and Amazon comedy specials to NBC Peacock’s Rutherford Falls, Adrianne Chalepah now brings her unique Native take on the world back to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Chalepah is a boarding school graduate, a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, and a mother of four. A 2021 Yes, And…Laughter Lab Finalist, and recipient of the inaugural TimeWarner Media IAIA Creative Writing Scholarship, she holds an MFA in Creative Writing. In addition to Rutherford Falls, she can be seen on FX’s Reservation Dogs and Netflix’s Spirit Rangers.
Chalepah will headline with Jordan Jayi on Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m., with Joshua Emerson taking the stage as the opening act. This is a return to the FAC for Chalepah, who last performed here in 2019.
CC students get 50% off tickets, and faculty and staff get 20% off tickets! Use these codes when purchasing tickets to receive your discount:
Faculty/Staff: Comedy20
Students: Comedy50
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Arts & Crafts Director Rebecca Parker leads Stroud Scholars as they participate in a residential experience printmaking class on July 18.
Photo by Lonnie Timmons III
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