Around the Block – Celebrating Heritage Months and Enriching Our Cultural Tapestry

Celebrating the Rich Heritage of Multiple Groups in March

ID: Illustration saying Women's History Month in white with images of women of all colors

Women’s History Month

The origins of Women’s History Month can be traced to the events of 1857 when women in New York City factories protested against inadequate working conditions. The initial celebration of Women’s Day in the United States took place in 1909. Over seven decades later, in 1981, Congress officially designated the second week of March as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, this commemoration was expanded, with a presidential proclamation declaring March as Women’s History Month.

ID: illustration saying Irish American Heritage Month with shamrocks

Irish American Heritage Month

This month, we celebrate Irish American Heritage Month. For many years in our country’s history, the Irish faced a great deal of anti-immigrant sentiment, largely a result of their Catholicism, which clashed with the predominantly Protestant backgrounds of the original colonists. Congress made the recognition of Irish American Heritage month official in 1991. Locally, the Irish population was small until silver was discovered in Leadville, CO in the 1870s. It quickly became the most Irish city in the Rocky Mountains. They were later joined by Scottish, Welsh, and Cornish immigrants, and Colorado’s Celtic heritage remains strong today.

ID: illustration saying Greek American Heritage Month

Greek American Heritage Month

March marks Greek American Heritage Month, coinciding with the celebration of Greek American History Day on March 25 (Greece’s National Greek Independence Day). Between 1786 and the early 1900s, a significant influx of Greek immigrants arrived in the U.S. Between 1945 and 1982, Greek immigration increased, due to the need to escape economic hardships in Greece. Today, more than 3 million people in America proudly trace their roots to Greek ancestry, establishing it as one of the nation’s most substantial ethnic groups. Whether savoring mouthwatering cuisine, participating in traditional dances, or enjoying Greek music, there are myriad of ways to celebrate and embrace this dynamic heritage throughout this March.

Work of the College Series Events the Week of March 4


Meet the FAC leadership team on Monday, Mar. 4, at 1:30 p.m. in McHugh Commons. Learn how the museum, theater, and Bemis School of Art all collaborate on key programs and initiatives to increase awareness, attendance, and our connection with the Colorado Springs community and beyond! Please register in advance.

Come join the ADEI leadership team in a community conversation on antiracism on Tuesday, Mar. 5 at 2 p.m. in McHugh Commons. With antiracism central to the College’s mission, we can continuously uproot oppression wherever it exists, including within ourselves. A community conversation is a great tool to help us connect with each other and identify opportunities to challenge systems and attitudes that perpetuate oppression. Register today!

CGI Fellowship Applications are Open

ID: Infographic with a woman of color holding a microphone, text reading Clinton Global Initiative Applications Open Now Apply by March 15
This past January 16, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) announced a new fellowship designed to engage a curated cohort of emerging entrepreneurs. The program aims to equip fellows with essential resources and mentorship to develop and execute initiatives tackling pressing global challenges. In the inaugural 2024 year, the CGI Fellowship will choose 25 individuals to develop CGI Commitments to Action- new, specific, and measurable projects dedicated to addressing critical challenges including the climate crisis, global health inequity, and humanitarian crisis. More information about this new Fellowship is available here: www.clintonglobal.org/fellowship

Additionally, the CGI University 2024 application has launched. They are looking for current undergrad and grad students to apply for the 2024 student cohort. For more information on CGI University visit www.cgiu.org.

The application deadline for both programs is March 15. 

On Conversations with Dr. Myisha Cherry – J. Glenn and Ursula Gray Memorial Lecture in Philosophy

ID: Black woman wearing a demin jacket, smiling at the camera
If conversations are a way for our social, linguistic species to express and explain, correct, and collaborate, make sense of things and make things happen, then why are they — particularly the personal and political ones — so difficult to have? This talk considers these challenges and addresses the following question: How we can we be the kinds of people that others would want to have a conversation with?

This event takes place Thursday, Mar. 7, 3:30-5 p.m in Gaylord Hall, and is sponsored by the J Glenn & Ursula Gray Memorial Fund, the Philosophy Department, the Robert Lewis Endowed Fund for Philosophy, and the Rubens Family Fund.

Kathleen Shea ’24 is awarded Honorable Mention for the 2023-2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award (URA)

ID: Young caucasian woman with long brown hair, wearing a black sweater, looking at the calendar
Hats off to Kathleen Shea ’24 for earning Honorable Mention in the 2023-2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award, given by the Computing Research Association. The URA program acknowledges undergraduate researchers each year across North American universities, highlighting individuals with stellar academic achievements, significant service involvement, and notably, exceptional potential in computing research. For more information about the award, check out their website.

Kathleen, your achievement fills us with pride!

Fine Arts Center Corner

ID: Inforgraphic that says Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! Live on stage March 2-24
Come see the FAC’s next children’s theatre show, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! running March 2-24! It’s not easy being the Pigeon—you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something.

With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling Pigeon picture books, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. Tickets start at just $16! Visit the FAC Website for more information and to get tickets.

Photo of the Week

ID: Photo of people posing standing and laying down in front of the MATTEL sign outside.

Students from the Creativity and Innovation at Mattel Half-Block class pose in front of the Mattel sign.
Photo submitted by Professor Dan Johnson
powered by emma

Today at CC Digest for Students

A Daily Digest for Colorado College

Today at CC Digest

A Daily Digest for Colorado College

Upcoming Primary Election

Campus,

Get ready to vote in the 2024 Primary Election next week. While the deadline has passed to mail in your ballot, you can vote in person or drop off your ballot at a Voter Service and Polling Center. We are excited to share that Colorado College is now host to a Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC)!  The VSPC, located in upstairs Worner Campus Center, will be open: 
  • Monday, March 4, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, March 5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. – ELECTION DAY! 
You must present an ID to vote in person. CC Gold Cards are an acceptable form of ID. To vote on election day you must be in line by 7 p.m. 
If you would like to vote early, the downtown VSPC located at Centennial Hall (200 S. Cascade Ave.) is open now through March 1, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for early voting. 
You can find information on how to register to vote, how and where to vote, and how to get involved in campus get-out-the-vote efforts on the CCVotes page on the CCE website.
Best,  
the Collaborative for Community Engagement (CCE) team, 
in partnership with CC Votes

View this email online
powered by emma

Today at CC Digest for Students

A Daily Digest for Colorado College

Today at CC Digest

A Daily Digest for Colorado College

On Conversations with Dr. Myisha Cherry – J. Glenn and Ursula Gray Memorial Lecture in Philosophy

Join Dr. Myisha Cherry for the J. Glenn and Ursula Gray Memorial Lecture in Philosophy 

Please join us on Thursday, March 7 in Gaylord Hall in the Worner Campus Center from 3:30-5 p.m. for “On Conversations”. Dr. Myisha Cherry’s talk is sponsored by the J Glenn & Ursula Gray Memorial Fund, the Philosophy Department, the Robert Lewis Endowed Fund for Philosophy, andthe Rubens Family Fund. Dr. Cherry is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at UC Riverside and author of The Case for Rage: Why Anger is Essential to Antiracist Struggle.

If conversations are a way for our social, linguistic species to express and explain, correct and collaborate, make sense of things and make things happen, then why are they — particularly the personal and political ones — so difficult to have? This talk considers these challenges and addresses the following question: How can we be the kinds of people that others would want to have a conversation with?   

 More information can be found here Add this to your calendar.

View this email online
powered by emma

New Vice President for Enrollment

Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,

I am pleased to announce that Colorado College has hired Tony Cabasco as the new Vice President for Enrollment. Tony will begin serving in the role full-time on July 1.
Tony is currently Vice President for Enrollment at Bennington College in Vermont, where he has served since June 2018. At Bennington, he led the Admission team to consecutive years of record applications from 2021-2024, doubled the number of applications from BIPOC students, and tripled applications from international students. He collaborated with colleagues across campus on several projects and initiatives, including co-leading a working group to develop recommendations for student housing, being a thought partner with the Dean of Research, Planning, and Assessment on the student success team, working with the Communications team on marketing, and streamlining communications for new students.
Previously, Tony worked in college admissions for 24 years at Whitman College in Walla Wall, WA, serving as an admissions officer, Assistant Director of Admission, and Associate Director of Admission before being named Director of Admission in 2000 after a national search. He was promoted to Dean of Admission & Financial Aid in 2004.  During Tony’s tenure, Whitman saw record applications, an improved academic profile, expanded geographic diversity, and enhanced access for students of color, first-generation students, and Pell Grant recipients.
Tony has served on the executive board of the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling and as a faculty member in the College Board’s Admission Summer Institute. He has presented on college admissions at professional conferences and secondary schools throughout the U.S.
“Tony shares Colorado College’s commitment to academic excellence and our belief that talent is diverse,” said Lori Seager, Search Chair and Chief Financial Officer. “He has a history of thinking differently while achieving ambitious enrollment goals at Bennington and Whitman. Throughout the search process, Tony demonstrated his dynamic leadership and his commitment to students. Just as importantly, he made it clear he is passionate about all that a CC education has to offer.”
“I was attracted to Colorado College because of its commitment to providing the finest liberal arts education; the friendly, accomplished, and down-to-earth community members I met during the interview process; and the college’s dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Tony said. “I’ve admired the college’s innovative and distinctive Block Plan, which allows for creative pedagogical approaches that help prepare students for a lifetime of learning and active citizenship in a global community. I look forward to building relationships across the campus that will help advance the work of the enrollment division and support the mission of Colorado College. My family and I are excited to return to the West and will enjoy living in Colorado Springs, contributing to our new community, and taking advantage of outdoor adventures in the breathtaking Rockies.”
Tony was born in Vinh Long, Vietnam, and lived in the Philippines and Nigeria before immigrating to the U.S. He earned a B.A. from Whitman College in Physics and an M.A. in International Studies from the University of Washington with an emphasis on Chinese Studies. After his undergraduate years, he also lived and taught English in China. Tony is married to Megan Blair-Cabasco, and they have three children.
I am grateful for Lori Seager, the search committee, and all those who took time to meet with Tony during his visit to campus. Thanks to search firm WittKieffer, whose dedication helped us identify the right person to lead CC’s admission and enrollment efforts into the future.
Finally, I want to thank Mark Hatch for his extraordinary leadership in this role for more than 22 years — and for his insights as we embarked on this search. The CC community will gather to celebrate Mark’s contributions this spring before he retires.
Watch for opportunities to meet Tony and welcome him to the college when he arrives on campus this summer.
Sincerely,

L. Song Richardson

President

powered by emma

Come Ignite Your Curiosity at the Block 5 Faculty Symposium!

Join Us At This Year’s AAYLC Event!

The AAYLC has grown since its inception as a result of its emphasis on educational development and community outreach. It now serves as a program supported by corporate, civic, academic, religious, fraternal, social, and other community organizations and individuals. It is entirely organized and carried out by volunteers from the community. The AAYLC has served over 19,000 students in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver. The AAYLC has a long history of fostering high moral standards and values in youth.

This year’s FREE annual conference has sessions that will pique the interest of all audiences and features a voting engagement panel with a diverse panel of experts, including:

Dr. Regina English -State Representative
Professor Elizabeth Coggins -Political Science
Tony Exum- State Senator
Dr. Rebecca Theobal -Geography & Redistricting Expert
Steve Schleiker -County Clerk and Recorder
Come network, connect, learn, and engage at what will be the event of 2024! Registration closes on Saturday, March 2nd. 

Register Today
powered by emma

The Gold Mine – A Resource for CC’s Research Grant Community (Block 6, 2023)

News for and about CC’s Thriving Research Grant Community

News for and about CC's Thriving Research Grant Community

Research Projects with Diplomacy Lab

Dear colleagues,

In 2022 Colorado College became part of a network of ~60 colleges and universities in the Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab program.

As described on the Diplomacy Lab website, “Students participating in Diplomacy Lab explore real-world challenges identified by the Department and work under the guidance of faculty members… This initiative allows students to contribute directly to the policymaking process while helping the State Department tap into an underutilized reservoir of intellectual capital.”

For example, Dr. Jiun Bang in Political Science incorporated a Diplomacy Lab project in her spring 2023 course, PS203: Paradoxes of Northeast Asia. The project was initiated by several officials in Japan—from the U.S. embassy in Tokyo, U.S. Consulate General in Sapporo, the Fukuoka American Center, and EducationUSA Tokyo—and transpired in a final group-based written work that involved analyzing study abroad trends of Japanese students (to the U.S. or otherwise) and producing actionable plans based on the analysis. Students were able to present their findings via Zoom to the various officials in Japan at the end of their research.

Each semester a menu of possible projects are produced and shared with participating colleges. This round, there are 70 possible projects, including 11 in the area of Climate Change, 9 in the area of Democracy and Human Rights, 3 in the area of Food Secuity, 10 in the area of Global Health, 14 in the area of Science and Technology, and 10 in the area of Sociology. The full menu of possible projects is available on the CC website

There are two deadlines each year by which brief 200-word “bids” are submitted to the Department of State. The Round 1 deadline for participating in Fall 2024 is March 6, with unclaimed projects available in a second round that begins in April. A new menu of projects will be posted in October for Spring 2025.

The Department of State will invite students and faculty participating in 2024-2025 to an optional day-long event in Washington, DC., anticipated for mid-April 2025. The DipLab Fair will give student researchers an opportunity to present their findings to an audience of State Department officers and peers from the network.  There students and faculty can engage with their fellow DipLab institutions, policymakers at the Department, and representatives from other federal agencies. We invite CC faculty to learn more.

~Tess

Tess Powers

Director of Faculty Research Support
tpowers@coloradocollege.edu

Unteaching Racism Workshop

The Alliance to Advance Liberal Arts Colleges (AALAC) will be supporting “Unteaching Racism: Understanding and handling misuse of racial categories,” which will be held at Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA, from June 20-22, 2024.

The workshop will help faculty members in all disciplines understand the history, deployment, and utilization of racial categories in their research areas—and how the uncritical use of this racial taxonomy in teaching and learning reinforces racism.

The workshop will be led by two faculty members from Grinnell College—Leslie Gregg-Jolly (Biology) and Katya Gibel Mevorach (Anthropology and American Studies)—as well as Colorado College’s Associate Professor of Molecular Biology Phoebe Lostroh.

For more information on the workshop description and how to register is available here.

Funders in the Spotlight

Humanities Connections 

Summary: “The Humanities Connections program seeks to expand the role of the humanities in undergraduate education at two- and four-year institutions by encouraging partnerships between humanities faculty and their counterparts in other areas of study. Awards support the planning or implementation of curricular projects connecting the humanities to the physical and natural sciences; pre-service or professional programs, including law and business; computer science, data science, and other technology-driven fields; or other non-humanities departments or schools. Projects must incorporate the approaches and learning activities of both the humanities and the non-humanities disciplines involved.”

Annual Deadline: early September.  The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is one of the few funders that is willing to review drafts (in certain programs, that is). For this program, drafts are due in mid-July. Please see this SEGway page for information on applying for an “Institutional Writing Stipend” to prepare a proposal like this.

Award Amount: $50,000 for a planning grant; up to $150,000 for implementation grant (one does not need to apply for or receive the planning grant prior to applying for the implementation grant)

Additional Resources: Please see the program page for the proposal guidelines (the “Notice of Funding Opportunity”) and sample proposal narratives.

Proposal Support: As this is an institutional grant, the Corporate and Foundation Relations Office stands by ready to support this application. Please reach out to Director Laura Hines or Associate Director Sam Heim.


AAUW Research Publication Grants

Summary: “Having a strong publication record is a key to receiving promotions and tenure in engineering, medicine and science. Yet persistent gender stereotypes and bias in these fields can make it difficult for women to find the time and institutional support needed to publish their research. These grants help women overcome these barriers by funding research projects that will culminate in scholarly publications.”

Award Amount: $10K-$35K for research expenses, technical support, research assistance, and publication costs

Annual Deadline: November 15

Eligibility:
Pre-tenure women in the sciences, including people who identify as women, who are conducting basic research in the sciences

Grant Period for next deadline: July 2025-June 2026.

Expectation: The applicant will be sole or senior author on an accepted scholarly publication within six months of the close of the grant period (in this case, by the end of December 2026). 

Announcing Internal Process for NSF’s MRI Program


The National Science Foundation’s Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program has moved its annual deadline to November. Each institution is allowed to submit up to two acquisition proposals. In order to support a fair process that ensures that the two most competitive proposals move forward, we are initiating an internal process to identify interest and competitiveness. If you have an interest in submitting an MRI proposal in the future (in the next one to three years), please complete the interest form below. Everyone who documents their interest using this form will be asked each May if they would like to compete to submit a proposal for the upcoming November deadline. At that time, if more than two teams express interest in applying for the upcoming November deadline, a brief internal submission application will be provided by May 31, with an anticipated deadline of June 15th. The applicants will be notified of decisions by June 30th. If you have more questions about this process, please reach out to Tess Powers.

MRI Proposal Interest Form 

Peace of Advice


If you are interested in exploring external funding opportunities, it’s best if we can connect at least two years before you anticipate needing the funding. This gives us time to identify the best funders, prepare an application (many programs have only one deadline per year), and wait several months to hear back.  And with a little extra time also comes peace of mind. ~ Tess

Help Us Recognize Our Community’s Accomplishments

CC Accolades

Help us celebrate your colleagues’ accomplishments! Use this anonymous form to share news of publications, creative work, grants and fellowships, and other accomplishments.

powered by emma