CSU Wrapped 2023: A Year in Review

published Dec. 28, 2023

Much like a year-in-review music playlist on Spotify, 2023 featured unforgettable high notes at Colorado State University, with the investiture of a new president, record-breaking accolades and accomplishments and sold-out sporting events and concerts. Take a look back at some of the top stories on SOURCE in 2023.

Exterior of a building.

January 2023

The National Western Stock Show celebrated the completion of the CSU Spur campus with the opening of the third and final building, Hydro. At the time of Hydro’s opening, the CSU Spur campus had hosted more than 18,000 visitors, including 200 field trips consisting of about 4,000 students, teachers and chaperones.

CSU Spur: What a difference a year makes

The heart of agriculture: 4-H members make memories, connections at National Western Stock Show

Colorado State University makes it four in a row for sustainability, earns fourth consecutive platinum STARS designation

Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. honored at community celebration

CSU Vice President for Research Alan Rudolph leaves lasting legacy at CSU

Bobby Seale

February 2023

Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, spoke at Colorado State University in February as part of a celebration for Black History Month, which included lectures, in-depth student discussions, movie screenings and food samplings. This month’s theme — “Blackprint: The Original Blueprint” — focused on examining the past to advance the Black community, according to organizers.

CSU named top producer of prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholars

The real-life version of the apocalyptic fungus in ‘The Last of Us’ won’t turn you into a zombie – but it does have great benefits for agriculture

Seeds of service: Roots of the Peace Corps can be traced to CSU

CSU Collar Scholars train puppies to become service dogs

RCPV group photo

March 2023

Dozens of returned Peace Corps volunteers gathered with CSU leaders in the Lory Student Center Theatre in March to celebrate the launch of a project to create a Peace Corps Tribute Garden west of the theater. The month also included a talk from the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, William Taylor, as part of the International Symposium.

Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine draws hundreds for International Symposium keynote

Bottles vs. cans: CSU beer study shows amber ales age best in bottles, IPAs fine either way

An Open Door: Life and influence of Temple Grandin to be featured in upcoming documentary

Colorado Rockies V St. Louis Cardinals

April 2023

April marked the return of baseball as well as the Colorado Rockies Sport Management Institute, in which CSU students get hands-on experience with a professional sports team. The institute encompasses the College of Liberal Arts’ sport management minor and master’s programs and allows students to learn directly from industry professionals within the Rockies organization.

Red carpet rolls out for ‘An Open Door’ as CSU audience gets first screening of new Grandin documentary

Hammon inducted into Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame

Avocados: Not as Earth-friendly and ‘avo-cuddly’ as you would think

Chocolate-covered cricket chitin, a ‘good stomach bug,’ at heart of CSU study on people with IBS

Graduation

May 2023

The 2022-23 academic year came to a close with pomp and circumstance as more than 5,000 Colorado State University graduates received their degrees May 12-14 during CSU’s spring commencement ceremonies.

Mary Ontiveros’ half century at CSU honored with building dedication

Vice President for Research announces 15 students in 2023-2024 cohort of VPR Fellows

CSU ranked No. 11 among top Peace Corps producing colleges of the last 20 years

CSU students receive Udall Undergraduate Scholarships

2023 Summer Lagoon Concert Series Funky Business

June 2023

The arrival of the Lagoon Concert Series officially marked the start of summer at Colorado State University. More than 2,700 attended the first concert, with Northern Colorado’s Funky Business kicking off the annual tradition on June 14.

Photo gallery: CSU, Fort Collins celebrate Juneteenth

Q&A: How the Nuggets, Kroenke and Colorado will reap the benefits of a championship win

Smoke in the air? Beware, and don’t trust your nose

Students make a difference through residence hall move out donations

Meet CSU’s Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2023-24

Flood

July 2023

Flooding at Colorado State University the night of July 31 could have been a whole lot worse if it hadn’t been for improvements made since the historic flood at CSU that caused more than $150 million in damage in 1997. There were a variety of flood mitigation projects completed by CSU and the City of Fort Collins in the years following the flood on July 28, 1997. CSU’s flood mitigation projects — including construction of floodwalls, berms, and below-grade systems in 2000 and 2001 – cost more than $1 million.

CSU’s past flood mitigation efforts minimized damage from July 31 rains

Summers of smoke: CSU is leading the way in wildfire research

Government funding secured for Foothills Transit Center

CSU student documentary filmmakers to showcase their work on Rocky Mountain PBS

Parents saying goodbye
Students moving in

August 2023

August welcomed more than 5,000 new CSU students who moved into the residence halls. Ram Welcome events included Ram Bash on the Lory Student Center Plaza, Explore Old Town Fort Collins and the Carnival. Students also returned to a revitalized Lory Student Center.

Slideshow: A Ram Welcome weekend for the class of 2027

Photos from the first day of classes at CSU

Lory Student Center revitalization project hits the finish line

CSU and Marvel Fusion to build groundbreaking $150M laser facility through public-private partnership

AI research: CSU researchers examine the future of artificial intelligence

Democracy

September 2023

Colorado State University kicked off its Year of Democracy and Civic Engagement in September with a panel discussion and activities on the Lory Student Center Plaza. CSU also set new records in research expenditures and sustainability rankings.

CSU first in Sustainable Campus curriculum rankings, top 4 overall among doctoral institutions

CSU research expenditures set another record, sustaining growth and setting sights on the future

NSF-backed research seeks to provide new, precise irrigation tools to producers

The future of ag is now

Amy Parsons with mace
Goose Concert

October 2023

October was a historic month with the investiture of the 16th president of CSU, Amy Parsons. The investiture ceremony for Parsons, who had been serving as president since Feb. 1, opened with a formal processional down the historic Oval, followed by the annual Fall Address. The month also featured American indie-groove band Goose performing at CSU, with a crowd larger than its shows earlier in the week at Red Rocks.

Fully invested: President Amy Parsons outlines top priorities at Fall Address

CSU sees record enrollment of diverse students, one of largest incoming classes ever

Strengthening our democracy: CSU is building a path for a more perfect union

Sustaining greatness: CSU earns 10th straight perfect Green College Honor Roll score

Photos: Goose concert lights up CSU

Photos: Experience the excitement from Homecoming and Family Weekend

Disagree Better Talk

November 2023

With democracy as the focus of this thematic year, Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox sat alongside Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis for “Disagree Better,” a discussion at CSU aimed at demonstrating the importance of reaching across the aisle and having civil discussions about the issues that divide us.

How can we ‘Disagree Better?’ Governors share their lessons for healthier dialogue

100+ Returned Peace Corps Volunteers gather at CSU for tribute garden unveiling

Supply chain research: CSU faculty provide insights into strategy and practices

CSU in Photos: Military Appreciation Game celebration

Basketball
Basketball

December 2023

The basketball teams started their seasons strong, with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams undefeated for much of November. That energy continued into December with crowds packing Moby Arena for contests.

New CSU Climate Initiative to develop next generation of leaders

Photo slideshow: Scenes from Fall Commencement

CSU researchers help chart U.S. course for removing carbon, reversing climate change

CSU in Photos: Marching band illuminates Denver at Parade of Lights