As 2018 drew to a close, the world paused for reflection—a moment to sift through the triumphs and trials that defined the year. From political upheavals to cultural milestones, each event left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. In this tapestry of experiences, certain threads stood out, weaving together stories of resilience, innovation, and hope.
One notable highlight was the launch of Ed Talks in May—an initiative designed to ignite conversations around pressing educational issues. Imagine educators gathering with alumni and community members in a vibrant setting where ideas flowed freely like warm coffee on a chilly morning. The inaugural event sparked discussions about diversity and inclusion in education; it wasn’t just talk—it was action taking root.
Meanwhile, CU Boulder made strides toward nurturing future educators by offering guaranteed admissions for high school students interested in teaching careers. This agreement with local concurrent enrollment programs marked a significant step forward for aspiring teachers eager to make their mark on society.
Graduation ceremonies brought forth inspiring voices as outstanding graduates shared their journeys—Ofelia Schepers and Tyler LeCroy took center stage not merely as speakers but as beacons of possibility for those who followed them. Their words resonated deeply: building bridges within communities is not just important; it's essential.
In another corner of academia, CU Boulder released its first edition of Voices magazine—a publication that celebrated alumni achievements while tackling critical topics such as teacher shortages and transformative classroom practices rooted in love. It’s more than just pages filled with text; it’s a testament to how far we’ve come together.
Recognition poured into CU Boulder from various corners throughout 2018—the faculty shone brightly under national accolades reflecting their commitment to equity in education. Dean Kathy Schultz became one among only eleven distinguished scholars recognized by the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Her work emphasizes place-based partnerships aimed at enhancing student teaching experiences across diverse settings.
Ruben Donato received honors too—his research has illuminated historical inequalities affecting minority populations over decades past while Susan Jurow's contributions have enriched learning within food movements across communities.
The spirit didn’t stop there! Joseph Polman ascended as president of the International Society for Learning Sciences after years dedicated towards advancing understanding within this vital field—all while Bethy Leonardi and Sara Staley were acknowledged repeatedly for championing LGBTQ+ initiatives through A Queer Endeavor project they co-founded.
As we reflect back upon these highlights from 2018—the moments both big and small—we are reminded that progress often comes wrapped up alongside challenges faced head-on by individuals determined enough not only push boundaries but also uplift others along their journey towards success.