CU Advocacy Day

Governor John Hickenlooper

Some 200 CU alumni and friends gathered at the state capital in Denver on Jan. 28 for CU Advocacy Day. The annual event is a chance for us to interact with lawmakers, convey the value of CU to Colorado and the nation, and press our case for funding. It's also an opportunity for Colorado legislators to share with their colleagues their view of the issues facing higher education and the value of our universities, particularly in difficult economic times.

Governor John Hickenlooper addressed our group, demonstrating a solid understanding of higher education's substantial role in a healthy state. Yet he also warned us of difficult budgetary times to come.

The event provided state lawmakers a chance to reconnect with – or meet for the first time – leaders from throughout the CU system. The leaders of all four campuses attended; Board of Regents Chairman Kyle Hybl was joined by fellow regents Michael Carrigan, Monisha Merchant, Joe Neguse and Sue Sharkey, as well as former regents Pat Hayes, Pete Steinhauer, Paul Schauer, Maureen Ediger and Gail Schwartz, who now represents Snowmass in the Colorado Senate.

Bruce Benson speaks to CU alumni and friends gathered at the state Capital

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