In looking back on 2020, COVID-19 stands out for many. In the face of sorrow and difficulty, Buffs came together, worked to protect our herd and helped curb the coronavirus through research and community resources. Prior to and during the pandemic, there have been moments of growth, greatness and celebration as well. The community sharpened its commitment to anti-racism and inclusive excellence. Individuals accomplished academic, scholarly and personal feats. Researchers furthered our understanding of science on Earth and in space. We broke records; invited a variety of guest speakers to share their stories; and bolstered entrepreneurism and sustainability. We took time for self-care, including virtual "pawffice hours" with four-legged friends, and more.
Buffs together, protecting our herd
- CU Boulder commitment totals $1.8 million to expand student mental health and wellness
- Students facing financial impacts of COVID-19 may apply for emergency funds
- Buffs Together: Thank you to our essential employees
- Buffs Together aims to rally CU Boulder community while we’re apart
- Buffs Together makes an impact
- CU Boulder launches Protect Our Herd public health awareness campaign
- Ana Corral and Lindsay Randall – Human Kindness Goes a Long Way
- Daniel Knowles – Giving Local Businesses a Helping Hand
Remarkable individuals
- CU student earns prestigious Astronaut Scholarship
- Former CU Boulder postdoc Jennifer Doudna smashes glass ceiling with historic Nobel win
- Leeds School professor receives prestigious NASA award
- Professor Adam Bradley wins 2020 Hazel Barnes Prize
- Keeping up with the Curies: Laser scientists win prestigious physics award; CU Boulder physicists honored by National Academy of Inventors
- Patty Limerick named to state Geographic Naming Advisory Board
Helping curb COVID-19
- Singing unmasked, indoors spreads COVID-19 through aerosols, new study confirms
- Even outdoors—why face coverings are important
- Aerosol research instrumental in getting musicians back to playing safely
- Ask an expert: Staying safe this winter and holiday season during COVID-19
- How sampling campus wastewater aims to keep COVID-19 in check
- Why developing a successful COVID-19 vaccine is only half the battle
- How a simple smell test could curb COVID-19 and help reopen the economy
- Frequent, rapid testing could turn national COVID-19 tide within weeks
- Remants of ancient viruses could be shaping coronavirus response
- Dorm sewage, vials of saliva and a state of the art new lab: Inside CU’s COVID testing plan
- New COVID-19 test returns results in 45 minutes—no swab required
- 6 lessons we can learn from past pandemics
Growing in our commitment to anti-racism and inclusive excellence
- Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to continue in spring semester
- Chancellor announces immediate anti-racism actions to transform campus
- IDEA Council holds inaugural meeting, sets initial priorities
- From the Chancellor: Community Safety Task Force to foster greater engagement, accountability and transparency
- CU Boulder Council for Community and Inclusion convening
- Free anti-racism course opens door to ‘some very difficult questions’
- CUPD chief, law enforcement officials to continue talks with students to build mutual trust, understanding
- CU leadership reaffirms support for DACA students after Supreme Court ruling
- New CU Boulder Pride Office opens
Read more stories about Buffs committing to anti-racism and inclusive excellence in 2020.
Welcoming new and returning Buffs
Honoring community through art and culture
- Art in Public Space Committee, CU Boulder History Project get underway
- Los Seis de Boulder sculpture to remain at CU as part of university archives
- Art flags aim to unite people, celebrate culture, spark hope
- Dream Weaver: CMCI instructor designed Denver 2020 Mile High Pride Flag
- Bringing Jewish history and culture to Colorado communities
Pause for Paws
Pause for Paws brought a series of virtual programming for students in need of some extra pawsitivity. Activities included voting for the most valuable pet, Pawffice Hours—Zooming with librarians and meeting their furry family members—and more.
Standouts in space
- Tiny moon shadows may harbor hidden stores of ice
- Researchers develop dustbuster for the moon
- New FRIDGE could bring real ice cream to space
- Scientists peer inside an asteroid
- Emirates Mars Mission to begin journey to the red planet
- Tree rings may hold clues to earthly impacts of distant supernovas
Back on Earth, more in research: 10 research discoveries from 2020 you won't want to miss
5 new master’s degrees
- Outdoor recreation economy
- Teacher leadership
- Corporate communication
- Two degrees in data science
Breaking ground and building campus resources
- Take a virtual tour of the expanded Imig Music Building
- New bridge links Main Campus, neighborhoods north of Boulder Creek
- Projects in progress in 2020 included the business-engineering expansion and work on the Renée Crown Wellness Institute. Completed were the Fleming Tower renovation and Ramaley Biology Building expansion.
