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Chancellor Philip DiStefano and other CU Boulder representatives showcased the university in Washington, D.C., last week, meeting with alumni, donors, media and legislators to share successes from Boulder and discuss upcoming priorities.

The university’s legacy of climate change action and its upcoming U.N. Human Rights Climate Summit, to be held on campus in December, were front-and-center throughout the visit, which also included personal meetings with U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and Chief Climate Advisor Phil Duffy of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Chancellor Philip DiStefano and Sylvie Jones from Education Abroad with students in the CU in D.C. program

Chancellor Philip DiStefano and U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse

The visit, held March 27–30, resumed a tradition that was curtailed during the pandemic.

“CU Boulder has many longstanding connections with individuals and institutions in Washington, D.C., and this was a great opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces while also introducing the university to new faces,” DiStefano said. “Sharing how our students, faculty and staff are positively impacting humanity is a highlight of my role as chancellor.”

Anchoring the week was a March 29 reception and program titled, “CU in D.C.: Working to Build a Just and Sustainable Future,” held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

Featuring presentations by Dean of University Libraries Robert McDonald, Assistant Professor Matt Burgess, and Acting Dean of Arts and Sciences Jim White, the event included exhibits and refreshments and allowed alumni, donors and other supporters to interact and learn about research happening on campus.

The event highlighted the upcoming Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, which CU Boulder is cohosting on campus with United Nations Human Rights.

The chancellor also hosted a breakfast reception with students participating in the CU in D.C. program, where students spend a semester in Washington, D.C., combining professional internships with evening courses during a full semester or summer.

“The CU in D.C. program is an awesome opportunity to get public policy experience while in school,” said Chase Cromwell, a junior political science major who is interning in Neguse’s office. “It’s so cool to get credits for an internship with a sitting congressman or congresswoman, and I’ve learned more than I was ever expecting by being in the office.

“I just recently transferred to CU and am so glad I did, because the connections I’ve made in my one semester in Boulder and one in D.C. have been huge for guiding me to a degree and career that gives me a chance to change our area and our country for the better.”

CU Boulder will continue building its connections in Washington through its network of alumni, students and government partners.

“Connecting the chancellor directly with government representatives in the nation’s capital is an important part of how the university advocates and informs our partners in federal government about our goals, needs and capabilities,” said Kirsten Schuchman, assistant vice chancellor for public policy advocacy. “America’s public universities play a critical role in our nation’s success, including its ability to compete internationally, to create solutions to address our most pressing issues, and to create social mobility for all Americans.”