Reckoning with Racism - Lifting voices of hope is key to CU's anti-racist future - University of Colorado Boulder
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Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PPCO
PAID
Alumni Magazine Fall 2020
Boulder, CO 80309-0459
Alumni Association
459 UCB
Reckoning
with Racism
Lifting voices of hope is key
to CU’s anti-racist future
NOW
AUGUST 25, 2020
When fall semester classes be-
gan in late August at CU Boul-
der, many were online. For the
courses that did meet in person,
wide-open building spaces and
campus lawns became makeshift
classrooms to prevent the spread
of COVID-19. Here, professor
Honor Sachs teaches “Historical
Thinking & Writing” to undergrad-
uates in the Norlin Library’s sec-
ond-floor research wing.
Casey A. Cass
FEATURES
EDITOR’S NOTE
When global events
happen, CU Boulder
often gets involved. The
university’s breadth of
research and experts
makes it an information
hub for the world.
In mid-August, for
instance, we used our own
saliva-based COVID-19
test with quick results to
monitor on-campus Buffs
before a similar test was
widely available. Re-
searchers hope to expand
the test beyond CU.
These massive events
require the university to
reflect inward. National
protests and the Black
Lives Matter movement
have highlighted the
sometimes painful expe-
rience of Black students
and other students of
color on this campus.
As you’ll read from
the personal essays
on racial injustice and
anti-racism, a clear theme
emerges: CU must chart
a new course. There are
COVER Paris Ferribee
(Comm, Mktg’17) wrote
05 Catalyzing Change 31 CU Boulder Changed students, faculty, alumni
that her CU experience New plans and actions are being taken to catalyze Faculty, staff and student Buffs are working hard to and staff willing to lead the
was both “a blessing and a change and anti-racism at CU Boulder. innovate and protect our Herd from COVID-19. way, and it’s going to take
curse.” Photo by Matt Tyrie. all of us to make it happen.
Maria Kuntz, the
ABOVE Betty Fitzgerald 17 Beyond a Moment, a Movement 33 Stronger Together Coloradan’s newest
Hoover (A&S’46), one of the CU Buffs share experience with racial injustice on and Marco (Soc’12) and Whitney Uribe (Jour’12) met editor-in-chief, oversaw
famous “CU Twins,” died around campus and illuminate paths toward anti-racism. at CU in 2008. During Marco’s New York City the collection of these poi-
Aug. 5, 2020. The Buffs
medical residency, they fought COVID-19 head-on. gnant essays. We welcome
superfan (pictured right)
her in a time of change —
became a CU football sea-
son ticket holder in 1958. 25 Living Buildings one we need and we want
Photo by Glenn Asakawa. CU Boulder’s Wil Srubar found the bacteria to create 37 The Upside of Yard Signs the world to see.
buildings that grow, fix themselves and clean the air. New research suggests these simple, centuries-old
campaign tools matter — often in a good way. Christie Sounart (Jour’12)
27 Empty Campus CONTACT THE EDITORS AT
An RA recounts life at CU during a global pandemic. 39 Fake News EDITOR@COLORADO.EDU
Those on the ideological fringes spread most of it,
but in the end it hurts us all.
DEPARTMENTS
1 NOW 9 Campus News 29 Infographic Silver & Gold 47 Chancellor’s Essay 61 Feedback
A New Start
13 LOOK Campus Colors 45 Alumni News 49 Sports 65 THEN
7 INQUIRY Poplar Trees
Richard Wobbekind 15 ORIGINS CU Patents 46 Boulder Beat 55 Class Notes
Paul Danish
3 COLORADAN FALL 2020 4
Catalyzing
Change
This edition of the Coloradan calls out I, along with campus leadership and
unrelenting injustice, and a new chapter stakeholders, am implementing the
in our university’s long history of am- multiple priorities of our Inclusion,
plifying student and alumni voices to Diversity and Excellence in Academics
catalyze change. (IDEA) Plan, which will continue to serve
Six essayists have shared their personal as our campus blueprint to strengthen
experiences with racism on and around climate, culture and leadership. This fall,
the CU Boulder campus and throughout we announced the search for a new chief
their lives, as well as insight on anti-racist diversity officer who will report directly
actions, to commence a united effort to to me as we make financial investments
create the equitable and just community in recruitment and retention. Moreover,
we are capable of becoming. we will find and initiate ways to honor al-
We cannot look away from the ums, students, faculty and staff who have
genuine and harrowing experiences contributed to CU’s rich history.
and perspectives of our students and We must swing the pendulum of CU’s
alumni. Their stories serve to illuminate history in a new direction. We are building
our fault lines and failures as we strive the foundation of cooperation, compassion
to be a better and more inclusive insti- and talent to make meaningful change.
tution. The essayists also provide vision At this moment in time, it is critical
and tangible steps to move forward as a Buffs join the movement and take action
community. to create positive impact. Read and
We listen to these voices. We see our listen to the essays, both in print and the
fellow Buffs. And we acknowledge that expanded collection online, familiarize
anything short of participating in holistic yourself with the diversity plan and find
change isn’t enough. an area to engage in and further this
As civil rights legend and longtime con- conversation while we build community,
gressman John Lewis said, “If you come understanding and change.
together with a mission, and it’s grounded
with love and a sense of community, you When we work together, progress will
can make the impossible possible.” carry the day.
We have to take decisive, immediate
action. As a university defined by diver-
sity, equity and inclusion, it is incumbent
upon all of us to act together, swiftly,
meaningfully, in unison. Now. Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano
Essayists, clockwise from top left: Obinna
Onyeali, Paris Ferribee, Shamika Goddard, Philip
S. Hart, Olivia Pearman, Ruth Woldemichael
5 COLORADAN Matt Tyrie; Ruth Woldemichael; Arnold Turner (Philip S. Hart) FALL 2020 6
INQUIRY Richard Wobbekind
The COVID Economy economy who can least
afford it. We knew before
this happened that there
levels of consumption and
investment, will rule the day.
That said, vaccines
likely obvious, are the
replacement activities
such as e-commerce for
Senior economist Richard Wobbekind (PhDEcon’84), were income inequality are not 100% effective conventional retail and
associate dean for business and government relations, issues, but the nation had so we will have to show commercial groceries for
has worked for the Leeds School of Business since a 3.5% unemployment that those infected can restaurants. In addition,
1985. Here he discusses our nation’s economy in a rate so most people need- be treated successfully. those companies that pro-
pandemic world. ing a job could find one. Those changes will enable vide or support internet
Richard The issue was whether
Wobbekind that job paid a living
wage. Now people once IT WOULD BE A CATASTROPHE
How do you best February that supply we have seen some parts concerned about earning
describe your job? I chain disruptions were of the economy with a a living wage have the TO SUFFER THROUGH THIS
think of myself first and likely to occur due to the V-shaped recovery but oth- highest unemployment
foremost as an educator. severe impact on the er parts on a much slower rates. The jobs lost have
EPISODE AND NOT HAVE HUGE
I describe the work we do Chinese economy. The path. The resurgence of disproportionately impact-
in the research division as severity of the impact on cases wasn’t a surprise ed women and minorities,
POSITIVE IMPROVEMENTS
a way to provide informa- the U.S. economy didn’t for us since we have been who have higher concen- AS THE OUTCOME.
tion for businesses and really strike me until the following the medical side trations of employment
government that assists in middle of March when the closely. One can argue in the most impacted
their decision-making pro- closures (including live whether we should have industrial sectors. more travel, less distanc- technologies are thriving.
cesses. My teaching role CU classes) began. kept the economy closed ing and basically return us Biological research is
follows the same theme, longer, but the economic Are there positive to economic efficiency lev- booming. Beyond those
providing a framework for Have things unfolded devastation was so vast outcomes you foresee els seen before the virus or more obvious areas,
decision-making and de- as you expected since that we anticipated states arising from this time? potentially even higher. however, there are others
scribing the best sources March? Early on I was ex- would reopen. Unfortu- We will know the actual in high tech and defense
of information dependent pecting a more V-shaped nately that led to rollbacks answer to this sometime in How many years of that are doing quite well.
on the industry sector a recovery. By the middle of in a number of states. the future, but I believe so. recovery could it take
student might pursue. April, it became obvious Some of the most impact- for the economy to How has Boulder fared
that there was so much What is the most con- ed individuals will develop rebuild? This is of course compared to similar
When did the econom- uncertainty with the virus cerning aspect of this new skill sets which will the great unknown. My cities during this time?
ic reality of COVID-19 that a longer and slower pandemic for you? The hopefully raise their wages. best estimate is three to Based on the limited data
first hit you? It be- path to recovery was like- disproportionate impact We will use communica- three and a half years. If that we can see at the city
came clear to me in late ly. Since that point in time on the people in our tions technology in more you assume a vaccine and county level, Boulder
productive ways (increas- sometime in the first half of appears to be holding up
ing economic efficiency). 2021, the full recovery will nicely. A little lower unem-
The U.S. will invest more in likely take until the second ployment rate, a decent
medical research. half of 2023. This time- retail sales bounceback,
line is based on the level a lower concentration in
What are a couple of economic disruption leisure and hospitality em-
of things people can COVID-19 caused and the ployment and strong high
expect from the U.S. extent of the recession. tech and biotech sectors
economy moving We should actually be on are a few of the reasons.
forward? Unfortunately, a reasonable growth path
until a vaccine is found, the the second half of 2021, Any last thoughts? It
economy will continue to but when you consider how would be a catastrophe
cycle with the number of many displaced workers to suffer through this
new cases and the rate of need to be retrained and episode and not have
increase or decrease. The how many failed business- huge positive improve-
fiscal stimulus has helped es need to be replaced, ments as the outcome. If
stave off what would you begin to see why it will we don’t have improved
have been a significant take several years. medical care, educational
drop in consumption, but capabilities, technological
consumer and business Are there areas of efficiency and labor force
confidence remain the business that are skills, shame on all of
keys. Until we get this performing better us. INTERVIEW BY CHRISTIE
under control, uncertainty, than others right now? SOUNART (JOUR’12). CON-
and therefore diminished A few areas, that are DENSED AND EDITED.
7 COLORADAN iStock/ andresr FALL 2020 8
CAMPUSnews CAMPUSnews
Re-creating the Hand New Name for NFL’s
Washington Team
CU researcher aims to bring a sense of touch to
amputees’ hands
H
umans do a lot of things with their hands: We squeeze avocados at
the grocery store, scratch our dogs behind the ears and hold each CU Boulder law professor helps champion the change
I
others’ hands. These are things that many people who have lost
limbs can’t do. n July, after 87 years, Washington, D.C.’s, professional football team
CU Boulder’s Jacob Segil is working to bring back feeling to announced a search for a new name and logo.
amputees' fingertips, including veterans of the wars in Iraq and The NFL franchise, formerly known as the Washington Redskins,
Afghanistan. The biomedical engineer is an instructor in the Engi- will assume the name Washington Football Team until a permanent
neering Plus program and a research healthcare scientist at the U.S. name is chosen.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A Colorado Law professor helped make the historic change happen.
“In my field, we have a gold standard, which is the physiological For over 15 years, Carla Fredericks, director of CU Boulder’s Amer-
hand,” Segil said. “We’re trying to re-create it, and we’re still so far off.” ican Indian Law Clinic, has campaigned for the name change, most
Far off, but closer than you might think. Segil is a participant in recently as director of First Peoples Worldwide, a joint CU law and
a long-running research effort led by Dustin Tyler at Case Western business program addressing the social and environmental impacts of
Reserve University and the VA. The team has used a unique neural development in Indigenous communities.
interface and a series of electronic sensors to recreate a sense of “I just remember seeing that mascot, and thinking ‘that doesn’t look
touch for a small number of amputees who are missing their hands. like me,’” Fredericks told CU Boulder Today.
In a study published in April 2020 in the journal Scientific Reports, First Peoples Worldwide organized a group representing more
the group demonstrated just how effective this sensory restoration tech- than $640 billion in assets and, on June 26, sent letters to the heads
nology can be — helping one amputee experience his hand adopting a of the Washington team’s sponsors, including Nike, FedEx and Pepsi
series of postures, such as a gesture resembling the thumbs-up sign. calling on them to cease use of the name, deemed by the group to be
For Segil, who recently received a $1 million Career Develop- racist, dehumanizing and inhibiting to Native people.
ment Award from the VA to continue his work in Colorado, the A CU law Days later, Nike pulled the team's apparel from its online store;
CU biomedi-
project is a chance to use his engineer- professor July 2, FedEx publicly called for Washington to change the team's
cal engineer
had a hand
Jacob Segil ing skills to help people. name. The franchise launched a review the next day.
in the name
is restoring “As a VA researcher, your “This is part of a much larger movement going on that Indigenous
change for
a sense of work can help people who have peoples are situated in, and it is a long time coming,” Fredricks told
the NFL’s
touch to served our country,” Segil said. The Washington Post in July. “I think that for anyone who is associated
Washington
amputees’ “It’s a powerful motivator.” BY with the movement for racial justice this is a significant gain, and this
Football
hands. is a significant moment.” READ MORE AT COLORADO.EDU/TODAY.
DANIEL STRAIN Team.
9 COLORADAN Courtesy Jacob Segil Courtesy Washington Football Team FALL 2020 10
ARTIFACT Old Main Bell
CAMPUSnews
High Praise
“The University bell is a Manual
good one.” Boulder County No More
News, October 1877. The current
bell’s clapper
DIGITS Cannabis and about one foot per second. is controlled
While in quarantine, Pregnancy According to Jayaram, electronically.
CU Boulder professor of Marijuana use during there are a lot of potential
piano David Korevaar pregnancy has been linked applications with HAMR-
performed and recorded Strong Bronze
to childhood sleep prob- Jr., such as airplane engine All three bells
all of Beethoven’s A Half Ton
lems for up to a decade, inspections or human have been made This bell
sonatas on his living according to a CU Boulder surgeries. "I want to build of bronze. weighs 1,300
room piano.
21
study, which is the first to robots that can get out of pounds.
suggest marijuana use can the lab and run around like
impact children’s sleep bugs,” Jayaram said.
long term. As legalization
spreads, roughly 7% of New Center
pregnant women in the to Advance
U.S. are using marijuana Quantum Science
to help curb morning and Engineering
sickness. Lead author John With a $25 million National
Years on faculty at
Hewitt, director of CU’s Science Foundation award,
CU Boulder
Institute for Behavioral CU Boulder is launching
3.23.20
Genetics, said, “This study a new quantum science
is one more example of and engineering research
why pregnant women are center, led by physicist and
First sonata posted advised to avoid substance JILA fellow Jun Ye. The cen-
6
to YouTube use, including cannabis.” ter will partner with 11 other
research organizations in
Teensy, Fast the U.S. and abroad — Ohio Made
and Strong including Harvard, Stanford All three bells were
Inspired by cockroaches, and MIT — to create new cast in the Buckeye
mechanical engineering technologies using ad- Bell Foundry by
assistant professor Kaushik vancements in areas related Vanduzen and Tift in
Jayaram created one of the to quantum entanglement, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Third Time's the Charm
Weeks to complete world’s smallest, fastest quantum sensing and more. Three bells have hung in Old Main:
the sonatas robots, HAMR-Jr. Weigh- “We’re asking how we • Bell 1, 1877–1926
ing less than a paperclip, can take advantage of re- • Bell 2, 1926–1928
10:19:00 the four-legged robot is cent advances in quantum • Bell 3, 1928–present
roughly the size of a penny. physics to actually solve
Total playing time It is able to carry 10 times useful problems for soci-
32
Saving the Bell
its body weight and moves ety,” said Ye.
Heard Around Campus
Campus lore says the first bell cracked following a football victory
“ EVERYTHING ... CONNECTS over Colorado School of Mines in 1926. Others claim it happened
during the off-season.
Regardless of how Old Main’s 1,300-pound bronze bell cracked, it
BACK TO WANTING TO
was replaced by a new one, and the original university bell was stored
Sonatas performed
MAKE SURE THAT BLACK
in the Carlson Gymnasium on campus for safekeeping. For a little
while, anyway.
WOMEN IN PARTICULAR
17,621 — [AND] BLACK PEOPLE In 1948, Mines students stole the bell, claiming it belonged to their
school. They buried it in a clay pit near Golden, Colorado for two years
before returning it with an addition — a carving of a large, thin “M.”
IN GENERAL — GET TO
YouTube views The bell was permanently relocated to the Heritage Center on the
as of Oct. 8
PURSUE [THEIR] DREAMS
third floor of Old Main in the 1980s after spending years in the base-
2020
IN THE DAYTIME, NOT ment of Macky Auditorium.
JUST WHEN EVERYONE The second bell lasted only two years — witnesses reported it defi-
nitely cracked after a CU football victory — and was replaced in 1928
ELSE IS ASLEEP.” by the bell that remains functional in Old Main today. You can hear it
250th anniversary of — Alicia Garza, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, during a ring during commencement and other special occasions.
Beethoven’s birth virtual panel for CU students, faculty and staff on Sept. 16.
11 COLORADAN Mona Lambrecht, CU Heritage Center FALL 2020 12
LOOK Colors of Campus CU in Color Year round, CU Boulder is alive with color. Its vibrant hues evoke nature, beauty and serenity — a deep maroon on a building’s roof, the brilliant gold of fall foliage, forest greens cloaking the campus pines. We want to know: When you think of CU Boulder, what colors come to mind? Email us at editor@colorado.edu. 13 COLORADAN Casey A. Cass FALL 2020 14
ORIGINS CU Patents
Patent for Human Health
I
n 1954, solar energy pioneer and CU Boulder engineering professor Caruther’s work involving oligonucleotide synthesis, along with
George Löf was granted patent US2680565 for a solar heating appara- other prominent DNA sequencing research of the time, jumpstarted
tus and method. It was the first patent associated with the university. the now multi-billion-dollar biotechnology industry.
Nearly 30 years later, CU received another inaugural patent. This While continuing his research at CU Boulder, Caruthers co-founded
one helped change the course of global human health. both Applied Biosystems — which sold protein sequencing and DNA Above: CU
Patent US4415732, filed in 1981 and granted in 1983, was CU’s first synthesizing instruments — and Amgen, which focused on genetic distin-
patent following the 1980 Bayh-Dole Act, which allowed universities to engineering in the early 1980s. guished
hold patents for federally funded inventions. Distinguished chemistry In addition to his responsibilities at CU, Caruthers directed a group professor
and biochemistry professor Marvin Caruthers — who remains on CU’s of Amgen scientists in Boulder to synthesize DNA for treatments to Marvin
faculty — and research chemist Serge Beaucage — now chief of the help the critically ill. One such treatment helped patients with severe Caruthers as
FDA’s Laboratory of Biological Chemistry — were co-inventors on the kidney disease. Another greatly reduced infections associated with a postdoc
in famed
patent, which helped pave the way for Amgen, now the world’s largest chemotherapy.
biochemist
independent biotechnology company. Today, Caruthers maintains a small research group at CU and
Har Gobind
“There was never any doubt that my life’s work would somehow focuses on humanitarian interests including the development of new Khorana’s
be involved with one of the natural or biological sciences,” wrote chemistries for the treatment of rare and fatal genetic diseases. The MIT labora-
Caruthers in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. revolutionary days of the ’80s still stay with him. tory.
“Phosphoramidite Compounds and Processes” patented a new class Said Caruthers: “In my laboratory, basic research is always a co-op-
of nucleoside phosphoramidites, a chemical that allowed scientists erative activity involving many colleagues. This patent is an example.
to create short DNA or RNA sequences in the lab. These synthesized Several, in addition to Beaucage, improved and modified the chemistry
sequences — called oligonucleotides — helped initiate research on so that today, almost 40 years later, these methods for chemically syn-
bacteria, human growth hormones, DNA testing and more. thesizing DNA and RNA remain state of the art.” BY CHRISTIE SOUNART
15 COLORADAN Courtesy Marvin Caruthers FALL 2020 16
Beyond a
Moment, a
Movement
Against the backdrop of the
Black Lives Matter movement
and widespread protests for
racial justice, six Forever Buffs
— students and alumni — share
deeply personal stories about
systemic racism and injustice on
and around campus and illumi-
nate pathways forward. Three are
published here, and all six appear
online accompanied by audio re-
cordings of the essayists reading
them aloud.
As contributor and president of
the Black Student Alliance Ruth
Woldemichael (IntlAf’22) says,
“I’m dreaming of a time when this
does not have to be the next gen-
eration’s fight.”
Visit colorado.edu/coloradan to Shamika God-
dard (PhDInfo-
experience them all. Sci’24) founded
the Tech Chap-
laincy Institute.
— Maria Kuntz, Editor Read her essay
at colorado.
edu/coloradan.
17 COLORADAN Matt Tyrie FALL 2020 18That Could Have Been Me Obinna Onyeali The murder of Elijah McClain trig- racism. It was difficult to be a Black stu- gered me more than I ever thought dent in a predominately white space, possible. It made me feel the same so I joined the BSA and ASA leadership anxiety I felt 16 years ago as a fresh- teams and the Arts & Science Student man at CU Boulder. I come from a Government — catapulting myself diverse community in Aurora, Colora- into student activism. Who knew that do. I grew up in a loving and nurturing, I would have to fight for my freedom traditionally African household. My while enhancing my education? parents taught my sister and me to As the president of the BSA, I joined respect that which is different from committees and task forces and attend- you as it is part of our existence in ed meeting after meeting after meeting, this world. At Gateway High School, I intending to make the university began cultivating my cultural networks administration recognize the pain and and identity. The acknowledgment of anguish the student body was facing varied cultures, styles and languag- while on their self-discovery journeys. es were held in the highest regard We fought to have a seat at tables that amongst students and staff. As a were not inherently welcoming. first-generation Nigerian I never felt It’s crazy — 16 years later — we that I did not belong. I truly felt seen are up against the same issues. I am and heard. thinking about the same traumatizing My experience at CU Boulder things I thought I could forget and changed that. Attending CU was a cul- move on. Not that I feel my time for ture shock. It was the first time in my activism is over — rather, a natural life that I was the only Black student change of the guard has taken place. in my classroom. It was the first time I was once the young people, so I I felt all eyes were on me everywhere unapologetically support them and I went. Honestly, I only felt comfort- love them, and I understand them on a able with the community I found in spiritual level. the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and The young people protesting have African Student Association (ASA). We my undying support because I know created a safe space. We felt safe in how they feel. I remember what it was the BSA and ASA office in the UMC, like to begin the journey of self-dis- and even at the number of tables we covery while simultaneously fighting commandeered and called Chocolate to be seen as worthy. I was Elijah City. At Chocolate City we studied, McClain — a young vibrant, dream played cards and listened to music. We chasing, fun loving, ambitious young formed ties that felt familial. We be- Black man just trying to live. His life came each other’s network of support was tragically stolen by hate. That through the good and the bad. could have been me. Therefore, it was especially hurtful As I continue on my journey of life, I — and honestly terrifying — when we look forward to further curating spaces received racial threats through the BSA for others to have the opportunity to office and one of our sisters received create their personal narratives and racial death threats and hate mail. This share their story with the world. thrust us into what seems like years of student protests. I spent the majority of Obinna Onyeali (Comm’09) is the past my time at CU split between my studies president of CU Boulder’s BSA and the and my activism; I wanted to create a current co-president of the Forever Buffs space at CU Boulder that was safe for Black and African American Alumni Club. me, my friends and for those who would Since graduation he has worked at CU, the follow us. Daniels Fund and the Denver Scholarship It was a hard fight. I was thrust into Foundation helping students and scholars an era of change against systemic to navigate higher education. 19 COLORADAN Matt Tyrie FALL 2020 20
A Blessing and a Curse
Paris Ferribee
CU Boulder was a blessing and a curse. They deserve all of the fun, carefree adven-
A blessing because I was gaining an Ivy- tures their white classmates experience.
League (public) education. I was learning I’m scared for myself, my friends and
new ways of thinking from globalized pro- family. We can’t run outside, ride bikes
fessors. I was becoming equipped to be a or grocery shop without the possibility of
“Forever Buff ” — an alum who represents being murdered in broad daylight — simply
tradition, passion and influence. for being Black. My credentials don’t matter
At CU I was hyper-involved. I main- in a world where I don’t matter. The fact is:
tained two jobs, was president of Black I’m a disposable Black woman in America.
Student Alliance, earned three majors and What can you do about it? Pandemic or
two minors, was treasurer of Delta Sigma not, get uncomfortable. Breonna Taylor’s,
Theta Sorority, Inc., sat on the Chancellor’s Elijah McClain’s, Sean Reed’s [#SAY-
Committee for Diversity & Inclusion and THEIRNAMES] murderers are working
did a stint on CUSG’s finance committee. and leading normal lives. Posting a black
But what if I hadn’t pressed myself to stay square to Instagram isn’t enough.
dedicated despite my race? Engage in dialogues with colleagues or
CU was also a curse. An ideal student family members around the current state
on paper, my reality was perplexingly of our democracy. Sign petitions, make
different. According to CU’s Diversity Re- some calls and send emails! Contribute
ports, in 2012 — my first year on campus to bail funds. Educate yourself! Support
— 391 Black undergrad students enrolled local Black-owned businesses! Volunteer
at the university. In 2019, that number had digitally. Lobby. Donate. Share info! VOTE!
only increased by 0.04%. Support your former student groups. Join
Imagine being a part of what Regent your company’s Black employee resource
Carrigan deemed a “blemish” on CU’s group. Be persistent and stay abreast of
campus. I was a part of one of the smallest changes within your industry, company
racial communities, which was not easy. I and at your alma mater that directly impact
can count on one hand the BIPOC friends BIPOC communities.
I met at, and who graduated from, CU. I’d As CU alumni, we have a duty to exem-
been egged, called racial slurs, was wrongly plify what it means to be inclusive, global
arrested and immediately released. I was citizens. I am honored to align with the
stopped by police to “gut check” the vehi- current co-presidents of the Black Student
cle that I OWNED. It was gruesome. Alliance, Ruth Woldemichael (IntlAf’22)
I was exhausted, anxious, fearful. I and Olivia Gardner (EthnSt, WomSt’20),
learned to survive in a world that situated who urged Chancellor DiStefano to
me in last place and to endure a system and demonstrate his commitment to this work
its institutions that forced me to work hard- by critically analyzing the budgeting of
er, smarter. I maintained the ability to love both the Boulder Police Department and
and transmuted negativity into passion. CU Police Department.
Graduating in 2017 was one of the How will we set the precedent for future
best moments of my life. I attended every generations of Black, Indigenous and people
gloomy, cold commencement ceremony of color (BIPOC) students and alumni who
before mine… but the 2017 ceremony was deserve to thrive at CU, in their careers, and
magic. It was a beautiful clear-skied sum- as American and universal citizens?
mer day. All the work had paid off. At least
I thought it had. Paris Ferribee (Comm, Mktg’17) is
These last few months prove the impor- an advocate for underrepresented
tance of advocating for #BLM at the local, communities (POC and Womxn) in the en-
national and global levels. I don’t want fu- tertainment industry. During her time at
ture generations of Black students to endure CU Boulder, she was the president of the
what I endured. They deserve to be at CU. Black Student Alliance, winner of the 2015
I’m saddened students of color are fighting Forever Buffs student award and held nu-
the same battles my peers and I fought. merous campus jobs and leadership roles.
21 COLORADAN Matt Tyrie FALL 2020 22An American Reckoning on Race Philip S. Hart My parents moved to Denver in 1940 40 years after the camps closed, President from Kansas thinking it was a good city Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act offer- to raise a family — despite the Ku Klux ing a formal apology and $20,000 to each Klan presence exemplified by five-term Japanese American survivor. Denver mayor Ben Stapleton, a member According to a recently commis- of this white supremacy group. Growing sioned reparations case analysis by BET up in the 1950s and 1960s, Denver’s founder Robert Johnson, America's first Black community was segregated in Five Black billionaire, each of the 40 million Points. Racism was less intense than in African Americans in the U.S. are owed St. Louis or Kansas City, but it always $350,000, for a total of $14 trillion. lurked around the corner. In addition to reparations from the Having been quarantined at home in federal government, if universities that Los Angeles since March 11 due to the benefited from slavery, including Yale, COVID-19 pandemic, I have had ample Harvard, Princeton, UVA, Georgetown and time to think about growing up in Denver Wake Forest, allocated 1% of their 2019 en- and going to college at CU. The murder dowment funds for reparations purposes, of George Floyd, which set off a massive $1.05 billion would be available — annually protest movement in this nation and — as a higher education reparations fund. abroad, took me back to Aug. 11, 1965. Similarly, corporations like the 334-year- Approaching my senior year at CU, old Lloyd’s of London that benefited from I was completing my third summer the Atlantic slave trade could devote 1% of working as a mailman. I was walking their annual market capitalization to create along Stout Street to hop a bus home corporate reparations funds. to Northeast Denver when a white In 1991, a video camera captured white newspaper vendor running toward me police officers beating Rodney King. In shouted, “This is the United States of 2020, iPhones captured George Floyd’s America! This can’t be happening here!” murder by a white police officer. We have The newspaper headline was about the advanced in technology, but not in terms rioting in Watts, a Black neighborhood in of addressing racial violence and police Los Angeles. “The Negroes are rioting” brutality aimed at Black Americans. blared headlines across America. From To this end, just as we witness radical 1965 to 2020 the story remains the same. changes in the world of technology, let’s In quarantine, I’ve realized in ad- challenge ourselves to take radical steps dition to a COVID-19 virus vaccine, in order to eliminate racism and white we desperately need a vaccine for the supremacy in American society. virus of racism, COVID-1619. Africans As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated at the were brought in shackles to Jamestown, 1963 March on Washington, “I look forward Virginia, in 1619 and racism and white to the day when my children will be judged supremacy have guided the country’s by the content of their character, not by the evolution since then. color of their skin.” What a revolutionary Along with racial protests there are idea whose time has finally come. The three energetic calls from across the business R’s: racism, redemption and reparations, world and many communities to support define this American reckoning on race. Black business. But supporting Black businesses today is not enough. It’s time Philip S. Hart (Soc’66) is a member of that the country, the business world and CU’s Distinguished Alumni Gallery, civic yes, universities, right the wrongs of the leader, educator and award-winning au- past with reparations. thor and documentarian who studies the Japanese Americans received repara- history of Black aviators in the U.S. He and tions after WWII to acknowledge the harm his wife created the PBS documentary done when the U.S. government confined Dark Passages: The Story of the Atlantic them to internment camps and forcibly Slave Trade in addition to numerous books took their homes and businesses. In 1988, and movies that examine Black history. 23 COLORADAN Arnold Turner FALL 2020 24
LIVING BUILDING Wil Srubar imagines a of the biochemistry depart- future in which buildings ment, and Sherri Cook and will come alive. Mija Hubler of CEAE. The materials that The group experimented make up houses, or even with a type of cyanobac- much bigger buildings, teria. The researchers will grow and multiply. discovered that they could They’ll heal their own mix their microbes into a cracks, suck toxins out of solution of sand and gelatin the air and glow on com- and, with a few tweaks, mand. Constructing these nudge them to produce cal- biological structures cium carbonate. The result will also generate much was a brick so hard you less carbon dioxide than could step on it without today’s corpse-like sky- breaking it. scrapers or office towers “It’s a lot like making made out of concrete. Rice Krispies treats, where That future may be a you toughen the marsh- long way off, but Srubar, an mallow by adding little assistant professor in CU bits of hard particles,” Boulder’s Department of Srubar said. Civil, Environmental and These living bricks can Architectural Engineering also reproduce under the CU BOULDER’S WIL SRUBAR WANTS TO CREATE BUILDINGS THAT GROW, FIX THEMSELVES AND CLEAN THE AIR. HE’S FOUND THE BACTERIA TO GET STARTED. BY DANIEL STRAIN (CEAE), is working to right conditions. The make it a reality. group found that if they “We already use chopped one of their biological materials in bricks in half, they could our buildings, like wood, use each chunk to grow a but those materials are brand-new brick. no longer alive,” Srubar While there is still a said. “We’re asking: lot of work left to do, Why can’t we keep Srubar hopes that one them alive and have that day suppliers could mail biology do something out sacks filled with the beneficial, too?” desiccated ingredients for In January, he and his making his living bricks. colleagues published a Just add water, and peo- study in the journal Mat- ple on-site could begin to ter that described their grow and shape their own strategy for making living microbial homes. bricks — largely by tap- “Nature has figured ping into the potential of out how to do a lot of single-celled organisms. things in a clever and The effort also included efficient way,” Srubar CU Boulder assistant pro- said. “We just need to fessors Jeffrey Cameron, pay more attention.” 25 COLORADAN Ellen Weinstein
The days had a rhythm to them. Wake up, Despite the strangeness, Alawoe grew
Empty
read. Watch a recorded lecture, study, pick to appreciate the solitude.
up dinner. Go for a walk around a nearly “I FaceTimed my friends a lot, so that’s
empty Norlin Quad. FaceTime a friend. probably what helped,” he said. “But it was
But life definitely was not normal. definitely lonely.”
Campus
Joris Alawoe (PolSci’22), from Denver, Julia Hooten (SLHSci’21), who also
was one of about 600 CU Boulder students stayed on campus, created a quarantine bub-
who continued living on campus during the ble with several friends in Willard Hall. She
first months of the coronavirus pandemic, found solace in leaning on that community.
when most of the student body returned “So much was scary and unknown,
home to continue their studies online. and it was comforting to be able to
RA recounts life at CU during a global
“Normally I live with guardians, but spend time with the people I was in
pandemic. BY EMILY HENINGER they were in close contact with their par- quarantine with,” she said. “When so
ents, who are fairly elderly,” said Alawoe, many things were up in the air, I had
21, who was a resident advisor (RA) in people who I could count on and they
Sewall Hall. “That made going back home could count on me.”
actually not a possibility.” As other schools around the country shut
As COVID-19 rapidly spread through down their campuses completely, CU Boul-
Boulder and the U.S., mid-March became a der prioritized staying open — and safe
blur of cancellations and clo- — for students like Alawoe
sures. Alawoe had made his
decision, though. When the The days and Hooten.
“CU Boulder is both
campus announced class-
es would be fully remote had a an institution of higher
learning as well as a local
rhythm
starting March 16 — a week community,” said Chan-
before spring break — he cellor Philip P. DiStefano
to them.
helped other students move in March. “To many of our
out and handled his RA du- residents, this is their only
ties in a rush of activity. home. We have hundreds
And then — the quiet set in. of students and employees who live here
In Sewall, Alawoe had an entire floor to full-time, rely on our services and do not
himself. After months of dealing with fre- have the option to leave. Because of this,
quent 3 a.m. knocks on his door, he was our campus will remain open to serve the
grateful, at first, for the total silence. But many needs of our community.”
the novelty wore off quickly. Even with a robust system of support,
“Campus was weird,” he said. “Melan- campus was a quiet, sometimes lone-
choly — there was that feeling on campus. some place. But that left room for mo-
But there was also this feeling of tranquility.” ments of clarity.
Eventually, as the campus consolidated During a regular semester, Alawoe feels
its services and residence halls, Alawoe so busy that he doesn’t have much time for
moved to Baker Hall and fell into a routine. reflection, he said. But the shutdown gave
Noon to 5 p.m. became his work time, him space to ask questions about himself,
when he would watch online lectures or his society and his path in life.
study. Meal times were his “people-seeing “It forced me to really … sit down and
times,” he said, when he would venture ask those hard questions, like who am I?
from his room and spot other students What am I trying to do?” he said.
grabbing packaged takeout food from the He also learned how to get comfortable
Center for Community. with uncertainty — perhaps the defining
“It’s not like you could really even talk feeling of the pandemic.
to anyone,” he said, “but you were still “Right now we don’t know when we’ll
seeing people.” get that [certainty] back,” said Alawoe,
After dinner, he would go for a walk or who is living off-campus with his fresh-
call a friend. man roommate in central Boulder for the
In some sense, being on campus helped 2020 fall semester. “And that’s okay. But
Alawoe maintain a sense of structure. we will get it back.”
“When I’m back home, I’m not really in One thing’s for sure: Alawoe will re-
that school mindset,” he said. Being on member the experience forever.
campus helped remind him that school “History isn’t just something you read.
was still going on. We’re living it.”
27 COLORADAN Glenn Asakawa FALL 2020 2890 3
INFOGRAPHIC Silver and Gold
The artist studied
The Making of Silver and Gold
The top-floor terrace of the CASE building offers a moment of solitude, unob-
structed Flatiron views and a friendly presence — a magnificent bronze buffalo
named Silver and Gold. The statue, created by Denny Haskew in his studio in
Loveland, Colorado, has quickly become a must-see for visitors and campus
residents alike. The sculpture joins a host of other buffalo sculptures on campus,
including the iconic grazing bison outside of Folsom Field.
–ton crane installed the sculpture herds of buffalo in
on the third-floor terrace of the northern Colorado and
C C C C C C C C C Wyoming for the piece.
900
CASE building May 9, 2018.
approximate weight in
pounds of the sculpture.
41,421 campus tour participants —
prospective students and their guests —
saw the buffalo in 2019.
4
Beginning in June 2017,
the sculpture took
months to complete.
34
/
The statue is about
ths
the size of a full-sized male buffalo.
29 COLORADAN Glenn AsakawaThe university is adjusting to protect students during the COVID-19 pandemic BY ULA CHROBAK
During the initial days of school this 41 students at a time are allowed for Some lectures take place outside tradi- “We are laser-focused on making
August, Julia Beattie (MechEngr’22) instruction. For some classes, a portion tional classrooms. Spaces now reserved sure the fall hybrid model is safe,”
of Centennial, Colorado, briefly visited of enrolled students attend the lecture for teaching include the Glenn Miller said Kang.
campus. It was peaceful, but the usual in person on a given day, while the rest Ballroom, conference rooms and hotel The science and severity of the pan-
back-to-school commotion and energy tune in for a live stream. Some classes meeting spaces near campus. demic is constantly shifting, and Kang
was drastically muted. are fully remote. At mealtimes, students order their acknowledges the need to be flexible.
“I'm excited for it to someday get back Returning students and faculty mem- dining-hall food ahead of time through Facilities staff meet daily to discuss
to the bustling campus it normally is," bers have been adapting since March, an app or stop by to pick up ready-made updates to COVID-ready procedures as
said Beattie, a junior. while new students are learning the ropes. meals, and eat outside. Throughout cam- guidance, science and policy related to
For now, a physically distanced CU “Done with [the] first Zoom class of pus, signs remind students to “Protect the virus evolve.
Boulder is the norm. the semester,” tweeted CMCI assistant Our Herd,” including by standing one From Aug. 24 to Oct. 7, the univer-
Over the summer, facilities staff met professor Jed Brubaker the second day of buffalo-distance apart. sity reported 1,097 positive results
daily to hash out how to maintain the class. “Students were so nice! They were “It’s building culture,” said JT Allen, for COVID-19 from diagnostic testing
space, sanitation and ventilation needed engaged, interested and ready to learn. director of facilities for housing and through CU Boulder Medical Services.
to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmis- In 75 [minutes] I’ve shifted from terrified dining services. “It’s this ongoing dis- As of printing, the campus planned to
sion to students, faculty and staff. to ecstatic!” cussion of taking personal responsibility resume in-person and hybrid teaching
“How do we make sure we provide a The whirring HVAC systems are and responsibility for your fellow Buffs.” Oct. 14, following a period of re-
meaningful experience, and how do we working overtime. Over the summer, In lieu of holding office hours in mote-only instruction that slowed the
do that safely?” said David Kang, CU’s facilities staff upgraded the ventilation their offices, professors can opt to meet spread of the virus.
vice chancellor for infrastructure and systems to ensure frequent air replace- students under the tents or in larger In August, Beatriz Sanchez (A&S’24),
sustainability. ments. In naturally ventilated buildings, indoor spaces. Many university staff an incoming freshman from Boulder
In CU’s hybrid model of study, stand-alone units circulate air through in customer-facing roles work behind living in Stearns West residence hall,
students may take both remote and filters fine enough to capture virus-laced plexiglass, and many more work from expressed both excitement and nervous-
in-person classes. They wear masks on respiratory droplets. their homes. ness about the semester.
campus. Upon entering a classroom, stu- After a morning classroom lecture, a Before moving into the residence “I think it’s important that we all
dents are greeted with a sanitizing wipe student might head to one of the many halls this August, every student living practice safe social distancing, especial-
station to sterilize their hands, personal open-air tents that have sprouted up on campus was tested for COVID-19, ly at a college of this size,” she said. “We
items and seat. Inside lecture halls, most across the campus and log in to their either within five days prior to arrival or are already sad about our [high school]
chairs remain empty. next class — an online course. On their upon arrival using CU-provided options. senior year, and we are doing all that we
Capacities across campus are down way, they don’t shoulder through the Students are also cohorted based on can to preserve the little milestones that
by 70 percent or more, said Kang. usual crowds. Passing periods are now their academic college and are screened we have in life.”
The CHEM 140 lecture hall, for in- longer. The day is also longer — classes weekly for the virus using a saliva test COVID-19 numbers and campus oper-
stance, normally fits 491 — now, only are held from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. developed by CU researchers. ations are accurate as of print on Oct. 7.
31 COLORADAN University of Colorado FALL 2020 32STRONGER
TOGETHER
MARCO AND WHITNEY URIBE MET IN THEIR CU
RESIDENCE HALL IN 2008 AND HAVE BEEN A
COUPLE SINCE. MARCO’S ASPIRING CAREER AS A
PHYSICIAN HAS MOVED THEM ACROSS THE COUN-
TRY, INCLUDING TO A NEW YORK CITY HOSPITAL
WHERE HE FOUGHT COVID-19 HEAD-ON.
BY CHRISTIE SOUNART
The beeping was constant. ask a family to answer this question?’”
In the chaos of rushing between ICU Whitney said.
patients and making critical decisions Marco added, “Many nights I stay
on the spot, calls flooded Marco Uribe’s up thinking about those conversations
(Soc’12) pager. with families.”
People desperate for an update on It was March 2020 and Marco was
their mother, father, spouse. Needing to three months away from completing
know — unable to see or speak to them his first year of residency through the
— their conditions. CU School of Medicine’s advanced
Marco had to explain on the phone to anesthesiology program. The residen-
families that their loved one was dying cy includes three years of specialized
from the COVID-19 virus, sometimes training after completing an intern year.
being forced to ask if their ventilator CU assigned Marco to a hospital system
could go to someone else with a higher in the Bronx for his intern year, which
probability of surviving. began in June 2019.
One shift, he became overwhelmed. “New York was definitely a surprise for
He slipped into an empty room in the us,” said Whitney.
Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, But as the pandemic ripped through
New York, to call the person he needed the city, the couple realized they were
to speak to most — his wife, Whitney exactly where they were supposed to
Lewis Uribe (Jour’12). be. New York was an experience to
“I remember him calling me com- learn, grow and lean on each other —
pletely shaken, asking, ‘How do I even just as they had for the past 12 years.
33 COLORADAN Matt Tyrie FALL 2020 34HALLETT HALL Whitney’s support, he continued with
Marco and Whitney met in August 2008 medical school.
during freshman move-in day at CU Marco and Whitney married in July 2017
Boulder. Marco was coming from Austin, in Steamboat Springs. Two years later, Marco
Texas, to start a pre-med track, and Whit- graduated and pursued residency options.
ney from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, CU’s advanced anesthesiology program at
to study journalism. They were on the the Anschutz campus was his top choice.
same floor in Hallett Hall. “Anesthesia really came to me,” said
“We both caught each other’s eye,” Marco. “When Marisa was really sick,
said Whitney. an anesthesiologist gave her an epidural
When Marco’s mom and sister, Mari- catheter which greatly helped in manag-
sa, came to visit for Homecoming, he ing her pain so we could spend quality
solicited Marisa to invite Whitney to join time together. It gave me some of the
them at a family tailgate — and 13-year- most cherished time with my sister.”
old Marisa was very insistent. After Marco was accepted into CU and
“The litmus was how Whitney in- subsequently assigned to New York, the
teracted with my little sister, who had couple — both 29 years old at the time
special needs,” Marco said. “When I saw — rented a 500-square-foot apartment
that she treated Marisa with love and in Manhattan and moved in with their
respect, I knew she had a big heart.” 65-pound wirehaired griffon, Rooster.
As their relationship developed, Whit- IN MID-APRIL, MARCO, TOP, SECOND FROM LEFT, WAS FEATURED ON CBS NEWS
ney learned how special Marisa was and WHEELING A RECOVERED COVID-19 PATIENT OUT OF A NEW YORK CITY HOSPITAL.
how much she meant to Marco. Doctors
diagnosed her with brain cancer as an in- ied. There didn’t seem to be anything obtain supplies, staff and space for dying
fant, and the chemotherapy and radiation concrete,” he said. “In January it became patients, the residents helped run the ICUs.
she underwent until age 5 stunted her more of a discussion.” “I quickly learned how to serve my
neurological development and altered In February things seemed different. patients as a critical care physician,”
her hormonal balance. “I’d go to the emergency depart- Marco said.
“She had an extra big capacity to love ment and ask colleagues, ‘What do Whitney helped him create talking points
everyone around her,” said Whitney. you think of this COVID thing? Are we for difficult conversations with families.
“She was my reason to go into medi- prepared?’” Marco recalled. “They said Despite it all, Marco knew he was
cine,” Marco said. it’s coming and it’s going to hit us like a where he was supposed to be.
tidal wave.” “This is why we go into medicine,” he
MED SCHOOL Marco prepared to dive in. said. “This is our call.”
After graduating from CU in 2012, “I remember the day when he came In mid-April, Marco — wearing a CU
Marco applied to medical schools home and he said this is going to be re- Boulder lanyard — was featured on CBS
while he skied, fly-fished and waited ally hard and a lot of people are going to News wheeling a recovered patient out
tables in Colorado. Whitney moved to die,” Whitney said. “I stopped watching of the hospital to his family.
Los Angeles to work for an entertain- the news. I needed to match his fearless “I would have wanted to be in the fight
ment production company. They dated energy because he was now going to be whether or not I was in New York,” Mar-
long-distance. seeing this firsthand.” co said. “The fact that I was there by luck
In 2013, Marco was accepted to medical Marco volunteered to work in his — I thank God for the experience.”
MARCO AND WHITNEY MET IN AUGUST
school at the University of Texas Health 2008 DURING FRESHMAN MOVE-IN DAY.
hospital’s ICU doing critical care for
Science Center San Antonio. After a year COVID-19 patients. He started work at RETURN TO COLORADO
and a half, Whitney joined him in Texas to Whitney volunteered for a childhood 5:30 a.m. and sometimes wouldn’t return At the end of June, the couple moved
work in the nonprofit sector. They were cancer research organization and trained home until 9 p.m. or later. Whitney from New York to a historic house in the
engaged near the Flatirons during a trip to to get her certification in Pilates. Marco remembers giving him protein shakes Berkeley neighborhood of Denver.
Boulder in 2015, which is where they had worked in the general surgery depart- often as he was too exhausted to eat. “Every time we move to a new city it
their first date. ment at a hospital system in the Bronx, “Eight hours of sleep minus the feels like a new chapter,” Whitney said. “We
In Marco’s second year of medical where many units were understaffed and commute time wasn’t a lot, but it trust what is in store for us, good or bad.”
school, Marisa was diagnosed with colon overwhelmed before the pandemic. was worth going home,” Marco said. Whitney sought out an advertis-
cancer. The couple put their lives on “It was sink-or-swim kind of training,” “I would change out of scrubs in the ing position and is continuing her
hold to spend time with her. She died in Marco said. hallway, take my shoes off, put those volunteer work in childhood cancer
September 2016 at 21 years old. scrubs in a bag, go straight to the laun- research. In July, Marco began the
“We leaned on each other a lot during THE COVID TIDAL WAVE dry and take a shower.” second year of his residency at CU's
that time,” said Whitney. “We grew closer.” Marco first heard of COVID-19 in By the end of March, the entire hospital medical campus, focused once again
Focusing on his studies was “a December. and every ICU floor was overflowing, and on anesthesiology.
serious challenge” during that period, “It was something we knew was out ventilators were running sparse. While But, he added, “We’re excited for
Marco said, but after some time off and there but hadn’t been completely stud- attending physicians frantically tried to whatever could come next.”
35 COLORADAN Matt Tyrie (left), Courtesy CBS News (above) FALL 2020 36You can also read
