Fall 2026
COVER STORY
UNEARTHING THE PAST
Archeology Field School offers a unique look at early life
Through CSU’s Archaeology Field School, students dig into the past by exploring area sites replete with both ancient and historic artifacts. Their discoveries shed light on earlier peoples, practices, and cultures. An ancient fire pit? A bison jump? The university’s claim shack? Yes! These discoveries and many more.
FEATURES
A new spotlight: The Pac-12
CSU President Amy Parsons and Director of Athletics John Weber describe the visibility, revenue, and competition the university stands to gain as it hits its stride in the revamped Pac-12 Conference this season.
Student-athletes shine
Meet four standout student-athletes representing key fall sports – football, cross country, soccer, and volleyball – as they pursue their academic and athletic dreams at the start of CSU’s new era in the Pac-12.
A water-wise future
The regional megadrought and related water crisis form the defining issue of our time in the West, and CSU researchers are examining ways Colorado agriculture can consume less while continuing to thrive and meet the world’s food needs.
High energy
Not everyone starts an illustrious career with a wardrobe change in a porta-potty. And not every first-generation student from a family of 12 children goes on to become a district attorney, governor, and global clean-energy expert. But Bill Ritter did.
STATEWIDE
From the president
CSU President Amy Parsons frames the university’s membership in the Pac-12 Conference as part of a larger story of impact: CSU is reaching broader audiences, forging new partnerships, and extending the reach of its teaching, research, and engagement.
New vet hospital
CSU’s new $230 million Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex opened Oct. 1. It revolutionizes veterinary education by expanding clinical services for animal patients and giving students more hands-on experience – the core of an innovative new curriculum. The top-ranked school is also admitting more students to help solve a veterinary shortage.
Bringing science to life
Through its unique STEM Kit Lending Library, CSU engages 7,000 Colorado students each year in science lessons based on real research. Students grapple with the same evidence and hypotheses as working researchers – flexing their skills as future researchers.
Economic boon
Bottom line, the CSU System educates 52,000 students each year. While delivering that education, the System annually adds $1.23 billion to the Colorado economy – or 5.8 times more than what it receives in state funding. Learn more about this broad economic impact.
International honor
University Distinguished Professor Edward Barbier won the “Nobel Prize of environmental sciences” for work that embeds nature and ecosystems in economic models used globally. “Nature is fundamental to our economic wealth and well-being,” he says.
Shot in the arm
Canvas Stadium – 10 years old in 2027 – is a notable asset on the CSU campus. What does it do for the community? A recent study shows that Northern Colorado’s largest multipurpose venue contributes $60 million annually to the local economy by drawing more than 165,000 visitors to a growing number of events.
Alumni honorees
They have excelled in their fields while giving to their communities, professions, and the university. Meet the high-achieving CSU alumni recognized with the top honors during the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards in October.
