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In 1993, Heather Nicolson Hughes transferred to what was then known as Western State College from the Southern California area in Santa Ana. She quickly took to the small, remote campus and close-knit community, and she even got the chance to see snow fall for the first time in her life.

Thiessen-Reily has served as an MGES collaborator and recently added a Public History emphasis, which has museum-studies components, to the History major at Western.

“Dr. Thiessen-Reily will bring her expertise, background in working with her students in museum-related areas, and vision for development and growth in the MGES,” said Dr. Heather Orr, outgoing MGES Program Director.

“Visual Arts Management” covers art sale taxation, insurance, transportation, customs and much more. There are sections on museums, curatorship, primary art, secondary market and cultural heritage compliance.

Chávez has directed the Sustainable & Resilient Communities track of the Master in Environmental Management program since his arrival at Western in 2014. A global leader in community development with a renowned expertise in community-based energy, material and greenhouse gas emissions accounting, he is eager to bring his multi-disciplinary, multi-sector professional and program development experiences to his new role at Western.

The band will perform a variety of musical genres, including movie music, marches, jazz, hymns and more. In addition, various members of the band will be featured as soloists, including Buddy Laws on euphonium. Laws will give the world premiere of “Skye Boat Song” by Stephen Bulla.

The band’s 44th annual concert is free, open to the public and suitable for all ages. 

Ten recipients were chosen from 35 outstanding nominations this year. They will be honored Friday, May 4 at an invitation-only ceremony in the West Wing of the Leslie J. Savage Library. The event starts with a social at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

The faculty members receiving tenure are: Brad Burton (Petroleum Geology), Tina Butterfield (Art), Jeffrey Dykes (Business Administration) and Suzanne Taylor (Physics).

The professors receiving the honor of emeritus are: Paul Edwards (Communication Arts) and Terri Murphy (Art).

Buell Foundation Executive Director Susan Steele notified the university last month, according to Western Vice President of Finance and Administration Julie Baca, who forecast that design could be launched as soon as late April.

The library originally opened in 1939. None other than Denver-based architect Temple Hoyne Buell–after whom the Buell Foundation is named–designed it in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. In 1951, the library was dedicated in honor of trustee member Leslie Savage to recognize his work at Western.

The event is free and open to the public.

“American Climber” is a memoir loaded with epic climbing stories and adventures—much of which take place during Mehall’s time at Western and in the Gunnison Valley. It contains two underlying themes: a compelling narrative of the author’s tumultuous journey to climbing, which ultimately saved his life, and a detailed look at the American dirtbag climbing culture. This new version includes a complete full color photo spread.

“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.”

Tree Campus USA, an Arbor Day Foundation program, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.

The three new minors all fall under the Communication Arts program at Western. Starting Fall 2018, students can minor in Film, Public Relations and Theatre.

Through a dual enrollment agreement, students will be able to enroll in SEI's classes offered online, in-person and as hands-on labs to receive college credit from Western. Students can also enroll in SEI's Solar Professionals Certificate Program, which is recognized by the Colorado Department of Higher Education and comprised of a combination of SEI class offerings.

Bruce Bartleson, an emeritus professor who taught Geology at Western from 1965-98, and Duane Vandenbusche, a professor of History at Western from 1962-present who also coached cross country and track & field from 1971-2007, are the guests of honor among an audience of 200 for a gala dinner and champagne toast/roast. The event will celebrate 88 collective years of teaching by Bartleson and Vandenbusche at Western as well as the legacies each has formed shaping the lives of thousands of students and athletes in the Gunnison Valley.

Thorpe is famous for her work with creative nonfiction, which has been regarded as "masterful" by The Denver Post. At her upcoming appearance at Western, she is slated to discuss her new release, "The Newcomers," which details the lives of 22 teenagers in a beginner-level English class at South Denver High School. We spoke with Helen about her new release and her upcoming appearance here at Western.

Prior to your time as a published author, you were quite a successful journalist. How has your time in journalism shaped your writing today?

The week before Presidents Day weekend was a busy one. Working with the LEAD office, the BSA managed to kick-start its celebrations of Black History Month with a few high-turnout and fun events, starting with Soul Food night and trivia on Feb. 12.  

“We fed everyone, and now we’re educating and inspiring people,” said BSA President Alicia Herbert, talking about the Black History Month’s tie ins with the diversity awareness and educational programs on campus.