Letter from President Celeste

As president of Colorado College, I invite you to explore our Unique Intellectual Adventure. I expect that you are seeking an educational experience that nurtures your strengths and prepares you for a world of breathtaking changes. You will need to deepen your intellect, affirm your personal values, and strike a fine balance between flexibility and focus.

Intimate learning environment – At Colorado College, teaching and learning are at the heart of what we do. You will never sit in a lecture hall with 99, or 199, other students. With fewer than 2,000 students, you will really get to know accomplished faculty members who TEACH first and foremost – all in seminar-style classes. Perhaps you will choose to work on a student/faculty collaborative research project, or create your own independent study. You certainly will begin the process of shaping your own direction and destiny.

Intensity, creativity, and flexibility – Under our unique and intensive Block Plan, students take one course at a time for three and half weeks. During a block, you will be immersed in environmental science or chemistry, Chinese or Spanish, poetry or medieval history. Or you might delve into a community-based learning project for sociology, study the Renaissance in Paris, or learn economics with a visiting Nobel Laureate.

Sense of Place – CC is the only liberal arts and sciences college in the Rocky Mountains, a stunning backdrop for our campus. Faculty and students take full advantage of our Southwestern location, some studying geology in the Grand Canyon or anthropology in Anasazi ruins and nearly all taking off during block breaks (four well-deserved free days between blocks) to rock-climb, mountain-bike, ski, build a Habitat for Humanity house or tutor local school children.

This college was founded in 1874 with an adventurous spirit. The people who decided Colorado needed a first-rate, East Coast-style liberal arts and sciences college were visionary mavericks. They came to the foot of Pikes Peak and created a distinctive city and a unique college. Colorado College people are still adventurers – trying new ideas for courses, exploring classical ideas from fresh angles, and venturing out into the community, the wilderness, and the world.

I have had an exciting career in public service and leadership, with the privilege of serving as governor of Ohio, director of the Peace Corps, and U.S. Ambassador to India. Yet becoming president of Colorado College is the most exhilarating challenge I have undertaken yet. I firmly believe a liberal arts and sciences education at CC provides an enduring foundation for your personal, professional, and civic growth. Please stop by the Office of the President to say hello.

Sincerely,
Richard F. Celeste
President of Colorado College