Remarks
The following examples are remarks written for CU Boulder's Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Advancement. Click on "Read more" to see the full text.
Dedication of the Ofelia Miramontes and Leonard M. Baca Education Building
Remarks for the Vice Chancellor - 2 mins.
As we near the end of this evening, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve come together to celebrate — the official dedication of the Ofelia Miramontes and Leonard M. Baca Education Building. The space, much like the individuals it is named for, serves as a leading example of the power of education to change lives, communities and the future. Ofelia Miramontes and Leonard Baca were not just educators — they were mentors, leaders and groundbreakers who dedicated their lives to lifting others up through the gift of learning. Tonight, we honor their incredible legacy, as well as the work of our faculty, students and alumni who continue to carry their torch, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in education. Resources like this building are only possible because of the tremendous support from donors, leaders and the entire university community who share a commitment to advancing the field of education. One such group that shares this commitment is our WISE giving circle — that’s Women Investing in the School of Education. Last year, WISE supporters helped fund the Women Investing in the School of Education Classroom, a dedicated space for students to collaborate, make new discoveries in their studies and develop a deeper sense of belonging at CU Boulder. The Ofelia Miramontes and Leonard M. Baca Education Building will have a similar impact on students, as this donor-supported, newly-renovated space now offers cutting-edge classrooms, flexible learning spaces and a dynamic environment designed to inspire creativity and growth in future educators. It embodies the very essence of innovation and collaboration. Today, we did far more than open the doors to a building — fueled by donor support we opened the doors to possibility and progress.
Loyal Donor Dinner
Remarks for the Vice Chancellor - 5 mins.
Good evening and welcome! Some of you may know me, but for those of you who do not, I’m Katy Kotlarczyk, also known as Katy K. I’m the vice chancellor for Advancement, which means I oversee all campus efforts in fundraising and engaging alumni, friends and philanthropists to grow CU Boulder’s reputation as a champion for academic and humanitarian excellence. What this boils down to is that me and my team of over 160 people across the Boulder campus build and grow relationships with people who believe in CU Boulder’s vision for the future. I want to take a moment to share our campus’s land acknowledgment. The purpose of this statement is to respect and honor the Indigenous peoples who have contributed so much to Colorado. We recognize that we are on the traditional lands of Native American nations, and while we can't change the past, we can commit to fostering relationships and engaging with Indigenous communities locally and globally. Thank you. You know, I love this event. I look forward to it every year because it's our chance to show you, our loyal donors, the incredible impact you have on our university. Your support has shaped our path towards new ideas and discoveries. Whether it's funding research, building new facilities or providing scholarships, it's all because of you. Our students, faculty and researchers are exploring new horizons, from quantum computing to the mysteries of space, thanks to your generosity. And it's not just here on campus. Your gifts reach far and wide, helping us make a difference globally. Take, for example, programs like the Center for Leadership and the Athletics WHOLE Student-Athlete Program's Scripps Leadership and Career Development Program. With your support, students are becoming leaders in their communities. As we look towards the future, the impact of loyal donors on CU Boulder cannot be overstated. Your generosity serves as a catalyst for progress, empowering future generations of leaders to continue seeking new horizons. Tonight, we thank you for your continued investment in the promise of CU Boulder. It is with great pleasure that I introduce our next speaker, Chancellor Phil DiStefano—someone whose influence on the trajectory of CU Boulder has been truly remarkable. Throughout his illustrious career, Chancellor DiStefano has worn many hats within our university community, serving as an educator, dean, provost, and chancellor. His dedication to leadership is exemplified by his role as the Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Chair, where he has overseen CU Boulder's esteemed leadership programs, nurturing the next generation of trailblazers to boldly navigate new horizons. But Chancellor DiStefano's impact extends beyond the confines of our campus. Alongside his wife, Yvonne, they embody CU Boulder’s spirit of philanthropy and service, generously giving back to the university and the broader community. As Chancellor DiStefano embarks on his transition back to the faculty, it's crucial to acknowledge the profound impact he has had on CU Boulder. His leadership has not only shaped our present but has also laid the groundwork for a brighter, more promising future. Through his tireless efforts, Chancellor DiStefano has solidified CU Boulder's reputation as a beacon of academic excellence and a catalyst for positive change in the world. [Share brief personal story or memory] For his exemplary service, his unwavering dedication to our faculty and staff, and his transformative impact on CU Boulder, please join me in welcoming Chancellor Phil DiStefano to the stage. [CHANCELLOR SPEAKS] [CLOSING REMARKS] Thank you all for being with us tonight. A special thank you to the students for sharing their inspiring stories and for reminding us of the profound difference one person can have in the lives of many. I’d like to give one more round of applause to the talented musicians who have provided the beautiful soundtrack to our evening, thank you. And finally, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you. Your boundless generosity continues to transform CU Boulder in countless ways, inspiring generations of students, faculty and staff for years to come. Please be safe getting home tonight, and thank you again for a lovely evening!
Chancellor Schwartz Introduction
Remarks for the Chancellor - 7 mins.
Hello, CU Boulder donors and philanthropic supporters. My name is Justin Schwartz, and I have the honor and privilege to be the new chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder. This community has already given me such a warm welcome, and it makes me excited to embark on this journey as the leader of this top-tier institution. First, I want to acknowledge the extraordinary leadership of my predecessor, Chancellor Phil DiStefano. His dedication and vision have positioned CU Boulder as a beacon of innovation, student success and academic excellence. I commend Chancellor DiStefano for building such a strong foundation through his many years of service and leadership, and I am committed to leveraging his many achievements to guide our university to even greater heights. And to you, our philanthropic partners, I give my heartfelt thanks. Your generosity has had an invaluable impact on the lives of countless students, enabling breakthrough research and fostering innovative, world-changing programs. I look forward to building deep relationships with you as we work to continue CU Boulder’s extraordinary legacy of addressing humanity’s greatest challenges. A little about myself: I have two degrees in nuclear engineering: a bachelor’s from the University of Illinois and a PhD from MIT. For three decades, I have served as an educator, researcher and administrator at multiple institutions, most recently Penn State University where I served as the executive vice president and provost. I have dedicated my career to advancing research, promoting diversity and inclusion, and making education accessible to all. With my unique background, I am honored to begin this new chapter at CU Boulder, an institution known for its innovative research programs, advocacy for inclusive learning environments and dedication to increasing access to education for all Colorado students. Aside from my professional pursuits, I enjoy photography and opera and getting outdoors for bike rides. Hopefully next summer, I’ll have a chance to compete in the Boulder Ironman, where I can swim, bike and run with the iconic Flatirons in the background. The more I learn about this community, it is clear that CU Boulder is a place where creativity meets rigor, where ideas are transformed into action, and where the impossible becomes achievable. As Chancellor, I am committed to advancing a student-centered campus where students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Thanks to you, CU Boulder offers a wide variety of comprehensive scholarships that ensure our student body thrives here and after graduation.​ As an engineer, I wholeheartedly stand by CU Boulder’s commitment to accelerating discoveries that enrich the world, particularly in quantum science, climate action, healthcare and biotech. The cutting-edge research and innovative programs we have — and those to come — are made possible by your generosity. As a believer in the transformative power of philanthropy, I know that every student comes to our campus under their own unique circumstances. Because of you, we are able to inspire and support dynamic student communities through holistic outreach programs and community wellness initiatives. Our philanthropic partners are the champions of our values, the enablers of our mission, and the driving force behind the power of a CU Boulder education. As we look to the future, I am eager to engage with each of you, to hear your stories, and to learn from your experiences. With your support, we will continue to ensure CU Boulder remains a place where excellence flourishes, where diversity is celebrated, and where every student can reach their full potential. Thank you for welcoming me into this extraordinary community. So…Let’s ‘Sko Buffs!