We’re excited to see you soon!
CSU Spur is focused on engaging PreK-12 students, families, and visitors around the topics of food, water, and health through real-world experiences. CSU Spur connects and inspires visitors through the ability to watch ongoing research, to see behind-the-scenes of services, and to watch professionals at work.
Visit CSU Spur for a day of activities with the kids, spend time with friends in a beautiful outdoor space, watch veterinarians at work, bring a project to life in the Makerspace, take a cooking class, play in the stream table, and visit our rooftop greenhouse. View a calendar of all timed activities and demonstrations.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- CSU Spur is free and open to the public year-round.
- Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the 2nd Saturday of every month (closed all other Saturdays)
- Closed Sundays
Three buildings for food, water, and health
Explore exhibits and art installations in and around all three buildings, and engage in hands-on educational activities at various stops throughout the campus.
VIDA
Vida focuses on animal and human health. Check out equine-assisted services, live animal surgeries, horses walking on underwater treadmills, virtual reality, and more! Explore activities at Vida.
TERRA
Terra focuses on food and agriculture. Check out rooftop greenhouses, sensory testing, a teaching and commissary kitchen, vertical gardens, the CSU Impact(o) Map, and more! Explore activities at Terra.
HYDRO
Hydro focuses on water. Check out Denver Water’s water quality laboratory, the Hydro Backyard, an interactive stream table, the Makerspace, a cafe, and more! Explore activities at Hydro.
Discover your Spur
For PreK-16
For PreK-16
Learn moreFor adult learners
For adult learners
Learn moreFor families
For families
Learn moreFor faculty
For faculty
Learn moreFor scientists
For scientists
Learn moreFor event planners
For event planners
Learn moreLooking for a group experience?
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
CSU Spur is free and open to all educational groups: school groups, field trips, after-school programs, summer camps, and more! Virtual programming is also available.
HOST AN EVENT
Whether you’re throwing a large reception, hosting a conference, or just need a space to whiteboard out some ideas with colleagues, CSU Spur has a space for you.
VOLUNTEER
CSU Spur volunteers will lead the way in connecting children, families, and community members to hands-on science, and real-world solutions. There are many ways to volunteer!
GUIDED TOURS
CSU Spur volunteers offer free guided tours of all three buildings 1-2 times per month. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. (Please note: a tour is NOT required to visit Spur.)
Getting to Spur
Parking (download the map in English or Spanish)
- Humane Colorado and Temple Grandin Equine Center clients park in client parking on the west side of the Vida building.
- All other visitors and staff please follow signs for guest parking on the north side of the Vida building.
Driving directions
- Take I-25 to I-70 east
- Travel east on I-70 to Washington St. (exit 214A)
- Turn north onto Washington St.
- Turn east onto E. 47th Ave.
- E. 47th Ave. turns into E. 46th Ave.
- Turn north onto National Western Drive
Address for GPS: 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216
Alternative transportation
- The Denver Connector Microtransit Program offers free rides within the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods weekdays between 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
- The South Platte River bike trail connects directly to CSU Spur, and the campus has bike racks.
- CSU Spur is served by the N Line from Union Station and the 47th Avenue & Brighton Boulevard bus stop; however direct connections from these stops to the campus are part of future phases of National Western Center construction, and travel from these stops to CSU Spur is not recommended at this time.
Commitment to our community and visitor expectations
CSU Spur is a community-focused organization dedicated to connecting people of all ages to science, innovation, and real-world solutions in food, water, and health. We believe that learning and discovery are most powerful when shared, and that starts with creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
We welcome all community members regardless of ability, age, color, creed, ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, and invite everyone to learn and explore together.
We celebrate diversity in all aspects of our organization. Through inclusive programming, exhibits, communal spaces, and hiring practices, we commit to creating an environment that reflects and respects our community.
To ensure all guests have a positive and safe experience, we expect our staff, volunteers, and visitors to act responsibly and be considerate of others as we share this space.
Together, we strive to make CSU Spur a place where ideas grow, connections flourish, and every visitor feels part of something bigger – a community dedicated to shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.
- Adult guests are responsible for the supervision of their children at all times. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a person 16 or older at all times.
- Strollers and wagons are allowed as long as they are not left unattended.
- Visiting PreK-12th-grade school groups must be with adult chaperones at all times, regardless of student age. CSU Spur’s policy is a 1:10 adult chaperone to student ratio.
- No smoking/vaping on the CSU Spur campus.
- For visitor safety, shoes are required at CSU Spur indoor and outdoor facilities, including the Hydro Backyard. Close-toed shoes may be required in certain areas.
- Show courtesy to fellow visitors by not using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive, or offensive behavior.
- Offensive, obscene, abusive, or threatening language or behavior toward other guests and/or CSU Spur staff will not be tolerated.
- Observe and follow all posted signs. CSU Spur requires all visitors to remain in designated public areas at all times. Climbing, crossing barriers, or entering restricted areas is prohibited. Violators will be issued a criminal citation and are subject to a maximum possible penalty under law, including any jail time.
- Respect animals on campus. Cats, dogs, horses, fish, and other animals at CSU Spur support human health or are here for veterinary procedures. Keep a safe distance from animals and respect outlined boundaries.
- In addition to the rules stated above, CSU Spur does not tolerate any activity that threatens operations, disrupts the ability to provide a safe, welcoming, family-oriented environment, or is illegal under city, state, and/or federal law.
- Personal photography is allowed but should not disturb programs or animals.
- Visitors must exit the buildings when closed.
- Since CSU Spur includes barns, laboratories, and veterinary spaces, please respect animal privacy zones, do not tap on windows, and follow staff instructions in animal areas.
- Outside food is allowed but may be prohibited in certain areas. Please follow all posted signage and area guidelines.
- Outside alcoholic beverages, cannabis, or any illegal substance.
- Pets or other animals inside the buildings, except approved service animals. Service animals are defined as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals should remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times. Due to animal welfare concerns, service animals may not be permitted in certain areas of CSU Spur.
- No firearms or weapons.
- Recreational devices such as drones, remote control toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, or shoes with built-in wheels.
- Wheeled mobility devices with less than three wheels or devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered or unoccupied. Training wheels or similar modifications are not permitted. Devices must be manually or electrically powered and operated at a walking pace. Devices should be single rider and not exceed 36″ (92 cm) in width and 52″ (132 cm) in length.
- Except as permitted by state or city law, CSU Spur prohibits any person from using, possessing, carrying, displaying, flourishing or distributing any real or simulated weapon on or within the CSU Spur campus, including but not limited to firearms, certain knives (see D.R.M.C. §38-117 and 38-119), explosives or incendiary devices, toy blasters, squirt guns, plastic knives or swords. The CSU Spur campus includes parking facilities and structures.
- Any other items that we determine may be harmful or disruptive.
- The sale of goods, services, or the display of goods or services for sale, unless otherwise approved by CSU Spur.
- The distribution of printed or recorded materials of any kind.
- Hosting events without a reservation confirmation.
- CSU Spur is exclusively reserved for use by specific programs and for specific purposes, and CSU Spur limits the types of activities and uses. Demonstrations, amplified sound, disruptive noisemaking, chalking, posting, and signage without prior approval are prohibited in all CSU Spur areas, as is any activity that interferes with CSU Spur functions.
- Commercial expression is prohibited in all CSU Spur areas.
- Photography, videotaping, or recording of any kind for commercial purposes.
- If event organizers would like to film or take photos during their event, the inclusion of a waiver of release in their event registration is recommended. Organizers should only film within their designated event space and should not film or photograph members of the general public or visiting school groups. Requests to film at CSU Spur for promotional or commercial purposes should be directed to [email protected]. Please notify an event manager when local or national media are invited to cover an event.
- Flash photography of the artwork is not permitted.
- Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of CSU Spur or any associated facility.
- Persons refusing to vacate the CSU Spur premises upon request are subject to arrest under applicable municipal and state laws and may be subject to disciplinary action.
- By entering a CSU building, event, or program, persons are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Entry and presence in the building or at the event premises constitutes persons’ consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with CSU and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news, and advertising. By entering the building or event premises, persons’ waive and release any claims they may have related to the use of recorded media of them at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees, payment, or royalties for use of such record media.
- CSU Spur may, from time to time, without prior notice and without refund, liability, or compensation, change the operating hours of CSU Spur or any program area or building, close CSU Spur or any part of it temporarily, restrict the number of persons having access to the CSU Spur, and/or suspend or cancel any program if circumstances warrant.
- CSU Spur reserves the right to update these policies at any time. Please contact CSU Spur staff with any questions, needs, or concerns.
- All visitors voluntarily assume all risk and danger for personal injury or property damage incidental to visiting CSU Spur.
CHRIS SHAFFNER
Senior Vice President, Utilities, Supply Chain, and Trade, CoBank
Christopher Shaffner is the senior vice president for the utilities, supply chain and global trade finance divisions, and is a member of the enterprise leadership team of CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses and rural infrastructure providers throughout the United States. Prior to CoBank, Christopher held various leadership positions in both public and private organizations, including executive leadership positions in public housing authorities in Colorado and in New York where he served as the Manhattan Borough Director, leading operations for the New York City Housing Authority during Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration. A graduate of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, Christopher is also a Finance Leaders Fellow at the Aspen Institute.
JAMES HENDERSON
Vice President, Colorado Farm Bureau
James Henderson is a 5th generation farmer and rancher. The ranch, located in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, has been in continuous family operation for over 140 years. They raise cattle, oats, barley and other forage crops including alfalfa for use in the dairy industry. Henderson has served as the Vice President of Colorado Farm Bureau since 2020 and also serves on several water boards in his community. He is a graduate of the College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. James and his wife Kiley have 6 children.
EMMA TROLLER
Project Development Manager, Blue Forest
Emma Troller is a Project Development Manager at Blue Forest, a non-profit conservation finance organization. Coming from a background in environmental planning, community engagement, and land conservation, at Blue Forest she is responsible for developing public-private partnerships and conservation finance mechanisms across landownership types to improve ecological resilience and reduce wildfire risk throughout the American West.
In Colorado, she previously spent three years at Palmer Land Conservancy. As the Conservation and Recreation Program Manager, Emma managed conservation easement transactions and built trust with rural landowners to negotiate public access for recreation projects. She currently serves on the board of Rocky Mountain Women’s Film, and previously held board positions at the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance and the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway. Emma holds a Bachelors of Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource Management & Sustainable Ecosystems.
PETER CULP
Managing Partner, Culp & Kelly, LLP
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Peter is a nationally-recognized Western water law and policy attorney, with nearly 25 years of experience representing and partnering with foundations and NGOs, municipalities, industry, tribal governments, agricultural interests, and investors, including extensive work in the Colorado River Basin. Over the past decade, Peter has also worked extensively on the development and deployment of innovative approaches to conservation finance, and has worked with various partners to create water-related impact investments throughout the Western United States and northern Mexico.
Peter is the managing partner and co-founder of Culp & Kelly, LLP, a mission-driven law and policy firm, as well as its affiliated consulting and project incubation firm, CK Blueshift, LLC. The two firms work as an integrated team to address a range of water, natural resource, and climate resilience challenges, and together support a growing set of innovative enterprises, projects, and restoration efforts throughout the Western United States.
KATHLEEN GALVIN
University Distinguished Professor, College of Liberal Arts, Colorado State University
Dr. Kathleen Galvin is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Geography and former Director of the Africa Center at Colorado State University. She is also an Advising Faculty member for the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, where she founded the Human-Environment Interactions specialization for graduate students interested in a robust academic background in social-ecological systems.
She has conducted interdisciplinary social-ecological systems research in the drylands of East Africa and East Asia. Galvin has worked with local communities on land-use change, biodiversity conservation, food security, and climate change impacts and adaptation. She uses social-ecological systems frameworks, simulation modeling, and geospatial tools to understand human-environment issues and interactions. Her current research examines local perceptions of climate change and environmental issues, and explores actions to achieve viable solutions in Kenya. Another project focuses on understanding the trade-offs of community-based conservation for people and the environment throughout Africa. She has just completed a NASA grant to understand household decisions, ecosystem change, and atmospheric water recycling in Kenya through modeling for water futures.
She has taken on transdisciplinary science, linking science with society to ensure that her work’s impact goes well beyond the academy. As a lead author of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES, 2019), she was instrumental in linking the science of biodiversity and ecosystem services with diverse governance and knowledge systems worldwide.
She is a Fellow in the Society of Applied Anthropology, a past Fellow in the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program, and a contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. In 2012, she received the National Sustainability Science award from the Ecological Society of America for her team’s efforts to use their scholarship to collaborate with pastoral communities and policymakers in eastern Africa. In 2017, the College of Liberal Arts awarded her the John N. Stern Distinguished Professor Award, recognizing a career of outstanding research, teaching, and service achievement.
CHRISTINA SOHN
Senior Associate, Superbloom
Christina has over 9 years of professional experience in bringing landscape projects to life on varied sites: from well-loved public parks, art and science museums, university courtyards, to many-acre, ecologically-sensitive residences. While seeing projects through from concept to construction, Christina places a high priority on the relationship with the client, on meeting project milestones, and on attention to detail. She admires the rugged hardiness of Colorado’s native plants: their ability to thrive in harsh conditions, to sustain wildlife, to embody resilient beauty. When they are authentic to the place, elegant and logical, she believes that the right plants and good design have the ability to lift our spirits. She believes in bringing this beauty to the neglected, in practicing restraint and clarity in design, and in welcoming the rambunctiousness of life, whether in plant or human form.
BORIS NIKOLAEV
Associate Professor and Tracy Family Faculty Fellow, College of Business, Colorado State University
Boris Nikolaev is an Associate Professor and the Tracy Family Faculty Fellow at the College of Business at Colorado State University. He studies entrepreneurship, well-being, and how emerging technologies are affecting the future of work.
He is also an Editor at Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Foundations and Trends in Entrepreneurship, and an instructor for Statistical Horizons.
His research includes over 50 peer-reviewed publications, including a dozen articles in premier journals such as JBV, ETP, JAP, SEJ, and JIBS. His work has been featured in the Economist, Forbes, TechCrunch, the Atlantic, and many other media outlets. He has been honored to receive multiple research excellence awards, including the Habicht Early Career Research Award and Business for Better World Research Award.
In the classroom, his passion for innovative teaching has earned recognition from the Academy of Management. He has also received several university-wide teaching awards, including the William H. Fox Teaching Award for Emerging Excellence (Emory University), the N. Preston Davis Award for Instructional Innovation (Colorado State University), the Provost Award for Outstanding Teaching (University of South Florida), and the Innovation in Entrepreneurship Pedagogy Award (AOM ENT Division).
What drives him? A curiosity about how entrepreneurship shapes our world and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurship scholars. Whether he’s exploring the impact of AI on value creation or investigating the well-being of entrepreneurs, his goal is to produce research that matters and education that inspires.
ELIZABETH BABCOCK
Executive Director, Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency
Elizabeth Babcock is the Executive Director for Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency. She has over 20 years of experience managing collaborative and transformational projects. During her 12 years with the City and County of Denver, Elizabeth acted as a leader in the development of Denver’s climate office and created nationally recognized programs under Denver’s Climate Protection Fund. She has managed several multimillion-dollar grants, including the Denver Energy Challenge, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. She also led Denver’s participation in the American Cities Climate Challenge, driving climate action across city government. In previous roles, she worked with universities around the world to advance sustainability and civic engagement through the Talloires Network and community engagement through the Civic Knowledge Project at the University of Chicago. She holds a BA with highest honors from the University of Florida and an MA from the University of Chicago.
ALEX BUDAK
Professional Faculty, University of California Berkeley
Alex Budak is an educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and author who helps people cultivate courage and turn everyday moments into change. A UC Berkeley faculty member, he holds a triple appointment at the Haas School of Business, School of Public Health, and College of Natural Resources, where his courses teach students and executives to lead with character, connection, and contribution—and have even inspired student tattoos.
His book, Becoming a Changemaker, is being translated into 27 languages. CNBC named it a top-five nonfiction book about work and Inc. named him a top 50 leadership and management expert.
Budak’s change journey began when he co-founded StartSomeGood, which has raised more than $12 million to launch and scale new initiatives in more than 50 countries.
A UCLA and Georgetown graduate, he delivers keynotes on leadership, change, and courage to audiences worldwide, from Ukraine to Cambodia, and regularly leads interactive sessions for organizations such as Accenture, Salesforce, the World Bank, and UNHCR.
Formerly a travel writer, Alex now enjoys the everyday adventures of life with his two young kids—his favorite changemakers. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, he brings the same loyalty to his work, though he admits one lesson came the hard way: never go budget skydiving.
KAREN SCHLATTER
Director, Colorado Water Center
Karen Schlatter was appointed director of the Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University in 2025, after joining the Center as associate director in 2023. Schlatter brings academic, nonprofit, and public sector experience in managing complex water challenges with a deep commitment to building partnerships and the ability to engage in conversations across Colorado’s water community. She joined CSU from the University of Florida Water Institute where her work included facilitating multi-stakeholder/academic teams to achieve shared goals around water management through collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Prior to her role at UF, she served as associate director of the Colorado River Delta Program at the Sonoran Institute, where she focused on building cross-sector and international partnerships to support large-scale ecological restoration, effective binational water management, and community engagement in the Colorado River Delta region. Schlatter earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from McGill University and a Master of Science in environmental studies from the University of Colorado Boulder. She served as an agricultural extension volunteer in the Peace Corps in Paraguay.
LINDSAY ROGERS
Policy Manager for Municipal Conservation, Western Resource Advocates
Lindsay Rogers is the Policy Manager for Municipal Conservation at Western Resource Advocates. Rogers advances water conservation at the municipal level to bolster communities’ water security and reduce pressure on Western rivers and streams. As climate change and population growth further strain Western waterways, she works closely with municipalities, water utilities, partners, and decision makers to improve water efficiency, boost local resilience, and protect rivers. By facilitating local and state-level policy development and providing direct project support, Lindsay helps communities and utilities pursue innovative and tailored water-saving strategies such as graywater ordinances, waterwise landscaping policies, and better integrated water and land-use planning. Previously, she spent five years as the Colorado Basin Program Manager at WaterNow Alliance, focused on advancing sustainable water policies and programs in the West by working directly with municipal water decision makers. Lindsay serves on the board of Colorado WaterWise. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Tufts University and is pursuing an MPA from CU Denver.
JARED ROMERO
Program Officer in the Environment Program, Walton Family Foundation
Jared Romero, Ph.D., is a Program Officer in the Environment Program at the Walton Family Foundation, where he works to advance conservation solutions in the Colorado River Basin. His career bridges science, education, and conservation leadership, shaped by a lifelong connection to the outdoors and a belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Jared previously served as Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, where he built coalitions to expand equity in outdoor recreation and conservation policy. Earlier in his career, he held academic and research leadership roles at Boise State University and Adams State University, spearheading the development of One Health programs connecting human, animal, and environmental health.
He has been recognized as a Colorado Water Hero, served on boards for national and regional conservation organizations, and is known for creating inclusive spaces that elevate underrepresented voices in conservation. Jared holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees in natural and biological sciences.
Grounded in humility and service, Jared sees the outdoors as both refuge and responsibility. The outdoors are a place that inspires his work to ensure future generations have access to healthy lands and waters.
JULIE DAVIES O’SHEA
Executive Director, Farmers Conservation Alliance
Julie Davies O’Shea has guided FCA through two decades of growth, positioning the organization as a national leader in irrigation modernization. As a founder and executive director of Farmers Conservation Alliance, Julie’s expertise begins with her ability to foster relationships with key partners in irrigation across the West. Under her leadership, FCA has partnered with 55 irrigation communities to implement projects that improve agricultural efficiency, increase water reliability, and deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.
GIGI KARMOUS-EDWARDS
CEO, Karmous Edwards Consulting
Over the course of more than 25 years, Gigi Karmous-Edwards has worked in various domains of digital technologies, spanning the Data Communications industry, Academia, and most recently, dedicating the last 13 years to the Water Sector. Gigi is the technical lead and Co-PI of a GenAI WRF #5321 (GenAI for the Global Water Sector) project. Gigi is the founder and former chair of the SWAN Digital Twin H2O Work Group, leads AI market insights at BlueTech Research as a Technology Advisor Group (TAG) member, and serves on the Advisory Boards of Veralto and Qatium.
Gigi has authored over 40 publications and frequently speaks at global conferences. As the CEO of Karmous-Edwards Consulting, she advises global utilities and technology companies on digital transformation and GenAI. B.S. in Chemical Eng and M.S. Electrical Eng.
MARA WALLER
Senior Research Scholar, College of Business, Colorado State University
Mary (“Mara”) J. Waller, Ph.D., is a leading authority on team dynamics and crisis management. A professor of organizational behavior, her work focuses on how teams adapt, coordinate, and make decisions under conditions of uncertainty and high risk. Over the course of her career, Dr. Waller has authored numerous articles and books that bridge rigorous research with real-world application. Her latest book, Crisis-Ready Teams, provides evidence-based strategies for preparing teams to navigate disruption and perform effectively under pressure.
Dr. Waller is a sought-after speaker and consultant who has worked with organizations across industries, helping leaders strengthen team resilience and improve performance in turbulent environments. Her expertise has been featured in academic, business, and media outlets worldwide. With a reputation for making complex research both engaging and actionable, she brings practical insights to audiences ranging from executives and policymakers to educators and students.
TOM VILSACK
Chief Executive Officer, World Food Prize Foundation
Effective March 1, 2025, Thomas J. Vilsack, former United States Secretary of Agriculture and Governor of Iowa, will become the first Chief Executive Officer for the World Food Prize Foundation. In this new role, Governor Vilsack will focus on expanding the Foundation’s global network, and will further position the Foundation as a leader in addressing global food and nutrition insecurity, continuing his lifetime of public service.
In 1998, he became the first Democrat to be elected as the Governor of Iowa in more than 30 years. During his two terms as Governor, he created an $800 million, 10-year economic development incentive program—the Iowa Values Fund. His administration worked with schools, medical providers, businesses, faith-based organizations and other entities to expand healthcare coverage to more than 90,000 previously uninsured children.
He became the 30th and 32nd United States Secretary of Agriculture, from 2008-2017 and 2021-2025, respectively. Only five people in U.S. history have served in the Cabinet longer, and during his tenures, the United States Department of Agriculture set records for U.S. agricultural exports and provided food assistance to millions of Americans. He helped expand food and nutrition access through summer feeding programs for children and additional support for fruit and vegetable purchases through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. As Secretary, he worked to develop new and superior markets for small and mid-sized farms, allowing those operations to remain viable and in turn, strengthening and growing rural communities.
Governor Vilsack has long been connected to the World Food Prize Foundation, having served on both the Council of Advisors and the Board of Directors. His insights and acumen were vital in shaping our mission and initiatives. His leadership and experience will be instrumental in expanding the Foundation’s international reach and continuing the mission of elevating innovations and inspiring action to sustainably increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all.
KATE WATKINS
Colorado State Demographer
Kate Watkins is Colorado’s State Demographer. She leads the State Demography Office within the Department of Local Affairs. The State Demography Office produces population and economic estimates and forecasts for use by the business community, nonprofits, and state and local governments. Kate has nearly two decades of experience analyzing economic and demographic trends in Colorado and beyond. Her career history includes serving as the Chief Economist for Colorado’s state legislature, as an economist at the Denver Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and as a private sector consultant. Kate holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University.
TONY FRANK
Chancellor, CSU System
Dr. Tony Frank is the Chancellor of the CSU System. He previously served for 11 years as the 14th president of CSU in Fort Collins. Dr. Frank earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Wartburg College, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. and residencies in pathology and toxicology at Purdue. Prior to his appointment as CSU’s president in 2008, he served as the University’s provost and executive vice president, vice president for research, chairman of the Pathology Department, and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was appointed to a dual role as Chancellor in 2015 and became full-time System chancellor in July 2019.
Dr. Frank serves on a number of state and national boards, has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, and has been honored with state and national awards for his leadership in higher education.
Dr. Frank and his wife, Dr. Patti Helper, have three daughters.
It’s our anniversary!
It’s our anniversary! CSU Spur has been fully open to the public, sharing hands-on, family-friendly activities around food, water, and health for two years. Join us on Saturday, Jan. 11, for 2nd Saturday activities, including desserts, a mariachi performance, face painters, horses on treadmills, veterinarians in surgery, scientists in labs, and more. The celebration is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and CSU Spur will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; no registration required, all public activities are free.
2nd Saturday at CSU Spur is presented by Canvas Credit Union.
We’ll see you Saturday!
2nd Saturday at CSU Spur is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday (Feb. 14), and this month, the theme is Be My Neighbor, in partnership with Rocky Mountain PBS. Explore activations across all three CSU Spur buildings, including engaging with local community partners, story time, assembling baby bags for WeCycle, tasty snacks, and a very special guest, Daniel Tiger!