Dear Friends of the College of Business,

As we close out 2021 and another semester in the College of Business we recognize our current graduates and the hard work and perseverance they have shown throughout their time at UCCS. This December, for the first time in two years, our commencement ceremony was held in-person; what a wonderful opportunity to commemorate their achievements. Please join me in congratulating the Class of 2021 as they embark on a new chapter in their lives!

The end of the year is also a time for us to look back on all that we’ve accomplished this past semester, and to look forward to what 2022 will bring.

This past fall, and continuing into 2022, we welcome students and community constituents to campus for fully in-person experiences. We are thrilled to once again be able to host events on campus, and we hope to see you soon for one of our upcoming opportunities.

All throughout 2021, we have been celebrating Dr. Don Warrick, and his 50 years of teaching at UCCS. Earlier this month, we held the third installment of the Warrick Webinar, this iteration’s topic addressing Organizational Change. Chancellor Reddy and Dr. Warrick have worked together to start an endowment titled “The Warrick Endowment for Excellence in Leadership, Teaching, and Culture.” For more information about celebrating Dr. Warrick’s legacy or to leave your message for Dr. Warrick on the “Kudos” board, visit the Warrick50 Website. Thank you, Dr. Warrick for the legacy you have left and the impact you have made in the College of Business!

In October, we celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of the UCCS Economic Forum with our annual event. Dr. Tatiana Bailey, Director of the UCCS Economic Forum, presented timely insights, data, and an update on our local and national economies. We also heard from Marci McGregor, Managing Director & Senior Investment Strategist at the Chief Investment Officer, Bank of America. The event was held virtually, and a recording of the presentations can be viewed online.

The Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at UCCS College of Business continues to deliver principle-based ethics education to students, educators and the business community. This fall, we welcomed new Ethics Fellows, Ethics Champions, and Student Ethics Ambassadors. Students across UCCS are able to pursue principle-based ethics projects with a paired Ethics Fellow to engage in ethics opportunities, gain program-based work experience and develop valuable leadership skills. In October, 16 teams from seven different southern Colorado college and universities competed in the 11^th annual Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative (DFEI) Ethics Case Competition.

The Class of 2021 includes cohort of students to pass successfully through the R.O.A.R. Program. These graduating seniors are now equipped with the education, skills, training and mentorship to successfully transition into the workforce after graduation. We are rooting for them as they take the next step in their professional careers.

In the spirit of the holiday season, I want to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for your continued support of the College of Business and the work that we do. We appreciate your willingness to engage with us to serve our students, our university, and our community.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Warmest Regards,

Karen S. Markel, Ph.D.,

Dean, UCCS College of Business