{"id":135295,"date":"2021-10-08T10:44:35","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T16:44:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=135295"},"modified":"2022-04-26T11:40:51","modified_gmt":"2022-04-26T17:40:51","slug":"2021-state-of-the-campus-address-we-can-do-extraordinary-things-if-we-are-true-to-ourselves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=135295","title":{"rendered":"2021 State of the Campus Address: &#8220;We can do extraordinary things if we are true to ourselves&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"740\" height=\"417\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sIEy_93p19k?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;start=514&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his Oct. 7 State of the Campus address, Chancellor Venkat Reddy demonstrated that \u2014 in the midst of an extraordinary year, full of challenges and triumphs alike \u2014 the UCCS community found success because it stayed true to the university\u2019s spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The annual State of the Campus address highlights successes of the past academic year and speaks to obstacles the campus may face in the future. This year, a live audience attended the event in Berger Hall in addition to a livestream broadcast to campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reddy opened the address by sharing the story of Mirai Nagasu \u201920, a two-time Olympian and graduate of the College of Business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-State-of-the-Campus.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-State-of-the-Campus-750x1125.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-135308\" width=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-State-of-the-Campus-750x1125.png 750w, https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-State-of-the-Campus-300x450.png 300w, https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-State-of-the-Campus-1024x1536.png 1024w, https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-State-of-the-Campus-1365x2048.png 1365w, https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-State-of-the-Campus.png 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Over the course of the address, Reddy charted the past year\u2019s successes by demonstrating how each is linked to one of UCCS\u2019 seven core values. Photo credit: Jacob Guilez<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMirai knew she wanted a lot from life,\u201d Reddy said. \u201cShe wanted to be an elite athlete. She wanted to earn a college degree. She wanted to build a successful future. She didn\u2019t want to choose just one path. So Mirai chose them all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMirai\u2019s story teaches us that we can do extraordinary things \u2014 no matter how difficult \u2014 if we are true to ourselves,\u201d Reddy continued. \u201cIn the face of challenges, we have succeeded because we\u2019ve stayed true to who we are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the course of the address, Reddy charted the past year\u2019s successes by demonstrating how each is linked to one of UCCS\u2019 seven core values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Balanced Teaching and Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In alignment with UCCS\u2019 value of Balanced Teaching and Research, Reddy cited a record year for sponsored research funding. Despite the impacts of the pandemic, the university witnessed an exceptional year for research activity, with each faculty member producing an average of three peer-reviewed works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Success, Inclusive Diversity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In alignment with the values of Student Success and Inclusive Diversity, the university made significant investments in physical spaces and support services. This includes the newly-expanded MOSAIC and LGBTQIA+ Resource Centers, the reimagined T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center, the expanded Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and additional mental health counselors and mental health support for all students, faculty and staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dynamic Responsible Growth, Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In alignment with the value of Dynamic Responsible Growth and Innovation, Reddy spoke about two upcoming initiatives: a new annex for UCCS\u2019 Engineering and Applied Science Building, and the Kevin W. O\u2019Neal Cybersecurity Education and Research Center, which will expand the university\u2019s cyberspace education capacity. Additional successes included those of distinctive academic programs, such as strong enrollment within the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center, resilience research and training programs from the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience and integration of cyberspace education within all six of UCCS\u2019 colleges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Collaboration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, Reddy showcased the synergy between UCCS and Colorado Springs as he discussed the university\u2019s core value of Collaboration. Collaborative initiatives with the community allowed for a new partnership with the U.S. Space Force, efforts to bring new business to Colorado Springs through UCCS\u2019 EPIIC Venture Attractor and artistic performances, resilience trainings, workforce development and more to enhance quality of life in the Pikes Peak region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was integrity, the university\u2019s final core value, that allowed the university to navigate the challenges and successes of the past year, Reddy noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0412-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0412-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-135303\" width=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0412-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0412-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0412-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0412-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><meta charset=\"utf-8\">The State of the Campus included a live Q&amp;A with Chancellor Reddy, moderated by Chris Valentine, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications. <meta charset=\"utf-8\">Photo credit: Jacob Guilez<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn the midst of a challenging year, our community has achieved phenomenal things,\u201d Reddy said. \u201cWhether we are navigating challenges, or determining our next step, we are successful, because we know who we&nbsp;are. Our commitment and belief in our core values has created positive impact for the entire university.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reddy closed his remarks by finishing the story of Nagasu, who shared that her business classes at UCCS taught her to consider the legacy she is building for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMirai shared that she wants to create a legacy of courage, staying true to herself, and never giving up,\u201d Reddy said. \u201cShe wants to inspire future generations of women, athletes and students to chase their dreams, no matter how big, and never take \u2018no\u2019 for an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMirai learned this lesson here, at UCCS,\u201d Reddy concluded. \u201cSo I hope you will always remember the importance of our work. When we teach students, they listen. When we stand up for our values, they notice. We are shaping our future generations. And when we hold true to the UCCS spirit, we can be certain, we are shaping them for the better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The State of the Campus included a live Q&amp;A with Chancellor Reddy, moderated by Chris Valentine, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To listen to the Chancellor\u2019s remarks and Q&amp;A, listen to the <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/sIEy_93p19k?t=514\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2021 UCCS State of the Campus Address<\/a> online.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>In his Oct. 7 State of the Campus address, Chancellor Venkat Reddy demonstrated that \u2014 in the midst of an extraordinary year, full of challenges and triumphs alike \u2014 the UCCS community found success because it stayed true to the university\u2019s spirit. <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=135295\" title=\"2021 State of the Campus Address: &#8220;We can do extraordinary things if we are true to ourselves&#8221;\">(More)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":135310,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1,49,12,21,22],"tags":[53,62,51,437],"class_list":["post-135295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-campus-announcements","category-events","category-memo-from-the-chancellor","category-video","tag-academic-affairs","tag-chancellors-office","tag-featured","tag-video"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Communique-Featured-Image-700x526px-10.png","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1mBpJ-zcb","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=135295"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":135309,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135295\/revisions\/135309"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/135310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=135295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=135295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=135295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}