Throughout 2025, University of Colorado faculty and staff were recognized for their achievements, drawing significant attention from the university community. CU Connections has compiled a list of the ten most-read features published during the year.
On November 6, seven educators were named Distinguished Professors, which is the highest honor for faculty at the University of Colorado. This recognition is given to tenured faculty who demonstrate exemplary performance in research or creative work, excellence in promoting learning and student achievement, and outstanding service to both the university and their profession.
In January, CU Denver alumni volunteers introduced a new CU-branded license plate. The design represents all four campuses with an interlocking CU logo. Proceeds from this initiative fund programs and scholarships that help offset college costs for students.
A report released on October 30 found that the University of Colorado system generated $12.2 billion in economic impact across Colorado last year. This marks an increase of over half a billion dollars compared to 2024, highlighting CU’s expanding role in education, research, innovation, and health care throughout the state.
On May 1, the University of Colorado Staff Council honored ten employees with its annual Staff Excellence Awards. Two staff members from each campus and system administration were recognized for exceeding job expectations.
Final fall census numbers reported on September 19 showed record enrollment across all four campuses with approximately 67,843 students enrolled. The growth was primarily due to an increase in resident students at each campus.
The Board of Regents announced recipients of Honorary Degrees, Distinguished Service Awards, and University Medals on February 6. These awards recognize individuals for intellectual contributions, university service, philanthropy or public service associated with either the state or nation or specifically with the university itself.
The National Academy of Inventors ranked the University of Colorado No. 18 among U.S. universities granted utility patents in its latest Top 100 list released May 8. With a total of 114 patents—71 from Boulder, 44 from Anschutz Medical Campus and one from Denver—the ranking underscores CU’s leadership in research and technology development.
CU President Todd Saliman visited Washington D.C., meeting with members of Colorado’s congressional delegation to advocate for higher education on February 20. He met with Senator Michael Bennet as well as Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank during his two-day trip.
Three members took their oaths as Board of Regents officials on January 9 at CU Denver’s Student Commons Building: Vice Chair Ken Montera (District 5), Elliott Hood (at-large member), and Ray Scott (3rd Congressional District).
Finally, Faculty Council celebrated its annual award winners on June 26 by honoring Cindy O’Bryant and Vicky Grove for Distinguished Service; Anne Fleming received Administrator of the Year; awards were presented by Faculty Council Chair Alastair Norcross during a meeting at Grant Street.
