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CNBC Anchor and CU Alum Carl Quintanilla Says Boulder Deserves National Attention

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:31:06 +0000

CNBC Anchor and CU Alum Carl Quintanilla Says Boulder Deserves National Attention Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:31

Carl Quintanilla (PolSci’93) knows the news. Currently co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” and “Money Movers,” Quintanilla has journalistic experience that spans 24 years of award-winning broadcast and print reporting — starting with a political science degree at ��񱦵�.

During his tenure as a newscaster, Quintanilla has covered everything from the Olympic Games to presidential elections to Hurricane Katrina and has earned numerous accolades in his field, including a national Emmy Award and broadcast’s highest honor, a Peabody Award.

As he heads to campus this week to speak at CU’s Conference on World Affairs, Carl told us about his storied career as a journalist, his lasting memories from ��񱦵� and why CNBC is featuring Denver and Boulder in their new special, “Cities of Success."

How did you get to where you are today?

I went into college already knowing I wanted to be in journalism. It was never a question to me what I was going to do. I was very focused. During my school career, I was a DJ at Colorado Public Radio, and I interned at local papers. Those were all hugely helpful experiences.

I started working for the Wall Street Journal after graduation in 1993. The economy was on fire, there was a peace dividend, Clinton was president. Companies were hiring en masse and the Wall Street Journal was taking lots of chances on young kids.

I spent six years at the Wall Street Journal, and then slowly cable television became ascendant. They started putting cameras in our bureau. I had never really considered broadcast, but it was clearly where the industry was going. So I went to CNBC and NBC News in 1999. It’s been almost a quarter century. It’s gone by so fast.

How did ��񱦵� play a role in bolstering your dream of being a journalist?

I can’t overstate how much ��񱦵� was an important dynamic in my growth. When it came to academics, they really delivered the mail. The professors were engaged and attentive. They really wanted us to learn. CU taught me how to think critically. It’s one of the many things from ��񱦵� that I still carry with me.

What memories stand out from your time in Boulder?

My freshman year, I was in Williams Village, which is its own kind of community. I remember our study groups would always go to Perkins for pie and coffee. There was a very, very special kind of home life among people who were in “Will Vill.”

I also marched in the marching band for a couple of years. I remember playing my alto sax on Folsom Field for hours, going to every game. That kind of cadence was a joy — being at the stadium every Saturday morning, playing as loud as I could when they scored a touchdown. Things like that are my most vivid memories of ��񱦵�.

How is it being back on campus for the Conference of World Affairs?

I love being back on campus. There’s something very visceral about being back at Old Main or Macky or the UMC. The campus has changed quite a bit, but it’s still the same at heart. The atmosphere of the campus and the town are just so amazing. It’s just fun to go back and soak it all up again.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

I’m a news junkie at heart. I always joke with my wife that on my days off, I still get up at the same time and read the same stories. So I do like being paid to read and be informed and process as much about this crazy world as I can.

Being an anchor is different from being a reporter — a reporter has a beat, and there’s pressure to break news. The thing about being an anchor is you’re really almost a curator, trying to pick the best stories and organize them in a linear fashion for someone who’s watching, along with the help of your producers and your editorial staff. I think that there is real reward in helping someone who is maybe just waking up get their news diet and just process daily life.

Are there any career highlights that stand out for you?

A lot of my work that has been most recognized was probably during Hurricane Katrina. I was with the Today Show and NBC Nightly News. I remember when we realized it was going to be a much bigger story than the weather, with societal impacts and cultural impacts. Reporting on that story was hugely rewarding.

Tell me about “Cities of Success” — and why you’re excited to include Denver and Boulder on the list?

It’s truly all in the name. CNBC judged a host of cities on a variety of qualities and selected a few standout areas to feature. The pairing of strength between Denver and Boulder just really stood out.

On a personal level, I have the benefit of seeing the Mountain West from a prior era. Industry was very concentrated when I lived here — it was telecom, energy and aerospace, period. When I go back now, I see life sciences and biotech and quantum computing. These cities have an amazing, self-sustaining workforce. That is really the reason companies are moving here. It’s not just because of the lifestyle or the sunshine anymore. It’s because that’s where other successful businesses are and other smart people are. I am just really proud of Colorado. It’s an amazing thing to see.

You can watch CNBC’s one-hour primetime special “Cities of Success: Denver & Boulder,” on Thursday, April 11 at 8 p.m. MT.

Interview condensed and edited.

Photos courtesy Carl Quintanilla

Find out why CNBC anchor Carl Quintanilla is proud to feature his hometown metropolis in the network’s “Cities of Success,” and how ��񱦵� shaped his career as a journalist.

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Hear from ��񱦵� Alum Alejandro Brown, the Founder of I-70 Things

Anonymous — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:26:28 +0000

Hear from ��񱦵� Alum Alejandro Brown, the Founder of I-70 Things Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:26

Jessica Sachs

Alejandro Brown (IntlAf’18) is the founder of I-70 Things, an outdoor media brand that started on Instagram (@i70things), and which now has more than 400,000 followers. The account serves as entertainment — showcasing the funny, unusual or sometimes wacky things people see while traveling along Colorado’s I-70 highway — in addition to providing safety-oriented content regarding the conditions of the road in real time. Brown also has been working on a passion project he co-founded called Slide Thru Sessions (@slidethrusessions), which aims to introduce people to winter sports who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.

How did the idea for I-70 Things begin? When did you realize it had such huge potential?

I was stuck on I-70 with a buddy in 2019. It was like a lightbulb moment. I was taking pictures of things that I had seen like trucks jackknifing on the highway, cars stuck on the side of the road — and it hit me like, ‘Hey, I’m already taking these photos and sending them to my friends. I bet other people are seeing other things too.’

In the summer of 2020, COVID hit, so I had some free time. That’s when I really started putting effort into growing it [I-70 Things]. During the summer of 2020, when we had a bunch of wildfires here in Colorado, I started covering those too because I thought that since people were going up to the mountains, they should know about these types of happenings.

What are some of the strangest things you’ve seen on I-70 this year?

After doing this for many years, nothing surprises me anymore. I’d have to say some of the stranger ‘things’ that make you do a double take are the motorcycles being driven during a snowstorm and how people spend time during highway closures. After a while, closures can get to people’s sanity and seeing their creative ways to pass the time is always interesting.

What are the top things you think people need to know before traveling on the highway?

The main thing is understanding and abiding by the traction law. Driving through the Rocky Mountains, especially during the winter months, is no joke. Nature doesn’t discriminate, so being prepared and traveling safely are key. When we think of preparedness, it’s similar to insurance — you hope you never have to use it, but you’ll be glad you have it if you need it. Packing extra warm clothes, water or snacks can make spending time stuck on the highway more manageable. Lastly, pack your patience because nobody likes to be parked on a highway.

When you entered college in 2014, social media was very different than it is now. How do you feel now that you work full time in online content creation?

Just thinking about it makes me sound old, but it wasn’t really a thing that people sought out as much as they do now. There’s a pretty clear path nowadays if you want to start a business or become a content creator, but back then it never even crossed my mind.

“When you’re dealing with many cultures and people in an international sense, empathy is really big.”

How has your background in international affairs helped you in your current work with social media?

When you’re dealing with many cultures and people in an international sense, empathy is really big. You have to be understanding and know that there are a lot of differences among people. People do business differently, and communicate differently. All these things are very present on social media and in business. People also say some pretty bad stuff sometimes on social media, and being understanding and empathetic is pretty important.

What does your day-to-day life look like now?

In the winter, it’s pretty packed with doing a bunch of mountain content for the page. So we’re either with brand partners or traveling to different resorts and covering events. My day-to-day consists of either being on the snow and shooting, creating content or answering a lot of emails. During the summer, we cover and work a lot of festivals and food and beverage events.

Also, I spend a lot of time in the winter working on my passion project called “Slide Thru Sessions,” which I co-founded with my friend Quincy “Q” Shannon. It’s been really cool because by having such a big platform here in Colorado, I was able to utilize it for good. I love to snowboard and want other people to experience that as well.

The program’s mission is to diversify the mountains by breaking the barriers to entry for expensive winter sports, like skiing or snowboarding. We allow those who have never tried the sport to try with us in a comfortable BIPOC setting as an adult. People sign up and we take our own full Bustang bus up to that month’s partner resort. We have our own gear space here in Denver where we let people rent everything they need for free. The goal is not to just have people slide on snow, but to educate them about the sport as well. The program is free, and anyone who joins can pay what they can if they’d like, but there’s no expectation of payment.

How does I-70 Things make money?

We have three revenue streams: advertising for other brands and events, hosting events and selling merchandise. Most partners reach out to me directly because they know about I-70 Things and are interested in working together. The capacity in which we collaborate depends on the partner but, for example, for a hotel partner in the mountains, we may stay up there and then create some content to use on a campaign on our own account and our partners’ social accounts.

What is your favorite place off I-70?

Glenwood Canyon is really pretty. I also spend a lot of time at Copper Mountain as they’re a great partner and they host a lot of events at that mountain. So I would probably say Copper is my favorite.

Interview condensed and edited.

Photo courtesy Alejandro Brown

Read what it's like to run the wildly popular Instagram page that boasts the good, and the bad, that comes with traveling along Colorado's famous I-70 highway.

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“I Feel CU In My Heart”

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 23:13:45 +0000

“I Feel CU In My Heart” Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 02/14/2024 - 16:13

Christie Sounart

Yuka Hasegawa (ChinLang&Lit MIntlEdu), who graduated in the 1990s, lives in Japan and splits her time between Tokyo and Yokohama. She is vice chair of the alumni chapter in Japan, Forever Buffs Tokyo, which for more than two decades has hosted alumni, students, faculty and staff from ��񱦵� for events, internships and career opportunities. In January, she was part of a CU Global Ambassadors event in Tokyo which hosted more than 80 alumni.

How long have you been involved with ��񱦵�?

I’ve had an ongoing relationship with ��񱦵� for over 35 years. While at CU, I was one of the starting members of the Japanese Student Association, Japanese Movie Club and other Japan-related food and culture clubs. The opportunity to be passionate and deeply involved in teaching language and culture was luckily expanded for me as I became a teaching assistant when completing the professional teacher license program in teaching Japanese through the Colorado Department of Education, and then an instructor (visiting professor) in the Japanese department (known as East Asian Languages and Literature at that time). It was a privilege for me to have now-Chancellor Philip DiStefano as my dean of the School of Education. And my scholarship from CU for Semester at Sea helped broaden my view for the immense value of a cross-cultural education.

Why did you get involved in the Japan alumni chapter?

I’ve been involved in the alumni chapter for more than 20 years. It has been my dream to be a bridge between the U.S. and Japan since I was a child. I spent my childhood and early education with my parents in New York — that’s where the motivation started. These memories and experiences made me want to receive a higher education degree in the U.S.

I had the life-changing fortune of getting to know Boulder and CU thanks to my father, an engineer who at one time was assigned to work for a company in Boulder. When I spent a whole summer with him, a young woman who was a CU student and who worked at the front desk of the hotel we stayed at showed me around the campus. I was impressed by the beauty of the huge campus and by the vibrant student life, and fell in love with ��񱦵� instantly. That was when my tie with CU started.

These childhood and CU experiences made me want to contribute back because of the hospitality that I received from the U.S. It is such a rewarding and humbling experience for me to not only benefit the Buffs we help, but it also enriches my life in countless ways. I feel CU in my heart. Making someone happy makes me happy. It’s truly fulfilling and heartwarming. That becomes the source of my energy.

What sort of connections have you made with other chapter members during this time?

In Japan, we have hosted alums, scholars and students and high school students who may go to CU in many different cultural enrichment activities. A good example was when we hosted the inaugural visit of students and faculty from Leeds Business School in May 2016. About 30 students were hosted by the very first Fulbright Scholar from Japan after WWII, Mr. Akira Horie (MMktg’54), who connected us to the Japanese global company Mitsubishi. And, in 2018, to serve Buffs better, I obtained an official tour conductor license in Japan to help show them around the city and visit businesses. It is my wish to continuously be of assistance to CU.

Does a particular event that involved CU stand out to you?

I enjoy supporting alumni meetings or parties through the chapter and accommodating staff or scholars visiting Japan. It is a special honor for me to be involved in CU chancellor or president visits. Collaborating with CU, working together to create a tie with the U.S. and Japan and, most importantly, being of assistance during their stay in Japan are the most delightful events of my life.

Why is a global presence important for ��񱦵� to have?

Each cultural exchange can be one that is given on a grassroots level. These exchanges not only enrich our own lives, but it also contributes to a bigger global presence. We can broaden our horizons and foster mutual respect deeply. We can share knowledge, exchange ideas and it deepens our understanding of each other. I respect and cherish this philosophy. This is my lifelong work that I wish to continue forever.

Photo by Brian Scott Peterson

Yuka Hasegawa is vice chair of the alumni chapter in Japan, Forever Buffs Tokyo, which for more than two decades has hosted alumni, students, faculty and staff from ��񱦵� for events, internships and career opportunities. In January, she was part of a CU Global Ambassadors event in Tokyo which hosted more than 80 alumni.

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10 Campus Trends for 2024

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:01:16 +0000

10 Campus Trends for 2024 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 01/29/2024 - 11:01

Jessica Sachs

10 Campus Trends for 2024

1. Sustainable fashion

Thrifting has been in for years now, and with major brands hopping on the sustainability train, sustainable fashion will be even more in for 2024.

2. Bows

Students are loving bows this semester, and the accessory’s preppy style makes them perfect to wear for long days of classes on campus.

3. Varsity jackets

On a campus as football-obsessed as CU entering our second season with Coach Prime — and with Taylor Swift repping the Kansas City Chiefs in her varsity jacket — the jackets are sure to be seen in both classes and on Folsom Field.

4. Uggs

Although Uggs have been popular in multiple variations and styles for decades, the shoe brand has become even more beloved — particularly among college students who love the mini and slipper styles, and find them comfortable enough for a long walk between classes.

5. Messy hair

It’s safe to say that 2023 was the year of the gelled, slicked-back hairstyles. But 2024 is the year of undone, messy hair — which looks just as good making an appearance under beanies and goggles for an afternoon on the slopes!

6. Statement accessories

Big, colorful pieces are perfect for standing out, even in lecture halls with hundreds of other students.

7. Matching workout sets

Students are loving matching workout attire that looks put together enough to be worn straight from the Rec to class, or even to grab lunch on The Hill.

8. Peachy tones

Pantone officially declared “Peach Fuzz” the 2024 color of the year, meaning students can expect to see increasing numbers of outfits utilizing peachy shades.

9. Suits and workwear

Students can expect to see a rise in suits and other business-inspired attire worn more casually.

10. Oversized bags and totes

Models all over high-fashion runways have been seen carrying oversized bags, which is perfect for us busy students on the go.

Observed by a CU student: bows, Uggs, suits and more!

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��񱦵� alum’s invention of 3D printing recognized by President Biden

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:11:59 +0000

��񱦵� alum’s invention of 3D printing recognized by President Biden Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/30/2023 - 10:11

Allison Nitch

Charles W. Hull (EngrPhys’61) was named among the 2023 recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for his exemplary achievements in technology and innovation through his invention of 3D printing.

Awarded by President Biden on Oct. 24, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation is the nation’s highest award for technological achievement. Along with the National Medal of Science, it recognizes American innovators whose vision, intellect, creativity and determination have strengthened America’s economy and improved our quality of life.

After Hull completed his degree in engineering physics at the ��񱦵�, he worked with a DuPont subsidiary before going on to invent the solid imaging process known as stereolithography. This became the basis of the first commercial 3D printing technology, which spurred the dawning of a dynamic industry in the United States.

Upon securing a stereolithography patent in 1986, Hull then founded 3D Systems Corp. Hull initiated the 3D printing industry and remains involved in the corporation’s day-to-day operations through a range of innovative applications, including state-of-the art production of 3D printers to the first home-certified 3D printer, the award-winning Cube.

“We were thrilled to learn that Chuck Hull has been awarded with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation,” said Massimo Ruzzene, ��񱦵� vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes. “His pioneering work in stereolithography, 3D printing and prototyping was truly transformative, making this honor well-deserved, as well as an example of the culture of innovation ��񱦵� has long sought to foster.”

A member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Hull is credited as the inventor on more than 90 U.S. patents in the field of ion optics and 3D printing. As a strong advocate for education and training of youth in all aspects of this rapidly growing technology, Hull received an honorary degree from the University of Colorado Board of Regents in 2016.

Photo by Ryan K. Morris

Charles W. Hull was named among the 2023 recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for his exemplary achievements in technology and innovation through his invention of 3D printing.

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10 Boulder Bars

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:04:53 +0000

10 Boulder Bars Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/09/2023 - 13:04

Kiara Demare

Boulder has been known for its unique nightlife for decades. It’s a major part of the local economy, and creatives and businesspeople alike often partner to make enjoyable experiences for Boulderites and visitors.

License No. 1 A speakeasy underneath the Boulderado hotel. Located at 13th St. and Spruce St.
World Famous Dark Horse Good food, great decorations. Off of Baseline Rd. and 30th St.
Velvet Elk Lounge Live music venue with mainly jazz and blues performers. Located at 13th St. and Spruce St.
Rosetta Dining Hall Assortment of food with a rooftop bar; also is a club at night. Located off of Broadway St. and Lawry Ln.
The Sundown Saloon (also known as The Downer) Classic dive bar, free pool on Tuesdays. Also found off of Broadway St. and Lawry Ln.
Jungle Fun drinks served in even more fun cups. On 10th St. and Pearl St.
Pearl Street Pub and Cellar Boulder classic with good food (try the corn dogs). Located on Broadway St. and Lawry Ln.
Gemini Wine bar with tapas. On 11th St. and Pearl St.
The Bitter Bar Extensive cocktail list. Located off of 8th St. and Walnut St.
The Attic Bar and Bistro Home of the Fat Albert (Gatorade and vodka). Located on11th St. and Walnut St.

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CU Alum Is Executive Vice President of SAG-AFTRA

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:06:26 +0000

CU Alum Is Executive Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/29/2023 - 09:06

Kiara Demare

Ben Whitehair with partner Jess Hoover at the SAG Awards.

Ben Whitehair (PolSci, Thtr’08) has been busy.

As executive vice president of the SAG-AFTRA labor union, he has been working on behalf of actors and writers since July. But he upholds a greater goal that he’s championed for since his time as a ��񱦵� student: social change.

It all started with an ad campaign 20 years ago.

Creating the Colorado Creed

Ben Whitehair, center, with other students involved with creating the Colorado Creed during Homecoming in 2003.

In 2003, as a student and member of the President’s Leadership Class (PLC) at ��񱦵�, he and a group of other students created ads on campus that promoted social accountability among students to help advance the CU community. The campaign was a major success, and Whitehair helped turn the messages into a social responsibility code now known as the Colorado Creed.

“The Colorado Creed is an example that shows the amount of support that we had from administrators and staff for student-led initiatives,” Whitehair said. “We had this idea and the top administrators said, ‘Great, how can we help? What can we do to support you?’ It was incredible.”

Today, the creed lays out goals of acting with honor, integrity and accountability, as well as respecting others while a part of ��񱦵�.

“It is incredibly gratifying to see the Colorado Creed, this thing that a group of us were like, ‘Let’s do this,’ still thriving a decade and a half later and making a difference,” Whitehair said. “To me, that is what leadership is. And I learned that at Boulder.”

D.C. or Hollywood?

After graduating, Whitehair couldn’t decide whether he should move to Washington, D.C., to continue in politics — he had interned with Colorado Congresswoman Diana DeGette in 2007 — or to follow his dreams of acting.

A friend and fellow PLC member, Teju Ravilochan (IntlAf’09), shared a quote with Whitehair from Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go for that. Because what the world needs are people who’ve come alive.”

Whitehair made the move to Los Angeles, California. But acting wasn’t going to be his only calling.

While at CU, Whitehair co-founded his first business with Will Seamans (Econ’06). The entrepreneurial experience stuck with him, and he became co-founder of Working.Actor, an online business academy for actors. He also now serves as COO of TSMA, a consulting firm that helps businesses and individuals manage their Instagram accounts.

“Particularly in the arts, you often learn how to be an artist, but you don’t learn how to be a business person,” Whitehair said. “It’s called show business, not show art. Understanding that business is imperative.”

Getting Involved with SAG-AFTRA

“The entertainment industry adds a massive, financial, social and political value to our country and to the world. ... We would much rather be working.”

In addition to Whitehair’s business successes, he has also worked in more than 100 projects as an actor. He began serving on committees for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, known as SAG-AFTRA, which represents more than 160,000 media professionals and entertainers. Soon he was serving on the local and national boards for the labor union.

In 2021, he was elected executive vice president of SAG-AFTRA, the number-two elected position for the union. He helps govern the union and acts as a stand-in if the president is absent. He is also part of the negotiating committee that is currently negotiating the contract that covers TV, film and streaming.

In July 2023, SAG-AFTRA went on what became a months-long strike. The union joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which began its strike in May. This was the first time both unions had been on strike simultaneously since 1960, according to NPR. With the explosion of streaming services within the past few years, the landscape and business of producing movies, shows and art has changed completely, Whitehair explained.

“SAG-AFTRA members are asking for an update of the contract to match the business model that the corporations changed,” Whitehair said. “Actors have been doing the same things for hundreds of years, but the business model changed. None of the CEOs called us and said, ‘Hey, would it be cool if we switch this entire business model over to streaming?’ So now all we’re saying is, ‘Hey, we need to update the contracts accordingly.’

“The entertainment industry adds a massive, financial, social and political value to our country and to the world. Truly nobody wants to be on strike — a strike is painful. It’s challenging. People are losing work. They’re losing jobs. They’re losing their houses. They’re not able to pay rent. We would much rather be working.”

Negotiating a Future with

Whitehair, second from left, with union leaders during the 2023 strike.

Artificial Intelligence

The last week of September, the WGA settled a tentative three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), and SAG-AFTRA is planning to meet with the AMPTP Oct. 2 to continue its own negotiations.

The WGA contract reforms residential payments for streaming services and lays out a set of regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in the writing room, and SAG-AFTRA hopes for similar in its negotiations.

“AI is at the heart of a lot of what we’re fighting for,” said Whitehair. “SAG-AFTRA is not saying, ‘You cannot use this technology. We refuse to adapt with the times.’ All we’re saying is [we want] informed consent and compensation. People need to know if we’re being scanned and used to be fed into an AI model or if you’re changing what I’m saying. I need to know, I need to have informed consent and I need to get paid for my work.”

After a challenging summer, Whitehair is optimistic about the future.

“I’m a big believer in the power of organized labor. We’re stronger together,” Whitehair said. “Pretty much all of human history demonstrates that when people band together, they can accomplish more.”

Photos courtesy Ben Whitehair

Ben Whitehair was elected to the position in 2021.

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10 Autumn Activities In and Near Boulder

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 16:23:35 +0000

10 Autumn Activities In and Near Boulder Anonymous (not verified) Sat, 09/16/2023 - 10:23

Jessica Sachs

Fall is in the air!

Take a hike to see the leaves at West Magnolia Trailhead in Nederland.
Pick pumpkins and visit the farmstand at Munson Farms in Boulder.
Visit the Fall Harvest Fest in Lafayette.
Attend the Pearl Street paranormal walking tour in Boulder.
Grab a festive drink at the BOCO cidery and taproom in Boulder.
Visit the family-friendly Spooky Village festival in Longmont.
Watch the Halloween Parade in Longmont.
Test your haunted house limits at the Frightmare Compound in Westminster.
Drive up the Peak to Peak historic highway to see the leaves in the Rocky Mountains.
Catch a Halloween movie at a drive-in in Boulder.

Fall is in the air!

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The Sustainable Runner

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:38:52 +0000

The Sustainable Runner Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/01/2023 - 09:38

Christie Sounart

As a writer living in Arkansas nearly a decade ago, Zoё Rom (MJour’18) was frustrated with the lack of variety in climate-related stories in the news.

“Climate change stories were just preaching to the choir,” she said. “I wanted to bring environmental writing to new people. I wanted to take seriously their concerns and their desires and their passions.”

She decided to hone her skills and jump into environmental writing full time, which brought her to ��񱦵�’s environmental journalism graduate program within the College of Media, Communication and Information.

At CU, she was exposed to an intellectual community who brought knowledge in areas ranging from snow leopards to fire ecology, she said, but also pushed her to challenge her perspectives on things like environmental ethics, justice and racism.

“They’ve all become such a part of my DNA of how I approach things,” said Rom, who moved to Aspen after she graduated from ��񱦵� to cover the environment and ski industry for NPR.

After leaving NPR, Rom moved to Carbondale, Colorado, and decided to continue telling stories in the endurance sports industry as she could weave in environmental angles while writing about athletes in areas like running, climbing or skiing.

Today Rom is the editor-in-chief of Trail Runner magazine, managing editor for Women’s Running magazine and a contributing editor and writer for Outside Run magazine. She’s written about how hotter temperatures affect the Olympic marathon; how climate change has forced new climbing routes in mountaineering; or how gear companies are turning to bizarre technology to adjust to changing weather (a cooling race vest from Nike, for instance).

During the pandemic, Rom — who is a trail runner — drew the attention of Tina Muir, CEO of Running for Real, which uses the stories of top runners to spur social and environmental change. The two originally connected over a tweet about composting, but then forged a friendship centered on environmental activism.

“Zoë puts in the time and diligence to make sure she has considered all variables, all perspectives in a situation,” said Muir, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri. “She knows that words matter, and she puts forward a lot of energy to make sure what she is sharing is impactful and accurate.”

Muir suggested the duo write a book. They spent the next two years conducting interviews and research to craft Becoming a Sustainable Runner, which caters to runners of all levels and is a solutions-focused guide to climate advocacy. The book was released in August.

“A primary challenge I found in interviews was that many people didn’t see themselves as ‘activists’: They didn’t want to go vegan, they didn’t really want to stop flying,” said Rom. “So we just wanted to head-on address those concerns in a compassionate and evidence-based way.”

The book garnered the attention of runner and best-selling author of The Tipping Point, Malcom Gladwell.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for a book that puts running in the broader context of our bodies, our minds and the world around us,” he said. “Becoming a Sustainable Runner is that book.”

Rom hopes the book inspires people to become politically active in their local communities and generate curiosity about where they can make the most impact. And while the book aims to draw attention to larger climate issues, it focuses on the importance of self care, too, Rom said, who finds solace in her own mountain runs and quiet connections with nature.

“It’s necessary to care for your community and planet in the same way it’s essential to care for yourself,” she said. “And on the flip side, I wanted to demonstrate for folks who already are doing a lot of climate or community work that it’s important to take that time to take care of themselves and sustain themselves as well.”

Photos courtesy Zoё Rom

Journalist Zoё Rom leverages stories from running and other endurance sports to start climate discussions.

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10 Scenic Hikes Near Boulder

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:33:41 +0000

10 Scenic Hikes Near Boulder Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 06/02/2023 - 10:33

Lauren Walters

Warmer weather and longer days makes the perfect excuse to get outside! Check out one of these hikes for fun trails and scenic views.

Mud Lake

Flatirons Loop (Chautauqua)
Mallory Cave (NCAR)
Boulder Falls (Boulder Canyon)
Lost Lake (Nederland)
Mount Sanitas (Boulder)
Mud Lake (Nederland)
Bobolink Trail (South Boulder)
Flatirons Vista Trail (Superior)
Chapman Drive (Boulder Canyon)
Royal Arch (Chautauqua)

Photo by Lauren Walters

Warmer weather and longer days makes the perfect excuse to get outside! Check out one of these hikes for fun trails and scenic views.

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