2016 may have sucked but at least CU Boulder had a good year
First things first: how about that football team?
If anything, 2016 felt like it was out to get us. We had to say goodbye to unforgettable musicians like Prince and David Bowie, important role models such as Nancy Reagan, beloved athletes such as Muhammed Ali, and history makers such as John Glenn. Death and violence from international wars or domestic issues ruled the news and thus our minds. The election season did nothing but divide our nation and simply stress us out.
The world seemed to be going up in flames since January 1st last year. CU Boulder Buffs, however, did not let the events of 2016 year knock us over. In fact, we rose above and have one of the best years in recent history. Here is why being a CU student is an exceptional experience, especially last year.
Visits from renowned figures and speakers brought our campus a much needed boost of optimism
We were lucky enough to have a spirit of peace come to our school. In June Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, sold out two speeches and gave words of wisdom to 18,000 people at CU’s campus. In a tumultuous world, his voice brought a calm haze over Boulder.
George Takei is famous for his captivating role in Star Trek television series, but his speech at CU Boulder in October did more than entertain. With inspirational words Takai preached to his large, attentive audience about the importance of political activism, speaking up for things that are important to you, and equality. Although his booming voice is well suited for television, he is also known for his activism regarding LGBTQ and minority rights. His speech began and ended with a standing ovation from the audience in the Macky Auditorium.
Colorado did what Colorado is best at: sports. Specifically, football.
Excitement filled Colorado including when the state’s pro football team won the 50th Super Bowl. The Broncos became the 2016 world champions in February bringing pride to the Rocky Mountains and contributing to an awesome year of football that would continue at CU in the fall.
Of course, we cannot forget our university’s best football season in 15 years. After losing only three games, finally we can brag to family over the holidays about the football team’s successes. Starting off strong, we wiped out our longtime rival, the CSU Rams. The Buffs gave it their all on Folsom Field in October when they beat Oregon State 47-6, their widest margin of a win since 1992. Two of our seniors made the PAC-12 top 25 players. The team made it to the PAC-12 Championship, with the Denver Post calling it the “biggest single-season turn around in PAC-12 history.” Although we lost to Washington, the players still consider the season a success. The CU football team ends 2016 ranked 11th at their first bowl game since 2007.
Our future is looking bright
The school year was destined to be great with extra freshmen making up for enthusiasm that seniors lack. Freshman enrollment set a new record for CU Boulder as the largest freshman class. All CU schools across the state saw an increase in their numbers, which faculty applauded. Boulder’s campus also saw an increase in underrepresented minority students.
Professors also passed a resolution in Fall 2016 to encourage everyone on campus to work together in conserving energy, minimizing waste and ultimately helping the planet. Every buff should be proud to go to a school that takes action on important issues and encourages teamwork in order to solve them.
From here, Colorado Buffalos can hope for an even better 2017, and hope our luck will not only continue but spread to others.