University of Colorado Boulder — Attraction in Boulder

All four of us siblings graduated from Boulder in the seventies and eighties. One sister went to the law school and did very well as a patent attorney--but she is a scientist as well. Her major was Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology. She is looking at Boulder for her son, now, and we were discussing how lonely and impersonal that very large campus can be. (Update: he did well there, and is a CPA, now).

Probably because of that, I sent one of my children to Xavier University, a Jesuit University in Cincinnati, and he did very well there--it is small (about 6,000 students) personal and was set up to address his learning issues. Although he is dyslexic, he majored in Japanese and Asian Studies. He taught English in Japan for a year. He then applied for jobs and got a job at Yelp in Phoenix, AZ. He hated cold calling and went on to work for a large hotel chain, but finally returned to Cincinnati where he got a masters degree in business. Almost immediately he got a job in Human Resources at Walt Disney World which he likes. (Update: he has since gotten married and now they both work remotely; he has to go into the office on Wednesdays. He gets paid circa $100,000 per year, and he still loves it!)

My daughter went to Boston University though she looked at the University of Colorado, the University of Denver, and some private colleges in OH. BU is a huge university, but unlike Boulder, Arts and Sciences admits about 6000 students. So she had the big school atmosphere in the exciting city of Boston, but her college was far more personal and accessible than CU. She did very well there. Her degree was in environmental policy and she got a job right away with the Army Corps of Engineers. She worked there for a year, but hated it so much, that she started experimenting with making liquor. Through some contacts she formed, she found a job in a "craft distillery" in NC, and now she makes whiskey all day. Loves it!!

I also graduated from Boulder in MCDB and went to medical school. Medical school was an experience I would not repeat. The third sibling graduated from Electrical Engineering and worked for the FAA until he retired. The fourth would say nothing that I could write down about her Boulder experience-- she was a party animal, flunked out and was angry at all of the remedial work she had to do.

Boulder is a beautiful town but downtown Pearl Street looks exactly like it did in 1968 when as high school students we used to sneak up there to be cool.

So, if you're the kind of person who is a self-starter, doesn't mind loneliness, is able to join groups or sororities or fraternities in order to be less alone, you'll probably like the "wide open spaces" of Boulder. If you are self-disciplined you will use the excellent academics well. If you are not, you will be sucked into the party circuit and be lost to the world (not a joke).If you have any kind of learning issues--learning disabilities, Boulder is not for you. Try the University of Arizona at Tempe. If you'll need a lot of assistance at first, look at the College of Mt. St. Joe in Cincinnati, It sure isn't Boulder, but it will help you transition to college.

Update 8/29/2024:

My daughter who worked in the distillery, along w/ her spouse opened a tap room/restaurant in downtown Waynesville, about 20 miles from Asheville, NC. They continue to do quite well, and so have just started a new restaurant called “The Red Fox.” The food is quite good and that is an honest appraisal despite the fact that I’m related to one of the owners!

They serve alcohol there, but it is primarily a family place. They have a large fireplace, but I don’t know if they plan to use wood or install an electric fire. Either way, it will be cozy in the winter!

They went for a mountain cabin feel, and I think they got very close. The tables are s/w far apart; I think they are planning to add some more!

If you’re in the area, check them out!

Peace out,

Sheila Wall,...

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) offers a variety of memorable experiences for students, faculty, and visitors:

Stunning Campus: The campus is renowned for its picturesque setting at the base of the Rocky Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a beautiful environment. The combination of red-tiled roofs and sandstone buildings adds to the campus’s charm.

Academic Excellence: CU Boulder is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in fields such as aerospace engineering, environmental science, and physics. The university’s commitment to research and innovation enhances the educational experience.

Research Opportunities: CU Boulder is a major research institution with numerous opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research across various disciplines. The presence of world-class research facilities and institutes, such as the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), provides a unique learning environment.

Active Student Life: The university offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. The CU Boulder community is known for being active and engaged, providing students with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

Athletics: The CU Boulder Buffaloes participate in NCAA Division I sports and are a part of the Pac-12 Conference. Attending football games at Folsom Field and other sporting events creates a strong sense of school spirit and camaraderie.

Outdoor Recreation: Boulder is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering easy access to hiking, biking, skiing, and rock climbing. The nearby Flatirons and other natural attractions provide endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Cultural Events: The university hosts a variety of cultural and artistic events, including performances at the CU Boulder Theater, concerts at Macky Auditorium, and exhibitions at the CU Art Museum. These events enrich the campus experience and provide cultural enrichment.

Sustainability Initiatives: CU Boulder is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The campus’s green initiatives and sustainable practices make it a leader in promoting environmental responsibility.

Innovative Programs: The university offers unique and innovative academic programs, such as the ATLAS Institute, which focuses on interdisciplinary research and creative practice in technology, arts, and media.

Global Engagement: CU Boulder has a strong emphasis on global education, offering numerous study abroad programs and international research opportunities. The diverse student body and faculty contribute to a global perspective on campus.

Community Engagement: The university is deeply integrated with the Boulder community, fostering strong relationships and partnerships. This connection provides students with opportunities for internships, community service, and real-world experience.

Alumni Network: CU Boulder boasts a strong and supportive alumni network, providing students with valuable connections and career opportunities after graduation.

These elements combine to make the University of Colorado Boulder a memorable and enriching experience for all who are part of...

I actually got my degree here in Environmental Studies a few years back. I ended up taking classes through the engineering department this year and it was then I realized the quality of teaching had drastically fallen. In the fours years I attended, at least in one class each semester, there was a professor that really gave the impression she/he cared about the students. In the engineering department or maybe this is the direction the university has taken, there was not one teacher that really cared about their students. The problem lies with both the professors and the university. The university hires professors based on their research (aka money) each will provide (as more than one professor has explained). Then these people are required to teach classes. So the majority of them do the bare minimum to present the material to students as their research is more important. Thus many "professors" do not have the drive to teach their students. This is incredibly prevalent in the engineering department. It was a bit deceiving at first because the engineering department boasts quite a few accomplished, world renowned researchers, but they are just that, researchers, not professors. I actually passed my courses this semester, but I chose not to pursue a degree at this university. I'm a tad bit surprised at how far the university's standards have fallen since I've graduated. If you don't believe me, check the top 100 universities world wide for each degree offered; the University of Colorado at Boulder fails to make...