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Bill

SR 8

Western Colorado University Anniversary

2026 Regular Session

Recognizes Western Colorado University's 125th anniversary and highlights its history, programs, and regional impact to celebrate and encourage continued support.

Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8

Summary: Senate Resolution SR26-008 (2026A) — Western Colorado University Anniversary

Overview

  • Bill type: Senate Resolution
  • Number: SR26-008 (SR 8)
  • Session: 2026, Second Regular Session, Colorado General Assembly
  • Jurisdiction: Colorado
  • Sponsor(s): Senators Catlin and Coleman
  • Purpose: Recognizes and commemorates the 125th anniversary of Western Colorado University (WCU)

Purpose and Intent

  • To officially recognize and celebrate the 125th anniversary of Western Colorado University, highlighting its historical role as the first institution of higher education on Colorado’s Western Slope and its evolution into a comprehensive public university.
  • To acknowledge WCU’s contributions to workforce development, higher education access in rural/mountain communities, and the region’s economic and cultural vitality.
  • To commend students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters for 125 years of service and community impact.
  • To encourage Coloradans to celebrate the milestone and support the university’s ongoing growth and success.

Key Provisions and Provisions for Public Acknowledgement

As a resolution, the bill contains:
- A formal statement recognizing WCU’s founding in 1901 as the Colorado State Normal School in Gunnison and its historical trajectory (Colorado State Normal School → Western State College → Western Colorado University).
- Acknowledgment of the university’s academic evolution, including programs across arts, sciences, business, education, and environmental studies, with an emphasis on experiential and place-based learning.
- Recognition of notable aspects of the university’s legacy:
- The nation’s first collegiate mountain rescue team (founded 1968) and ongoing public service leadership.
- Athletic achievements, including national champions/all- Americans and Olympians, ski team prominence, and NCAA wrestling/cross-country programs, along with a storied football program.
- Campus landmarks and infrastructure (e.g., the “W” on Tenderfoot Mountain, Leslie J. Savage Library, Rady Family Sports Complex).
- Innovative programs and partnerships (e.g., engineering programs in partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder) and a focus on rural/mountain community needs.
- Acknowledgment of WCU’s role in providing accessible, high-quality education in a rural mountain setting and its ongoing commitments to the people, economies, and landscapes of Colorado.

Affected Parties

  • Western Colorado University (institutional leadership, faculty, students, alumni, and supporters)
  • Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE)
  • Western Colorado University Foundation
  • Gunnison City Council
  • Governor of Colorado
  • Western Colorado University Board of Trustees
  • The Office of the Governor and relevant state officials who may distribute or display proclamations

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Action history: Introduced in the Senate and referred to Senate committees; third reading completed with a Laid Over motion to May 5, 2026 (no amendments indicated in the record).
  • The resolution explicitly states appreciation and encouragement for celebration, with copies to targeted recipients (university leadership, state officials, and local government).

Impact

  • Provides formal ceremonial recognition of a major milestone for WCU.
  • Helps raise awareness of WCU’s history, programs, and regional impact.
  • Serves as a commemorative affirmation of university-state collaboration and community pride on the Western Slope.
  • No fiscal or regulatory changes are imposed; the measure is ceremonial and symbolic, aimed at highlighting the anniversary and encouraging continued support.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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