Explore 150th anniversary panels and events at the Conference on World Affairs
The Conference on World Affairs (CWA) will mark more than the start of its 78th year, it will officially kick off 鶹Ƶ’s 150th anniversary celebration. The university invites students, faculty, staff and the broader community to reflect on the university’s history, examine its present impact and imagine the next big ideas that will shape the future.
As the opening chapter of this yearlong celebration, CWA 2026 features special anniversary programming that connects 鶹Ƶ’s past to the challenges and opportunities of today—from higher education’s role in democracy to the future of aerospace. On April 14, a special panel will feature several previous presidents and chancellors as they discuss how leadership has changed across the eras.
Free and open to all, CWA’s kickoff of the 150th anniversary underscores 鶹Ƶ’s long-standing commitment to inclusive dialogue, civic engagement and ideas that matter, locally and globally.
Since 1948, CWA has brought global leaders, innovators and community members to campus for timely, thought‑provoking conversations. This year’s conference sets the stage for a milestone year of reflection, dialogue and forward-looking ideas. Explore 150th anniversary-centered panels below.
Join the celebration at CWA | April 13–16
鶹Ƶ's official 150th celebration kicks off at the Conference on World Affairs. Since 1948, CWA has brought together global leaders, innovators and experts to spark timely, thought-provoking conversations on the issues shaping our world.
150th anniversary panels and events
The University of Colorado’s Forgotten Land-grant Origins and the Future of Public Impact
9–10:10 a.m.UMC 235
Explore our land grant origins, the transformative role of extension service, and what they teach us about the future of our public mission.
Higher Education and Democracy: Past, Present and Future
1–2:10 p.m.Limelight Flatiron 2
How universities—and 鶹Ƶ—sustain democracy, from civic engagement and free inquiry to the challenges facing higher education today.
From the Flatirons to the Final Frontier: Past, Present, and Future of Aerospace at 鶹Ƶ
12:30–1:40 p.m.Location coming soon
Trace 鶹Ƶ's role in space exploration and celebrate the people who turned curiosity into discovery—and shaped our understanding of the cosmos.
Generations of CWA: How One Professor’s Big Idea Became a Boulder Tradition
12:30–1:40 p.m.Limelight Flatiron 3
Howard Higman’s original vision shaped generations and helped CWA grow into one of 鶹Ƶ’s most enduring and influential traditions.
Chancellors and Presidents—Leadership Across Eras
3:30–4:40 p.m.Limelight Flatiron 1
Former CU chancellors and presidents reflect on the moments that shaped their leadership—and the university. The panel will feature Chancellor MaryFrancesBerry,President Alexander "Sandy" Bracken, President George Hanks "Hank" Brown, President Elizabeth “Betsy” Hoffman, President Mark Kennedy and Chancellor Phil DiStefano.
The America of Folk Music
6–10 p.m.eTown Hall
As the nation, state and campus mark their 250th and 150th anniversaries this year, this event invites reflection on American culture and identity, explored through the lens of folk music.
From Cadet Corps to Space Force: 鶹Ƶ’s Military Legacy
9–10:10 a.m.Limelight Flatiron 2
From cadet training to connections with the U.S. Space Force, 鶹Ƶ's military legacy has influenced campus life and generations of Buffs who have served.
Shaping a Sustainable World: How Buffs Have Enabled Global Impact
4–5:10 p.m.Limelight Flatiron 4
Buffs have built a strong foundation for a more sustainable future and continue to drive global impact and lead what comes next.