The University of Colorado at Â鶹¹ÙÍø and the City of Montrose announced July 31 that the university will pilot an interdisciplinary educational program that will bring a wide range of programs and special events to Montrose and surrounding communities.
Called "CU in Residence," the project will offer everything from K-12 teacher, student and parent education to programs for business and civic leaders, senior groups and the cultural and performing arts.
CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø Chancellor Richard L. Byyny, who flew to Montrose for the announcement at a community leadership luncheon in The Pavilion, said the program will touch all sectors of the community.
"Our goal is to establish long-term partnerships with the schools, civic and business communities, cultural arts organizations and the general community," Byyny said. "Although Montrose will be the focal point for this pilot effort, the program will reach out to communities throughout the six-county area."
Byyny said that if the Montrose project proves successful, CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø plans to expand it to other communities and areas of the state. He added that the university hopes to create a second "CU in Residence" site before the end of the year. Several communities in Colorado are being considered for the educational outreach program, he said.
A lengthy list of CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø programs will be available to the Montrose area during the coming year. Programs will include teacher and student education, cultural arts performances and exhibits, civic and business conferences, professional development workshops and community education programs and activities. Byyny noted that CU already was "in residence" at Montrose with two summer-long photographic exhibits currently on display at The Pavilion. Other outreach programs being discussed with community representatives include:
* A two-day Western Slope tourism conference to address major issues and opportunities for the region.
* The Lyric Theater for Children program, consisting of performances and workshops at elementary schools.
* Philosophy Elder Hostel of Colorado, bringing together interested seniors from the community for regular philosophic discussions and readings.
* Physics 2000 Project, a new Web site that allows non-scientists and students of all ages to conduct more than 30 interactive "virtual experiments" on their computer screens.
* Citizen Explorer I, a project that will link K-12 teachers and students with a CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø satellite to be launched in May 1999.
* Art, music and dance programs that would include performances, workshops and lectures.
* Center of the American WestÂ’s mock "divorce" hearing that explores the complex relationship between urban and rural interests.
"Although we plan to have a number of activities here over the next several months, our hope is that we can play an integral role in the life-long learning process of the community for years to come," Byyny said. He added that the program is consistent with CU President John Buechner's Total Learning Environment initiative.