MEDIA ADVISORY: CSU Symposium to feature Peace Corps leader Carol Spahn, Former Gov. Bill Owens, and national educator Michael Benitez

Media Contact:
Tiana Kennedy, AVP Communications
[email protected]
Cell: 970-420-3316 

Colorado State University will host The Symposium 2025 Nov. 3-6, an annual campus event dedicated to advancing access, success, and community well-being for CSU students, employees, and the broader community. 

This year’s Symposium will feature a keynote address by Carol Spahn, former director of the Peace Corps and CSU’s 2025 presidential executive in residence. Additional high-profile speakers include national educator and change strategist Michael Benitez, and a closing conversation with CSU President Amy Parsons and former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens on democracy and civil discourse. 

Registration is free and open to all. 

Key addresses: 

• Opening Keynote: Carol Spahn, former Peace Corps director and CSU Presidential Executive in Residence
  3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3 – Lory Student Center Ballroom
  Topic: “Human Connection and Purposeful Leadership for Positive Change”
  Also livestreamed  

• Michael Benitez, national educator, scholar, and change strategist
  9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Virtual 
  Topic: “Leadership, Culture, and Change in Higher Education” 

• CSU President Amy Parsons and Former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens
  4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 – Lory Student Center Theatre
  Topic: “Democracy, Civil Discourse, and Working Across Differences”
  Tickets required for in-person attendance; livestream available   

About The Symposium 

The Symposium is an annual offering reinforcing the university’s mission to expand access to a world-class education, foster student and employee success, and prioritize well-being across the CSU System. 

This year’s theme areas include: 

• Opening Doors: Access in Higher Education 

• Reimagining Success: Opportunity, Engagement, and Growth 

• Community in Action: Centering People and Building Resilience 

Programming features workshops, interactive sessions, CSU Inspire talks (TED-style presentations from students, faculty, and staff), and MURALS, CSU’s undergraduate research and artistry showcase. An expanded student track will connect participants with resources across CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, CSU Global, and CSU Spur. 

Registration and full schedule: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/the-symposium-2025/registration