Arts, Humanities & Culture

CU �ֲ��ý’s Hellems Building in 1921

Anna Tolette — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:09:36 +0000

CU �ֲ��ý’s Hellems Building in 1921 Anna Tolette Mon, 07/20/2026 - 16:09

As the first campus building designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style, the Hellems Arts and Sciences building has helped define CU’s architectural identity since 1921. Hellems also serves as a cornerstone of CU’s academic landscape, housing five primary departments through the College of Arts and Sciences, including the humanities departments and interdisciplinary programs, and is home to the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre in its courtyard.

Hellems’ latest interior renovation, completed in April 2026, honors the building’s historic and architectural legacy by keeping much of the original flooring, finishes and roof tiles.

“The revitalization of Hellems during CU’s 150th year serves as a fitting tribute to the university’s first and largest college as it looks forward to the next 150 years,” said Mona Lambrecht, director and curator of history and collections for CU �ֲ��ý’s Heritage Center.

Submit your feedback to the editor

Photos courtesy of CU �ֲ��ý Libraries Archives

As the first campus building designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style, the Hellems Arts and Sciences building has helped define CU’s architectural identity since 1921.

Off

Traditional

Summer 2026

White

Dance Is Magic at CU �ֲ��ý

Anna Tolette — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:16:52 +0000

Dance Is Magic at CU �ֲ��ý Anna Tolette Mon, 07/20/2026 - 13:16

Tyreis Hunte

Christie Sounart

Tyreis Hunte

For students in CU �ֲ��ý’s dance program — which enrolled nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate students and 74 minors this spring — the lessons learned within the department extend beyond the stage. The program prepares students for jobs both in and out of the dance industry, and allows them to grow in many ways individually.

“Dance cultivates radical aliveness and connection, which are increasingly important to an R1 research institution and a liberal arts education,” said assistant dance professor Anya Cloud.

Take Tyreis Hunte (MDance’26) for instance. After three years in CU’s dance MFA program, they will begin a new role as a tenure-track assistant dance professor at Western Michigan University this fall. Hunte believes the dance practice they have cultivated within the department has had a wide-ranging impact.

“Dance and movement teach me the most about this existence and are my eternal medium to learn and make an impact in my creativity and livelihood,” said Hunte.

Among a rigorous performing schedule, Hunte taught classes rooted in the Africana aesthetic, served as a teaching assistant for the popular West African dance course and as a research fellow for the Center for African and African American Studies, and became the dance department’s costume liaison. They also were crowned the inaugural Samba King of Colorado in 2024.

The work of CU dance students also often receives national attention, said Cloud.

This year, Hunte and fellow student Elizabeth Ervin (Dance, IntPhys’26) each performed their original choreography and represented CU �ֲ��ý at the American College Dance Association in Long Beach, California.

“Putting that kind of intimacy on stage felt like standing before an audience without armor, so the vulnerability and nerves were real,” said Ervin, the only creative arts major to receive the College of Arts and Sciences’ prestigious Jacob Van Ek Award this year. “But it wasn’t catharsis; it was integration. It was a sense that the expression had found a rightful place outside of me.”

As Ervin prepares for her own career advancing her choreography and craft, she holds true to a guiding philosophy: “To me,” she said, “dance is magic.”

Submit feedback to the editor

Photos by Amanda Tipton

At CU �ֲ��ý, dance takes many forms.

Off

Traditional

Summer 2026

White

CU �ֲ��ý’s Hellems Building Reopens after Renovation

Anna Tolette — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:03:10 +0000

CU �ֲ��ý’s Hellems Building Reopens after Renovation Anna Tolette Mon, 07/20/2026 - 13:03

On April 10, 2026, the Hellems Arts and Sciences building on main campus reopened after a full interior renovation that began in summer 2023. The building’s look includes a new floor plan, sleek modern systems, updated classroom and office spaces, and a new basement theater room. Students and faculty can also enjoy a new café, plenty of study spaces, improved accessibility and air conditioning.

Located in the building’s courtyard, the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre — home to many Colorado Shakespeare Festival productions — also boasts an upgrade.

While the renovation prioritized modern finishes and features, designers took care to preserve the 105-year-old building’s historic charm, reusing about 80% of the roof tiles and refinishing the original wood floors.

“Hellems is more than a building,” said Daryl Maeda, former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It’s a symbol of CU �ֲ��ý’s dedication to the liberal arts as the intellectual heart of the university.”

Submit your feedback to the editor

Photos by Glenn Asakawa and Patrick Campbell

The Hellems Arts and Sciences building on main campus reopened after nearly three years.

Off

Traditional

Summer 2026

White

Jaxon Statzell Designs Skateparks Around the World

Anna Tolette — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:31:48 +0000

Jaxon Statzell Designs Skateparks Around the World Anna Tolette Mon, 03/09/2026 - 15:31

Sara Muderick

Jaxon Statzell (Arch’09) has designed world-class skateparks across the globe, including for the Paris and Tokyo Olympic Games, as well as the X Games. His work blends architectural training, artistic and sculptural design and his own experience as a skater to create spaces that cultivate creativity and community. With nearly two decades of professional experience, Statzell is now bringing this work to his hometown — Evergreen, Colorado.

What was your relationship with skateboarding growing up?

Admittedly, I got into skateboarding in middle school for the image and was pretty much a poser in the clothes and shoes, but I quickly became obsessed with learning to skate. In high school, my basketball coach gave me an ultimatum: give up skateboarding or keep playing. I chose skateboarding. After that, I’d shovel and towel-dry the driveway just so I could skate in the winter. My dad would drive me and my friends all over the state to different skateparks. Once I got my driver’s license, I even drove to Arizona to explore more parks.

What kind of skateboarding community existed at CU when you were a student?

There was a great community of skateboarders at CU. Satellite Boardshop in �ֲ��ý, which is still there today, was a great hub to meet other skaters. I would skate all around campus, but doing tricks was off-limits.

Was skatepark design always an interest of yours?

I went through school focused on traditional architecture, but skatepark design was in the back of my mind. Skateboarding was always my passion, but I never imagined it could become my profession.

What does it mean to take things full circle and return to Evergreen?

It means so much, and it’s honestly so much fun. Earlier in my career, I would’ve been stressed and insecure about designing for my hometown. Now, I feel prepared and overwhelmed with gratitude. More than anything, I am trying to soak it all in and enjoy the process.

What are some of the most important lessons skateboarding has taught you?

Skateboarding requires so much failure before ever learning even the most basic tricks. A kickflip takes hundreds, if not thousands, of attempts before ever landing even one. It taught me a lot of perseverance and grit. I also love that it’s simultaneously an individual artistic expression and a social activity — winning doesn’t require anyone else to lose.

Submit feedback to the editor

Photo courtesy Jaxon Statzell

Statzell's work blends architectural training, artistic and sculptural design and his own experience as a skater.

Off

Traditional

Spring 2026

White

The Takács Quartet Enters a New Era

Anna Tolette — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:22:45 +0000

The Takács Quartet Enters a New Era Anna Tolette Mon, 03/09/2026 - 15:22

Sabine Kortals Stein

The Takács Quartet, from left: Edward Dusinberre, András Fejér, Harumi Rhodes and Richard O’Neill. Fejér will step down at the end of the 2025-26 season after a 51-year tenure.

The Takács Quartet, dubbed “the essential quartet of our time” by The New York Times, is fresh off its 50th anniversary season of international touring and critical acclaim. In December, the quartet announced the retirement of cellist András Fejér, the last remaining member of the original quartet, which was founded by four students — Gábor Takács-Nagy, Károly Schranz, Gábor Ormai and Fejér — at the Franz Liszt Academy, Budapest, in 1975.

Fejér will step down at the end of the 2025-26 season after a remarkable 51- year tenure. And the quartet’s newest member, Romanian-born cellist Mihai Marica, will join the quartet this fall. As part of the ensemble’s longstanding residency at CU �ֲ��ý (beginning in 1986), Marica also will join the College of Music faculty.

“We’re very grateful to András for the fulfilling and fun quartet work we’ve shared,” said Edward Dusinberre, first violinist. “We’re especially grateful for the sustained integrity of his musicianship, and for his friendship, support and humor. While cherishing András’ extraordinary legacy, we’re thrilled to welcome Mihai.

“From the very first notes we played together with Mihai, we felt an instant musical connection, and we eagerly look forward to the future.”

Fejér added, “It’s the right time — I’ve had a beautifully rewarding quality of life, working on inspiring music with wonderful colleagues who became great friends and performing all over the world for appreciative audiences. My heartfelt thanks to all our friends and supporters over the years — I’ll miss you like mad.”

The news comes among many recent accolades for the quartet, including Chamber Music America’s prestigious Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award in recognition of the Takács Quartet’s contributions to the chamber music field.

“The quartet not only elevates the reputation of our college and university as a whole through its world-class artistry, but especially through its members’ devoted mentorship of our students and their strong spirit of community engagement,” said John Davis, dean of the College of Music. “The Takács Quartet represents the very best of what we do, and we look forward to its continued impact and influence.”

Submit feedback to the editor

Photo by Amanda Tipton

Last year, the group announced the retirement of cellist András Fejér, the last remaining member of the original quartet.

Off

Traditional

Spring 2026

White

A Look at Robert Redford's Bat, Ball and Glove from the movie The Natural

Anna Tolette — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:21:50 +0000

A Look at Robert Redford's Bat, Ball and Glove from the movie The Natural Anna Tolette Mon, 03/09/2026 - 15:21

Throughout the 1984 film The Natural (1984), Robert Redford’s character, Roy Hobbs, wrestles with the consequences of his past. In a pivotal scene, Glenn Close’s character, Iris Gaines, tells him: “I believe we have two lives. The life we learn with and the life we live with after that.” It’s a line about redemption — and one that echoes Redford’s own early life path.

Redford (A&S ex’58, HonDoc Hum’87) attended CU �ֲ��ý from fall 1954 to spring 1956, joining Kappa Sigma and working as a janitor at The Sink. He left to study art in Europe before enrolling in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. He then launched a career that spanned nearly 80 film roles, beginning with War Hunt in 1962. By the time The Natural premiered, he was a household name.

Redford gave the bat, ball and glove from the film to Chancellor James Corbridge, who donated them to the CU Heritage Center in 1992.

Redford died in September 2025 at age 89, but his legacy in �ֲ��ý will continue — the Sundance Film Festival, which he founded, moves to the city in January 2027.

Bat, Ball and Glove Facts:

Glove was custom-made for Redford, who was left-handed.
All three items were used by Redford in the film.
Glove and bat feature 1930s styling.

Film Facts:

The Natural was nominated for four Academy Awards.
Film loosely based on a true story about Philadelphia Phillies player Eddie Waitkus
Robert Redford modeled his character after a player he greatly admired, Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox
Robert Redford was 47 years old when the movie premiered

Submit feedback to the editor

Photo courtesy Mona Lambrecht, CU Heritage Museum

Redford gave the items to Chancellor James Corbridge, who donated them to the CU Heritage Center in 1992.

Off

Traditional

Spring 2026

White

Celebrating 150 Years of CU People

Anna Tolette — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:16:07 +0000

Celebrating 150 Years of CU People Anna Tolette Mon, 03/09/2026 - 15:16

Julia MacLean

Over 150 years, CU �ֲ��ý has been shaped by the vision, courage and tenacity of many students, faculty, staff and alumni. These Buffs have spurred change for the university and left an imprint on the legacy that propels it forward.

Joseph Sewall

1877 — Became CU’s first president

A 19th-century American physician, scientist and educator, Joseph Sewall served as CU �ֲ��ý’s first president from 1877 to 1887. Before he arrived in Colorado, he trained in medicine and natural science and taught as a professor of chemistry at Illinois State Normal University. When CU opened on Sept. 5, 1877, there was only a single building — Old Main — which contained classrooms, a library, a chapel and the living quarters for the Sewall family.

Today, Sewall is remembered as the man “in at the birth” of CU, who directed its first steps and helped lay the foundation for what the university would become. In 1935, the university built Sewall Hall in his honor, which is the oldest continuously used residence hall on campus.

Mary Rippon in 1882.

Mary Rippon

1878 — Appointed CU’s first female professor

Mary Rippon’s distinguished career at CU �ֲ��ý spanned over 30 years. Besides making history as the first female professor at CU, she is also believed to be one of the first women in the United States to teach at a state university. Beloved by students, Rippon taught language and literature, eventually earning a position as head of the Department of Germanic Languages and Literature. She is honored today by the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU’s campus. Rippon also lived a fascinating hidden life — in 1888, she secretly married a CU student, Will Housel, and gave birth to their daughter, Miriam Housel. She concealed this truth for decades to retain her position and support her family.

Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Jones (Ger’1918)

1918 — Graduated from CU

Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Jones was an educator and the first known Black woman to graduate from CU �ֲ��ý. Born to parents who had been enslaved, she grew up in the Barnum subdivision of Denver, where her family became the area’s first Black property owners. Before attending CU, she broke barriers by becoming the first Black graduate to earn a two-year teaching degree from what is now the University of Northern Colorado. In 1918, she earned a bachelor’s degree in German from CU — however, due to racial prejudice, she was not allowed to walk across the stage at commencement or appear in the yearbook. Her diploma was handed to her off-stage, an act that led her to vow that she would never return to campus. Nearly 100 years after her graduation, CU formally recognized Buchanan’s achievement, and during the 2018 commencement ceremony, a diploma was symbolically accepted on her behalf by CMDI associate professor Polly McLean.

George Norlin

1919 — Appointed president of CU

George Norlin joined CU as a classics professor in 1899, became acting president in 1917 and began serving as permanent president in 1919, where he remained until 1939. Under his transformative leadership, CU underwent a dramatic period of expansion, despite the Great Depression: the student body more than tripled, several university buildings were constructed and architect Charles Klauder redesigned the campus in the Tuscan vernacular style. Norlin left a lasting moral and cultural legacy at the university. He is famous for resisting pressure from the legislature (influenced by the Ku Klux Klan), refusing to dismiss all Catholic and Jewish faculty. He also wrote The Norlin Charge, first read at the 1935 commencement ceremony, which remains a part of CU tradition today.

Byron White (Econ’38)

1935 — Earned the Buffaloes national attention

Byron “Whizzer” White is among the most celebrated student-athletes in the history of Colorado Buffaloes football. His senior year, he led the Buffaloes through a successful season, earning national attention and helping elevate the profile of the program. He was later inducted into the Buffaloes’ Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his elite play and impact on CU athletics. After his athletic career, White distinguished himself in public service, eventually serving as a justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Peggy Coppom (A&S ex’46) and Betty Hoover (A&S ex’46)

1940 — Began cheering on the Buffs

The “CU Twins” earned legendary status on campus through decades of unwavering devotion to CU athletics. The sisters first began cheering for the Buffs as �ֲ��ý High School students. They were loyal season ticket holders for CU football (beginning in the late 1950s) and basketball (late 1970s). Wearing matching goldenrod CU sweatshirts and waving pom-poms, Peggy and Betty became a fixture in the stands and remain one of the most iconic fan duos in school history. After Betty’s death in 2020, Peggy’s dedication to CU has remained as strong as ever. In recognition of her lifelong commitment, Peggy was honored with the 2025 Chancellor’s Impact Award.

David Bolen (Mktg; MBA’50)

1948 — Competed in the Olympic Games

After David Bolen served in the Army Air Force for two years during World War II, CU �ֲ��ý track and field coach Frank Potts recruited him to the university. He then earned All-America honors. At 25, Bolen became the first CU student to qualify for the 1948 U.S. Olympic Team, where he placed fourth in the 400m race at the London games. After graduating, Bolen began a distinguished diplomatic career, serving as U.S. Ambassador to Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland beginning in 1974, and to East Germany beginning in 1977. He also was the first Black ambassador to a nation behind the Iron Curtain.

Billy Kidd

1964 — Won an Olympic alpine skiing medal

In February 1964, at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, Billy Kidd became the first U.S. man to win an Olympic alpine skiing medal, a silver in the slalom. Over the next several years, he captured gold in the combined event at the 1970 World Championships in Val Gardena and became the first American man to win a world alpine title. He then went professional, claiming the pro world championship that same year. After graduating from CU, Kidd remained in Colorado and became the long-time director of skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort in 1970. Beyond instruction, he helped initiate ski-based outreach and inclusion efforts, supporting Special Olympics athletes, wounded veterans and Native American youth through ski camps and mentorship programs.

“Ralph”

1966 — Folsom Field debut

The first official Ralphie mascot, “Ralph” was the live buffalo that launched one of the most beloved traditions at the CU �ֲ��ý. In 1965, CU freshman Bill Lowery was determined to bring a live buffalo to Buffs football games instead of a costumed mascot. With the help of his rancher father, he successfully brought a buffalo calf from northeastern Colorado to �ֲ��ý. Ralph made her debut at Folsom Field on Oct. 1, 1966, charging onto the field with Lowery and a few of his fellow students flailing alongside her in cowboy boots.

Juan Espinosa (Jour’74)

1972 — Launched the newspaper El Diario de la Gente

As a CU �ֲ��ý student, Espinosa launched the bilingual newspaper El Diario de la Gente in 1972 as a member of the United Mexican American Students, a campus group aimed at bringing cultural awareness to �ֲ��ý’s Chicano community. The Vietnam War veteran later moved to Pueblo, Colorado, where he co-founded the alternative community newspaper La Cucaracha and worked for 22 years at The Pueblo Chieftain.

Tom Cech

1989 — Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry

A distinguished professor of chemistry at CU �ֲ��ý, Thomas Cech is a renowned biochemist whose work has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of molecular biology. After earning his doctorate degree in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1975 and completing postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he joined the faculty of CU �ֲ��ý in 1978. In 1982, he and his research group made a groundbreaking discovery that RNA molecules, specifically from the pond organism Tetrahymena thermophila, could splice themselves, acting as enzymes in cellular reactions without proteins. In recognition of this paradigm-shifting work, Cech was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1989. Cech continues to lead research and education at CU �ֲ��ý as the founding director of the BioFrontiers Institute.

Ceal Barry

2018 — Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

As head coach for over 22 seasons, Ceal Barry left an undeniable mark on CU �ֲ��ý’s women’s basketball. In her time as coach, she accumulated a record of 427-242, the most wins by any head coach in CU sports history. Under her leadership, the program flourished. She had 13 seasons with 20 or more wins, 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and three trips to the Elite Eight. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 in recognition of her impact and achievements. After stepping down as coach, Barry served for 15 years in CU Athletics administration, including a year as interim athletic director in 2013. The university unveiled Ceal Barry Plaza in her honor in January 2026.

Joe Neguse (Econ, PolSci’05; Law’09)

2018 — Elected to Congress

At CU �ֲ��ý Joe Neguse was involved in student government, served as co-student body president under the “tri-executive” system and worked on issues like diversity, affordability and higher-education finance. After graduating, he went on to serve on the CU Board of Regents, co-founded a nonprofit aimed at youth civic engagement and worked in Colorado politics. In 2018, Neguse was elected to represent Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Black Coloradan elected to Congress. During his time in office, he has focused on priorities like public-lands protection, affordable higher education, consumer protection and government accountability.

Wei Wu (MMus’13)

2019 — Awarded a Grammy Award

A bass singer from Beijing, Wei Wu has built a remarkable career in opera, earning international acclaim. Upon arriving in the U.S. in 2007, he auditioned for graduate work at CU �ֲ��ý’s College of Music, officially enrolling in 2008. During his time at CU, he honed and perfected the vocal technique, diction and stage presence that became instrumental to his professional success. Wu received his big break after performing the role of Kôbun Chino Otogawa in the world premiere of “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” at Santa Fe Opera. The recording won the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording.

David Ellsworth (Art’71; MFA’73)

2021 — Honored with the Smithsonian Visionary Award

David Ellsworth helped elevate wood turning from a utilitarian craft to fine art. While studying sculpture at CU �ֲ��ý, he developed his signature approach, “blind turning,” a method using a set of bent tools that enables woodturners to hollow out wood into elegant, thin-walled vessels. Ellsworth taught his strategies at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and Anderson Ranch Arts Center, going on to found his own Ellsworth School of Woodturning. In 2021, he was honored with the Smithsonian Visionary Award by the Smithsonian Institution in recognition of his “ground-breaking, innovative and transformative career in wood art.”

Sarah Gillis (AeroEngr’17)

2024 — Played the violin in space

Sarah Gillis made history on Sept. 13, 2024 when she became the first person to play the violin in space, performing “Rey’s Theme” from Star Wars: The Force Awakens aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft more than 870 miles above Earth. Her crewmates captured her performance, which took place in zero gravity conditions during the Polaris Dawn mission, and sent to Earth via Starlink. Gillis first developed an interest in space in high school and went on to study aerospace engineering at CU �ֲ��ý. After internships and work at SpaceX, she joined the Polaris Dawn crew as a mission specialist, where she became the youngest astronaut to participate in a spacewalk.

Submit feedback to the editor

Photo credits: In order of appearance: Courtesy Carnegie Library for Local History/Museum of �ֲ��ý Collection (Mary Rippon); CU Heritage Center (Joseph Sewall); CU Heritage Center (George Norlin); Glenn Asakawa (Peggy Coppom and Betty Hoover); Courtesy the Buchanan Archives (Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Jones); Courtesy Tom Cech; Glenn Asakawa (Tom Cech); Polaris Dawn crew (Sarah Gillis); Soloman Howard (Wei Wu); Courtesy Juan Espinosa; CU Heritage Center (David Bolen); CU Heritage Center (Byron White); CU Athletics (Ceal Barry); Courtesy Joe Neguse; Roshni Gorur/Courtesy of Anderson Ranch (David Ellsworth); Courtesy Billy Kidd; Coloradan archives (Ralphie)

CU �ֲ��ý has been shaped by the vision, courage and tenacity of many students, faculty, staff and alumni since 1876.

Off

Traditional

Spring 2026

White

Buffalo Statues of CU �ֲ��ý

Anna Tolette — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:09:03 +0000

Buffalo Statues of CU �ֲ��ý Anna Tolette Mon, 03/09/2026 - 15:09

Some stand framed by the Flatirons; others are tucked into campus corners. A few are carved from marble; many are cast in bronze.

Several have horns smoothed by thousands of hopeful hands, rubbed for luck, for courage, for something just ahead. Each one holds a piece of someone’s CU �ֲ��ý story.

Scattered across the CU �ֲ��ý campus, buffalo statues are abundant. They stand as enduring symbols of strength, resilience and a united spirit for all who pass by.

Do you have a favorite? Email your photos to editor@colorado.edu.

Submit feedback to the editor

Photos by Casey A. Cass, Glenn Asakawa and Patrick Campbell

Where do the buffalo roam on campus?

Off

Traditional

Spring 2026

White

Should You Be Funny at Work?

Anna Tolette — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:06:44 +0000

Should You Be Funny at Work? Anna Tolette Mon, 03/09/2026 - 15:06

Tony Kong, left, and Peter McGraw, right, study humor in the workplace.

Katy Hill

Tony Kong, left, and Peter McGraw, right, study humor in the workplace.

Humor has long been seen as a “soft skill,” useful for easing awkward Zoom moments or sharing a laugh with colleagues. But CU �ֲ��ý researchers Tony Kong and Peter McGraw argue it’s far more than that. Kong, a professor of organizational leadership and information analytics at the Leeds School of Business, views humor as a strategic leadership tool that can build trust, strengthen teams and elevate status — if used wisely. McGraw, a marketing and psychology professor and director of the Humor Research Lab, warns that most people overestimate their comedic skills, causing their jokes to backfire.

Can you each explain your views on workplace humor?

Kong: Humor has a lot of relational benefits. People bond easily when they laugh together, and it builds trust. Research shows it boosts creativity, helps people think more divergently and strengthens commitment. But a bad joke can hurt your credibility or status. It’s a double-edged sword, but the benefits outweigh the risks when used wisely.

McGraw: I agree, and I’d add that humor helps people cope with challenges and unpleasant situations at work. Where we differ is in advocacy: I’m more cautious. Most people aren’t naturally skilled at humor. In our research, we developed the benign violation theory: People laugh at things that are ‘wrong, yet OK’ — they’re threatening, but safe. Remove either element, and humor fails — it’s boring if the ‘wrong’ is missing and upsetting if the ‘OK’ is missing. Workplaces can be sensitive, so humor requires skill.

Kong: Context matters. To use humor effectively, you need to know your audience — what’s ‘wrong, yet OK’ varies across groups.

McGraw: Motivation matters, too. Benign violation theory says the ‘benign’ part is your intention, and the ‘violation’ is context-specific. Minor violations are tolerated if the motivation is understood; serious violations risk offense.

Kong: My favorite humor points out experiences we all notice but rarely articulate — like Ali Wong. Ali is fearless, brilliant, and incisive in talking about relatable and important topics such as careers, motherhood, cultures and relationships. Insightful humor resonates more than just showing off intellect. And humor is culturally specific — the ‘violation’ differs across groups. That’s part of why I became fascinated with it.

How did you each get into studying humor?

McGraw: I came from behavioral economics, studying emotions like regret and embarrassment. Humor wasn’t on my radar until I gave a talk and my audience laughed unexpectedly. Curious, I started researching what makes things funny, and that led to benign violation theory.

Kong: I focus on humor as a resource — how it builds relationships, improves leadership and enhances performance. So our research is complementary: Peter studies the nature of humor; I study humor consequences.

Can you give examples of humor that works at work — and when it’s best avoided?

McGraw: Humor works in close relationships, when joking about a common challenge or competitor, and when punching up instead of down — rather than the boss making the joke down to an employee, it’s nicer if the employee can make the joke up to the boss. And avoid joking about absent people; it becomes gossip.

Kong: Humor is also useful to relieve stress. Joking about tasks, deadlines or shared experiences works; joking about individuals without rapport may not.

McGraw: Emotional intelligence matters. Skilled people can leverage humor; less skilled people might focus on enjoying humor rather than performing it.

What should people know about humor in general?

Kong: Humor is social information — it signals something to others. How it lands depends on the context, the audience and who’s delivering it. That’s why perspective-taking is key: Put yourself in their shoes. Humor is risky, but when done for others’ benefit, it can be really powerful. And when a joke fails, the only recovery may be sincere apology.

McGraw: Or better yet, avoid telling bad jokes. Stop being unfunny, don’t stop being funny.

Learn more about CU �ֲ��ý-related humor research at humorresearchlab.com or cubuffs.org/tony_kong.

Submit feedback to the editor

Illustration by Celina Pereira, video by Taylor Keating

Two CU �ֲ��ý humor researchers weigh in.

Off

Traditional

Spring 2026

White

Art, Science and Polar Bears

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:32:16 +0000

Art, Science and Polar Bears Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:32

Lianna Nixon is an educator who blends science and art.

Julia MacLean

Lianna Nixon is an educator who blends science and art.

As a wildlife photographer and conservation storyteller, the Arctic is Lianna Nixon’s (Class’17; MEdu’21) second home. What began as a college expedition evolved into a career that blends art, science and education. From drifting on sea ice to counting polar bears, her adventures are as fascinating as they are meaningful.

Tell us about some of your Arctic adventures.

I first went to the Arctic in 2017 with Sea Legacy, a nonprofit organization run by two National Geographic photographers. Perhaps my most transformative Arctic photography and film experience was working on the MOSAiC Expedition (the Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) while at CU. I was able to create connections about the Arctic climate system we see today, the experiences of scientists and the prowess of intersectional storytelling through visceral art-science narratives. While out on the ice floe, we were also visited by quite a few polar bears!

What are some things you work on now in the Arctic?

Six to eight weeks out of the year, I guide on expeditions out of Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, photographing arctic wildlife. It’s not just about posting on Instagram — it’s being able to create conversations and share the beauty, vulnerability and importance of this region. My work is taken further into the scope of science and conservation outreach to be used in citizen science projects that observe wildlife behavior and other communication needs.

What do you want people to take from your storytelling work?

My work focuses on applying new-age media, which includes photography, film, immersive 360-degree film and storytelling. When we humanize and bring different perspectives to abstract, difficult or polarizing topics, which is essentially the premise of climate science.

What motivated you to return to school for an education degree?

I always wanted to be a scientist, but my brain is programmed for art. That’s why I chose education — it’s a fantastic mediary space to bring those two together.

What are you doing when you aren’t in the Arctic?

I mainly do graphic design. My job has had to be very flexible with guiding, because I also hold my own BEAR Expedition a couple of weeks a year in Alaska, which allows people to view brown bears. The flexibility of my job is also due to the work of my husband, Casey VanCampenhout (Class’17), who is an F-15 fighter pilot. We’re stationed here in Vancouver, Washington. I’m also director of Tsé Bii’, a nonprofit which works with the Diné of the Navajo Nation located in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to bring sustainable off-grid electrical and water resources to their homes.

Submit feedback to the editor

Photo courtesy Lianna Nixon

Lianna Nixon turned her college Arctic expeditions into a career as a wildlife photographer and conservation storyteller.

Off

Traditional

Fall 2025

White

Arts, Humanities & Culture

CU �ֲ���ý’s Hellems Building in 1921

Off

Dance Is Magic at CU �ֲ���ý

Off

CU �ֲ���ý’s Hellems Building Reopens after Renovation

Off

Jaxon Statzell Designs Skateparks Around the World

What was your relationship with skateboarding growing up?

What kind of skateboarding community existed at CU when you were a student?

Was skatepark design always an interest of yours?

What does it mean to take things full circle and return to Evergreen?

What are some of the most important lessons skateboarding has taught you?

Off

The Takács Quartet Enters a New Era

Off

A Look at Robert Redford's Bat, Ball and Glove from the movie The Natural

Bat, Ball and Glove Facts:

Film Facts:

Off

Celebrating 150 Years of CU People

Joseph Sewall

Mary Rippon

Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Jones (Ger’1918)

George Norlin

Byron White (Econ’38)

Peggy Coppom (A&S ex’46) and Betty Hoover (A&S ex’46)

David Bolen (Mktg; MBA’50)

Billy Kidd

“Ralph”

Juan Espinosa (Jour’74)

Tom Cech

Ceal Barry

Joe Neguse (Econ, PolSci’05; Law’09)

Wei Wu (MMus’13)

David Ellsworth (Art’71; MFA’73)

Sarah Gillis (AeroEngr’17)

Off

Buffalo Statues of CU �ֲ���ý

Off

Should You Be Funny at Work?

Can you each explain your views on workplace humor?

How did you each get into studying humor?

Can you give examples of humor that works at work — and when it’s best avoided?

What should people know about humor in general?

Off

Art, Science and Polar Bears

Tell us about some of your Arctic adventures.

What are some things you work on now in the Arctic?

What do you want people to take from your storytelling work?

What motivated you to return to school for an education degree?

What are you doing when you aren’t in the Arctic?

Off

CU �ֲ��ý’s Hellems Building in 1921

Dance Is Magic at CU �ֲ��ý

CU �ֲ��ý’s Hellems Building Reopens after Renovation

Buffalo Statues of CU �ֲ��ý