Colorado Mountain College’s Post

Student Spotlight! ✨ Miranda Murphy's return to college after 20 years is a story of resilience and ambition. Balancing life as a student with a full-time job, she navigates her academic journey at Colorado Mountain College from her home in Rifle, taking both online and on-campus classes. Miranda is on track to earn her bachelor's degree in Sustainability Studies in May 2025. Thanks to CMC's Finish What You Started program Miranda found the financial support she needed to go back to school. For Miranda, the comprehensive support from CMC isn't just about financial aid; it's about a community that empowers her to reimagine her future, proving it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸 All CMC campuses are closed in honor of today's holiday. We hope you enjoy a fun and safe day off.

Earlier this month, a full house of friends, families, alumni, and community leaders attended "El Tesoro de la Educación," which translates to “The Treasure of Education,” CMC’s first Spanish-only event. Three Latino residents of Garfield County shared powerful stories of perseverance at CMC’s Glenwood Springs Campus. Their shared treasure is the transformative power of education. “I want the community to know that they’re not alone, and that there’s resources,” said Iliana Rentería. “Although my path may not have been the same as those of other people, the education I received was the base to opening new doors and new worlds for me.” Read the full story Glenwood Springs Post Independent: https://bit.ly/3XC5VQo

Over 100 students, families and guests gathered in May at Colorado Mountain College’s TRIO Upward Bound annual banquet in Glenwood Springs to celebrate students’ accomplishments. TRIO Upward Bound provides support for first-generation and income-eligible high school students preparing them for college through weekly check-ins, monthly programming and a 6-week summer academy. For 15 years, CMC’s TRIO Upward Bound program has supported hundreds of students from Leadville to Parachute. Read the full story online by Glenwood Springs Post Independent: https://bit.ly/3VFZfhD

Colorado Mountain College culinary arts students gained hands on experience while providing support at the 2024 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen earlier this month! 🍷🍽️ Students help prepare the recipes created by the ‘best new chefs’ behind the scenes.

Celebrate community and civic engagement on Wednesday, June 26th from 3-6 p.m. at Lawn Bash 2024 presented by Aspen Public Radio at the Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen! At 5 p.m., participate in a panel discussion on strengthening democracy moderated by NPR's 1A host Jenn White. Panelists include CMC President and CEO Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, Rocky Mountain PBS Director Jeremy Moore, and Aspen’s Mayor Torre. Come be part of the conversation on civic engagement and fighting misinformation. Details: https://bit.ly/45FUTeS 

CMC Alumni Achievement! 🎓 Last summer, Jenelle Stefanic, a Colorado Mountain College alumna and Water Treatment Supervisor at the US Bureau of Reclamation in Leadville, was honored with the Department of the Interior’s Meritorious Service Award. This award recognizes her exceptional contributions to improving water quality in the Arkansas River basin. A 1997 graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Technology, Jenelle attributes her success to the hands-on learning, supportive community, and solid foundation she gained at Colorado Mountain College. (BOR Photo/Marc Sanchez)

Here's to an incredible team! Last month, we celebrated our amazing faculty and staff at the annual CMC Days. 👏 Thank you all for your hard work and dedication in serving our students and community!

Congrats, Chef! 👏 Earlier this week, CMC alum and Breckenridge restaurateur Matt Vawter was named Best Chef: Mountain at the 2024 James Beard Award ceremony! The James Beard Award is recognized as one of the highest culinary honors and is often called the Oscars of the Food World. Matt Vawter rose quickly through the ranks after graduating from CMC with a degree in culinary arts, and now is the proprietor of Rootstalk and Radicato in Breckenridge, CO. https://bit.ly/4bawGP6