Several legislators were able to attend University of Colorado football games during the fall 2021 season.

Senators Chris Hansen (D-Denver) and Rob Woodward (R-Loveland) and Representative Tim Geitner (R-Falcon) were honored as CU Champions by Regents for their efforts at the state legislature to support higher education during the CU vs A&M football game on September 11.

Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver) is a champion for higher education and the University of Colorado, especially through his support of our state funding. Most recently he has led support for funding for the Colorado Student Leaders Institute, a program for aspiring students that is housed at CU Denver.

Senator Rob Woodward (R-Loveland) was a key vote in moving forward the appropriation for cybersecurity funding. We are grateful for his support of workforce development efforts, which is an important part of CU’s role in the state.

Representative Tim Geitner (R-Falcon) played a pivotal role in supporting CU’s cybersecurity program and supported our efforts to bring U.S. Space Command permanently to Colorado.

Senator Tammy Story (D-Conifer) and Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City) and Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton) were honored as 2021 Legislators of the Year at the CU vs Minnesota football game on September 18 by President Todd Saliman, Regent Chair Jack Kroll, Vice Chair Sue Sharkey, Regents Lesley Smith, Glen Gallegos, Ilana Spiegel, Callie Rennison, Nolbert Chavez and Chancellor Phil DiStefano. The legislators’ work during the 2021 State Legislative Session will have a major impact on the University of Colorado and the vitality of our state.

Senator Tammy Story (D-Conifer) received the Higher Education Access Champion award for her commitment to increasing student access to higher education through her sponsorship of HB21-1067 College Admission Use of National Test Score.

Representative Dafna Michaelson-Jenet (D-Commerce City) received the Mental Health Champion award, for her commitment to increasing access to mental health care and for sponsoring HB21-1305 Mental Health Practice Act.

Representative Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton) received CU’s Health Care Champion award for her unwavering support of health care access for all Coloradans.

While unable to join their fellow award recipients at the game, four other legislators received a 2021 Legislator of the Year Award.

Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) and Representatives Tony Exum Sr. (D-Colorado Springs) and Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) received the Higher Education Access Champion awards, for their commitment to increasing student access to higher education through their sponsorship of HB21-1067 College Admission Use of National Test Score.

Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-Brighton) received the Freshman Champion award for her strong support of the University of Colorado and improving access to higher education.

Regent Chair Jack Kroll, Regent Vice Chair Sue Sharkey, Regent Lesley Smith, Regent Ilana Spiegel, Regent Callie Rennison, Regent Nolbert Chavez, President Todd Saliman, Chancellor Phil DiStefano, Senator Tammy Story, Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet

Office of Government Relations

Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Chip, Representative Yadira Caraveo, Senator Tammy Story

Office of Government Relations

Regent Glen Gallegos, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, CU’s Jerry Johnson, Senator Tammy Story, Regent Lesley Smith

Office of Government Relations