CU President Mark Kennedy met with lawmakers and key federal agencies to advance a number of CU’s aerospace and defense priorities this spring. The focus of this trip was to promote CU as the preeminent “Space University” as it relates to Colorado’s efforts to retain the U.S. Space Force permanently. The goal was to highlight the recent national security initiatives undertaken by our campuses, including the effort by CU Boulder’s leadership to launch the National Security Initiative as well as President Kennedy’s new National Security Advisory Group that brings together leaders from all four campuses to ensure coordination and collaboration on Department of Defense (DoD) related efforts on a quarterly basis.  President Kennedy met with key stakeholders at DoD as well as members of Colorado’s congressional delegation on Capitol Hill. Meetings at the DoD included Dr. Mark Lewis, Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Modernization and Dr. Derek Tournear, Director of the Space Development Agency, and Brigadier General Rodney Lewis, Deputy Director for Operations, Operations Team One, National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center based at the Pentagon. 

CU President Mark Kennedy with Congressman Ed Perlmutter

Office of Government Relations

During the March 1-3 visit, President Kennedy also hosted a luncheon with students participating in the CU in DC program, which provides CU students with internship opportunities in the nation’s capital while taking classes at the university’s DC office location, along with CU Boulder’s Student Government (CUSG) leaders, who were in town for their annual advocacy visit to DC. President Kennedy answered students’ questions about his career, leadership, and experience as a university president. As a former Congressman, President Kennedy was able to provide valuable insight into how to make the most of the students’ DC experience.

CU President Mark Kennedy with CU in DC Students and CU Boulder’s Student Government (CUSG) leaders

Office of Government Relations