CSU’s sponsored project expenditures – a standard barometer of university research activity – exceeded $613 million in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. That is only a 1% decrease from the record-setting level the year prior and reflects a robust scientific enterprise that continues to place the university among the top research institutions in the country. CSU’s sponsored project expenditures have climbed steadily over the past decade, starting at $332 million in fiscal year 2016 – an 85% increase.
In honor of the state’s 150th birthday, here are 150 ways Colorado State has bolstered the economy, set students up for success, fed the world, and so much more.
CSU officially joins the Pac-12 Conference, marking a new chapter in intercollegiate athletics and offering a new level of visibility for the university and its upwardly mobile athletics, academic and research activities.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Colorado State University College of Liberal Arts and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the first class of D.V.M. students graduated in May with a certificate in Spanish for Veterinary Professionals.
With the boom of a canon and flight of mortarboards into the blue midday sky, thousands of Colorado State University students graduated Saturday at Canvas Stadium on the Fort Collins campus.
With the approach of commencement this weekend, CSU President Amy Parsons reflects on her own daughter’s graduation and the connection of more than 6,000 graduates to the enduring power of the university. This campus is a connection point that brings people together and imparts a shared identity; it is a place that will always be theirs.
In this package, meet the Outstanding Graduates, find University-wide Commencement details, the back story about 2026 commencement speaker and Olympian Hunter Powell and insights from speakers dating back to the first graduation held on campus.
Colorado State University will celebrate the achievements of more than 6,000 graduates during its Spring 2026 Commencement, set May 15-16. The university will welcome about 40,000 family members, friends and supporters to Fort Collins for commencement events throughout the weekend.
Each year, Colorado State University celebrates the teaching, research and service achievements of CSU students, alumni and friends, academic faculty, administrative professionals and classified staff as part of the Celebrate! Colorado State Awards.
The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President held a luncheon on April 22 to recognize its recipients for distinguished teaching and scholarship, faculty excellence, service, advising and leadership-related awards on behalf of the academic enterprise.
