Representatives from the College of Arts & Media (CAM) went on the road last week to host an Alumni Gathering in New York City. The day began with an art history presentation by Dr. Maria Elena Buszek, professor and program director of Art History, followed by a group visit to the Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA) and a social gathering at The Half Pint. Throughout the day, 20 alumni spanning different graduation years and disciplines participated.  

“It was thrilling to see alumni reconnecting with one another, and even more exciting to see new connections being made across departments and with alumni who were meeting for the first time,” Dean Lucinda Biss said. “It felt like a celebration of the unique education, community, and vibe that is CAM.” 

Buszek had a special connection to the event programming, as her first job after earning her doctorate was at MoMA. She said it was moving to share the institution with colleagues and former students 20 years later.  

She and Storm Gloor, associate professor and program director of Music Business, both had former students present and were able to see them connect across vocations over the art they were taking in.  

“[They shared] their unique and informed perspectives on music, art history, and performance design rooted in what they’ve learned in our classes,” Buszek said.  

Bliss said it’s this type of interaction that these events are all about.  

“Finding ways to bring the extended CAM community together generates so much possibility: for human connection, for professional collaboration, and to spread the word about the cool things that are happening in CAM,” Bliss said.  

The college plans to host more gatherings in the future, identifying key hubs outside of Colorado.  

“I find that it's only when many of our alums go out into the world that they really understand the tools that we've given them to succeed there, and how unique they are for succeeding in careers in the arts (and beyond),” Buszek said. “While many of our students stay in touch with their faculty and advisers to share these discoveries when they arise, I think that a different and wonderful kind of connection happens when they can also share these experiences with one another in the overlapping careers and places that they now find themselves.”