On October 4, 2023, the CU Boulder School of Education will celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated and renamed Ofelia Miramontes and Leonard M. Baca Education Building. This momentous event, scheduled from 3:30 to 6 p.m., will commence with a ribbon-cutting ceremony accompanied by lively mariachi music, creating an atmosphere of joyful reverence for the building’s namesakes and key supporters. Among the honored guests are university leaders and community members who played pivotal roles in the building’s transformation. The event stands as a tribute to the late Miramontes and Baca, two influential educators whose legacies and dedication to education and inclusivity have left an indelible mark on the CU Boulder community.
Not merely a physical upgrade, the renovation embodies a grand vision for the future of the School of Education. Interim Dean Fernando Rosario-Ortiz emphasized that this project is as much about honoring the legacies of Miramontes and Baca as it is about paving the way for future educational advancements. The building will now feature state-of-the-art collaborative spaces and technologically enhanced classrooms designed to meet the evolving needs of modern education. Ofelia Miramontes was a trailblazer in bilingual and special education, while Leonard M. Baca is renowned for his contributions to multicultural education. The renaming of the building serves as a testament to their lasting impact on students, faculty, and the broader educational community.
A Celebratory Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The grand opening ceremony will kick off with a ribbon-cutting event accentuated by live mariachi music, aiming to honor the cultural heritage that both Miramontes and Baca so dearly cherished. This festive occasion represents not just a celebration of a newly renovated building but a heartfelt tribute to two educators who championed inclusivity and diversity in education. Their efforts have had a lasting influence on educational practices, not just at CU Boulder but also across the nation. This ribbon-cutting not only marks the completion of the building’s transformation but also highlights the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant educational environment.
Following the ribbon-cutting, a family-friendly open house will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m., designed to inspire creativity and joy. The open house will feature an array of engaging activities and interactive stations scattered throughout the building. These stations will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the School of Education’s pivotal research, student accomplishments, and community impact. This part of the event aims to be both educational and entertaining, showcasing the numerous ways in which the School of Education influences the broader community. With activities designed for all ages, the open house promises to be a lively and informative experience for everyone involved.
Honoring Educational Legacies
The renovation and renaming of the building began in 2019 with a focus on not only updating the physical structure but also enhancing its functionality to better serve modern educational needs. The project reached its culmination in 2023, with the CU Board of Regents approving the new name. Trish Shapiro, an alumna and donor, expressed her deep gratitude for the leadership of Dean Emerita Kathy Schultz, whose vision and relentless efforts were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Shapiro highlighted the importance of quality education and state-of-the-art facilities in attracting and retaining top-tier faculty and educators. Her personal commitment to the project underscores the broader community’s support for the School of Education’s mission.
Additionally, the renovation reflects a broader trend in education toward creating dynamic and adaptable learning environments. The newly updated spaces are designed to encourage collaboration and innovation, key elements essential for preparing future educators. As part of the broader educational reforms, this renovation serves as a crucial step in aligning the school’s infrastructure with its academic objectives. The state-of-the-art facilities will not only enhance the learning experience for current students but also act as a cornerstone for future educational initiatives.
A Vision for the Future
On October 4, 2023, the CU Boulder School of Education will host the grand opening of the newly renovated and renamed Ofelia Miramontes and Leonard M. Baca Education Building. This significant event, set from 3:30 to 6 p.m., kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony enlivened by mariachi music, celebrating the building’s namesakes and major contributors. Distinguished guests include university leaders and community members who were crucial in the building’s transformation. The event honors the late Miramontes and Baca, two influential educators whose legacies in education and inclusivity have profoundly impacted the CU Boulder community.
This renovation represents more than a physical update; it signifies a forward-thinking vision for the School of Education. Interim Dean Fernando Rosario-Ortiz emphasized that the project is equally about honoring Miramontes and Baca’s legacies and advancing future educational objectives. The updated building will feature cutting-edge collaborative spaces and advanced classrooms to meet today’s educational needs. Ofelia Miramontes was a pioneer in bilingual and special education, while Leonard M. Baca is celebrated for his contributions to multicultural education. Renaming the building affirms their enduring influence on students, faculty, and the educational community at large.
