Center of the American West
Hoffman Scholars Program

The Hoffman Scholars program gives students the opportunity to take their learning beyond university walls by connecting academic thought and inquiry to "real world" dilemmas. Hoffman Scholars accompany Center of the American West faculty director Patty Limerick, and/or other key Center staff and researchers to forums and conferences that provide a close-up glimpse of current, often controversial Western issues. Past Hoffman trips have included visits to Wyoming's Powder River Basin to explore split-estate issues, participation in a film shoot in Nebraska, a Bureau of Land Management public affairs conference in New Mexico, the Aspen Summer Words writing festival, and the Aspen Institute's environmental forum. Students' travel expenses and registration fees are fully covered by the Hoffman Endowed Scholars fund.

The Hoffman Endowed Scholars fund at Center of the American West was established by Linda and Clancy Herbst in 2005 to engage motivated CU undergraduates in the enterprise of reducing conflict and finding solutions to the West's problems, and connecting academic thought and inquiry to "real world" dilemmas. The fund was named after University of Colorado President Elizabeth Hoffman, who adopted the phrase, "The University Without Walls," to capture her vision for CU.

Hoffman Scholars will prepare for their trips by becoming familiar with varying perspectives surrounding the issue or topic to be explored. Students may help to prepare and deliver conference presentations, and also may engage in conversations with other conference presenters and participants. Students will report on lessons learned as Hoffman Scholars by writing reflection papers, and should be prepared to give brief oral presentations to the Center's Board of Directors, Faculty Council, or groups of students.

For more information about upcoming Hoffman Scholars opportunities and application information please contact Roni Ires at 303-735-1399 or at academics@centerwest.org