By AVA FRICKE
The Ramspondents
Colorado State University has always maintained space for discussions surrounding democracy and the role of democratic values in higher education. This idea was at the center of conversation during CSU’s annual symposium.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, President Amy Parsons and former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens held a discussion as the closing keynote address of the 2025 Symposium.
Parsons started the event by stating the mission of a Land Grant University is to “strengthen democracy, and conversations like this one are central to our priorities.”
Parsons then asked about Owen’s entrance into public service, and why he chose politics as his career. Owens said his reason was to “give back” to the people he served. He was drawn to run for office in Colorado because “I could do a better job than this guy.” Owens later expanded on the sentiment, stating that the people who chose to elect and reelect him kept his interest in serving his community alive.
The conversation focused around polarization in politics, specifically in Colorado politics, where Owens served as governor from 1999 to 2007.
Parsons delved into questions surrounding Colorado politics, asking if Owens thinks that another Republican governor will be elected again in Colorado and how he views the polarization in party politics of today.
Owens said “Yes, it's possible. I've seen states change. Iowa was Democratic for many years, then became Republican for quite a few years. Florida used to be a battleground state on election night with Democrats. Now it's pretty solid red. States change; we can go through what others have in Colorado.”
He continued by saying, “My party has sometimes not put forth the best candidates, and the Democratic Party often has had better candidates, and the Democratic Party has had a huge financial advantage. I'm not meaning to debate that, but it's factually true.”
The conversation changed to the federal level, focusing around the government shutdown and how partisan divides have pushed the government into this stalemate .
“Well, the current political system's not working very well right now, because the government's still closed. It's a shame that a democracy can't reach an agreement on this,” Owens said.
Parsons followed up by asking for advice for those in leadership right now, hoping that “...they'll be able to reach across the aisle and reach some compromise.”
Owens advocated for collaboration, saying, “We need a clean resolution to continue government. You should never close down government over a political issue. These are obligations.”
Parsons then asked for specific advice for those who are in student government or involved in collegiate club leadership.
“We want to continue to encourage them to run for office,” Parsons said. “How would you advise today's young people who are just dipping their toe in the water in politics and running for office?”
“It’s important,” Owens said. “And yet, make sure you have a life other than politics and policy.”
“I've seen too many people in the student government and then on into the state legislature where they just become consumed by this drive, and they're gonna end up someday losing an election and not knowing what to do with their life,” he added.
Parsons then asked about the mental health balance of representing people's opinions, referencing her tenure as president of CSU saying, “How have you... in that spotlight (absorbing) a lot of frustration from a lot of people about a lot of different issues, how do you … continue to take that on?”
Owens said, “I was elected the first time by the smallest margin in Colorado history. It was 6,000 votes the first time, and I just really understood that I can't just be governor of the people who agree with me. You really have to speak for everybody, and it's something you (Parsons) do every day with faculty, students. and supporters, and it's something that I really tried to do.”
Parsons then asked: “Are there times in your life where you've changed your mind about an issue and what can you tell us about that?”
Owens finds that flexibility is key, but politicians have to stand by their fundamental beliefs. “When I was governor, I changed my views on bills, on issues, not on fundamental policies. I've really stayed where I have been on lower taxes and less government. Those are things I really fundamentally believe in, but within that, I would tactically be pliable.”
Parsons set up the final discussion point of the night, saying, “I think that's a message that is so important for our students today that you can hold on to your voice and your perspective while still respectfully listening to others and being open to compromise. What is your advice to me as a university president, or university presidents in general, how we can do a better job of fostering this at, especially our big public universities, so that our students are getting those experiences and are ready to serve when they leave?”
Owens responded saying, “I think CSU is on the right track. I think diversity, equity and inclusion is good, and I think it should include political issues and policy differences, and my advice to universities in general is that higher education is becoming unaffordable, and yet higher ed is essential in a democracy, and the challenge between making sure that we have an education system, that we can, that is broadly democratic and available to everybody while being affordable is a huge challenge that you're addressing every day.”
Ava Fricke is a political journalist focusing on written media.
Lincoln Center to welcome visiting artist
By ROBERT SIDES
The Ramspondents
The Conch Girl, an art exhibit designed by artist Sidian Liu, is on display at the Lincoln Center until Dec. 14. And on Friday, Nov. 14, Liu will pay a visit to the Lincoln Center to talk about her exhibit.
The Conch Girl project started in 2021 when Liu moved to New York City from China. The project entailed asking strangers to cook a meal in their kitchens, doing so alone and with minimal contact. Afterwards, she recorded each tenant’s responses and took photos of their kitchens.
The exhibit captures the barriers newcomers face when attempting to connect with a new home. The art pieces, which feature photographs, interiors and self portraits, invite a connection to the exhibit and encourage conversation.
The exhibit first arrived in Fort Collins in 2024, with help from the Center for Fine Art Photography, which the exhibit features photos and recipes from.
Liu compiled recipes she cooked at the various kitchens into zines. The second issue, titled “The Conch Girl’s Cookbook, Issue Two, Fall 2025” will be available during the Lincoln Center’s normal open hours on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 14. A reception will go from 5:30-7:30 p.m., while Liu’s Artist Talk will take place during the second hour of reception, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Robert Sides is a second-year student at Colorado State University and a reporter for Rocky Mountain Student Media. He is also the treasurer of CSU’s student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.