In case you missed it, campus-wide messaging recently went out with helpful details to support your Winter Break planning. Catch up anytime by reviewing the student message or the employee message.

Johanna Diaz, Chef Manager at Robson Arena, joined Bon Appétit at Colorado College in summer 2025. She has always seen cooking as the perfect blend of art and craft, a way to express herself through flavor and presentation while continually learning. 

One of her most cherished holiday memories is making tamales with her family in her grandmother’s bustling, Christmas music-filled kitchen, the smell of simmering chile rojo and shared laughter filling the house as too many people fit in to one small space. Johanna brings that same creativity, warmth, and sense of community to her work at CC. 

Edward Salazar, Executive Chef at Rastall and Benji’s, has been with Bon Appétit at Colorado College since 2023. While seeking a business degree in college, Edward often saw culinary students in their crisp uniforms—a sight that sparked a curiosity he could not ignore. After enrolling in introductory cooking classes, his interest quickly grew into a passion. He dove into books about chefs, explored fine dining, and found inspiration in Michelin-star restaurants. He went on to earn degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry. Edward now brings that same curiosity and dedication to his work at CC. 

Caroline Cullinane ’27, winner of the 2025 Tiger Lookalike Contest. Photo by Jamie Cotten

Mark your calendars for Friday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m. in Cornerstone Main Space for one of the most spirited events of the year—the Tiger Lookalike Contest! Students are invited to bring their boldest, most creative “tiger” look to the spotlight, and strut the catwalk to a song of their choice for a panel of celebrity judges. Amazing prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

Even if you’re not competing, come enjoy themed treats, games, and a fun night with friends. Stay tuned for more information coming in Block 5.

Steve Getty, Director of the Quantitative Reasoning Center at CC, has been involved in teaching and research at CC for the past 25 years. He has a PhD from Brown University. For over a decade, his research has investigated the experiences of STEM students from middle school to college and ways to support their motivation and academic success.

If you'd like to view all of the Block Talks, you can find them on the Presidential Inauguration website.

Photo provided by the FAC.

Colorado College’s Darkroom Club presents the opening of their fall semester show, CAVITY, tonight, Friday, December 12, 5-7 p.m. Students in the club shot, printed, submitted, and collectively chose photographs with the prompt of CAVITY. Interpretations of the theme include absence, longing, holes, darkness, teeth, and more. Join us in the Bemis Gallery at the FAC to celebrate the opening of the show. Refreshments and snacks will be provided at the opening event. 

Photo provided by the FAC.

Join Bemis School of Art on the second Saturday of every month for a welcoming, hands-on workshop designed to spark creativity and connect community. The Craft Lab series offers a rotating lineup of engaging, beginner-friendly classes where you’ll learn a new craft in just a couple hours—no prior experience needed. Attend one or attend them all! There’s no limit to the amount of craft-making fun you can have. 

 First up: Needle Felting Your New Year’s Motto on Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Craft a small felted banner or pocket talisman that carries your 2026 intention. Learn needle-felting basics—tool safety, shaping, color blending—and simple lettering techniques to translate a word or short phrase into wool. 

Photo provided by the FAC.

Step into the spotlight and join the FAC for Musical Theatre Karaoke on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.—right on the mainstage and on the set of Mary Poppins! Sing your favorite show tunes, belt out Broadway classics, and live your theatre dreams under the lights. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just love to sing along, this is your chance to shine center stage. 

 The evening will be hosted by Bert and Mr. Banks (John Wolfe and Josh Franklin, owners of ICONS) and will kick off at 8 p.m. following the performance of Mary Poppins. Then head to ICONS for the afterparty! Tickets are $15.

Video by Galy Berthon ’26

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903