From the visit from Alan Simpson to the reopening of Suplizio Field, to the addition of CMU-TV to the renovation of Houston Hall, this year has brought nothing but changes to the students of CMU. With everything that happened over the year on campus, it’s safe to say that this university can almost compete with the biggest schools in this state.

The school took a big step in gaining academic respect by wanting to increase the index score from 85 to 92. That shows that we are no longer just that small school everyone can expect to get into by just applying. It also indicates that education remains a priority at CMU. High academic performance is expected from all students. The strong push for Greek life here also shows that our school can compete with bigger schools on the Front Range. Since ASG approved a bill allowing sororities on campus, one group has already taken steps in becoming successful by participating in Relay For Life over the weekend.

The year in sports was one that gave CMU national recognition. It started in the fall when women’s soccer took a strong and crazy ride that reached the national tournament. They couldn’t be beaten in the final stretch of the season and a big run in the RMAC tourney gave them the nod to compete in the big dance. The Mavericks said good bye to football coach Joe Ramunno after 14 seasons. With a record of 80-77, Ramunno took the Mavs to the postseason three times, including a 40-21 victory over Northeaster Oklahoma State University for the program’s first D2 postseason win, before resigning after a 4-7 season. Kris Mort is also calling it a coaching career after 19 seasons as softball head coach. Mort has guided the Mavs to 542 wins and took the team to the national tournament seven times and won three RMAC championships.

The Cab and Andy Grammar each rocked the CMU campus, making them two of the bigger concerts we have seen here at the school. The names might not be as big as those who perfome at Colorado State or University of Colorado, but we are getting closer to attracting those big names. The turnout is still low, but more and more are starting to go to these concerts, and it would be worth the risk to bring in a bigger band.

CMU students should be proud of the school they attend. For a first year university, we have made an impact on education in the state. The name change has triggered other schools, such as Western State and Metro State, to also become universities. We are also becoming one of the fastest growing school in the state because students want to be a Maverick. The more days that pass, more and more more maroon and gold sweep the Valley.