Skip Lee: Long Strange Trip

I first arrived at the Leadville Campus in early May 1989. I have to admit, as I came up the hill and around the corner to the campus I thought “this looks like a summer camp instead of a college.” I immediately started wondering “what have I gotten myself into?” I hadn’t even gotten out of my car yet! As I was getting ready for my on-campus interview and heading inside Storm King, I certainly had my doubts this was something that looked very promising. All the buildings at that time were the original temporary facilities, except for the Student Center (now the Coronado Café) and Crown Point.

I spent 3 days in Leadville and quickly found out the staff and faculty (the students had just finished the semester) were dedicated and wonderful people. They really made the “Timberline Campus” quite a unique and interesting place. I knew by the time I left that I really wanted to work for CMC because of the people I had met and the challenges I knew the position would bring me. Well, the buildings grew on me, and I have worked with some great people along the way. Administration and staff like Deborah Lind, Jean Perry, Rick Christmas, Mary Cook-Duarte, Joe Forrester and John Marrin. Faculty members such as Gary Cummings, Jim Campbell, Evelyn Boggs, Jim French, Mary Ebuna, Bob Hartzell, Neil Reynolds and Joe Nachtrieb, to name but a few.

During my tenure I’ve seen the buildings Storm King, Little Pittsburg, Matchless, Crystallite, the original Rattling Jack, Camp Bird, Snowbird, Evening Star, Moring Star, and the original learning lab all be razed. I’ve seen the campus take on its current look and was present for the groundbreaking of Mountain View Residence Hall, New Discovery, Climax Molybdenum Leadership Center, Pinnacle Resource Center and the major renovation of the Coronado Café. I’ve witnessed over a thousand students cross the stage to receive their diplomas and enjoy great success in their careers and personal lives.

From my fist look at CMC to looking out my office window today at this beautiful campus — great campus, great experiences and great people (across the CMC District too). And… What a long strange trip it’s been!