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Every Buff has had that class — the one that blew their mind, changed their path or simply made school more fun. We asked: What CU class do you still think about today? !��

From exploring American culture through the lens of baseball to examining the complexities of the human condition, generations of Buffs chimed in with the classes that made a lasting impact. Somewhere between lecture halls, late-night study sessions and those “aha” moments, students gained new ideas and perspectives that helped shape who they are today.

Across the years and life experiences, Buffs still find themselves looking back on their CU Boulder classes.

Deviance in Society: A campus legend

Across the board, Forever Buffs fondly recalled Deviance in Society, taught by Dr. Patti Adler. The course explored how deviance is socially constructed, how individuals come to adopt a deviant identity and cope with associated stigma, and how deviant acts, lifestyles, relationships and careers are socially organized.��

Alumni described it as unforgettable and often the most talked-about class on campus. Sean Makulowich, a 2006 fine art graduate, shared that it was one of his most thought-provoking classes. And Christine Lazette, who graduated in 2000, said: “Such a fascinating class and done so well by Patti. Loved it!”��

Emily Rydin, a 2007 English major, remembered just how coveted the course was, adding: “This was such a great class and so hard to get into! I remember all my friends bragging when they finally got into it!”

America Through Baseball: History meets home plate

Another CU Boulder classic course, America Through Baseball, had alumni reminiscing about how it blended history, culture and America’s pastime in unexpected ways. One alum reflected on the class with Professor Tom Zeiler as a valuable and enjoyable break from their regular classes.

Stephen Reamy, from the class of 2006, joked that he tried every single semester to get into the class. Another alum backed him up by adding that their course attendance was perfect, proof that some courses were simply worth the wait.

General Chemistry I: A Nobel introduction to science

Some classes left their marks because of the extraordinary people who taught them.��

Debbie Payne Hurst, class of 1994, recalled General Chemistry I with Thomas Cech shortly after he won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. “I was in awe of the fact that my entry level chem class was being taught by a Nobel Prize winner,” she shared.

Ecology and Design: Learning in nature’s classroom

One particularly resonant Colorado class was Snow Hydrology, fondly remembered by Adam Dodge, an environmental studies major from the class of 1998, and Evan Tooley, a 2020 economics major.����

Another standout was Ecology and Design. Stephen Hofmeir, a 1996 graduate, recalled a self-guided field trip along Boulder Creek as his first assignment, calling it “a great way to learn about ecology in one of nature’s masterpieces.”

Biomechanics: When class changes your career��

Biomechanics also proved transformative. Jim Fuchs, a 2002 mechanical engineering graduate, credits the course with changing the direction of his career. “This course opened my eyes to the Med Tech field and fascinated me to think of the body as a machine,” he said.��

Michelle Klaren, a 2002 CU Boulder graduate who continued her education at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and is now an orthopedic specialist physical therapist, echoed that sentiment. She recalled how her Biomechanics class even paused for the Olympic torch relay in 2002. Not only was that historic moment memorable, but she still uses the lessons from the course daily to help patients understand how their bodies move.

Astronomy: A lifetime of looking up

Finally, some classes left alumni looking up at the world around them. Astronomy stood out as a lifelong companion for many Forever Buffs. RJ Griscom, who graduated in 1979, reflected that more than 50 years later: “No matter where I am in the world, seeing something familiar in the night sky reminds me where I am on the planet, and that I am home.”��

Whether you graduated decades ago or will graduate this spring, CU Boulder classes last a lifetime. Thanks to incredible instructors, fellow Buffs and unforgettable classroom experiences, these courses continue to shape how we think, work and see the world long after we leave CU Boulder.

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