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KeyBank Gift Empowers Diverse Leeds Scholars

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:02:24 +0000

KeyBank Gift Empowers Diverse Leeds Scholars Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 12/10/2025 - 16:02

Jane Majkiewicz

KeyBank, a longtime Leeds supporter, closed 2025 on a high note with a gift of scholarships offered through Leeds’ Opening Doors to Achievement Office (ODA).

KeyBank visited Leeds to present its gift. From the left, Ruby Batalla; students David Evans, Michael Kakkar and Grace Trujillo; KeyBank team members Brianna Hein, Chris Picardi, Robin Van Lant, Christopher Dukes, Steven Cartwright, Walter Stanley and Al Lopez; and Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatri.

KeyBank's latest donation to Leeds builds on decades of support through grants, mentoring and volunteering, including hosting the Business Leadership Program. The new scholarships aim to reduce debt for juniors and seniors in the Diverse Scholars Program, easing financial burdens that can derail graduation.

As a corporate partner, KeyBank helps the program support 300 underrepresented students each year with tutoring, mentorship and corporate site visits.

A legacy of support

Since 2002, KeyBank has contributed nearly $900,000 to CU ��, reinforcing its commitment to higher education and workforce development.

A college education equips students with the knowledge and confidence to secure sustainable and well-paying career opportunities, which benefits our entire community.

—Chris Picardi, KeyBank Colorado market president

“KeyBank is honored to support Leeds’ Opening Doors to Achievement Office in empowering business students with the financial means and structure needed to mitigate barriers to graduation,” said Chris Picardi, KeyBank Colorado market president. “A college education equips students with the knowledge and confidence to secure sustainable and well-paying career opportunities, which benefits our entire community.”

Ruby Battala, director of the ODA, added: “We are deeply grateful for KeyBank’s continued support and longstanding commitment to the success of our students.” She noted that KeyBank’s generosity has strengthened onboarding programs, the Business Leadership Program, and the Summer Bridge Program for EXCEL Scholars.

“With this new gift, KeyBank is helping students finish their degrees. By reducing financial burdens, Leeds students can focus on their education and maximize their opportunities,” she said.

Scholarships that change lives

Student testimonials highlight the transformative impact of these scholarships.

"The work that KeyBank does with the Leeds School of Business does really matter,” said Michael Kakkar (Mgmt, BusAn’26), an EXCEL Scholar.

The impact is clear in the experiences of students like Tyler Chacon (Fin’26). “The KeyBank scholarship has enabled me to comfortably afford my tuition bills and living expenses while in ��, which has taken a great deal of stress off my plate,” said Chacon. “Additionally, I was able to leverage this award in an interview, which helped me secure an internship position with Key Investment Services.”

Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business, accepted the gift and summed up the broader impact. “When students are able to focus on classes, they’re able to graduate on time,” said Khatri. “By focusing on learning, they are empowered to go out and change the world.”

KeyBank closed 2025 on a high note with a gift of scholarships offered through Leeds’ Opening Doors to Achievement Office (ODA).

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Shaping Thinkers, Not Just Technicians: Leeds' Approach to AI-Era Learning

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:39:13 +0000

Shaping Thinkers, Not Just Technicians: Leeds' Approach to AI-Era Learning Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:39

Jane Majkiewicz

At the Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum on Dec. 8, Jeremiah Contreras and Matthew Brady presented “Talent in Transition: Building an AI-Ready Workforce.”

Understanding the AI shift

Artificial intelligence has moved from the margins to the mainstream of business. It’s no longer a future concept—it’s a present reality that is reshaping roles, redefining skills and challenging how organizations build their workforce.

Kala and Shiv Khatri Endowed Faculty Scholar and Associate Teaching Professor Contreras and Assistant Teaching Professor Brady walked attendees through AI’s evolution— from early machine learning to agentic AI and the possibility of artificial super intelligence, a theoretical future where AI could surpass human intelligence across many domains.

So how is Leeds preparing students for this rapidly changing landscape? In a realm filled with uncertainty, evolving regulations and unpredictable effects, they outlined both challenges and opportunities.

“The reality right now is that our students who are graduating are facing higher unemployment,” said Contreras, noting that entry-level jobs are seeing the largest impact. “Entry-level roles are being compressed as routine tasks are automated, and the skillset required to enter the workforce is rising,” he said. To illustrate, he shared some of this year’s layoff headlines from companies like Workday, Salesforce, Microsoft and Amazon.

Preparing students for a new workforce

While organizations will still have a C-suite and layers of management, entry-level roles will increasingly disappear. “We need to prepare students with the judgment and oversight skills now expected at the start of their careers, skills traditionally seen in manager-level positions,” said Contreras. “Employers are really looking to hire proof, not potential.”

Employers want algorithmic thinking and evidence that students can solve problems. Coding isn’t essential, but critical thinking that incorporates logic and reasoning is. “Employers expect competence, judgment and adaptability,” he said.

This shift is changing higher education. Many students already use AI with little guidance or oversight, which Contreras sees as the biggest risk. For learning to be impactful, AI cannot simply act as an answer machine.

“Employers are really looking to hire proof, not potential.”

Jeremiah Contreras, associate teaching professor

When used well, AI can strengthen learning and push critical thinking, Brady believes. He uses AI as a teaching assistant for one of his courses, available 24/7 for students. His homegrown tool includes what the industry calls “guardrails,” redirecting students to course materials and lecture slides rather than doing the work for them.

“The same way that a human teaching assistant is artful and graceful in allowing for productive struggle,” AI can be trained to facilitate learning in the same way,” he said. An added benefit: the tool can help shy students who don’t necessarily advocate for themselves in class.

Redefining business education in an AI era

The Leeds AI Initiative, launched in March 2024 by Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatri, positions Leeds as a leader in responsible AI education. It addresses AI use in operations, research, and teaching and learning.

Leeds has integrated AI across all of its core business courses and is exploring AI integration across all undergraduate and graduate courses. “Every class should at least consider the implications of AI,” Contreras said. New courses are also in development, including Brady’s AI & Automation for Tomorrow’s Societies, an inaugural cohort program with Nagoya University in Japan launching this spring.

The biggest risk to students is allowing AI to think for them, Contreras warned. Leeds is setting an example in how to use AI intentionally, strategically and responsibly through a three-pronged approach:

strengthening learning and critical thinking
teaching AI as a workplace skill
knowing where and when to implement tech-free zones

Educators must rethink how they assign and assess work, starting with K-12. “We must get this right,” said Contreras.

Business leaders will shape not just how AI is adopted, but how it impacts people and organizations. Their decisions will influence whether AI becomes a tool for progress or a source of disruption. For educators, the priority remains clear: keep teaching human skills—emphasizing what AI cannot replace. Contreras’ advice for all of us as we navigate this new era is to stay informed and engaged, monitor emerging AI policies, mentor students and keep doing what we do best: being human.

Curious about AI at Leeds? Learn about the Leeds AI Advisory Committee and the AI Club >>

At the Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum on Dec. 8, attendees explored what the future AI-driven workplace will demand.

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After New SEC Rule, Companies Are Strengthening Accounting—Not Executive Pay

Kelsey Cipolla — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:56:53 +0000

After New SEC Rule, Companies Are Strengthening Accounting—Not Executive Pay Kelsey Cipolla Wed, 12/10/2025 - 09:56

Publicly traded firms are hiring more accountants and improving financial reporting in response to a “clawback” rule that recovers CEO bonuses if earnings turn out to be misstated, new research shows.

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Colorado’s Economic Forecast for 2026: Steady Growth Despite Headwinds

Kelsey Cipolla — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:47:52 +0000

Colorado’s Economic Forecast for 2026: Steady Growth Despite Headwinds Kelsey Cipolla Mon, 12/08/2025 - 08:47

Amid a shifting economic landscape and slowing population gains, Colorado’s economy will continue to grow steadily in 2026, according to a forecast released by Leeds' Business Research Division.

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Affordable Housing Demystified: Insights from Rodger Hara

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:03:40 +0000

Affordable Housing Demystified: Insights from Rodger Hara Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 11/21/2025 - 11:03

Jane Majkiewicz

Rodger Hara, an authority on affordable housing, came to Leeds as part of the Etkin Symposium speaker series to explain the inner workings of the affordable housing market, reveal how projects get funded, and look toward the future.

Picture an upside-down, multitiered wedding cake. That’s the image Rodger Hara used to illustrate the “capital stack” behind financing affordable housing projects. Each layer represents a different stakeholder—from lenders and investors to property managers and everyone in between (each with their own lawyers, which adds to the complexity). The challenge? “The cake isn’t done until the smallest layer is baked."

And there’s another caveat: “Things are changing very rapidly”—a reality Hara has witnessed repeatedly, especially in the past year.

How affordable housing works

Hara is the consummate authority on affordable housing, consulting in the field since 2008. Julie Gibson, the executive director of the Klump Center for Real Estate at Leeds, introduced him at the latest Etkin Symposium with this endorsement: “In Colorado, Rodger IS affordable housing.”

With decades of experience at local, state and federal levels, Hara delivered a presentation that walked symposium attendees through the evolution of affordable housing—from the milestone 1934 National Housing Act to the HUD Act of 1965 and beyond. Notably, one of the country’s first affordable housing projects happened in Colorado: Lincoln Park in Denver. Today, the story continues to unfold, influenced by modern legislation such as H.R. 1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

The hourlong session was a crash course on the challenges, obstacles and opportunities shaping the affordable housing market. Both undergraduate and graduate real estate students attended—some with aspirations to serve communities in need.

Hara introduced key concepts such as the “missing middle”—those earning too much for low-income housing but not enough for median-priced homes—and “redlining,” the discriminatory practice of denying credit based on where people lived, symbolized by development maps with red lines drawn around certain neighborhoods. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 aimed to end such practices.

Financing and a look ahead

Hara shared a data-packed presentation highlighting details such as income levels, market dynamics, tax credit funding, and the growing demand for affordable housing. A diagram illustrated the financing flow: state agencies like the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) receive federal funds and allocate tax credits to developers, who sell them to investors. Investors buy the credits for various reasons, including economic yield, tax shelter and social impact.

He closed with both caution and optimism. While the ripple effects of H.R. 1 remain uncertain, he believes that cuts to HUD voucher funding, immigration-related labor shortages, tariffs and other changes could pose serious threats to the industry.

"You're going to have to figure out how to get things done after those of us who started this are gone. It’s a challenge that can be met, but it won’t be easy."

Rodger Hara, affordable housing consultant

Yet, while the funds for affordable housing are decreasing just as the need is increasing, Hara said creative solutions persist. As one example, he cited Veterans Village in Denver, funded by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation without relying on tax credits.

Other strategies include modular construction, adaptive reuse of former offices, schools or churches, preservation projects, higher-density development and leveraging public land.

In addition to the challenges, affordable housing projects can take a long time, Hara explained. "You're going to have to figure out how to get things done," he said, "after those of us who started this are gone. It’s a challenge that can be met, but it won’t be easy."

Finally, Hara reminded students of their own influence. His advice: keep learning, think creatively—and most importantly, be sure to vote.

Rodger Hara, an authority on affordable housing, came to Leeds to explain the inner workings of the market, reveal how projects get funded, and look toward the future.

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The Way You Say ‘Thanks’ Matters at Work

Kelsey Cipolla — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:38:58 +0000

The Way You Say ‘Thanks’ Matters at Work Kelsey Cipolla Fri, 11/21/2025 - 08:38

Not all thank-yous land the same. Leeds research shows the right kind of appreciation can boost morale and encourage open communication.

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Advice in the Age of AI at NextGen Finance Symposium

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:53:12 +0000

Advice in the Age of AI at NextGen Finance Symposium Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 11/17/2025 - 15:53

Grace Garfoot

On Nov. 12, the Burridge Center for Finance hosted NextGen Finance: Tech Innovation in Financial Services, bringing together industry leaders to share insights on launching startups in the era of artificial intelligence.

The future of finance is being rewritten by technology—and students got a front-row seat to the conversation at NextGen Finance: Tech Innovation in Financial Services, a panel discussion about what it takes to build startups in an AI-driven world. The event also offered accounting and finance students a valuable opportunity to network and explore emerging trends shaping the future of financial services.

AI and entrepreneurial advice

Patrick Harrington, head of AI and machine learning at MetaRouter, kicked off the symposium by underscoring that almost 92 million jobs will be replaced by AI—which is 8% of jobs globally. Leeds is preparing students to consider AI’s impact on the workforce and their potential professions. The symposium gave students a unique chance to learn directly from entrepreneurs who have successfully launched startups in an AI-driven era—and to build connections that could shape their own careers.

"This is a profound point in our journey as a society, and it’s a point of leverage that no other human being has had today,” Harrington said. “Five years out with this knowledge base that can support and augment your thought processes, your critical thinking skills are going to become even more important.”

Panelists discussed careers in the age of AI, sharing tips for success and essential skills required to meet evolving demands. They displayed live demos of their platforms, giving the audience a clear picture of how their startups work and the technology’s real-world applications. Through the stories of their own ventures, the speakers illustrated how finance and accounting firms are already embracing AI to transform the industry.

Innovative products that move our industry forward emerge when they address a pain point and deliver a real solution that impacts the people, services and industries facing those challenges, noted Sarah Angello, co-founder of Daffodil.

Networking toward the future

A key highlight of the event was helping students build confidence in networking. Dressed in professional attire, they were encouraged to introduce themselves and engage in meaningful conversations with the entrepreneurs in the room.

Elizabeth MacBride and Seth Levine, authors of Capital Evolution: The New American Economy, joined the event and invited students to ask questions, share ideas and connect with them about the book’s themes—many of which echoed the symposium’s topics.

Capital Evolution is a compelling look at the changes taking hold in America’s political system, information environment and society, according to MacBride. The book asks tough questions about the rising power of business in our economic system. Students left not only with fresh perspectives but also with a signed first edition—a tangible springboard for deeper exploration.

Advice from the Experts

Remember the importance of the human element when considering AI systems. There will always need to be a human in the loop.
Be curious about AI tools and proactively experiment with them. That is how you will learn to use them and be prepared when you enter the workforce.
Do not lose your creativity.
Prioritize building relationships.
Be humble and optimistic, no matter what the circumstances are.
Network! Start conversations and put yourself out there. You never know who you will meet.

On Nov. 12, the Burridge Center for Finance hosted NextGen Finance: Tech Innovation in Financial Services. The event brought together entrepreneurs and industry leaders to share insights on business in the era of AI.

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Labubu 'Blind box' Trend Reveals Why Surprise and Scarcity Keep Us Shopping

Kelsey Cipolla — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:39:52 +0000

Labubu 'Blind box' Trend Reveals Why Surprise and Scarcity Keep Us Shopping Kelsey Cipolla Mon, 11/17/2025 - 10:39

Marketing professor Ying Zeng explains the psychology behind blind-box toys and how they engage our curiosity, identity and social instincts.

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Government Reopens But Economic Uncertainty Lingers: What Consumers Should Know

Kelsey Cipolla — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:07:19 +0000

Government Reopens But Economic Uncertainty Lingers: What Consumers Should Know Kelsey Cipolla Thu, 11/13/2025 - 09:07

Even as the shutdown ends, shoppers and businesses face a murky economic picture heading into the holidays.

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10 Things to Know About Leeds’ New Master’s in Sustainable Business

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:21:15 +0000

10 Things to Know About Leeds’ New Master’s in Sustainable Business Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 11/12/2025 - 13:21

Jane Majkiewicz

Leeds is now accepting applications for its first cohort in the new Master’s in Sustainable Business program, starting in fall 2026. Approved by the University of Colorado Board of Regents in June 2025, the new degree program is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainability expertise.

Drawing on faculty and resources across CU ��, the new sustainability degree program offers an interdisciplinary experience that prepares graduates to lead on climate-related challenges. "What sets this program apart is the way it brings together expertise across campus to prepare graduates to embed sustainability into business strategy,” said Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatri. In addition to Leeds' Master's in Sustainable Business, the College of Engineering and Applied Science is offering a Master's in Sustainable Engineering.

Wondering if it's the right fit for you? Here are 10 reasons why graduating seniors, graduate students, early career professionals and those looking to upskill or reskill should consider building their sustainability skillset.

1. It’s a fast track.
Complete the degree in just nine months and enter a growing field. LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2024 warns that the global workforce is falling short of sustainability targets and calls for doubling the green talent pool.

2. CU seniors are eligible for automatic admission.
Current CU seniors with a Leeds major or minor and a 3.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admission. GMAT/GRE test scores are optional.

3. It’s interdisciplinary.
Students tackle sustainability challenges through scientific, technical and strategic lenses, with coursework spanning the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and Leeds.

4. It’s immersive.
Hands-on learning includes a real-world capstone project and access to case competitions, networking events and workshops through the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR).

5. Sustainability is in CU ��’s DNA.
CU �� consistently ranks among the nation’s most environmentally responsible universities, earning a 98/99 Green Rating from The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges. Initiatives like �� Climate Ventures reflect the university's commitment to sustainability.

6. Learn from trailblazing faculty.
Faculty in the program are leaders in sustainability strategy, climate finance, ethical leadership and corporate responsibility.

7. From the classroom to the boardroom.
Courses like Measurement and Accounting for Sustainable Systems and Social Entrepreneurship in the US and Global Economies blend business, policy, science and engineering. Bootcamps in statistics, Excel/Python and communication equip students with skills employers demand.

8. Career-ready connections.
Leeds’ strong corporate partnerships and alumni network open doors to roles across industries, such as renewable energy and impact investing. The Leeds Career Development Office is partnering with the Master’s of the Environment program to create key networking events.

9. Be ��.
Live and learn in a city known for its climate tech innovation, access to startups and outdoor inspiration—all in a community committed to environmental leadership.

10. A degree designed for impact.
This program isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about shaping a future where business drives positive change. Deloitte reports that 85% of companies increased sustainability investments last year, and green roles are projected to grow 260% by 2030.

Ready to lead? Applications are open. Learn more >>

Leeds is accepting applications for its first cohort in the new Master’s in Sustainable Business program, starting in fall 2026.

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News

KeyBank Gift Empowers Diverse Leeds Scholars

A legacy of support

Scholarships that change lives

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10 Things to Know About Leeds’ New Master’s in Sustainable Business

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