Chase J. Cordova MEM

Biography

How did you discover Western?
I discovered Western through a representative who visited my high school. I had already heard of Western, but when I asked my top three universities about opportunities for service and community development, both on campus and in the surrounding community, Western was the only place that could answer my questions with specific individuals and organizations doing that work. It immediately drew me to the community and made me feel like I had a place here.

What are some of the highlights of your career?
Some highlights include representing Western through the UN Sister Cities Program in Majkhali, India; traveling to Aspen and representing Western at the United Nations Mountain Partnership meeting when it was held in North America for the first time; coordinating student experiential learning opportunities in the Gunnison community; and facilitating nation-wide learning and engagement opportunities between campuses across the US.

What most excites you about your field?
I am most excited by the range of work within sustainability, which I have come to understand as an intrinsic part of so many other fields. Because of this, sustainability offers the opportunity to learn across disciplines and examine a wide variety of systems at both micro and macro levels. It also allows people working in the field to view systems holistically, regardless of the specific discipline.

What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?
Gunnison is a close-knit community. In a place that can feel isolating in many ways, there are countless opportunities to find connection. If you look, ask, and remain open you can always find a sense of community.