Karen Solomon knew that the last outdoor commencement ceremony for CSU was held in Hughes Stadium in 1990 – because she was there as a graduate. 

“I was happy it was outside, because my sister had had an outdoor graduation, and I really liked it,” recalled Karen, who handles purchasing and HR for the Department of Biomedical Sciences. “I think it couldn’t be inside because there was a measles outbreak on campus then, too.” 

Other people who submitted answers recalled their own graduations at Hughes as punctuated by disruptive windstorms and toasty temperatures, just two good reasons that commencement ceremonies now take place in Lory Student Center and Moby Arena over an entire weekend. 

A Fort Collins native – her father taught at CSU – Karen has been with the University for 20 years, working in the Library before moving over to Biomedical Sciences. And earlier this year she moved again, with the department offices, to the newly completed H-wing of the Anatomy and Zoology Building. 

For having her answer drawn at random from all the correct submissions, Karen received the coveted CAM the Ram bobblehead, autographed by State Climatologist Russ Schumacher, the winningest Ram to ever appear on Jeopardy! – not nearly as winning as the recent champ, however – and a $20 gift certificate to the CSU Bookstore.  

And that’s a wrap for Campus Trivia and CSU Life for this academic year. Look for more questions when we return in September.