Overview
Overview
At 8,000 feet, this beautiful region rests within the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Indigenous inhabitants of the area include the Ute while nomadic groups of Capote and Comanche people traveled through the land. In 1823, Mexico granted 600,000 acres of land to Juan Maria Cabeza de Baca.
This grant was made in an effort to secure claims against the governments of Texas and the United States. In 1860, the Luis Maria Baca Grant Number Four became what is now the Baca Grande development. When gold was discovered in the area, the town of Crestone was born.
Two decades ago, The 华体会 began an experiment of creating a space for reflection in order to enhance learning. This experiment began in 1987 when English Professor Joe Gordon led his class on a field trip to facilities owned by the Aspen Institute in Crestone, Colorado. Surrounded by mountains, streams, wildlife and forests, the students' engagement with class material was clearly enhanced.
As a result of Gordon's recommendations, the College leased three condominium units and the conference center from the Aspen Institute and a fundraising campaign was initiated. In 1990, with the special support of Trustee Emeritus Jerome McHugh, a townhouse, the conference center, and adjacent land was purchased. In September of 1992, the 7,000 square foot lodge was built with help from then Trustee Edith Gaylord Harper and the El Pomar Foundation. In 2003, a computer laboratory was added. Since 1987, more than 30,000 students have been involved in the educational and reflective aspects of the campus.
Facilities
The Conference Center provides meeting spaces for groups and generally do not need to be reserved. Combined, the lodges provide housing for up to 24 students and 4 faculty/staff as well as the library and campus office. The library has a flat screen tv and seating for ~20.
Combined, the townhouses offer accommodations for up to 18 students and 2-4 faculty/staff.