Fall Reflection photos

September 1, 2021

people relax on a hill — People relax on the hill outside of the Lory Student Center to listen to President Joyce McConnell’s fall reflection speech Sept. 1. (Grayson Reed | The Collegian)

The Colorado State University community gathered on the west lawn of the Lory Student Center Sept. 1 for the Fall Reflection. The afternoon reflection replaced the annual fall address “for an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges of the recent year, including the loss, illness, isolation and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the emotion caused by national events,” according to CSU SOURCE. The event featured complimentary food, time for reflections and the ceremonial planting of a tree. President Joyce McConnell, along with other community figures, addressed the crowd to speak on the challenges CSU students, faculty and staff faced during the pandemic.

People listen to President Joyce McConnell speak on the west lawn of the Lory Student Center for the Fall Reflection Sept. 1. (Grayson Reed | The Collegian)
People break ground and plant trees outside the Lory Student Center during the Fall Reflection Sept. 1. (Grayson Reed | The Collegian)
People crowd around to listen to President Joyce McConnell talk at the Fall Reflection. After McConnell’s speech, members of the community were invited to write reflections on compostable paper to be buried underneath a newly planted tree Sept. 1. (Grayson Reed | The Collegian)
People listen to President Joyce McConnell speak on the west lawn of the Lory Student Center for the Fall Reflection Sept. 1. While reflecting on the past year, McConnell said, “We don’t need a speech as much as we need a moment.” (Ryan Schmidt | The Collegian)
Members of the Colorado State University community come together to write reflections and plant a tree following the Fall Reflection Sept. 1. President Joyce McConnell explained that the tree is representative of the community and is symbolic of past challenges and future hopes. “You may want to express a sense of loss on your piece of paper today,” McConnell said. “Bury it in the ground and take some comfort in knowing that it will nurture a new life in this tree.” (Cat Blouch | The Collegian)

The Photo Desk can be reached at photo@collegian.com

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About the Contributor

Luke Bourland, Photo Director

Luke Bourland is a history major from Durham, Connecticut. Bourland is studying history in hopes of going to law school in the fall 2022 semester after graduation. In terms of which law school Bourland wants to go to, he likes to joke, "I will attend anywhere that'll have me!" Bourland has been taking pictures recreationally for most of his life but did not officially join The Collegian until the beginning of his sophomore year in 2019. Bourland originally joined The Collegian to develop his skills and to photograph out of his comfort zone. During his time at The Collegian, Bourland has held positions such as freelance photographer, media archivist, assistant photo editor, photo editor and finally, photo director. As the photo director, it is Bourland's job to make sure the paper is accompanied with beautiful pictures alongside the photo editor. Bourland has photographed events ranging from speeches and galas to football and basketball games. In his free time, Bourland is an avid golfer, fly-fisherman and still loves to take pictures recreationally. Differing from the style of photography at The Collegian, Bourland enjoys slowing down and shooting landscapes and portraits on film. Bourland first learned how to develop film with a friend in the bathrooms of Corbett Hall, stuffing towels under the doors to avoid any light leaking in. No matter where life takes Bourland, he hopes that photography will always be there along the ride.

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