The Map of Manya
Curious what goes into the work of a Colorado College president?
Enter the “Map of Manya!”
When she’s not on campus engaging with students, faculty, and staff, President Manya Whitaker is usually on the road — gathering with alumni at regional events, talking with prospective students and families about coming to CC, and sharing her expertise and CC’s thought leadership at national higher education conferences and events. This year, Manya will be spending more time on campus speaking at or attending events, cheering our sports teams, and celebrating the spirit of our campus!
Click a destination on the map below to learn more about where Manya has been, where she’s headed next, and how she stays connected to our nationwide Tiger community.

List of Events
NOTE: Locations shown on map are approximate.
| Date | City | Coordinates | Title | Description | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 23, 2025 | Aspen, CO | 39.1911, -106.8175 | Aspen Alumni Salon | A small group of engaged alumni gathered in Aspen, where Manya talked about her vision for CC, discussed exciting initiatives on the horizon, and shared ways to stay connected. | |
| Aug. 11-21, 2025 | Namibia and South Africa | -22.9576, 18.4904 | Namibia and South Africa Familiarization Trip | Manya traveled to Namibia and South Africa for two weeks alongside Eric Popkin, Associate Professor of Sociology, to explore a potential future study abroad partnership with the Center for Global Education and Experience. | ![]() |
| Sept. 15-17, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | 38.9072, -77.0369 | Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Fly-In | Every year, business leaders from the Pikes Peak region go to Washington, D.C., with the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC to advocate and meet with policymakers on federal issues that directly impact employers. Manya joined the group to discuss issues impacting CC and higher education. | ![]() |
| Oct. 6-7, 2025 | Greenwood Village, CO | 39.6172, -104.9508 | Optimizing Your Fundraising Strategy: A Summit for Presidents and Advancement Vice Presidents | Manya attended this two-day summit with fellow executive leaders to learn how a strategic fundraising approach, paired with strong institutional leadership, can cultivate a thriving culture of philanthropy. | |
| Oct. 8-10, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | 38.9072, -77.0369 | NAICU Policy Committee Meeting: Fall Leadership Conference | Manya gathered with leaders from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities to discuss the issues facing private higher education and chart the association's path forward. | |
| Oct. 12-15, 2025 | New York City, NY | 40.7128, -74.0060 | NYC Senior Art Seminar Visit | Manya visited senior art majors and faculty during their senior seminar in New York City, joining an excursion to the Modern Museum of Art. While in New York, she'll also spend time meeting with local alumni and families. | |
| Oct. 23-24, 2025 | Carbondale, CO | 39.4022, -107.2112 | Colorado Rocky Mountain School Keynote Address | Manya presented a keynote for Family Weekend at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School, an independent college preparatory boarding and day school in Carbondale. | |
| Dec. 3, 2025 | Marin County, CA | 38.0834, -122.7633 | Marin County Alumni Salon | Manya connected with multiple generations of alumni in Marin County, California, where she discussed her vision for CC, exciting initiatives on the horizon, and ways to stay connected. | ![]() |
| Jan. 4-7, 2026 | Orlando, FL | 28.5384, -81.3789 | CIC President's Institute | This annual event convened presidents representing the the Council of Independent Colleges to share best practices and engage in strategic discussions. Participants reflected on higher education's Deeper Purpose and explored strategies that empower campuses to fulfill their missions and remain resolute in serving the common good. | ![]() |
| Jan. 14-17, 2026 | Portland, OR | 45.5152, -122.6784 | Alumni Block Break: Portland Wine Tour | Manya joined a group of CC alumni; Professor Mike Taber '86, P'17; and CC alum Marli Miller '82, a geology professor at the University of Oregon, for a two-day exploration and wine tour in the Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge. | ![]() |
| Jan. 22, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | 38.9072, -77.0369 | American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) Annual Meeting | Manya presented a seminar for leaders of peer colleges and universities on “Democratic Learning as a Leadership Strategy.” She discussed shared governance and collective responsibility on college campuses—and how by using these tools and embracing that mindset, we can move from tolerance to belonging; from me to us. | |
| Jan. 26-27, 2026 | New Haven, CT | 41.3083, -72.9279 | Yale Higher Education Leadership Summit | Manya attended this annual conference bringing together university presidents, board chairs, and other top leadership, to discuss the higher education environment and key strategies to shape the future of colleges and universities in the U.S. | |
| Feb. 1, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | 38.9072, -77.0369 | 2026 NAICU Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day | Manya attended "Advocacy Amidst Upheaval: Thriving in an Uncertain Political Era," a policy and advocacy event for presidents and other senior leaders to learn about the most pressing policy issues affecting private, nonprofit higher education. | ![]() |
| Feb. 23, 2026 | Boulder, CO | 40.0190, -105.2747 | The Human Advantage Summit | Manya traveled to Boulder to present an “Impact Talk” at the Human Advantage Summit, an event that brought together parents, educators, leaders, and community members to offer insights on learning, leadership, and human potential—followed by an interactive Q&A with all presenters. | |
| Mar. 24, 2026 | Boston, MA | 42.3555, -71.0565 | Pop-up Alumni and Parent Block | Manya attended the Boston Pop-up Alumni and Parent Block: Presidential and Faculty Lectures. This is a chance for alumni and parents to experience learning on the Block as Manya lecturers on "The Motivation Myth: Why 'Just Try Harder' Doesn't Work". | |
| Mar. 25, 2026 | New York, NY | 40.7128, -74.0060 | Pop-Up Alumni and Parent Block | Manya attended the New York Pop-up Alumni and Parent Block: Presidential and Faculty Lectures. This is a chance for alumni and parents to experience learning on the Block as Manya lecturers on "The Motivation Myth: Why 'Just Try Harder' Doesn't Work". | |
| Apr. 7, 2026 | Twin Cities, MN | 44.9375, -93.2010 | Pop-Up Alumni and Parent Block | Manya attended the Twin Cities Pop-up Alumni and Parent Block: Presidential and Faculty Lectures. This is a chance for alumni and parents to experience learning on the Block as Manya lecturers on "The Motivation Myth: Why 'Just Try Harder' Doesn't Work". Manya is posed with Daniel Spiller P'26 and Jennifer Spiller. | ![]() |
| Apr. 20-21, 2026 | New York, NY | 40.7128, -74.0060 | 2026 ATI Presidential Dinner and Summit | Manya attended the American Talent Initiative Summit, a group that brings together other colleges to expand access and opportunity for talented low- and moderate-income students through philanthropy and research communities. Manya is posed with the Occidental President, Tom Stritikus. | ![]() |
| May 7-9, 2026 | Nashville, TN | 36.1622, -86.7744 | Peabody College Distinguished Alumna Award and Commencement Ceremony | Manya traveled to Vanderbilt to be recognized by Peabody as the Distinguished Alumna of the College's Master's and Doctor of Education program. |
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| Date | City | Coordinates | Title | Description | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2026 | Colorado College | 38.85188, -104.82735 | Summer Pre-College Social |
Manya attended CC's summer pre-college social to meet with high school students aspiring to attend college after high school. |
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| July 24, 2026 | Colorado College | 38.85188, -104.82735 | 5th Annual CC Football Reunion |
Manya attended the 5th Annual CC Football Reunion in the El Pomar Great Hall. Manya and the alumni had discussions about the current student experience, sports, and the higher educational landscape. |
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| August 13, 2026 | Colorado College | 38.85188, -104.82735 | International Student Orientation |
Manya attended CC's International Student Orientation to discuss our campus, Colorado Springs, and her educational background. |
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| August 27, 2026 | Denver, CO | 39.7392, -104.9903 | American Voices: Denver |
Manya attended the private screening of American Voices and ended the panel with discussion about civic dialogue, community, and connection in a polarized area. |
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| Sept. 4, 2026 | Colorado College | 38.85188, -104.82735 | Worner After Dark |
Manya attended Worner After Dark to enjoy the evening with students playing hamster ball soccer, roasting marshmallows, and watching The Breakfast Club. |
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| Sept. 10, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | 38.9072, -77.0369 | President's Dinner with the National Press Club |
Manya attended the President's Dinner at Bucknell University with the National Press Club. This was an opportunity for college presidents and the press leaders to discuss topics of the higher education landscape. |
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| Sept. 26, 2026 | Colorado College | 38.85188, -104.82735 | Family Weekend |
Manya attended the annual Family Weekend celebrations on campus. She met with Parents Council, met family at the block party, and hosted the first ever President's Office Open House. |
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| Oct. 9-10, 2026 | Colorado College | 38.85188, -104.82735 | Homecoming |
Manya attended homecoming weekend as a speaker and guest. There were be open houses for our new science initiative, soccer games, panels, and ceremonies to celebrate the history and future of our alumni. |
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| Oct. 12-13, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | 38.9072, -77.0369 | Inasmuch Foundation Board Meeting |
Manya presented at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration for the Inasmuch Foundation. |
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| Oct. 14-16, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | 38.9072, -77.0369 | NAICU President's Conference |
Manya attended the NAICU Leadership Conference to meet with other board and leadership member to discuss the issues facing private higher education and chart the association's response. |
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| Oct. 26, 2026 | Colorado Springs, CO | 38.880370, -104.868200 | El Paso Medical Society Semi-Annual Celebration | Manya will present as a keynote speaker at the El Paso Medical Society Celebration at the Garden of the Gods Resort. Manya will explore physicians’ roles as healers, teachers, and trusted partners in navigating medical knowledge, patient beliefs, and today’s complex information landscape. | |
| Nov. 1-4, 2026 | Aspen, CO | 39.1911, -106.8175 | Aspen-Kern Program for Leadership & Character in Higher Education | Manya will attend the Aspen-Kern Program for Leadership and Character in Higher Education where leaders come together to focus on how a liberal-arts education can advance the humanities and emphasize deep understanding of character. The program aims to support new college presidents, create community-focused programming, and share publications and resources. | |
| Jan. 4-7, 2027 | San Diego, CA | 32.8244879, -117.10776 | CIC President's Summit | Manya will attend the CIC President's Summit to explore timely and relevant solutions to a range of pressing issues from board relations, to student support. | |
| Feb. 1-3, 2027 | Washington, D.C. | 38.9072, -77.0369 | NAICU Advocacy Day | Manya will attend the NAICU Advocacy Day to discuss the most urgent policy issues affecting higher education and providing a focused advocacy effort. | |
| April 7-9, 2027 | TBD | 38.9072, -77.0369 | NAICU Board of Directors and Committee Meetings | Many will attend the NAICU Board of Directors and Committee meetings where the group offers members of NAICU's national board and standing committees the opportunity to come together and discuss the issues facing private higher education and chart the association's response. |
















