Office and district sought: University of Colorado Regent, 3rd Congressional District
Name: Susan Hakanson
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Website: www.sueforcu.com
E-mail: sueforcu@yahoo.com
Age: 46
Last Degree Earned: BA Organizational Communication, Minor Art, Western State College
Occupation: Student, previous: Foundation Coordinator, Director of Development
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, skiing, textile arts, and playing music
Family: Spouse, Donald Hakanson; daughter, Brigitt Hakanson, 20; daughter, Anna Hakanson, 19
How long have you lived in Colorado? Where did you live before? 46 years
Last Book Read: “Words and Rules: The Ingredients of Language” By Steven Pinker
Civic Involvement: Roaring Fork Re-1 School Board (1999 – current); Mountain Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES); Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) Legislative Liaison; Garfield County Intergovernmental Agency Mud/Flood Response Team; Roaring Fork Family Resource Center Board.
Major endorsements: Colorado Education Association (CEA); AFL-CIO; Pueblo Chicano Democratic Caucus; American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Colorado Council 76
Why are you running? I have the experience and passion to bring a strong, common sense voice of my constituency to the CU Board of Regents.
What are the top three challenges facing Colorado or the institution you seek to represent?
I believe that the three biggest issues facing the University of Colorado are accountability, accessibility and affordability.
The board and administration at CU must be accountable to the constituency.
All students who desire to achieve a postsecondary education should have access to a safe and supportive educational experience.
The affordability of higher education in Colorado is the most pressing issue facing the University and indeed the entire higher education system.
We must, as a state, open the doors of possibility to all of our students.
What would you do to improve diversity at CU campuses by drawing in underrepresented students?
I would work to expand the CU pre-collegiate program, which mentors students in middle and high school to motivate them toward their successful pursuit of a post-secondary education.
University of Colorado President Hank Brown has given the university a C-plus for openness and accountability to the public. What would you do to improve CU’s image and restore public trust? I will initiate a series of community conversations throughout my 3rd congressional district in which I, as a Regent, can exchange information and concerns with my constituents.
