About Naropa › 50 Years of Naropa › A Note from the Board Chair

A Note from Tyler Norris, Board Chair

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and alumnx, I invite you to join us in our inclusive journey to celebrate Naropa’s 50th anniversary!

I first experienced Naropa in the early ’80s in Buddhist-Christian dialogues. I was drawn by the depth of spirited discourse, the quality of respect across traditions and perspectives, and the spirit of appreciative inquiry. I returned at midlife, over a decade ago, to earn my Master of Divinity degree, while raising a family and building a business. Here I deepened my practice, opened my heart, and allowed the program to springboard me into my next chapter of service.

Now as Chair of the Board of Trustees approaching Naropa’s 50th—my commitment is to build on the wisdom, learning, and experience of the past 50 years—to inform how we prepare our students as good humans and leaders facing the challenges of the next 50 years.

As a long-time leader in the fields of health philanthropy, community development and creating the conditions for equitable well-being, I know no greater place of service. Come explore with us how Naropa can be a vehicle for helping you manifest what you care about most in transforming ourselves to transform the world!
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Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

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If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.

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