50 years
of Naropa University
1974
Anne Waldman is a celebrated poet, performer, and co-founder of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University. Her influential work and dedication to the school have significantly shaped Naropa's unique integration of literary arts and contemplative education.
1974
Ram Dass, an influential spiritual teacher and former psychology professor and researcher on the transformative use of psychedelics, authored the seminal book Be Here Now and significantly impacted the development of Western spirituality and the mindfulness movement. In the initial summer of 1974, Ram Dass taught a course entitled Yogas of the Bhagavad Gītā to over 1,000 students. The course not only inaugurated the study of Hinduism and Yoga at Naropa University, it also helped catalyze the Institute itself.
1974
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master and scholar, fled Tibet in 1959 following the Chinese invasion, embarking on a journey that would eventually lead him to the West. In 1974, he founded Naropa University,
pioneering the integration of Eastern wisdom with Western educational models. As a pivotal figure in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West, Trungpa Rinpoche significantly influenced American culture by making Buddhist teachings accessible and relevant to modern life. His unconventional and provocative teaching style, combined with his emphasis on mindfulness and meditation practice along with study, resonated with a wide audience, fostering a wave of spiritual exploration and personal transformation.
1974
Diane di Prima, a prominent poet of the Beat Generation and Co-Founder of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, was renowned for her use of both stream of consciousness and careful use of form. She was the Poet Laureate of San Francisco, a revolutionary writer, and contributor to feminist literature and countercultural movements.
1974
Jerry Granelli, a celebrated jazz drummer, educator, and founder of the Creative Music program at Naropa, was known for his innovative musical contributions with a strong emphasis on improvisation arising from musical discipline. Jerry was also beloved as the percussionist on the iconic "A Charlie Brown Christmas" soundtrack.
1974
Allen Ginsberg was a groundbreaking poet, writer, central figure of the Beat Generation, and Co-
Founder of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa alongside Anne Waldman and Diane di Prima. He was an outspoken advocate for civil rights, anti-war efforts, LGBTQ+ rights, anti-nuclear, and other social justice causes. As faculty at Naropa, he inspired many emerging writers, passing on his belief in the power of individual expression to shape social consciousness. His teachings, collaborations with other writers, and his profound impact on counterculture continue to reverberate in contemporary discussions about art, identity, and social change.
1974
Amiri Baraka, a prolific poet, playwright, and activist, was a radical, provocative, and often controversial figure in the Black Arts Movement, using his powerful works to address social and political issues and advocate for African American rights. Baraka taught at summer writing programs and workshops at Naropa's Jack Kerouac School during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
1974
Naropa Institute was created out of a series of dialogues with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, led by Marvin Casper and John Baker—Casper developing the first definitive proposal. Invitations were sent to the first faculty for a launch in 1974. The first administrative staff roles (President Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Vice Presidents, Executive Director, and key organizational staff) were created and appointed during the autumn of 1973. An initial catalog of courses, events, and faculty was finalized and designed, with initial fundraising for the catalog accomplished in late autumn 1973. Naropa Institute was a division of the Nalanda Foundation from its inception until 1986.
1974
The inception of Naropa Institute marked a pivotal event in the educational, artistic, and cultural landscape of the 1970s, offering a unique educational environment at the interface of Buddhist philosophy, contemplative practices, and the arts. The Institute started with a $2,000 loan and no other capital. All facilities were rentals. The first Executive Director of Naropa was Martin Janowitz.
1974
Naropa Institute launched the first of its two five-week summer sessions in June 1974, in an opening convocation held in the auditorium at Boulder High School. At that event, the founder declared he was “relighting the pilot light” of American higher education. Large classes were held in an old bus garage, hastily carpeted, while other smaller classes rented spaces near the University of Colorado. The 1974 summer sessions attracted renowned faculty and unexpectedly high enrollment, with more than 1,500 registered students attending (hundreds more unregistered people were camping in Eldorado Springs and in the mountains nearby) and showing up randomly for the various offerings. Faculty members in the first summer included Ram Dass, the co-lead, along with Trungpa Rinpoche, Gregory Bateson, Allen Ginsberg, Jeremy Hayward, Jack Kornfield, Stanislav Grof, Joan Halifax, Frances Harwood, Jerry Granelli, and many more.
1974
Certificate planning began in fields of Dance, Theater, Poetics; and graduate-level programs were planned in Buddhist and Western Psychology, Thangka Painting, and Buddhist Studies. Undergraduate-level courses were also offered in many of these fields, but they were not yet degree programs. This development was aided by a student-led fundraising campaign that raised $136,000
from donations, auction items, summer faculty returning their salaries, and donated housing deposits.
1974
Allen Ginsberg, Anne Waldman, and Diane di Prima founded the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa Institute.
1979
Naropa hosted its first psychology symposium, attracting practicing therapists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and participants from a range of fields in order to establish a platform for interdisciplinary exploration and academic discourse and to share emerging trends and best practices.
1980
Judy Lief assumed the role of Dean, inheriting a leadership role previously held by Executive Directors Bill McKeever, Jon Barbieri, and Reggie Ray, representing a significant shift in the university's administrative structure. Jeremy Hayward, Director of Education the for Nalanda Foundation, continued in his liaison role at the Institute. Trungpa Rinpoche continued to hold the title of President, but the Dean served as Chief Executive Officer.
1980
In 1980, the Institute unified various Bachelor of Arts degree programs into a General Studies BA with majors in different fields, a noteworthy development in Naropa's academic structure. Courses were only offered for students in their junior and senior years, with the Institute accepting transfer students. Majors were offered in Dance, Theater, Poetics, Buddhist Studies, and Buddhist and Western Psychology.
1980
(1980s) Jack Collom was a prolific poet and educator whose contributions to Naropa University significantly enriched its creative and literary traditions. His work as a longtime faculty member helped shape the university's approach to poetry and creative writing, fostering a vibrant community of writers.
1980
(1980s) Barbara Dilley is a distinguished dancer and educator known for founding Naropa's Contemplative Dance program. Her leadership as Dean and later President significantly influenced the university's integration of contemplative practices into the arts.
1980
(1980s) Karen Kissel Wegela joined Naropa University's Psychology faculty, collaborating with colleagues Edward Podvoll and Virginia Hilliker. Her contributions created the foundation of what is now Buddhism- Informed Contemplative Psychology; a unique addition to the field.
1980
(1980s) Jane and Bataan Faigao established the T’ai Chi Ch’uan program at Naropa University, which evolved into a Traditional Eastern Arts concentration, incorporating Aikido and Yoga.
1980
(1980s) Lee Worley, from The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, founded Naropa University's Theater Arts undergraduate program, integrating Mudra Space Awareness and innovative theater training for students.
1980
(1980s) Lucien Wulsin, lawyer, banker, entrepreneur, and dancer, was the first Chair of the Board of Trustees of an independent Naropa.
1980
(1980s) Joanna Macy, a respected Buddhist and environmental scholar and activist, engaged in dialogues and events at Naropa, enriching its academic and contemplative community and ultimately resulting in the creation of our Joanna Macy Center for Resilience and Regeneration. Her work in environmental activism, nuclear guardianship, and deep ecology has had a profound impact on both scholarly discourse and practical engagement worldwide.
1980
(1980s) Reggie Ray and Judith Simmer-
Brown reopened the scholar- practitioner path to MA students of Buddhist Studies in 1982 (after a brief pause),
integrating Meditation Practicum courses with a more academic curriculum in Buddhist Studies. Both renowned scholars in their own right, Simmer-Brown and Ray have contributed extensively to the understanding and practice of Buddhism in the Western academic context.
1980
(1980s) William S. Burroughs, a groundbreaking writer and key figure of the Beat Generation, is best known for his innovative and controversial novel Naked Lunch. He was also an early and longstanding adjunct faculty member with the
Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics.
1980
(1980s) Harry Smith was an American polymath credited as an artist, experimental filmmaker, bohemian, mystic, record collector, hoarder, and student of anthropology. He came to Naropa University in 1988 as "shaman in residence," residing in a cottage on campus. His multifaceted interests and spiritual insights left a lasting impact on Naropa's community.
1980
(1980s) Judy Lief played a key role in Naropa University's leadership as President, where she introduced the term "contemplative education" to highlight the integration of mindfulness and awareness into academic learning. Her visionary leadership emphasized Naropa's commitment to combining contemplative practices with rigorous education.
1980
(1980s) Arawana Hayashi brought contemplative dance traditions to Naropa, especially Japanese court dance, Bugaku.
1981
(1981-1988) The annual Buddhist-Christian Dialogues were initiated by Reggie Ray and Judith Simmer-Brown, featuring prominent speakers from both traditions, such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Father Thomas Keating, Eido Shimano Roshi, Mother Tessa Bielecki, Father Robert Arida, Munindra-ji, Brother David Steindl-Rast, in addition to Naropa’s founder. Eventually the highlight presentations and dialogues of the years of the conference were published in Speaking of Silence: Christians and Buddhists on the Contemplative Way, edited by Susan Walker.
1982
In the Summer of 1982, Naropa hosted The Jack Kerouac Conference, held in late July to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kerouac's On The Road and Ginsberg's "Howl." Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche emphasized the conference's potential humanitarian impact, while Allen Ginsberg also saw it as a nostalgic reunion of old friends. The conference attracted major media attention from outlets such as NPR, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Newsweek, marking a significant moment in Naropa's history. Presenters included renowned figures like Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Norman Mailer, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Diane di Prima, and Anne Waldman, with over 43 faculty members participating.
1983
The move from the Pearl Street Mall to the historic Lincoln School building on Arapahoe was a significant development in the university's history. Naropa rented and later purchased the school from Boulder Valley School District after the building was retired from use for elementary students. Naropa had its first dedicated meditation hall in the Lincoln Building.
1983
In September, an anonymous donor (later revealed to be longtime Trustee and alumna Martha Bonzi) gave the Institute a gift of one million dollars. The funds were earmarked to be the foundation of an endowment fund, which had long been one of the Institute's goals for the financial stability it would provide. Additionally, according to the terms of the gift, all interest generated by the principal could be used by the Institute for operations, guaranteeing payroll for the first time.
1983
Judy Lief announced that the Institute had just been gifted the prime piece of property adjoining the Lincoln School property, again by an anonymous donor (also Martha Bonzi). The property was one-and-one-third acres, with seven duplex cottages and an 1890s home. It had been on the market for two weeks, with a price tag of $640,000.
1984
The appointment of Barbara Dilley as Dean, and later as President in 1986, confirmed by the Nalanda Foundation Board, marked the beginning of a new era for Naropa Institute by ushering in a period of expanded academic and administrative leadership.
1986
Naropa's full accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools was a milestone in the university's academic development, increasing awareness and enrollment.
1987
The launch of the MFA in Creative Writing and the BA in Visual Arts reflected Naropa's increasingly diverse academic offerings and strengths.
1989
In the Fall of 1989, over 30 students convened to create the Student Union of Naropa (SUN), a governing body for student life and an organization to support student advocacy on campus.
1990
Frances Harwood, adjunct Anthropology professor, led the development of a new Environmental Studies department in response to a Deep Ecology Conference held at Naropa, shaping a curriculum based on the interconnectedness of all beings and the study of the Boulder bio-region. Harwood also founded a study abroad program in Bali.
1991
Deborah Bowman, former president of Boulder Graduate School (BSG), and later Dean of the Naropa Graduate School of Counseling Psychology, initiated the move of BGS's Transpersonal Counseling Psychology program to Naropa, leading to the establishment of a master's program in January 1991.
1993
John Cobb was chosen as the new president of Naropa. He prioritized campus expansion, including a new library, additional classrooms, and residential facilities, aiming to accommodate the growing student population.
1993
Alaya Preschool affiliated with Naropa's Early Childhood Education (ECE) program and remained a Naropa University division for many years. ECE students began student-teaching at Alaya.
1993
(1993-2002) Naropa expanded its facilities from 35,000 to 110,000 square feet. This figure includes the construction of the Allen Ginsberg Library in 1993; the leasing of arts studios from the Dairy Center for the Arts in 1995; the acquisition and renovation of the Paramita Campus (1997); the acquisition of 2111 Arapahoe in 1998 and Sangha House in 1999; and the completion of Nalanda Hall (now the Wulsin building) in 2001.
1994
Naropa marked its 20th anniversary with a literary conference paying tribute to Allen Ginsberg. The 10-day event, titled "Beats and Other Rebel Angels," featured luminaries such as Cecil Taylor, Amiri Baraka, Philip Glass, Ken Kesey, and celebrated the completion of the Allen Ginsberg Library.
1995
Enrollments at Naropa increased to about 700 degree-seeking students and 150 continuing education students, gaining recognition as the "Harvard of the New Age" by Yoga Journal in an article titled "Where East Meets West & Sparks Can Fly." The school's unique approach to education and its dedication to wisdom and compassion were acknowledged.
1999
In Fall of 1999, in response to new initiatives and the expansion of programs, Naropa officially changed its name to Naropa University. It marked the beginning of a full-fledged four-year BA degree program in addition to the growing master’s programs, a significant milestone in the institution's history.
2001
Naropa began the first fully accredited Buddhist-based Master of Divinity program in the country—the program was launched by Religious Studies faculty Judith Simmer- Brown, Phil Stanley, Roger Dorris, and Victoria Howard.
2003
Located just within Boulder’s city limits at 63rd and Arapahoe, this 5.5-acre-property with a 53,000-square-foot former factory was converted to provide an event center, art studio spaces, and classrooms for Naropa’s growing student body.
2003
(2003-2009) During his tenure, Coburn oversaw numerous advancements including providing university housing for all first-time first-year student students; increasing the university’s resources dedicated to diversity education; and further developing the faculty governance system.
2003
Naropa secured major grants, including $180,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), $25,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and $20,000 from the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences. The grants aided in the preservation of Naropa's preeminent cultural audio archive, spanning 30 years and featuring prominent countercultural poets, writers, musicians, and visual artists, contributing to the enrichment of American literary culture.
2005
Naropa University's Student Union (SUN) sponsored a benefit concert on April 14, 2005, at the Boulder Theater to support the nonprofit organization Free the Slaves, aiming to combat modern global slavery. Acclaimed poet and activist Saul Williams headlined the event, featuring music, poetry, and informational presentations.
2006
Naropa University's MA Psychology: Contemplative Psychotherapy program commemorated 30 years of integrating Buddhism and Western psychology with a conference from May 19 to 21, 2006. The Buddhism and Psychotherapy Conference explored the intersection of Buddhist practice and psychotherapy training, with key speakers including Mark Epstein, Karen Kissel Wegela, Harvey Aronson, and Gay Watson.
2006
The Center (CACE), initially funded by the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation, focuses on developing contemplative curriculum for undergraduate students, promoting pedagogies of contemplative education at Naropa University and beyond, as well as documenting Naropa’s pioneering work in this field. The center was led by its first Director Susan Burggraf (BA Psychology), supported by Richard Brown (Education) and Judith Simmer-Brown (Religious Studies).
CACE, in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Contemplative Higher Education Network (RMCHEN), hosted an inaugural event featuring University of Colorado professor Peter Schneider and Naropa University professor Barbara Dilley. Titled "Creating Contemplative Space in the University Classroom," the presentation explored how contemplative practices, including Eastern arts like aikido, t’ai chi, and meditation can enhance research, teaching, administration, and campus life.
2007
Naropa University President Thomas B. Coburn committed to significantly reduce and eventually eliminate the institution's global warming emissions while enhancing research and educational efforts on climate stabilization. The commitment involved signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, joining over 400 other institutions. Naropa's sustainability initiatives included a successful recycling and composting program, alternative transportation support, eco-landscaping, wind energy use, and responsible gardening practices.
2007
Naropa University was honored with a spot on the inaugural President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, recognizing its commitment to fostering a culture of service and civic engagement. One of four schools in Colorado to receive this distinction, Naropa University was acknowledged for initiatives such as supporting Centaurus High School students through the Public Achievement program, collaborating on projects addressing racism, immigration rights, the Iraq war, and bilingual students' needs.
2009
Stuart C. Lord served as Naropa President from July of 2009 through December of 2011. Through building student service programs, annual student body participation in community service increased during his tenure from 25 percent to more than 93 percent.
2009
Located on the Arapahoe campus next to the founder’s teahouse, the greenhouse was principally funded by the late Bill Jones, a longtime Trustee. It enhances learning opportunities built around horticulture methods, permaculture, ecological system sciences, and environmental philosophies such as deep ecology. In addition, it provides plants for campus landscaping and seedlings for the Naropa community. As a tangible manifestation of Naropa University’s environmental commitment, the greenhouse inspires the community to both learn more and do more to foster a healthy relationship with nature.
2011
Naropa was recognized by the EPA as one of the nation's top Green Power Purchasers, offsetting all emissions with renewable energy. Purchasing over one million kilowatt-hours annually, Naropa relied on solar generation and Renewable Energy Credits. This commitment reflects Naropa's dedication to sustainability, acknowledged by its inclusion among the top five environmentally friendly schools in Colorado.
2012
Naropa appointed Charles G. Lief as President in May 2012, recognizing his extensive involvement with the institution spanning 39 years—including roles on the Board of Trustees. He brought a wealth of experience from organizations such as the Greyston Foundation and the Hartland Group, focusing on social entrepreneurship and community development. During his tenure, he helped establish a partnership with the Royal University of Bhutan, oversaw the establishment of the Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies, and saw the largest increase in student enrollment in over a decade.
2013
Bernie Glassman, founder of Zen Peacemakers and the Greyston Foundation, visited Naropa to deliver a public talk on "Making Peace: The World as One Body." Glassman, a renowned figure in the American Zen Movement, shared insights on peace-building and social justice, drawing from his extensive experience as a spiritual leader, entrepreneur, and founder of impactful organizations like the Greyston Bakery.
2014
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed September 18, 2014, as "Naropa University Day" in recognition of Naropa's 40th anniversary and its leadership in contemplative education. The proclamation highlighted Naropa's accreditation, its renowned Summer Writing Program, and its role in nurturing intellectual curiosity and fostering meaningful contributions. The proclamation also acknowledged Naropa's impact on Colorado's cultural, academic, and economic landscape, citing its recognition as a "College of Distinction."
2014
Naropa was named one of the eight greenest schools in the United States by US News & World Report on April 22, 2014. The recognition highlighted Naropa's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, with all its electricity sourced from renewable sources. The selection criteria included sustainability-focused degrees, LEED-certified construction, and investment in local and organic food.
2014
Naropa announced its partnership with the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) to launch the Bhutan Study Abroad Program. As the first North American university authorized by RUB to offer an accredited study abroad program, Naropa aimed to provide students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Bhutanese culture, spirituality, and contemporary issues. The program was put on pause during the pandemic with plans to reenvision in the
future. Naropa faculty members collaborated with RUB counterparts to develop curricula, further deepening the inter-university relationship.
2015
On May 14, 2015, Naropa announced the establishment of the Joanna Macy Center, coinciding with the inaugural White House Summit on Buddhism in Washington, DC. Developed in collaboration with Joanna Macy and supported by a generous lead grant, the center aims to preserve and expand Macy’s legacy in three key areas: The Work That Reconnects (WTR), Buddhist scholarship, and Nuclear Guardianship. Named after Macy, a Buddhist scholar, environmental activist, and author renowned for her contributions to WTR and deep ecology, the center hosts lectures, workshops, and trainings focusing on these areas.
2015
On August 25, 2015, Naropa opened the Medicaid licensed Naropa Community Counseling, providing affordable mental health services in Boulder County. The center fills gaps in care for low- and middle-income clients, offering sliding scale services. Staffed by interns from Naropa's Graduate School of Counseling Psychology and other Colorado Universities, and supervised by licensed professionals, the center specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and more using contemplative approaches like somatic and art therapy.
2017
Naropa hosted Community Week 2017, a weeklong series of free events aimed at fostering community, sharing wisdom, and igniting the spirit of Naropa. Inspired by the Year of the Firebird, the week featured panel discussions, presentations, workshops, and contemplative practices for students, alumnx, faculty, staff, and visitors. The events provided opportunities to deepen connections and explore the university's rich history together.
2020
During the COVID-19 crisis, therapists and organizations across the Front Range, including Naropa Community Counseling (NCC), offered support by waiving fees and providing free online sessions. NCC, Naropa’s low-income community mental health clinic, quickly transitioned to online services to meet the community's overwhelming needs. Clients, facing job loss and financial insecurity, found solace in teletherapy sessions. Led by then-Director Joy Redstone, NCC mobilized student staff to offer telehealth services and provide resources for clients in economic crisis.
2021
Naropa launched its online Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in March 2021, offering a fully online alternative to its on- campus program. This was the first of many online degree options, all supported by a $2.3 million federal grant to strengthen online learning. The program integrates contemplative practices, Buddhist psychology, and neuroscience, preparing students for careers in the helping professions or further graduate study. With two tracks available, students can focus on either research methods and cognitive neuroscience or mindfulness and healing methods. Naropa's online platform welcomes students worldwide, reflecting its commitment to flexible learning options and innovative education.
2021
Naropa launched a new Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies in November 2021, offering advanced training for mental health counselors, physicians and nurses, chaplains, and social workers. This eight-month, 150-hour program combines mindfulness and compassion training, spiritual integration, and
trauma-informed care, preparing professionals for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) with integrity. Naropa provides training in MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin therapy, emphasizing ethics and social justice perspectives.
2022
Naropa’s enrollment surpassed 1,000 students for the first time in a decade, defying national trends. New online programs, targeted outreach to transfer students, expanded awareness campaigns, and increased word of mouth referrals attracted many more applications and acceptances. The census report showed increased diversity and more adult learners. This growth shows that after 50 years, students continue to value Naropa's holistic approach and seek fulfillment beyond traditional education.
