Colorado State University was established in 1870 as the State’s land grant-institution following the Morrill Act of 1862. Public Service Leadership has been a core principle from the onset, through pragmatic and transformative educational experiences and research benefiting citizens and communities across the State of Colorado. CSU has a long history of leadership in Agriculture, Engineering, Water Systems, Natural Resources, Energy, Sustainability, and more. Since the 1800’s, CSU has played a substantive leadership role in supporting the development of agricultural industry and irrigation systems in Colorado. In 1960, researchers at CSU developed a pilot program for global service with grassroots impact. President Kennedy would adopt and implement their proposal, The Peace Corps, just one year later. And for close to 40 years, CSU students have travelled down I-25 to the State Capitol during the Legislative Session, providing critical research and support for our statewide elected officials. Graduates of this program now include administrative and elected leaders at the local, state, and federal levels, including multiple sitting members of the Colorado Legislature and a sitting U.S. Senator. The Straayer Center builds off of this legacy by expanding experiential learning programs for students, and by connecting with communities and public agencies across the State.