69³ÉÈË

10 Most Popular Stories of 2020

Top stories collage of 5 photos
We look back at our most-read stories of 2020. From COVID-19 to prominent alumni profiles and campus news, the year provided many noteworthy topics and subjects.  
Compost

10. 

Carbon farming proved a popular topic as readers explored a potential solution to climate change that could produce useable products that benefit the economy, community, ecosystem and people.  
Sonny Johl ’02, M.B.A. ’10, and family in May 2020

9. 

69³ÉÈË principal photographer Karin Higgins took a closer look at pandemic life through her camera lens. She visited members of the campus community at home as they shared the silver linings of sheltering in place.  
Student with backpack on path

8. 

Three incoming freshmen shared their stories as they embarked on their first year at 69³ÉÈË. Each made different decisions about what the experience would look like, but all were dedicated to getting the college experience.  
Old firetruck and Gunrock in the 2019 Picnic Day parade

7. 

With the annual event going virtual in 2020 due to the pandemic, 69³ÉÈË Magazine looked back on Picnic Days of the past — from the parade to popular attractions like livestock exhibits and the Doxie Derby.  
Alyxx Melendez checks prices on books while waiting in line

6. 

69³ÉÈË Magazine previewed a new program that promised to transform the traditional textbook model. Students at 69³ÉÈË could pay a quarterly flat fee for digital course materials, in an effort to address inequity from variable textbook costs.  
Farmworkers in Salinas, California

5. 

Upon the release of a new biography, 69³ÉÈË Magazine interviewed its author and subject. The book highlights the life and career of Antonio Velasco, M.D. ’79, a Mexican immigrant who worked in crop fields as a child and crusaded for farmworker health as a doctor.  
L-to-R: Tiara, Taji and Tanishq Abraham

4. 

Two child prodigies from the same family attend 69³ÉÈË. This brother and sister duo have been taking college courses since they were 7. But the newest 69³ÉÈË student in this family of scientists has her focus set on a music career.  
Wayne Thiebaud

3. 

69³ÉÈË Magazine profiled American artist and professor emeritus Wayne Thiebaud as he turned 100. A low-key figure on campus, he continues to make waves in the art world, with his 10th cover for the New Yorker and new records at auction last summer.  
Hasan ... From a Distance

2. 

During shelter-in-place, some alumni elected to offer some virtual information and entertainment. Though the series haven’t continued, they offered a fun distraction at the time.  
Woman in mask at grocery store

1. 

Can I touch the tomatoes? Do I need to sanitize my food? The questions of the moment for everyone were related to the pandemic and safety. A 69³ÉÈË food safety expert offered some answers about shopping for food during this unprecedented time.  

Primary Category

Tags