Ken Salazar, ’81, will discuss his new book, Borderlands (BenBella Books, July 2026). A fifth generation Coloradan, Salazar’s ancestors have lived in the American Southwest for more than four centuries. Salazar grew up in the San Luis Valley on the remote Salazar homestead, where his family continues to farm and ranch the same property they’ve owned since before Colorado became a state. Salazar served as United States ambassador to Mexico from 2021 to 2025, where he led the US diplomatic mission during a pivotal time for North American relations. In this role, he repeatedly urged for decisive action to address border security, migration to the United States, the climate, and North American economic integration. Before serving as US ambassador to Mexico, Salazar served as US secretary of the Interior under President Barack Obama (2009–2013), as Colorado’s 35th US senator (2005–2009), and as Colorado state attorney general (1999-2005). Salazar devotes much of his time to family and ranching in the San Luis Valley. He continues to be a champion for conservation, civil rights, and an inclusive America.
Book signing to follow from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in JH1225.