CPF Executive Director Bids Farewell

Hugh Smeltekop poses with UAC-CP Agronomy students in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia

CPF Executive Director Hugh Smeltekop has announced that he will be stepping down from his leadership role. In a letter sent to CPF donors Hugh reminded friends of the late Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa’s song called “Todo Cambia.” Everything changes. He then explained the reason for the change and his transition to a new…

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CPF Board Chair Issues Statement on Unrest in Bolivia

St. Francis Photo from Campus Leahy Carmen Pampa Bolivia

As our Carmen Pampa Fund team in St. Paul was finalizing our 2019 Annual Report, Bolivia was thrust into the international spotlight. What first started as relatively peaceful protests in response to Bolivia’s contentiously debated and closely watched presidential election on October 20th, has since become a divisive and impassioned conflict. As there are always…

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Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Announced

Agronomy Student Wins Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

The UAC-CP’s Business Institute recently announced the top three winners of the first Entrepreneurship Challenge. The three winners were announced following a long process of 64 students researching and developing viable business plans that respond to social and economic demands of communities rural area. 1st place: Ecotourism major Giovana Lopez. Her idea is a hammock…

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Nursing Students Participate in Pinning Ceremony

Nursing Student Pinning Ceremony

Following an all-school mass this morning, students in the College’s Nursing Department participated in a special ceremony officially recognizing students in their final years of study in the program. Students who have made a commitment to the nursing vocation received their pins and lamps (a nod to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing).  

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UCB Anthropology Professor Introduces Students to “Life-Changing” Work

Carol Conzelman pictured with UCB students and Tocaña residents wearing Saya outfits.

When Dr. Carol Conzelman, PhD, was invited to Carmen Pampa in 1997 as an education and international development specialist to help the College create a 10 year plan, she never imagined how that visit would alter the trajectory of her life. “My work with the College was life-changing,” she said. Dr. Conzelman’s experience in Carmen…

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Volunteer & Visitor Reviews Garner Top-Rated Nonprofit Status for CPF

Carmen Pampa Fund  was named a “2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit” in July by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of U.S. nonprofits.  “We are honored to be named a 2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit,” says CPF Executive Director Hugh Smeltekop. “This recognition was made possible by former volunteers and visitors to the College who immediately responded when…

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Save the Date: Wine Tasting & Silent Auction Event

Invitation to Wine Tasting and Silent Auction event for College in Bolivia

Carmen Pampa Fund’s annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction – a fundraiser for the College in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia – is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2019, from 5:30 – 8:30 in Minneapolis. Please join us for a glass of fine wine, delicious appetizers, and good friends. Together, we will raise a glass and toast…

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Recognizing Students on International Agronomy Day

Agronomy Student & Bee Keeper

Today, International Agronomy Day, Carmen Pampa Fund salutes students studying in the College’s Agronomy Department. Students like Rosendo Arpa. At 29-years-old, Rosendo is both a full-time Agronomy student and a small business owner. The son of citrus and coffee farmers, Rosendo raises bees and produces honey on his parents’ small plot of land in the…

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College Welcomes New Group of International Volunteers

Team of International Volunteers in Bolivia

There are several new faces in the Volunteer House in Carmen Pampa this semester.  Madison Krings of Minnesota, Hunter White of Tennessee, Emily Gray of Massachusetts, and Tom O’Toole of Australia, are sharing their time and talent with the College community. Madison, Tom, and Hunter are teaching English classes. Emily, a 2019-20 fellow through the…

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New Leadership Guides College Into 26th Year

New Director of College in Bolivia

“Academics matter, but only if they are accompanied by heart.”  This was the message of the College’s new Director General, Jose Luis Beltran, when he gave his welcome address at the UAC-CP’s inaugural mass on August 2, 2019. The all-college mass marked the beginning of classes for the second semester.  Beltran is no stranger to…

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