Founders Day of Service

Founders Day of Service is an alumni-led service initiative centered on Founders Day, May 5, and taking place anytime between May 1–6, 2026. It honors the moment MSU Denver was created to serve its community by inviting alumni to give back in meaningful, practical ways, wherever they live. 

Whether you serve on your own, join a local group, or participate in our on-campus project, your service continues the legacy that has defined MSU Denver since 1963. 

Why Founders Day Matters

On May 5, 1963, at 11:56 a.m., the Colorado General Assembly passed House Bill 349, officially creating Metropolitan State College. Envisioned by Colorado legislators—most notably State Representative Roy Romer, often considered the “father” of MSU Denver—the university was founded to meet the needs of Colorado’s urban workforce through accessible, inclusive higher education. 

From its earliest days on the Auraria Campus, MSU Denver embraced a “street-smart” approach rooted in opportunity, access, and service. Founders Day of Service is a modern expression of that same commitment. 

What is Founders Day of Service?

Founders Day of Service is a flexible, alumni-led opportunity to serve your community during the May 1–6 service window. 

• Alumni choose how, when, and where they serve 

• Projects may be individual or group-based 

• Alumni can organize service activities in their own cities 

• The initiative is anchored by an on-campus service project in partnership with Denver’s Food for Thought program and culminating with a service opportunity at the 30th annual Latinx graduation celebration. 

What Counts as Service

Service is any meaningful action that benefits others or the community. 

This may include: 

• Volunteering with a nonprofit or community organization 

• Organizing or participating in a cleanup or donation drive 

• Mentoring or supporting students or youth 

• Helping neighbors or community members in need 

• Skills-based service connected to your profession 

Whether you serve for one hour or a full day, individually or with others—it counts. 

Those who register will receive a Founders Day of Service hat or t-shirt to wear while serving. 

Lead a Service Project 

Interested in organizing a service activity in your community? We’re looking for alumni willing to serve as project leads—simple connectors who bring people together around a shared cause. 

We’ll provide guidance, promotion, and Founders Day of Service gear for participants. 

Join a Service Project – Click a project below to register to serve.

Miami, FL – Crandon Park Beach Cleanup
East Brunswick, NJ – Food Pantry Volunteer
Denver, CO – Women’s Bean Project Volunteer
Englewood, CO – The Giving Heart of Englewood
Aurora, CO – Judi’s House
Golden, CO – Foothills Animal Shelter Donation Drive

Serve on Campus

Join fellow alumni for our on-campus service project with the Food for Thought program, supporting food access for the MSU Denver community. 

👉Volunteer at Food for Thought here

Share Your Impact

We encourage participants to share photos and stories from their service experience. 

• Wear your Founders Day of Service gear 

• Post on social media using #MSUDenverServes and tag @MSUDenverAlumni  

• Help us showcase the collective impact of MSU Denver alumni 

Important Dates

• Service Window: May 1–6, 2026 

• Founders Day: May 5, 2026 

• Registration Deadline for Gear: April 15, 2026 

Questions?

Have questions about participation, service ideas, or becoming a project lead? 
Contact the Alumni Engagement team at [email protected]