Convocation
Welcome to the Roadrunner Family!
Convocation is the beginning of a Roadrunner’s journey. This kick-off event serves as a “bookend” to each student’s academic journey, with Convocation as the opening ceremony and commencement as the final goal. The ceremony will include a welcome from MSU Denver President, Dr. Janine Davidson, and motivational remarks from Super Bowl Champion and winning broadcaster, Ryan Harris. This is an opportunity for incoming students to come together for their first official university event.
Convocation 2024 - Thursday, August 15th
Welcome & Keynote Address | 5:00 – 6:00 PM | King Center
*Check-in at 4:30PM in the King Center
Festivities | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Jordan Student Success Building (JSSB) Quad
Parking
To accommodate Convocation and ensure the smooth flow of traffic and logistics, the Spruce parking lot will be temporarily offline on Thursday, August 15.
The closure of the Spruce parking lot is necessary to create sufficient space for event setup, festivities, and a smooth entry and exit routes for attendees. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and kindly request your understanding and cooperation during this time.
To assist with parking arrangements for Convocation, we’ve attached a map highlighting alternative parking lots and garages or invite you to explore alternative transportation options, such as carpooling, public transportation, or utilizing off-campus parking facilities.
Designated signage and campus staff will be available to guide you to the appropriate parking locations on the day of the event. We kindly request that you follow their directions and adhere to any temporary parking restrictions put in place to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic and ensure the safety of all attendees.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to make the MSU Denver Convocation a memorable and successful occasion for our community.
Please RSVP in Advance
All who are attending must RSVP for Convocation and will receive an email reminder with event details the week of the event.
Convocation Registration Form 20242024 Keynote Speaker - Ryan Harris
Super Bowl Champion, Keynote Speaker, Award Winning Broadcaster, and Bestselling Author!
Ryan Harris inspires audiences across the nation by incorporating lessons learned in success and failure throughout his 10-year NFL Career.
In 2015, Ryan became a Super Bowl Champion after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos and has also played for the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2016.
Beyond the field, Ryan has continued to work to win. Whether in real estate, investing, Startups, and non-profit’s, Ryan now aims to make an impact in Denver and Beyond. With these efforts, Ryan was The First African American to be awarded Colorado Sportscaster of the year in 2020. Ryan was also named to Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 class of 2021.
Ryan graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Lives in the Denver Metro Area with his Wife and three children. Ryan is also fluent in Spanish.
These days you can catch Ryan as the Analyst for Notre Dame Football, Denver Broncos Pre-season games, CBS Sports, Notre Dame Radio, Westwood one radio NFL broadcasts, and more.
Articles
Workshops and resources for young men by Dudley Thurmond
What does dreaming big mean to me?
What others say about Dudley
Engaging with Dudley Thurmond at an event
How to View Setbacks and Challenges in Life
The Recipe For Resilience Conversation
Dudley Thurmond's Website
Convocation Throwback Pictures
Alumni Keynote Speakers
Learn more about past Convocation Alumni Keynote Speakers
![Sonia Gutierrez Picture[71]](https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sonia-Gutierrez-Picture71-e1683145718166.jpg)
Sonia Gutierrez
Sonia is an award winning Emmy-nominated journalist. Her work changed and revolutionized policies across the country.
Victor Vela
Vic is a four-time Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist & has won many other journalism awards in the Rocky Mt. Region.
Bobby LeFebre
LeFebre credits the late MSU Denver Chicana/o Studies Professor and poet Lalo Delgado for helping shape his outlook and art.
Convocation
Welcome to the Roadrunner family at MSU Denver!
Tradition starts here! The university community looks forward to welcoming students to campus each year at Convocation.