June 2026

• June 1 – New MSU Denver Bird Talk podcast episode
• June 4 – Roadrunners Rise Campaign Celebration
• June 8 – Summer Classes Begin
• June 18 – Mug Club
• June 19 – Juneteenth

By Lynne Winter ’17

After eight months of planning, the most highly anticipated event of the last four years finally arrived.

Outside the Auraria Event Center on Feb. 19, 2025, a 20-foot inflatable Rowdy greeted invitees upon their arrival for a historic evening celebrating the launch of the public phase of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign: Roadrunners Rise.

Inside, the rich tapestry of the MSU Denver family was on full display as nearly 600 students, staff, faculty, donors, alumni and community members explored a Roadrunner oasis awash in red and blue. It was time to party.

Photo backdrops, exclusive swag, food, bespoke cocktails and mocktails, balloons, a facepainting station and a money booth, where 21 students caught swirling Rowdy Bucks to win a collective $25,000 in scholarship funds from the Alumni Association, enhanced the festive vibe. Guest speakers – including President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., alumni, faculty and staff members, donors and students – energized the crowd.

With a goal of raising $100 million to solidify MSU Denver as a leader in social mobility, the Roadrunners Rise campaign began in fall 2020 with a silent fundraising phase.

“For the first few years, our focus was on deepening relationships with leadership donors to secure significant funding,” said Christine Márquez-Hudson, vice president of University Advancement. “This strategy builds momentum for our initiatives and develops curiosity about MSU Denver in our community.”   

The strategy proved successful. During the event, attendees celebrated both reaching over 75% of the campaign fundraising goal and the start of 17 months dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible opportunities, allowing everyone in the Roadrunner community to participate in MSU Denver’s culture of philanthropy.

When the campaign draws to a close on June 30, 2026, the powerful words shared by Amber Mozet, ’06, president of the Alumni Association, at the launch party, will resonate once again, calling to mind the transformative impact of all that has been accomplished.

“This campaign isn’t just about raising $100 million – it’s about building a legacy,” said Mozet. “It’s about showing up, saying ‘yes’ and making sure our impact as Roadrunners reaches far beyond what we could ever imagine.”

“Together, we can make history – not only by reaching our goals, but by creating a stronger, more united Roadrunner family.”