A group of high school kids standing with Aaron Gordon from the Denver Nuggets

When curiosity meets possibility

Oct. 20, 2025

The Gordon Family Giving Foundation is empowering the next generation of STEM leaders.

When curiosity meets possibility
2025 MSU Denver graduate Chrisnel Akele standing in front of JSSB on campus

Fueling first-generation futures

Oct. 20, 2025

Seven questions with Kristin Hultquist, MSU Denver Board of Trustees chair.

Fueling first-generation futures
MSU Denver student Sanaa Walker standing in front of JSSB and a Changemakers Wanted sign

Groundbreaking generosity

Oct. 10, 2025

Thanks to donors like MSU Denver Foundation Board of Directors Vice Chair, Marti Awad, the C2 Hub is transforming.

Groundbreaking generosity
Tyrin Register in front of Denver Convention Center

Investment in hospitality helps students turn their passion into careers

Sept. 19, 2025

The Dimond Family Foundation’s most recent gift expands opportunities for paid internships, scholarships and workforce-ready.

Investment in hospitality helps students turn their passion into careers
MSU Denver student Sanaa Walker sitting on a couch in the Hotel and Hospitality Learning Center with the Tivoli in the background

Charting a course to success

Aug. 27, 2025

MSU Denver student Sanaa Walker is pursuing her many educational and career goals thanks to donor support.

Charting a course to success
Two people posing for a photo at the Zonta Club Scholarship dinner

An unexpected blessing

Aug. 7, 2025

Zonta Club of Denver is helping make higher education dreams come true for single-parent students.

An unexpected blessing
2025 MSU Denver graduate Chrisnel Akele sitting in front of a blue, round statue on campus

All the world is a stage

May 21, 2025

Musical Theatre major Chrisnel Akele is ready to steal the spotlight.

All the world is a stage
MSU Denver Day of Giving Telethon hosts Brandi Rideout and Jamie Hurst smiling during the 2025 telethon

University programs and student groups hit the jackpot on Day of Giving

April 7, 2025

More than 1,900 donors and participants helped raise over $400,000.

University programs and student groups hit the jackpot on Day of Giving

The Colorado Health Foundation awards $175,000 grant

Feb. 25, 2025

The Colorado Health Foundation awarded $175,000 grant supporting Gina and Frank Day Health Institute capital fund.

The Colorado Health Foundation awards $175,000 grant
Roadrunner Tuesday graphic with the text to the right of Rowdy, who is looking at the text. Blue background with faint, white rhombuses.

Roadrunner Tuesday

Dec. 9, 2024

The MSU Denver community came out in force for another record-breaking Roadrunner Tuesday.

Roadrunner Tuesday
A student and mentor looking at a binder while sitting behind a desk

Scaling career services to benefit students, industry and Colorado

Oct. 22, 2024

IMA Foundation gift supports construction of a centralized Classroom to Career Hub.

Scaling career services to benefit students, industry and Colorado
Jameer Fitch standing in front of the Tivoli, wearing his U.S. Navy uniform under his blue graduation robe and a Black/African-American graduation sash

Services support student veterans transitioning from military service to workforce

Oct. 22, 2024

Alumnus Shane Portfolio, Ph.D., primes veterans for academic and professional success with gift to Boots to Suits.

Services support student veterans transitioning from military service to workforce
Police chief hat, navy blue with gold trim and logos

Thoughtful planning

Oct. 15, 2024

The legacy of alumnus and Emeritus Professor Hal Nees, Ph.D., and his wife, Sally, will live on through an estate gift.

Thoughtful planning
A male and female student talking and smiling at a table with a laptop

Building a more affordable tomorrow

Oct. 15, 2024

Gift from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to launch Affordable Housing Institute.

Building a more affordable tomorrow
Mohamad Ahmadi stands at the top of the stairs on the first floor of JSSB with a white had and a backpack on.

Western Union Foundation supports immigrant students through Global Scholars Program

Sept. 9, 2024

Gift provides funding for annual scholarship, wraparound services and Rowdy’s Corner.

Western Union Foundation supports immigrant students through Global Scholars Program
The Rowdy the Roadrunner statue in front of the Tivoli on a sunny afternoon in January 2024

Rowdy the Roadrunner statue unveiled on mascot’s 50th anniversary

Aug. 14, 2024

The bronze likeness will serve as a monument to the irrepressible Roadrunner spirit.

Rowdy the Roadrunner statue unveiled on mascot’s 50th anniversary
MSU Denver social work graduate student Christy Walker sits in front of the Changemakers Wanted sign on JSSB

A change for the better

Aug. 12, 2024

First-generation Social Work graduate student Christy Walker discovers transferring to MSU Denver is the right move.

A change for the better
Aerospace engineering technology major Evelyn Montes Gonzalez sitting in front of the white Roadrunner birdhead in the JSSB student lounge in a blue chair

Shooting for the stars

Aug. 12, 2024

Aerospace Systems Engineering Technology major Evelyn Montes Gonzales is making her dreams come true because of donor support

Shooting for the stars
Jenny Price sitting with family and friends around a table at the MSU Denver Scholarship Dinner in the Tivoli Turnhalle

Planned gift offers future MSU Denver Biology majors access to cohort-based learning

July 25, 2024

Alumna Jenny Price and Janet Stellema establish Get Er’ Done Endowment.

Planned gift offers future MSU Denver Biology majors access to cohort-based learning
Barb Grogan

How MSU Denver inspires this year’s Marathon Award recipient

May 13, 2024

Business pioneer, philanthropist Barbara Grogan received the highest honor at the Spring Commencement ceremony.

How MSU Denver inspires this year’s Marathon Award recipient

Hospitality industry stalwarts serve Colorado’s health care needs with $10M gift

March 11, 2024

Record-setting pledge establishes Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver.

Hospitality industry stalwarts serve Colorado’s health care needs with $10M gift
MSU Denver nursing students Marisa Schreiner, L, listens to lung sounds with a fellow student, Jimena Malta on Aug. 12, 2024, at the Simulation and Skills Laboratory.

MSU Denver receives $1.4M gift to grow and diversify state’s health care workforce

Nov. 10, 2023

The Colorado Access Health Career Pipeline Program will help remove hurdles for students pursuing clinical positions.

MSU Denver receives $1.4M gift to grow and diversify state’s health care workforce
Students work at Rowdy's Corner

Rowdy’s Corner and Student Emergency Fund receive financial boost

Nov. 2, 2023

$50,000 gift from Ent Credit Union addresses food insecurity and emergency financial needs.

Rowdy’s Corner and Student Emergency Fund receive financial boost
A female student talks with a female businesswoman

More MSU Denver students will gain career-readiness training thanks to recent gift

Oct. 13, 2023

$1.5 million donation from the Morgridge Family Foundation supports construction and expansion of the University’s C2 Hub.

More MSU Denver students will gain career-readiness training thanks to recent gift
A group of nursing students wearing their scrubs posing for a photo with Rowdy in the 9th Street Park at the Health Institute groundbreaking ceremony.

MSU Denver celebrates breaking ground on new Health Institute simulation lab

Sept. 28, 2023

It’s the next big step in a project that aims to help address Colorado’s critical shortage of health care workers.

MSU Denver celebrates breaking ground on new Health Institute simulation lab
Dr. Davidson, Charlie Papazian, and another person cheersing in the new brewing education lab

As craft-brew lovers toast GABF, a new beer lab honors the festival’s founder

Sept. 21, 2023

MSU Denver unveils the Charlie Papazian Brewing Education Lab and plans for a new on-campus brewpub.

As craft-brew lovers toast GABF, a new beer lab honors the festival’s founder
Attorney and activist Dawn Bookhardt, J.D., is dedicated to helping Metropolitan State University of Denver educate a diverse health care workforce in the fields of speech, language and hearing.

The key to good health? Representation

Aug. 2, 2023

Dawn Bookhardt, J.D., makes $1 million gift to educate a diverse speech, hearing and language workforce.

The key to good health? Representation
Natassa standing in front of the Tivoli with downtown Denver in the background

Master of Social Work graduate shares impact of MSU Denver experience

June 5, 2023

Roadrunner philanthropy helps University set students up for success with access to comprehensive wraparound services.

Master of Social Work graduate shares impact of MSU Denver experience
Four people from Kroenke Sports Charities present MSU Denver VP for Advancement Christine Márquez-Hudson with a check for $10,000 for the Irv Brown Endowment Fund

Endowment supports students pursuing sports management and sports journalism careers

April 24, 2023

Gifts from Irv Brown Champions and Kroenke Sports Charities commemorate life and legacy of Irv Brown.

Endowment supports students pursuing sports management and sports journalism careers
4 students in Chemistry class at MSU Denver

Former students have an opportunity to get back in the classroom

April 20, 2023

Trustee Jerry Glick gets students on the path to graduation with The Bursar’s Grant.

Former students have an opportunity to get back in the classroom
Members of the O'Neill family, including Tim O'Neill, pose with the MSU Denver women's golf team.

Roadrunners Benefit from Endowed Golf Scholarship

April 19, 2023

Tim O'Neill made a second $25,000 contribution to the Moffat-McLaughlin endowed scholarship for MSU Denver's women's golfers.

Roadrunners Benefit from Endowed Golf Scholarship
Ferd and Christy Belz standing in front of the red and blue MSU Denver sign

Student-success programs get a boost at MSU Denver

March 16, 2023

Gift from longtime supporters Ferd and Christy Belz will support wraparound services that pave pathways to graduation.

Student-success programs get a boost at MSU Denver
A student having a conversation with two other people at a table

Grant to support trauma-informed practices programming in School of Education

Feb. 22, 2023

Constellation Philanthropy funding prepares early childhood educators to address trauma in classrooms.

Grant to support trauma-informed practices programming in School of Education
Judy and Brad Kaplan standing at the top of the stands at MSU Denver's softball stadium.

Historic planned alumnus gift to support several campus groups

Feb. 21, 2023

Brad and Judy Kaplan’s investment in Roadrunners’ futures will address scholarships and programming needs.

Historic planned alumnus gift to support several campus groups
Health Professions Brochure shoot_Oct. 2019

‘Transformational gift’ to support new health-education facility, career program

Feb. 1, 2023

New investments from the Kemper family and UMB Financial Corp. address a critical shortage of health care workers.

‘Transformational gift’ to support new health-education facility, career program
Students work at Rowdy's Corner

MSU Denver is reinventing its food pantry amid growing demand

Nov. 17, 2022

Newly named Rowdy’s Corner expands to fight food insecurity and the stigma attached to asking for help.

MSU Denver is reinventing its food pantry amid growing demand
Female student stirring a large, metal pot in a brewery.

Brewing up equity for the beer industry

Nov. 15, 2022

MSU Denver and well-known craft brewers are partnering to diversify their profession through scholarship programs.

Brewing up equity for the beer industry
Women's basketball player Brianna Bailey cutting down the nets after MSU Denver's 2022 RMAC championship

A lesson in teamwork

Oct. 31, 2022

Jerry Hilderbrand endows scholarship for MSU Denver College of Business student-athletes.

A lesson in teamwork
John Montaña standing in front of a piece of artwork, a metal sculpture of a wasp

The power of education

Oct. 12, 2022

Alumnus John Montaña pays it forward with a planned gift supporting future Roadrunners.

The power of education
Students in the library.

Planning for the future

Oct. 12, 2022

Donors Mark and Tori Smith establish estate gift supporting College of Business students.

Planning for the future
Amber Mozet

Redefining what it means to be an engaged alum

Oct. 12, 2022

Amber Mozet is MSU Denver’s 2022 Alumni Volunteer of the Year.

Redefining what it means to be an engaged alum
A group of 7 students laughing and walking on the Auraria campus

MSU Denver expands Pacesetter Scholarship Program

Oct. 4, 2022

New donation to MSU Denver makes college dream possible for more students.

MSU Denver expands Pacesetter Scholarship Program

Family-focused communication

Oct. 3, 2022

$50,000 grant from Scottish Rite Foundation of Colorado establishes Treasure Chest Program.

Family-focused communication
Veteran's Graduation, graduates dressed in military uniforms laughing in front of an American flag

Supporting those who serve

Oct. 3, 2022

MSU Denver Army ROTC alumni Brian and Debra Crew provide cadets with the resources they need to succeed.

Supporting those who serve
MSU Denver Grad Ryan Cobbins sitting in a coffee shop with a mug in his hand, looking out the window.

Empowering entrepreneurs

Sept. 20, 2022

Newly launched public-private partnership offers loans to University-affiliated businesses.

Empowering entrepreneurs
MSU Denver alumna Alejandra Webster, a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program seen here taking a person's blood pressure, became a registered nurse in 2021 and just started a new job at a private clinic. Photo by Alyson McClaran

Emergency Fund keeps dreams in focus

Aug. 31, 2022

About $150k has been disbursed to undocumented immigrants who are concentrating on work and school while facing uncertainty.

Emergency Fund keeps dreams in focus
Eddy Reyes standing in his living room, holding photos of his late wife, Arlen Selu

Planting a seed

Aug. 29, 2022

Inspired by his late wife, alumnus Eddy Reyes establishes the first endowed scholarship for Special Education students.

Planting a seed
Health Profession Students walking outside on campus

Advancement celebrates record-setting year

Aug. 25, 2022

Surpassing fundraising goals keeps Roadrunners Rising.

Advancement celebrates record-setting year
three health profession students sitting outside on auraria campus

Building a pipeline to healthier communities

Aug. 24, 2022

Bank of America multi-year grant increases diversity, improves health care outcomes.

Building a pipeline to healthier communities
Russell Noles standing near the Auraria Events Center with downtown Denver in the background

The gift of representation

June 22, 2022

Russell Noles, MSU Denver Board of Trustees chair, makes gift supporting University DEI initiatives.

The gift of representation
Barb Grogan standing near the Tivoli with the SpringHill Suites in the background

Supporting student success

June 22, 2022

Trustee Barb Grogan’s gift provides Roadrunners with access to the resources they need to rise.

Supporting student success
Robert Cohen speaking at Spring 2022 commencement.

Change agent: Marathon Award winner Robert Cohen

May 16, 2022

MSU Denver honored Cohen at its Commencement ceremonies May 13 as winner of the Marathon Award.

Change agent: Marathon Award winner Robert Cohen
Students walking on Auraria campus next to an MSU Denver sign and info stand.

Investing in Roadrunners

March 21, 2022

The MSU Denver Foundation board announces approval of values-aligned Investment Policy Statement.

Investing in Roadrunners
Mug Club graphic.

Happy anniversary, Mug Club!

Feb. 15, 2022

MSU Denver’s Mug Club is celebrating five years of supporting student success and building campus connections.

Happy anniversary, Mug Club!