60 Years of Excellence

Metropolitan State University of Denver opened its doors in 1965 with a bold mission: to provide accessible education and transformative opportunity.

Now, we are celebrating 60 years of excellence and of living that mission. We also celebrate more than 112,000 graduates who are innovating, impacting and influencing Colorado’s economy, as changemakers in industries from health care and IT to education, aviation and more.

We’re proud to be one the state’s most diverse institutions — more than half our students are people of color and nearly 60% are first-generation. As we look ahead to the next 60 years and beyond, we remain committed to removing barriers and expanding opportunity. In this milestone year, one thing is clear: Roadrunners rise.  

From August’s Welcome Week to Spring Commencement, MSU Denver’s 60th birthday will be a yearlong celebration.

During its 60 years, MSU Denver has changed its name, adopted a new mascot, built a thriving campus — and evolved from an urban upstart to a recognized provider of quality, transformative higher education accessible for students of all ages.

In the process the University has attracted notable names, daring leaders and multitudes of changemakers. It has marked milestones, hosted momentous occasions, welcomed marquee-named visitors. In other words, throughout its six decades, MSU Denver has always been interesting.