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Contact UsOur recent Homecoming celebration offered more than spirited competition and reunion — it served as a meaningful milestone marker in MSU Denver’s 60th anniversary year, a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come since our founding in 1965. Born out of a visionary belief that higher education should be accessible to all, MSU Denver began as a college for students who had been shut out of traditional institutions. Six decades later, that bold idea has matured into one of Colorado’s most powerful engines for talent and mobility with over 75% of our graduates staying in Colorado.
The power of giving someone a chance
Among the many inspiring stories shared during Homecoming was that of Dr. Ted DeWeese, our 2024 Distinguished Alumnus. Now the dean of the medical faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine, DeWeese began his journey at MSU Denver. He recounted how he “wasn’t college material,” working as a local mechanic before taking a chance on higher education.
MSU Denver gave him that chance. It offered him the guidance, rigor and belief that unlocked his potential. Today, he leads one of the world’s foremost medical institutions, advancing cancer care and medical education globally. He credits MSU Denver for his successes — for being a place that gave him a chance; and for the faculty who believed in him. His story is not an exception — it is the embodiment of our mission: to educate, elevate and empower those who will go on to transform their fields and communities.
The next chapter: innovation, inclusion and excellence
As we look ahead to the next 60 years, MSU Denver remains steadfast in its commitment to drive Colorado’s economic vitality through education that is both inclusive and excellent. This anniversary reminds us that the University’s true measure is not only in degrees awarded, but in the lives transformed and the communities strengthened. The next generation of leaders — the next Dr. Ted DeWeese — is already here. The question for all of us is how we will continue to invest, collaborate and innovate to ensure their success.
Proudly,
Janine Davidson, Ph.D.
President, MSU Denver
MSU Denver in the News
Degrees of Separation: What a college’s endowment size reflects about its health. (Denver Business Journal)
MSU Denver’s endowment grew from $10.9 million to $31 million.
Anthropologist claims hand positions on 1,300-year-old Maya altar have a deeper meaning (Live Science)
A well-known Maya stone carving known as Altar Q, located at the site of Copán in Honduras, may use hand signs to represent key dates in the Maya Long Count Calendar, a new study claims. A RED story contributed to the coverage.
A prolonged US government shutdown could impact your travel plans (Associated Press)
As federal workers go without pay, travelers could start to see longer lines at security and flight interruptions, said Jeffrey Price, professor of Aviation at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
New mural tells Denver’s Westside story (El Semanario)
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Kalamath Building, a community space for the University’s Department of Music, will soon be displaying a new mural that reflects the community’s legacy. A RED story contributed to the coverage.
Stories from MSU Denver
PHOTOS: Homecoming week brings alumni and energy to campus
MSU Denver community members laced up their sneakers and fired up the grills for a festive celebration of the Roadrunner spirit.
Future-proof: Computer Science majors learn to collaborate with AI
As artificial intelligence increasingly supplants entry-level programmers, educators teach students how to become more efficient with the technology.
Investment in hospitality helps students turn their passion into careers
The Dimond Family Foundation’s most recent gift expands opportunities for paid internships, scholarships and workforce-ready training.
Future-proof: Why nutritionists are in such high demand
Growing interest in wellness and self-care has increased the appetite for qualified dietitians and nutritionists.
Upcoming MSU Denver Events
Nov. 1 | 8:30 a.m.
Auraria Events Center
MSU Denver Open House
Take a campus tour, explore academic offerings, engage with prospective students, connect with resources and complete your application. Details here.
Dec. 12 | 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Colorado Convention Center
Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies
Each ceremony will last approximately 2 hours. More information here.