Davidson’s Desk: Building MSU Denver’s Future

At MSU Denver, we are entering our Infrastructure Era, a historic chapter reshaping our campus by tapping a variety of funding mechanisms – so we don’t have to increase student fees. These transformative projects will benefit our students and, as they succeed, strengthen Colorado’s workforce, expand generational access to opportunity and fuel our state’s economy. 

A historic first: MSU Denver student housing 

This month, we broke ground on Summit House, MSU Denver’s first student-residence hall and a milestone in our history. Located next to the Tivoli Garage, the 12-story building will feature modern living, dining and retail, plus a dedicated floor for our Classroom to Career Hub. Integrating career exploration and industry partnerships into daily life will connect Roadrunners to internships and jobs that serve Colorado’s workforce. Opening in fall 2027, Summit House will reduce housing insecurity, improve retention and make MSU Denver more accessible to students across the state—producing more graduates who live, work and contribute to Colorado’s economy. Read more about the groundbreaking here. 

The Gina and Frank Day Health Institute Tower 

Connecting to the south side of West Classroom, the new Day Health Institute Tower will unite 10 health-related departments under one roof. Breaking ground early next year, the five-story building will expand enrollment, create new pathways into high-demand health careers and help address Colorado’s critical shortage of trained professionals. This hub will prepare the next generation of health care leaders while advancing community well-being and statewide economic resilience. 

Reimagining campus spaces 

The long-dormant aquatics facility in the Auraria Events Center is undergoing renovation and will reopen as a fully accessible 500-seat venue for gatherings, performances and conferences. Beyond enriching campus life by providing additional space for classes, athletics, recreation and University events, it will attract statewide conferences and events and generate revenue for MSU Denver. 

Other projects across campus include a new Campus Safety Center, which will house classroom and meeting space for criminal-justice programs in all three Auraria institutions of higher education alongside new and improved spaces for the Auraria Campus Police Department. The Workforce Housing and Early Learning Center (2027), will be located next door to Summit House and will address housing and child care needs for Auraria employees, adult students and Colorado families. Finally, the 5th Street Garage Department of Revenue renovation (through October), will make better use of shared space and improved public services for our community. 

You can keep track of all the new infrastructure projects on the Building Auraria website.  

This Infrastructure Era is about more than new buildings. It’s about accessibility, opportunity and long-term prosperity. Together, we’re not just keeping pace with the future, we are creating the infrastructure that will power it. 

Sincerely,

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.
President, MSU Denver

MSU Denver in the News

MSU Denver to break ground on first on-campus residence hall (Denver7)
The 12-story building, Summit House, will be completed in fall of 2027. A RED story contributed to the coverage.  

MSU’s New Mariachi is the ‘grito’ of a student-led movement that’s been building over the last 10 years (CPR)
Los Correcaminos has played at graduations, competitions, and even played the national anthem at a Nuggets game. A RED story contributed to the coverage.  

MSU Denver alumni create community-driven mural in Santa Fe Arts District (9News)
MSU Denver alumni complete a vibrant 6,000-square-foot mural that honors Native American and Chicano cultures. A RED story contributed to the coverage. 

How the TSA Is set to change your walk through airport security (Bloomberg)
Passengers at U.S. airports complied in resigned exasperation with rules such as having to remove shoes and limit shampoo in hand baggage. A RED story contributed to the coverage. 

Stories from MSU Denver

PHOTOS: Fall 2025 semester kicks off at MSU Denver
Students reconnect, explore campus and settle into a new academic year. 

PHOTOS: A look back at 60 years of excellence
For six decades, MSU Denver has been more than a university — it has been a catalyst for transformation.  

College students who are parents get a boost from FamilyU
A new partnership with Generation Hope is changing campus culture to better serve students who are raising children. 

MSU Denver Magazine launches with new look, renewed purpose 
Formerly RED Magazine, the rebranded print publication aligns with the University’s 60th anniversary and Roadrunners Rise campaign. 

MSU Denver celebrates groundbreaking for its first residence hall
The 12-story Summit House, which will include food and retail options, will create a vibrant campus community in the heart of downtown. 

Upcoming MSU Denver Events

Oct. 6-11
MSU Denver Homecoming 2025: Fearless at 60
Listen to the young alumni panel, join the lawn party or tailgate and watch a soccer double header. There’s something for everyone this homecoming season! 

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 two hours. More information here.