Fall 2021 Marathon Award Recipient: The Honorable Roy Romer
Roy Romer is Colorado’s last three-time governor, having been elected to the state’s highest office in 1986, 1990 and 1994. Previously, he had served in the state House of Representatives and the s
MSU Denver’s Marathon Award is Metropolitan State University of Denver’s most prestigious honor. The Award is bestowed on individuals, families, or organizations whose contributions, service, and leadership, exemplify the Roadrunner Difference. These individuals have a meaningful, transformative, and enduring impact on the University and its progress. MSU Denver’s Marathon Award celebrates our mission and the collective impact of our students and scholars on the communities and people of Denver, state of Colorado, nation, and world.
A flock of roadrunners is called a marathon. Honorees personify the spirit of determination our students display and in particular, in the early days of the University, as they navigated and sprinted across Denver’s busy streets to attend class. It’s the Roadrunner Difference. Marathon Award recipients reflect our diverse, purposeful, and tenacious students at the highest levels.
MSU Denver’s Marathon Award is given annually, during Spring Commencement ceremonies.
tate Senate and as state treasurer. During his time at the statehouse, he was instrumental in the founding of Metropolitan State University of Denver. He is often referred to as the Father of MSU Denver.
Romer has stayed busy in the public arena since his last term as governor ended. He was the general chair of the Democratic National Committee from 1997 to 2000, was vice chair of the Democratic Leadership Council and chaired the Educational Commission of the States and the National Education Goals Panel. Romer was named superintendent of schools of the Los Angeles Unified School District in 2000 and held that position until 2006.
He was first elected to the Colorado House in 1958, serving there through 1962, and then was a state senator until 1966. During this time, Romer played a critical role in helping MSU Denver get its start in 1965. After the appropriations bill that included funding for then-Metropolitan State College passed the House, Romer successfully worked to get the bill passed in the Senate.
He then worked as a lawyer in Denver before returning to public service in 1975, first as Colorado’s commissioner of agriculture, then as the governor’s chief of staff. He was appointed as state treasurer in 1977 and served in that role for 10 years.
Romer was born in Garden City, Kansas, and grew up in the southeastern Colorado town of Holly. He holds degrees in agricultural economics and law and studied ethics at Yale University. He also served as a military prosecutor in Germany for the U.S. Air Force.
Roy Romer – Fall 2021 Marathon Award Recipient from MSU Denver on Vimeo.
