MSU Denver: A Legacy of Changemakers and Notable Alumni
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), a public university established in 1965, stands as a testament to accessible education and transformative opportunity. Located on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, alongside the University of Colorado Denver and the Community College of Denver, MSU Denver has consistently strived to be an institution open to all, reflected in its historically low tuition rates among Colorado's four-year colleges and universities. With a motto of "Changemakers Wanted," MSU Denver has fostered a diverse community of students and alumni who have made significant contributions to Denver, Colorado, the United States, and the world. As MSU Denver celebrates its 60th anniversary, it honors its more than 112,000 graduates who are innovating, impacting, and influencing Colorado’s economy in various industries.
A History of Accessibility and Innovation
Founded as an "opportunity school," MSU Denver has consistently championed accessibility. The university was the first to advocate for DREAMers, providing in-state tuition rates under the ASSET bill. This commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated by the university's diverse student body, where more than half are people of color and nearly 60% are first-generation students. MSU Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university's dedication to student success is evident in its wide array of academic programs, spanning various disciplines.
Academic Profile
MSU Denver offers a wide range of academic programs, including master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, minors, and licensures. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields. Some notable programs include:
- Computer Science and Computer Information Systems: These programs focus on providing students with a strong foundation in computer science principles and practical skills. The Computer Science program emphasizes objectives and outcomes that prepare students for careers in software development, data science, and other related fields. The Computer Information Systems program focuses on the application of technology to solve business problems. Both programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
- Health Care Management: The Health Care Management program prepares students for leadership roles in the healthcare industry. The program covers topics such as healthcare policy, finance, and operations.
- Brewery Operations: MSU Denver's Brewery Operations program, established in 2017, offers students a comprehensive education in the art and science of brewing.
A Vibrant Campus Life
Beyond academics, MSU Denver offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement. Students can participate in fraternities and sororities, student government, and various clubs and organizations. The university also has a strong athletic program, with 239 All-Americans to its name.
MSU Denver provides various platforms for student expression and media engagement, including:
Read also: Legacy of MSU Denver
- The Metropolitan: The university's student-run newspaper.
- Met Radio: A student-operated radio station.
- Metrosphere: The Art & Literary Magazine of MSU Denver.
Notable Alumni: Changemakers in Action
MSU Denver boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni network, with graduates making significant contributions across various fields. These "Changemakers" exemplify the university's mission of providing accessible education and transformative opportunity.
Here are some notable MSU Denver alumni:
- Pam Grier: An American actress, singer, and martial artist, Grier is considered cinema's first female action star. She gained fame for her roles in 1970s action, blaxploitation, and women-in-prison films. Grier's accolades include nominations for an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Satellite Award, and a Saturn Award.
- Charles Hoskinson: A mathematician, entrepreneur, and technologist, Hoskinson is known for his work in cryptocurrency. He was the CEO of IOHK (now Input Output Global), a company that developed the Cardano blockchain platform. Hoskinson was also a co-founder of the Ethereum blockchain platform.
- Laura J. Richardson: A United States Army general. Richardson's awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Air Medal (with Numeral 7).
- Kat Cammack: A member of the Republican Party, Cammack previously served as deputy chief of staff to her predecessor, Representative Ted Yoho, who retired in 2020.
- Nick Kay: An Australian professional basketball player for Shimane Susanoo Magic of the Japanese B.League. He played college basketball for the Metro State Roadrunners before beginning his professional career in the National Basketball League (NBL). In 2021, he won a bronze medal with the Australian national team at the Tokyo Olympics.
- Brittany Pettersen: She is a member of the Democratic Party.
- Katherine Archuleta: An American teacher and a political executive. She was the director of the United States Office of Personnel Management.
- Hayden Smith: An Australian retired professional rugby union player who played for Saracens FC and the United States national rugby union team. Smith also spent two years playing professional American football as a tight end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL).
- David Barlow: An Australian former professional basketball player. He has won five championships in the National Basketball League (NBL).
- Dani Rylan Kearney: An American entrepreneur and former ice hockey player. She is the founder and former commissioner of the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL).
- Biem Benyamin: An Indonesian politician and businessman. He was Indonesian senator from Jakarta, known for proposing a judicial review allowing independent candidates to run in regional elections.
- David W. Ball: An American author whose novels include Empires of Sand (1999), China Run (2002) and Ironfire (2004).
- Steve Lebsock: An American politician who served in the Colorado House of Representatives from the 34th district as a member of the Democratic and Republican parties from 2013 until his expulsion in 2018.
- Tom Sullivan: An American politician and a Democratic member of the Colorado Senate.
- Ricardo Baca: An American journalist best known for being the first full-time marijuana rights editor for a major American newspaper.
- Omar Hurricane: A physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, in the thermonuclear and inertial confinement fusion design division.
- Hugo Teufel III: An American lawyer and former government official.
- Kevin Van Winkle: A Colorado politician serving as a Douglas County Commissioner.
- Bobby LeFebre: An American poet, performer, and cultural worker. He is the current poet laureate for the state of Colorado.
These alumni, and countless others, demonstrate the transformative power of an MSU Denver education. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current students and a testament to the university's enduring legacy.
Alumni Spotlights
- Lee Wimberly: The 2025 MSU Denver Golden Nest Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Wimberly spent 27 years working for Boeing, applying his philosophy-grounded skillset from MSU Denver. After retirement, Wimberly wrote and published Exploring the Gap between Science and Religion.
- Michael and Rachella Seeley: Longtime supporters of MSU Denver, the Seeleys established the Seeley Family Foundation Scholarship, providing scholarships to Mathematics majors, Nursing majors, and student-athletes.
- Adama Maia Evans-Segree: A passionate advocate for Black-identifying students in higher education, Evans-Segree works to support and guide prospective/current students throughout their educational journey.
- Hadiya: A librarian/caretaker with the Denver Public Library and President of the Colorado Black Library Association.
- Garrett Chism: Director for the Master of Health Administration program at Metropolitan State University Denver and a practicing Paramedic.
- Horacio: A first-generation college student and immigrant who established Rise, a student organization aimed at empowering immigrant and undocumented students at MSU Denver.
- Justin: A Marine Corps veteran and Director of Technology at Rocket Lab, working on cutting-edge aerospace technology.
- Sarena: Community Affairs Manager for the Colorado Rockies, dedicated to community engagement and youth development.
- Yvonne Garcia Bardwell: Associate Director of Community Relations at Denver Botanic Gardens, fostering inclusivity, education, and collaboration.
- Diana: Assistant Director of Donor Relations for the MSU Denver University Advancement division, supporting fund management efforts and strategic donor engagement activities.
- Abby Lundien: A "brewess" at the Sandlot Brewery at Coors Field, and the first female graduate of MSU Denver’s Brewery Operations program.
- Isahar Mendez-Flores: Mariachi Director, Executive Director, and Co-founder of the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program.
- Brenda Rodriguez-Vera: An Elite District Manager and Business Consultant at ADP, empowering business owners in her community.
- Ezequiel Villanueva Ruizl: Global Green Community Organizer and Ph.D. Candidate in Horticulture, dedicated to sustainable agriculture and education.
- Kayla Wright-Jackson: A transformative leader in the healthcare industry, working to revolutionize home healthcare.
These alumni represent the diverse paths and impactful contributions of MSU Denver graduates. Their stories highlight the university's role in shaping leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens.
Global Engagement
MSU Denver is committed to providing students with global learning experiences. The university has established partnerships with institutions around the world to offer study abroad programs, faculty exchanges, and collaborative research opportunities. These partnerships include:
Read also: Explore the University of Denver Bookstore's Literary Collection
- Fort Hays State University: Cooperative agreements for academic programs.
- University of Puerto Rico: Teacher exchange program.
- American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Partnership - London Consortium: Study abroad opportunities in London.
- Yunnan Open University: Collaboration in academic and cultural exchange.
- Aksum University (Ethiopia): Partnership for educational development.
These global initiatives broaden students' perspectives and prepare them to be successful in an increasingly interconnected world.
Read also: Denver Internships: Marketing Focus
tags: #msu #denver #notable #alumni
