University of Denver Autumn 2024

Tocabe Prodigy Coffeehouse

R eturning to a place where you have fond memories— no matter how long it’s been—can evoke the sense of coming home. For alumni visiting Denver, what could make you feel more at home than spending your time at places around town with a connection to DU? Our alumni keep busy day in and day out making Denver a great place to work, live, play and visit, so we’ve created a 72 hour itinerary that showcases some of the best they and the city of Denver have to offer. But this is just a sampling. Before you begin exploring, follow the alumni-owned Instagram account Mile High and Hungry , run by Haley Paez (BA ’21) for the best of Denver’s food scene.

the ins and outs of running a business and interacting with the community through professional development and hands-on learning; the second half focuses on the “prodigies” becoming the teachers. Executive Director Jeslin Shahrezaei (MA ’07) has been at the helm of the organization since June 2023. Prodigy—which was founded by Hillary Frances (MA ’09) and her wife, Stephanie Frances—will celebrate its 10th year in business next year. Prodigy has put nearly $2.5 million in wages back into northeast Denver. TIME TRAVEL THROUGH 150 YEARS OF ART After breakfast, head to the Golden Triangle neighborhood to spend the morning rewinding

Day 1 JUMPSTART YOUR DAY WITH A CUP OF COFFEE (OR TWO) What better way to prepare for a busy day than with a caffeinated beverage from Prodigy Coffeehouse in Globeville, which was recognized in 2023 by USA Today readers as one of the 10 best independent coffee shops in the country. Prodigy Ventures, the nonprofit organization at the center of it all, not only serves up great coffee but also provides 12- to 18-month paid apprenticeships at its two coffee shop locations to young adults who live in northeast Denver. The first half of the program is geared toward understanding

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UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2024