University of Denver Fall 2023

Contents Fall 2023

magazine.du.edu du-magazine@du.edu 303.871.2776 Volume 24, Issue 1

FEATURES 18 The State of Religion DU experts weigh in on America’s shifting religious landscape 24 Global Perspective

Co-Interim Vice Chancellor Shira Good Director of Communications Gretchen Pressley

Managing Editor Joy Hamilton

International students and alumni reflect on their DU experience

Art Director Jeff Lukes

30 Meet Kovači

Senior Editor Heather Hein

A DU dog’s 5,000-mile journey

Contributing Writers Nika Anschuetz Emma Atkinson Janette Ballard Matt Meyer Connor Mokrzycki Designers Kari Burns Brooke Harman Production Designer Todd Fisher Photographer Wayne Armstrong

DEPARTMENTS

6 Campus Update 10 Athletics 12 Research 14 Academics 16 Books 33 Alumni Connections

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVES @ magazine.du.edu Don’t miss: A conversation with DU law alum Adrian Fontes, Arizona’s Secretary of State

The University of Denver Magazine is published four times a year (fall, winter, spring and summer) by the University of Denver, Division of Marketing and Communications, 2199 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-4816. The University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Excerpt from “Disneyland on the Mountain: Walt, the Environmentalists, and the Ski Resort That Never Was”

Denver 101: Denver’s lost Chinatown

Printed on 10% PCW recycled paper

Photo by Wayne Armstrong

FALL 2023 • UNIVERSITY of DENVER MAGAZINE | 1